Windows 7 taskbar doesn't show text in application buttons, it only show their icons. On the other hand previous Windows versions used to show icon as well as text in all application's taskbar buttons.
Actually Windows 7 new iconized taskbar feature looks good and it also saves space in taskbar area. If you want to have the same feature in Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003, 2008, etc, then you can get it after following a few simple and easy steps.
Before applying this tutorial:
After applying this tutorial:
So here are the steps to follow:
1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor. Now go to following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
2. In right-side pane, create a new String value MinWidth and set its value to -255
3. That's it. Log off or restart your system and get ready to have iconized taskbar in your system.
4. To restore default taskbar behavior, delete the MinWidth String value and log off or restart your system.
PS: If you want a ready-made registry script which can do the task automatically, then download following ZIP file, extract it and then run the Install.reg file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it:
Complete list of AskVG articlesThis article was posted in Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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Ingnition
Wow, thank you so much vg, now my vista looks more like windows 7
only thing, is that i want the open windows taskbar viewer
Ryan
In the new screen shots of Windows 7, the "superbar" is a bit different. I found that if one unlocks the taskbar, switches the quicklaunch button icon size to large, and relocks the taskbar, the "superbar" look is almost there. I did your registry hack, and the minimized window doesn't reach the bottom of the taskbar. How would one change the height of the button?
Thanks!
netbox
Nice bro!
Thanks!!
Robero aka Garry
Just what the doctor ordered VG. I am quite impressed and looks excellent too ! You are
the man VG. Thanks for sharing with us.
larry
the icon shows a cropped letter like.... my computer shows half an m
Asifdgr8
Thx a Lot man
Superb!!
VG
Thanks everyone.
@Ryan
The taskbar button size is defined by the theme.
@larry
It works fine here. Try to change the theme. May be your theme have some problem? Also try to play with the negative value.
Amal Roy
What a wonderful person u r VG. I like you and your website.This website is providing great support too.
jeff
WoW...That's really kool. Thanks VG
larry
i am using your vistavg black 32 theme. i like the theme... lol i guess i can live with a letter