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:
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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:
This article was posted in Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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kevin
good topic, Thank you!
but I have a problem with the MinWidht
I do all the steps as it goes out there but this MinWidht does not appear
Help me ..., Answer me soon.
I do not speak English, because I am from Panama, that's why I am using a Translator.
VG
^^ You'll need to create it by right-clicking and selecting New String Value option.
Lek
hey question, i noticed that the "look and feel" of your taskbar is very different from any that I've seen. It's very glossy-like similar to Energy Blue theme except darker and different. Where and how did you get it?
VG
^^ Its AeroVG theme which can be found in "Vista Themes" section.
Matteo Chirco
Hey VG
Can you tell me where I can have that theme for the taskbar you have?
Lek
Thanks VG you rock! got my pc with a new GUI and yet the same good old reliable stable xp!
Paul
i did this but now i wanna undo it an idk how any help
Paul
i did this but now i wanna undo it an idk how any help
VG
^^ Simply delete the MinWidth DWORD.
Carl
Its really cool..but i have problem with the taskbar button (image of the taskbar button is not as big as Windows 7 that it fits in the box but it is like the old vista..) Please help me..hehe its actually nice only the taskbar button image does not fit in th box or its designed box.
Thnx..
More power VG ^_^