Also check free tools to get iconized Taskbar: Taskbar Iconizer and Taskbaric
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:
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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MK Safi
I applied this tweak and went on with my life. But everytime I looked at the taskbar I was really happy with it. I decided to come back and say thanks for this, Vishal! I especially love that no installation of more bloat is required!!
VG
^^ I'm glad you found it useful. :)
doesnt matter
I dont know why..but...appears the name too..not only the icon..what i have to do?
Garet
dude...guys i cant find WinWidth anywhere!!!!!
VG
^^ You'll need to create it.
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?