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Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars
Help and Tips

Tweak the Windows Vista taskbar, Start Menu, and taskbar toolbars. Includes tips on resizing the Windows Vista taskbar, displaying hidden taskbar notification icons, and more.


#1: Remove Default Programs Link from the Start Menu
If not needed, remove the direct link to the Default Programs Control Panel from the Start Menu.

#2: Expand or Clear List of Recent Programs Displayed on Start Menu
Expand the list of recently-accessed programs displayed on the Windows Vista Start Menu, or clear this list altogether.

#3: Remove Your Name from the Start Menu
Remove your name as a link to your personal folder from the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#4: Stop Highlighting New Programs
Prevent Windows Vista from highlighting new and updated software in the All Programs menu.

#5: Display Administrative Tools on the Start Menu
Provide links to Administrative Tools such as the Event Viewer and Task Scheduler directly from the Start Menu.

#6: Automatically Hide the Windows Vista Taskbar
Hide the Windows Vista Taskbar when not in use to provide more room for your opened windows.

#7: Remove Games from the Start Menu
For business machines, clear the Games option from the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#8: Add a Desktop Toolbar
Access Desktop icons quickly on the Windows Vista Taskbar.

#9: View or Clear List of Recently Opened Files
View or clear a list of recently accessed files from the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#10: Expand the Control Panel to a Menu
Provide easier access to Control Panel items via the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#11: Disable Showing Window Previews on Taskbar
Prevent Windows Vista from showing previews of open windows on the Taskbar.

#12: Add an Item to the Quick Launch Toolbar
Two ways to add icons to Windows Vista's Quick Launch icon area.

#13: Resize the Taskbar
Increase or decrease the size of Windows Vista's Taskbar.

#14: Move the Taskbar
Move the Windows Vista Taskbar around the screen.

#15: Unlock the Taskbar
Unlock the Windows Vista Taskbar so you can modify how it is displayed.

#16: Stop Hiding Inactive Icons
Keep Windows Vista from hiding icons in the Taskbar notification area.

#17: Provide More Room for Quick Launch Icons
Add room for Quick Launch icon's in Windows Vista's Taskbar to make certain software easier to access.

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The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >