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Windows XP Taskbar - Toolbar - Start Menu

Restore the Show Desktop Icon in the Quick Launch Area

SUMMARY: If you have accidentally removed the Show Desktop shortcut in the Windows XP Taskbar, this can bring it back.

In the Quick Launch Area on the left side of the Windows XP Taskbar is a "Show Desktop" shortcut. Click this and most (if not all) windows should disappear, allowing you to view the Desktop and launch Desktop icons as needed.

Unfortunately, it is easy to accidentally remove this icon, and restoring it is not an intuitive process. However, to do so:

1. Open Notepad.

2. Create a file with the following text EXACTLY:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop


3. Save this file as "Show Desktop.scf" (without quotes) and place it on your Desktop. MAKE SURE the filename is "Show Desktop.scf" and not "Show Desktop.scf.txt". When you save the file, you'll need to change the "Save As Type" to "All Files".

4. Drag and drop the created file to the Quick Launch Area with the right mouse button.

5. When the popup menu appears, select "Move Here", and you're done!

Return to the Windows XP Taskbar - Toolbar - Start Menu page.

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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 >