Customizing the Taskbar

The taskbar is a really handy navigation device, and you can make it even more useful by customizing it to your work habits. You can specify which items you want to be displayed on the taskbar and how you want them displayed, and you can even hide the taskbar when you aren't using it and then make it reappear when you need it.

Customize the Taskbar

Click the Start button, type taskb in the Search box of the Start menu, and click Taskbar And Start Menu to display the Taskbar And Start Menu Properties dialog box.

Select this check box to prevent the taskbar from being moved to a new location or to prevent toolbars from being resized.

Select this check box to hide the taskbar when you're not using it. The taskbar will reappear when you move the mouse to whichever edge of the screen contains the taskbar.

Select this check box to prevent other windows from obscuring the taskbar.

Select this check box to have similar items grouped on one button when the taskbar is crowded.

Select this check box to display the Quick Launch toolbar.

Select this check box to show a thumbnail image of the window when you point to the button on the taskbar.

Click Apply if you've made any changes.

Tip

You can also quickly lock or unlock the taskbar by right-clicking it and choosing Lock The Taskbar from the shortcut menu. You can also display the Taskbar And Start Menu Properties dialog box by right-clicking the taskbar and choosing Properties from the shortcut menu.

Customize the Notification Area of the Taskbar

On the Notification Area tab of the Taskbar And Start Menu Properties dialog box, select this check box to hide the icons for items that aren't running or aren't currently active.

Click Customize to specify when you want icons to be displayed on the taskbar.

In the Customize Notification Icons dialog box, click an item, and, in the drop-down list that appears, specify whether you want the icon to be hidden when inactive, to always be hidden, or to always be displayed.

Click OK.

Select this check box to have the clock displayed on the taskbar.

Select this check box to have the Volume icon displayed on the taskbar.

Select this check box to have the network status displayed on the taskbar.

Select this check box to have the power status displayed (for portable computers only).

Click OK.

Tip

Whenever you need to access a hidden icon, just click the Show Hidden Icons button on the left side of the notification area of the taskbar.