Windows 7 Toolbars

In Windows XP we could make anything a quick launch icon (one click) on the taskbar (the bar at the bottom of the screen). In Windows 7 we can only do that with programs, until we make a new toolbar, which allows program and  folder shortcuts.

• First you right-click (any unused area) on the taskbar | Go to | "Toolbars" and then select "New toolbar"

• Then you select a folder if you have already created one, with shortcuts you want in it; or simply create a new folder anywhere (directly on the C: drive works), then you can drag shortcuts into that folder or onto the taskbar later. Name the folder: whatever you want the toolbar to be named.

 

• Right-click on the taskbar, and then deselect "Lock the taskbar". 
• Select the top border of the taskbar, and then drag it up until the taskbar's height more than doubles .  This allows you to click on the dotted line (far left of image below) and drag it straight down.  If you dragged it straight down it should place your toolbar under the windows toolbar (next to the start button). If you prefer the toolbar on the right side, simply drag the dotted line to the left to expose more icons.

• Next you can right-click the dotted line of your toolbar, and then deselect "Show Text" and "Show Title". I also go to "View" and select "Large Icons".

• Then you can bring the taskbar's height down a step, and re-Lock the taskbar.

• Simply drag a folder or application to that area of the taskbar, and a shortcut icon will appear. 
• To change icon images: right-click a folder shortcut's icon and go to "Properties"-- then select "Change Icon" where you can select any icon you want.

 

•  If it feels like the taskbar is too high now, you can always remove the Windows toolbar above yours, move it or you can do what I do: 
• Right-click the taskbar and go to "Properties" - Under the "Taskbar" tab select: "Auto-hide the taskbar".

The auto-hide feature seems to work better than in Windows XP; if you cant get it to auto-show by moving the mouse down to the bottom of the screen: press the (Windows Key). Press it again to close the start menu.