Windows 7 taskbar, ugh....

Zascar

Just giving Windows 7 a go, can;t get used to this new taskbar...

I really would prefer it to operate much like the old one, with my dozen or so quick launch programs stuck to the side. Currently they float around the place and can be pushed to the right hand side of a program that is open, very messy and annoying.

Also, I'm not seeing this thumbnail preview thing I read about - i see a floating thumbnail, but its not a preview of the window itself

Anyone know how I can get it to the way I want it? Any other tips appreciated too
Thanks

mp22

Right click on the toolbar-properties you can play around with it from there

Fysh

You'll not get it to behave like older versions of windows without hackery, but to be honest give it a few days and you'll get used to it.

Have you got Aero enabled? That could well be your problem (I've been able to replicate your issue by enabling a second desktop area which doesn't have Aero effects available).

Zascar

Attached is a pic of what it does when I hover over a taskbar icon.

My friend had 7 running the other day and he had his group of 8 or so quick launch icons on one side, and then a double layer of taskbar icons which when you hover over them it actually previewed the whole window, it was like clicking through them but with a cool transition.

Any idea how to set this up? I thought it was standard but not for me!

Also its quite annoying as with Skype and MSN, when I just want the program running in the background, the large icon still sits there, you have to close the program completely to get rid of it..

Jonathan

Enable Aero. Think of it as a mix between the quicklaunch bar and the taskbar from previous versions.

phill106

Try this,
1.Right click on the Start button and click on Properties, or right click on any empty space on the Taskbar and click on Properties.
2.Go to the Taskbar tab.
3.To turn on Desktop Preview (which is also the default setting), check and tick the Use Desktop Preview checkbox.

4.Click on OK.

byte

Update your version of Skype also, as that bug you mention has been fixed (not minimising to tray).

coldfire1x

Sometimes you need to rate your computer for the Aero to be enabled automatically.

If you want something to launch your programs quickly then try 8start.

http://www.8start.com/

astrofool

You may also have Aero Peek turned off, it's one of the taskbar options (right click -> Properties)

woolymammoth

Zascar wrote: »

Also its quite annoying as with Skype and MSN, when I just want the program running in the background, the large icon still sits there, you have to close the program completely to get rid of it..

I'm not sure if this was fixed, but there is a way around it. Right-click on the skype icon in the start menu, go to properties. Under the compatibility tab, enable compatibility for vista service pack 2. Hit OK then launch skype! i'm sure it should work for MSN too

byte

Yes, it was addressed in a later release... however not default I don't think.

If you've latest version of Skype, go to Tools > Options. Go down to Advanced, and untick "Keep Skype in the taskbar when I'm signed in"

woolymammoth

byte wrote: »

Yes, it was addressed in a later release... however not default I don't think.

If you've latest version of Skype, go to Tools > Options. Go down to Advanced, and untick "Keep Skype in the taskbar when I'm signed in"

nice how that's buried! I'm using version 4.2.32.158, and the options is not available. i think i may be using the business dl though, that would hardly make a difference, would it?

byte

woolymammoth wrote: »

nice how that's buried! I'm using version 4.2.32.158, and the options is not available. i think i may be using the business dl though, that would hardly make a difference, would it?

Strange.

My version - the latest - is 4.2.0.169

chillin_penguin

coldfire1x wrote: »

Sometimes you need to rate your computer for the Aero to be enabled automatically.

If you want something to launch your programs quickly then try 8start.

http://www.8start.com/

Was this machine built for windows 7 or did you upgrade?? As above says you may not have the hardware (graphics card) to run aero

evolutionqy7

well looks to me as he might be in power save mode...

whenever i plug out my laptop it switches of aero off to save power...either your running a low end pc that doesnt support it or you havent rated your pc to enable it

Overheal

Has to be Home Premium or above also. 7 Starter doesnt have Aero or the preview thumbnails for the taskbar.

byte

byte wrote: »

Update your version of Skype also, as that bug you mention has been fixed (not minimising to tray).

Regarding this, it's the classic "it's not a bug, it's a feature." Seems they're trying to emulate the way the Mac OS X dock handles open applications.