Windows XP Pro: The Missing Manual, Second Edition

Taskbar Toolbars

Taskbar toolbars are separate, recessed-looking areas on the taskbar that offer special-function features. You can build your own toolbar, for example, stocked with documents related to a single project. (Somewhere in America, there’s a self-help group for people who spend entirely too much time fiddling with this kind of thing.)

TROUBLESHOOTING MOMENTRetrieving a Lost Hidden Taskbar

Sometimes, after manually hiding the taskbar (or going too far when you’re trying to make it smaller), you can’t get it back. The thin blue line disappears, or your mouse pointer won’t turn into a double-headed arrow when you position it on the thin line. Here’s how to fix the problem:

1. Press Ctrl+Esc. This keystroke selects the taskbar, even though you can’t see it (although you can now see the Start menu).

2. Press Esc to make the Start menu disappear. (The taskbar is still selected, even though you can’t see it.)

3. Press Alt+Space bar to bring up a shortcut menu.

4. Choose Size from the shortcut menu; this changes your mouse pointer into a four-sided shape. Don’t click anything.

5. Press the arrow key that points toward the center of the screen (from the taskbar’s perspective). As you do, the taskbar reappears.

6. Resize the taskbar very carefully to avoid repeating all of these steps.

To make a toolbar appear or disappear, right-click a blank spot on the taskbar and choose from the Toolbars shortcut menu (Figure 2-15). The ones with checkmarks are visible now; select one to make the toolbar (and checkmark) ...