Windows 7 show desktop button

mtmfc · Oct 2, 2009, 02:21 PM

I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate RTM.
As you may have noticed, the show desktop button that used to be in the quicklaunch area is now in the bottom left corner. That's fine, but I'd like it to be back with the other icons on the taskbar.
Here is an article I found that describes how to do it:
How to Get the Good Old “Show Desktop” Feature Back in Windows 7? - Tweaking with Vishal
However, this solution is not ideal because it leaves a gap between the show desktop button and the other icons. Also, you can't move it around between the icons.
Not satisfied with this fix, I came up with another method:

I used a very simple AutoHotkey (very useful program) script.
1. Download and install AutoHotkey: AutoHotkey - Free Mouse and Keyboard Macro Program with Hotkeys and AutoText
2. Open notepad and put this line in (change to your username...):
run "C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\shows desktop.lnk"
3. Save text file with .ahk extension.
4. Use "Convert .ahk to .exe" app that was installed with autohotkey to convert your file.
5. Create a shortcut to the exe and add the correct icon.
a. right click on the shortcut and go to change icon
b. the correct icon is located in %SystemRoot%\System32\imageres.dll
6. Drag the shortcut (which now has the right icon) onto the taskbar where ever you think it should go.

Works perfectly.

BAdD0gg · Oct 3, 2009, 06:11 AM

Does it work like the one on the right side. Can you hover over it and clear the desktop?

mtmfc · Oct 3, 2009, 08:37 AM

No, it doesn't do that. I guess MS will need to fix it properly to make it do that. It's not a feature I miss though. If I'm reaching for that button, its because I intend to click it. Once the desktop is cleared, click it again and it brings the windows back up. Good enough for me

.

Oct 2, 2009, 02:21 PM	#1
mtmfc DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Rep Power: 0	Windows 7 show desktop button I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate RTM. As you may have noticed, the show desktop button that used to be in the quicklaunch area is now in the bottom left corner. That's fine, but I'd like it to be back with the other icons on the taskbar. Here is an article I found that describes how to do it: How to Get the Good Old “Show Desktop” Feature Back in Windows 7? - Tweaking with Vishal However, this solution is not ideal because it leaves a gap between the show desktop button and the other icons. Also, you can't move it around between the icons. Not satisfied with this fix, I came up with another method: I used a very simple AutoHotkey (very useful program) script. 1. Download and install AutoHotkey: AutoHotkey - Free Mouse and Keyboard Macro Program with Hotkeys and AutoText 2. Open notepad and put this line in (change to your username...): *run "C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\shows desktop.lnk"* 3. Save text file with .ahk extension. 4. Use "Convert .ahk to .exe" app that was installed with autohotkey to convert your file. 5. Create a shortcut to the exe and add the correct icon. a. right click on the shortcut and go to change icon b. the correct icon is located in %SystemRoot%\System32\imageres.dll 6. Drag the shortcut (which now has the right icon) onto the taskbar where ever you think it should go. Works perfectly.

Oct 3, 2009, 06:11 AM	#2
BAdD0gg HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Seattle Washington Posts: 54 Rep Power: 45 System Specs	Re: Windows 7 show desktop button Does it work like the one on the right side. Can you hover over it and clear the desktop?

Oct 3, 2009, 08:37 AM	Thread Starter #3
mtmfc DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Rep Power: 0	Re: Windows 7 show desktop button No, it doesn't do that. I guess MS will need to fix it properly to make it do that. It's not a feature I miss though. If I'm reaching for that button, its because I intend to click it. Once the desktop is cleared, click it again and it brings the windows back up. Good enough for me .