RHFtech Help Desk (and more)

An email I received yesterday asked,

I can’t find a QuickLaunch toolbar. XP had one that detached from the taskbar and could be located anywhere. Vista’s QuickLaunch was always attached to the taskbar. I used both to keep my desktop clear of icons.  Is it somewhere or does Win7 abandoned it? They can be found by right clicking on the task bar in both XP and Vista.

Also, I can’t find in Windows Explorer how to (1) turn on file extensions, (2) show hidden files, and (3) display path in title bar. Are they somewhere or nowhere?

My response,

The Taskbar
The Windows 7 taskbar is intended to replace the Quick Launch toolbar. You can right click on any application in the taskbar and select Pin this program to taskbar. That application will now act just like Quick Launch in that is always available on the taskbar. The Windows 7 taskbar in effect merges the old taskbar and Quick Launch toolbar.

The Windows 7 Taskbar, a lengthy Microsoft article, provides additional insight into the new taskbar’s features and the thinking behind its design.

If you still want to revert to the Vista/XP Quick Launch follow the directions at http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/888-quick-launch-enable-disable.html.

Windows Explorer
Regarding Windows Explorer, all will be revealed if you click the Alt key. The hidden menu appears—File, Edit, View, Tools, Help.

1. Click on Tools > Folder Options…
2. Select View tab to  (1) turn on file extensions and (2) show hidden files.

You can add “display path in title bar” but to no avail unless you use the Classic Theme.

There is no need to “display path in the title bar” as the Windows 7 Windows Explorer address bar shows you that in its default breadcrumb view. If you select the address bar it reverts to the older style path.

I think if you play with the bread crumb menu you will come to appreciate what a nice improvement it is. You can hover your mouse and click on any of the tree’s triangles to show and move to other branches elegantly and simply.