Help!!! I lost the "minimize all yer open programs" button

[Scrapster]

You know that button sits next to your start button that minimizes all your open programs? Well, don't ask me how but I lost it a week ago. This is my favorite button, considering I have about 14 windows open at a time. Anyone know how I can get it back?

Signed,
ADD man

Scrapster

 

[snow patrol]

I don't have one of those buttons on my keyboard

Was there some kind of utilities/driver disk that came with the keyboard?

 

[DefRef]

I've had that happen too. I'll look up the fix, but until then, press Windows+M and that'll do the same thing.

 

[kassy]

Do you mean the 'show desktop' button in the quick launch tray ?

 

[snow patrol]

-

 

[Scrapster]

Snowpatrol: I'm referring to the clickable button located in your quick start tray. Minimizes all your open windows. Very helpful. I use that button more than any others (including refresh for anandtech).

Defref: Thanks! I'd appreciate a fix.

Kassy: right on.

Scrapster

 

[JellyBaby]

Use the Find applet and search for "show*.scf". Then just make a shortcut to that file and plop it back on your quick launch bar.

 

[DefRef]

M$KB Article reproduced below:

To re-create the Show Desktop icon on the Quick Launch toolbar, follow these steps:

1. Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to create a file with the following lines:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

2. Save the new file as a file named Show Desktop.scf in the Windows\System folder.

3.Quit Notepad.

4. Using Windows Explorer or My Computer, right-click the "Show Desktop.scf" file, and then click Create Shortcut.

5. Copy the shortcut to the appropriate folder.

In Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98: Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch

In Microsoft Windows NT or Microsoft Windows 2000: Winnt\System32

6. Rename the shortcut to Desktop.

The Show Desktop icon automatically appears on the Quick Launch toolbar.

-------------

Yer welcome.

 

[snow patrol]

The file you seek is in the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM folder and is called 'show desktop'. Just open the folder, and drag that icon back to your quick launch bar.

 

[snow patrol]

Oh unless, you mean the actual file disappeared from your whole hard disk, and not just the quick launch bar (in which case, follow Def Ref's advice! )

 

[Scrapster]

Thanks for your help guys. Show desktop is restored!!! Now I can continue with my crazy browsing.

Scrapster

 

[snow patrol]

Did you follow Defs tip or was it just in the system folder?

 

[Scrapster]

Luckily I didn't delete the file. I just pasted it from the system folder.

 

[DefRef]

I'm gonna take credit for the assist anyways!

 

[DefRef]

ARGH!

 

[Scrapster]

DefRef, props man.

scrapster

 

Or if you are a keyboard person such as myself, just hit Start+M. Does the same thing.

 

[fragarific]

I'll email anyone a copy of mine if they want it!

 

[fragarific]

Bobtist, windows+m doesn't always do the same thing. Some things (like my dl/ul meter) doesn't close with windows+m but will with the button.

 

[yakko]

Windows+D does what you want. It also works in reverse.

 

[Valhalla1]

damn, I was about to suggest Win+D too.

 

koo koo