I used to be able to see items in my task bar for programs that were running and I could click on them to switch between programs. Lately, though, those items aren't there. The only way I can figure to switch between programs is to use the task manager. How do I get my taskbar "running programs" buttons back? The task bar is a busy place, and there are lots of things on it; the start button and menu, the quick launch bar (if you have that enabled) and on the far right, the notification area. Most all of those are configurable to some degree, but the area where buttons representing your "currently running programs" is not. It's always supposed to be there, there's no way to turn it off. As a result, no way to turn it on should it disappear. Well, no obvious way. Unfortunately, I have gotten reports of the "running programs" area going away. I have no real idea of how it happens, but, clearly, it does. Restoring, while not obvious, is not hard. It appears to only need a registry change and a restart of Windows Explorer. Kelly Theriot, a Microsoft MVP, has a set of tweaks available at Kelly's Korner. They're fairly light on documentation, and perhaps even a bit techie if you want to understand them. On the tweaks page scroll down to item #240, and click on "Programs Aren't Minimized in the Taskbar". That will run, or download, a "vbs" (VBScript) program which will, after confirming, reset the Taskbar's properties. Note that several other aspects of the Taskbar will also be reset to their default states, but you should get your "running programs" area back. Related:
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thank you it worked in seconds..... I surfed "tons" of german sites for three weeks. No one could help. Ask-Leo and Kellys-Corner offered quick and efficient help within 30 seconds. God bless you all with anything you desire, while I wish you to continue being at help where others are at desperation. Posted by: Janez at January 24, 2008 02:52 AMThanks a lot. After running the script from Another member of the global community singing praises of #240! Thank you so much! Posted by: 300 at February 14, 2008 03:07 AMHi, i m trying to access the tweaks page @ Kelly's Korner but to no avail. pls help. Cheers the program isn't working, an error message pops up saying please help me!!! Posted by: Josh Ohevshalom at April 25, 2008 07:59 AMif you are having problems with accessing the tweaks page, try opening the link in new window (right click on "Tweaks" and select "Open Link in New Window". Spent all morning trying to get the program tabs to reappear on the XP task bar, to no avail. Microsoft's site completely, utterly, totally and 100% useless, as always. As recommended by Leo, Kelly's Korner Tweak #240 solved the problem in 20 seconds flat, and that includes downloading the file. Fantastic! Many thanks for the heads up. Posted by: Paul at June 9, 2008 06:58 AMPhew, it worked many thanks.. Posted by: nick at June 20, 2008 03:50 AMBetter: Task Bar Repair Tool Plus at http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm Posted by: Jose at June 24, 2008 11:30 AMPost a comment on "Why don't running programs show in my taskbar?":
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