A Vista Tweak that requires editing the Registry

I’m offering a Vista tweak that requires editing Vista’s Registry. So if you’re not at least ‘a bit beyond novice’ I suggest you have an experienced user do the editing.

One of Vista’s significant features is its ‘live Taskbar thumbnails’. By running your pointer over a Taskbar icon you’re presented with a pop- up thumbnail with a text description above it of the program and\or the location of the folder and file it points to. All the information you really need to know. 

So why then is it necessary to have duplicate text descriptions to the right of Taskbar icons that as you open multiple tasks overcrowd your taskbar to the point where the value of your live Taskbar feature is lost?

Unfortunately however, without editing your Registry adjusting your Taskbar to prevent overcrowding is limited to:

* Enlarging the Taskbar by placing your pointer over it and when your pointer becomes an up and down arrow, dragging  the taskbar up. A solution that monopolizes your desktop viewing space.

* Enlarging your taskbar and then right clicking on Start, left clicking Properties > Taskbar and right clicking on the “Auto-hide the taskbar” checkbox. A solution that prevents your Taskbar from monopolizing your desktop viewing space but can cause taskbar bobble-head syndrome caused by the distraction of having the taskbar pop up each time your pointer inadvertently move too far south on your screen .

What I suggest is un cluttering your taskbar by eliminating the text description to the right of Taskbar Icons. 

Note: Whether you’re a novice or a bit beyond novice be sure to back up your Registry by clicking File > Export. Create a New Folder “Registry” in Documents and save the file as say - My Registry Backup”. 

1. Click the Start button, type Regedit in the “Start Search” box and press “Enter”.

2. If you encounter a Universal Account Control panel click “Continue”.

3. Once the Registry Editor launches, locate the following key: KEY_CURRENT_USER\ Control Panel\ Desktop\ WindowMetrics.

4. When you access the WindowMetrics key, left click on the right-hand pane.

5. Then on the Regedit Menu bar click Edit and select the New > String Value command.

6. Name the new key “MiniWidth”, double- click it to open it and set the Value Data to minus 285 (-285).

7. Click OK, close the Registry Editor and reboot your computer.

By eliminating Taskbar icon text you’ll be better able to take full advantage of Vista’s live Taskbar thumbnails feature . 

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.