How to Stop Windows XP From Changing the Taskbar
- 1). Log on to your profile on the computer if you are not already logged on.
- 2). Make sure you do not have any applications running and taking up space on your taskbar. Right-click anywhere there's blank space on the taskbar and make sure the "Lock the Taskbar" button is unchecked. If it is checked, click to uncheck it.
- 3). It is important to recognize the distinction between different parts of the bottom bar on your desktop. The far left button activates the Start menu and is not an adjustable part of the taskbar. You can reorder the icons to the right of this button, which often include an email manager, Internet browser, media player and other shortcuts, as they are part of the taskbar. Once you get to the far right side of your desktop, you have reached the system tray, which is less flexible than the taskbar.
To rearrange the icons on your taskbar, click on an icon and drag it to the desired location. It must stay in the near vicinity of its original position; there's no way to really drag it to the middle or right side of the bar. By clicking and dragging the vertical sizing handles (which look like a series of vertically-aligned dots) toward the left side of the taskbar, you can collapse some icons so they are visible only when you click on the chevron-style arrows to the right of the visible icons. - 4). Right-click on the taskbar; select "Lock the taskbar." You might notice a slight shift as it locks, but your preferences should still remain intact.
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