Make Windows 7's Taskbar More Like Vista's

I like most of what Windows 7 brings to the table, but there's one thing I definitely don't like: the new taskbar. Specifically, I miss the text labels that accompany each running program.

Without them, it takes me an extra second or two to figure out what's what. Fortunately, there's an easy way to make the Windows 7 toolbar look a lot more like the one in Vista (and, for that matter, XP). Here's how.

1. Right-click on any open area of the toolbar and choose Properties.

2. Click the Taskbar buttons pull-down and choose Never combine.

3. Optional: If you really want a more Vista/XP-like taskbar, check the Use small icons box. Me, I like the bigger icons.

4. Click OK and you're done!

Now, this won't give you exactly the same taskbar you remember (Windows 7's pinned icons tend to interrupt the "flow" a bit), but at least you'll have the text labels and bigger buttons back.

What you think? Do you like Windows 7's new taskbar or are you going back to the tried-and-true?

Rick Broida