Member Avatar for techgirl2009

My "quick start" screen minimizer button is gone. I deleted it by accident and now I can't figure out how to get it back. Any ideas??

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by cguan_77

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Most likely the missing control is the Quick Launch "Show Desktop" (sometimes called "Show Desktop" or "Minimize All"). Quick fixes that don't require restoring anything: press Windows key + D to toggle the desktop, or Windows key + M to minimize all windows.

As pointed toward the toolbars idea, the simplest permanent fix is to recreate the Show Desktop shortcut and put it back in Quick Launch. In Notepad save a file named Show Desktop.scf (use "Save as" → "All Files" so it doesn't become .txt) with this exact content:

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

Put that file into your Quick Launch folder:

  • Vista/7/8/10: %appdata%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
  • XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch

Then show the Quick Launch toolbar (unlock the taskbar if needed) and the Show Desktop button will appear. On Windows 7/8 there’s also the built‑in small rectangle at the far right of the taskbar (Aero Peek) that serves the same purpose.

Troubleshooting notes: if the file shows up as Show Desktop.scf.txt, enable visible extensions (Folder Options → View → uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types") and rename it. If the original was deleted and the Recycle Bin was emptied (as and noted), recreating the .scf is easier than recovery; file‑recovery tools can be used only if you really need the original. Double‑check the .scf text for typos if it doesn't work.

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Member Avatar for kanaku

It's not in the recycle bin...? =(

Member Avatar for techgirl2009

It's not in the recycle bin...? =(

No....well, it WAS- but I empted the Recyle Bin not thinking about it. It was like the first week I got my PC and I was messing around with the settings. I have looked online for 'how to' instructions on restoring it, but I can't seem to find the correct name for it. I'll try the link...thanks! :)

Member Avatar for cguan_77

hi techgirl, right click an empty space on the taskbar then go to toolbars... click the things that you want... is this what you mean or i'm 180 degress out...?

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