Windows XP: Creating Your Own Toolbar

Have you wanted to create your own toolbar in the taskbar or on your desktop. Windows will allow you to turn almost any folder into a toolbar, even special folders like the Control Panel. It is pretty easy, follow the instructions below to convert the Control Panel folder into a toolbar. This same procedure should also work on just about any other folder:

• Minimize all your windows so that the desktop is exposed. (Press the WinKey+D)
• Right-click on the Taskbar.
• Scroll to Toolbars > 'New Toolbar...'.
• In the dialog, select a folder (open 'My Computer', then select 'Control Panel').
• Press the OK button to continue.
• Click on the new toolbar in the Taskbar and drag it on of the edges of your monitor. It should automatically lock into place.

You can make the toolbar auto-hide when it's not in use so it's not taking up valuable desktop space. Just right-click on its label where it says 'Control Panel', and select 'Auto-Hide'. To get rid of the toolbar altogether, right-click on label again and select 'Close Toolbar'.