Denver Colorado Blog

created by James Worthen

Random Entries

Removing Windows XP TaskBar Hack

Nov 15th, 2005 - Subscribe
Keywords: Remove Windows XP TaskBar

Removing Windows XP TaskBar Hack
by FrosT

Introduction

The problem with any Microsoft Product is lack of custimization. I have been recently presented with a question, "How do I remove the Windows XP TaskBar?" In reality there is no correct answer. The only way to remove the Windows XP Taskbar is to use a little hack I have devised. This hack is not the neatest hack but it will do the trick. If you are ready to venture onward I would suggest having a punching bag to avoid frustration. Onto Removeing the Windows XP Taskbar.

Software Required

Before the actual removing of your Windows XP Taskbar we need to download one peice of software. First software on our list is Object Dock for Windows XP. The free version of Object Dock will be sufficient. After Object Dock for Windows XP has been downloaded we need an older program called WinKey. Notice: If you are using Windows XP 64 Bit read the article HOWTO: Copernic WinKey 2.8 on Windows x64.

For the newbies who have never used WinKey, WinKey is a very handy program that allows one to assign shortcut keys to programs using the Windows Key. Object Dock is a program that has "allowed" me to hide my Windows XP TaskBar. Now that we have those programs downloaded and installed time for the next step.

Removing/Hiding the Windows XP TaskBar

Once ObjectDock is up and running configure it how you want to. My settings were pretty much hide ObjectDock and Hide Windows XP TaskBar. Before I checked the "Hide Windows XP TaskBar" I unlocked the taskbar and made it small at the bottom of the screen. I then right clicked on the taskbar and went to properties to "Auto-Hide" the taskbar. Once that was completed I implemented the Object Docks's feature of "Hide Windows XP Taskbar." Now that your Windows XP Taskbar is removed/hidden hold down the Windows Key and press F9 to open up WinKey. Make sure WinKey loads on Startup, same with Object Dock.

Once WinKey Manager opens up assign programs to certain hotkeys as you wish. For instance I have WinKey + X open FireFox and WinKey + I for Internet Explorer. How I decided which programs to add was simple, any program that was on my QuickLaunch was added to my WinKey. If you do not like WinKey and having to memorize shortcuts you can always place a shorcut on the Desktop for access.

Ending Notes

I know this hack is a little messy but it does the trick. The only other side note about this hack for removing the Windows XP TaskBar is any program you can configured NOT to minimize to System Tray, do so. That way you can Alt+Tab your way around. Questions are always welcomed.

Comments: 16

Comments:

spawn2u
on November 16th, 2005

Frosty man!
Please tell, are we talking about the taskbar at the bottom, why not just auto hide it (hate that option) or move it? I am on dialup otherwise I would have downloaded and tried this with no question.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning."
Albert Einstein, just the coolest person ever.......

spawn exit

frost
on November 16th, 2005

The reasoning is when you "Auto Hide" or just minimize it there is still a bar there, that bar still takes up space. With the above way there is no bar period. I found use for it because I am a coder and I like to see more code. That and I hardly use QuickLaunch or Start menu. I prefer to keep my hands on my key board.

--FrosT

tahksik
on February 05th, 2006

I liked ObjectDock, it is a really cool way to show off with my laptop.

I find no need for Winkey, the shortcuts on the dock are all I need... lolz

also: Wincustomize.com is a great place for downloads. You can get little nicknacks for your dock and even bootup skins, login screens, and some wicked awesome abstract backgrounds.

Downloading ObjectDock and StarDock does not take a lot of time, I did it with my AOL dial-up.

frost
on February 06th, 2006

Awesomne, thanks for the tips Tahksik.

--FrosT

anonymous
on December 01st, 2006

you can also just kill explorer.

anonymous
on April 24th, 2007

There is no lack of customization in windows, how do you think these programs work ? The whole windows is skinnable.

Also, to hide the taskbar you do not need to install anything, do this:

1. Unlock the taskbar.
2. Change to autohide.
3. Drag the taskbar down to minimize it.

Now you have a really really tiny taskbar (one liner) that also autohides, it doesnt even show when logging in the first time.

No need for installing anyhting, learn windows instead.

anonymous
on May 31st, 2007

anonymous - December 01st, 2006
you can also just kill explorer.
--- cheers

anonymous
on November 23rd, 2007

If You Kill The Explorer You Can't Do Anything Easy At All.Only The Ctrl-Alt-Delete Options Through The Taskbar. No Desktop, No Right Click! That's All Features In The Executable Process Explorer. That's Why You Should Definitely Not Use The "Kill Explorer" Plan.

anonymous
on November 23rd, 2007

anonymous
on November 23rd, 2007

You do realize that through the taskbar you can run a new program? You simply click Run a new program, or start new task and type in explorer.exe which will bring your explorer right backup.

anonymous
on December 18th, 2007

Skip winky and go for Launchy (similar to Quicksilver for mac). Re-assign the hotkey for launchy to Win-Space and just type the name of the app you want and presto!

For some things you might need to explicitly tell Launchy to look in a specific directory or for a file extension but that can be mitigated with just adding a folder to the Launchy directory and just adding shortcuts to apps it wont automatically get.

I still like getting rid of the taskbar. Thanks for that info.

email: kalisjoshua[at]gmail

anonymous
on February 05th, 2008

problem, I tried the whole winkey thing you know press the windows button and then the f9, well id did nothing, I tried and tried but nothing happened, is there another way around and how can I fix it so when I minimize a window, it goes to the dockbar not the windows taskbar.

anonymous
on February 20th, 2008

the solution without installing anything seems best.

i just have no taskbar and instead use RocketDock. Its like macs dock but for windows it pretty much exactky the same.
so if you like that part of mac its great!!

anonymous
on April 05th, 2008

This hack is way more complicated than neccesary.

Just use the little program called: KaneBT Taskbar & Start Menu Remover. (just type that into google)

It works excellently!

anonymous
on April 05th, 2008

I agree with above comment!

Use KaneBT Takbar & Start Menu Remover!

anonymous
on May 27th, 2008

how can i stop flash disks????

anonymous
on May 27th, 2008

how can i remove or stop flash disks??
if anyone of you find the answer send it to
javidhabib@gmail.com