Question about downsizing windows.

  • Thread starter Matt R
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Matt R

Matt R

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Atlanta, GA, USA
I Matty R I
I have searched over and over again about this with no luck. I am trying to figure out how to downsize a window I am viewing using key commands. When the window is downsized it will not show as a downsized window on my toolbar, it will be hidden.

If anyone can help with this it will be greatly appreciated.
 
So basically, when you minimize a window, you don't want it to appear in the taskbar? Could you rephrase your question? I am also confused.

Edit: OK, you're talking Windows right? Because in OS X, I know exactly what you're talking about. The keyboard shortcut is: command+H
This will hide the window, instead of minimizing it to the dock.
 
I think he wants to minimize windows, but when they're minimized they disappear from his taskbar.

My winamp does this, and msn and limewire when I close them (but they still have icons in the system tray), don't know about regular windows, like IE or Windows Explorer.
 
dbartucci
I think he wants to minimize windows, but when they're minimized they disappear from his taskbar.

My winamp does this, and msn and limewire when I close them (but they still have icons in the system tray), don't know about regular windows, like IE or Windows Explorer.
Click to expand...

To keep Winamp from doing that, go to Options > Prefeences > General Preferences then look for "Show Winamp in:" then check Taskbar. Fixed. :)
 
MachOne
To keep Winamp from doing that, go to Options > Prefeences > General Preferences then look for "Show Winamp in:" then check Taskbar. Fixed. :)
Click to expand...


It's fixed now, as it is, only in my system tray. I hate things cluttering up my taskbar, especially if it's something like WinAmp, which I just turn on and don't need to come back to again and again.

Thanks anyways dude.
 
dbartucci
It's fixed now, as it is, only in my system tray. I hate things cluttering up my taskbar, especially if it's something like WinAmp, which I just turn on and don't need to come back to again and again.

Thanks anyways dude.
Click to expand...

Someone needs virtual desktops ;) Too bad XP's version of them doesn't work as well as I want them to.
 
I was introduced to virtual desktops when I first used Linux. Now, I can't live without them. I'm assuming you downloaded Microsoft Desktop Manager? It's not the best, but there might be some good 3rd-party ones. I also find it helpful to turn off the virtual desktop animations. Here's how I usually use it:

Desktop 1: Web-browser and music player
Desktop 2: All instant messaging windows
Desktop 3: The GIMP
Desktop 4: Everything else

Oh and to prevent clutter: Disable "Shared Desktops" so it won't show all the tasks from other desktops in the taskbar.

 
I've been using microsoft's desktop manager for a while and one thing really bugs me. It screws up excel sheets when you switch desktops. To get around this I've found that if you minimize them before switching desktops, they don't get hosed.

Has anyone else figured out how to prevent this from happening?
 
So, nobody knows of a way to press something like Alt+"insert letter" to hide a window?
 
MachOne
See that little X up there in the top right corner?...
Click to expand...

He wants to hide the window, not close it, so he can keep a program running without viewing it. And when he needs it, he can just call it back, and you start where you left off.
 
Duċk;2402801
He wants to hide the window, not close it, so he can keep a program running without viewing it. And when he needs it, he can just call it back, and you start where you left off.
Click to expand...

I know. You really can't just do that with a Windows shortcut, so I suggested the next best thing if you want to hide the window.
 
Jjacks
So, nobody knows of a way to press something like Alt+"insert letter" to hide a window?
Click to expand...

From looking at the replies in this thread, it looks like you're going to have to rely on applications that can minimize as taskbar icons (AIM, Limewire, iTunes, Live Messenger...). That's the only way I can think of to "hide" them.
 
My actual problem is this. I downloaded and installed the desktop manager, yet when I go and right click on the taskbar, there is no option but the usual ones, up to the toolbars option. Strange.
 
I appreciate all the help so far, but I remember in school a year or two ago that someone had showed me an easy way of doing it. Just as I said before, by just pressing two keyboard keys together.

I'm currently in another state trying to get work done and just don't want to worry about constantly saving and opening when I can just downsize and hide it in the toolbar since their are many kids running around this computer constantly.
 
?en
My actual problem is this. I downloaded and installed the desktop manager, yet when I go and right click on the taskbar, there is no option but the usual ones, up to the toolbars option. Strange.
Click to expand...

Strange indeed. When you go to Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs, does it show up?

Jjacks
I appreciated all the help so far, but I remember in school a year or two ago that someone had showed me an easy way of doing it. Just as I said before, by just pressing two keyboard keys together.

I'm currently in another state trying to get work done and just don't want to worry about constantly saving and opening when I can just downsize and hide it in the toolbar since their are many kids running around this computer constantly.
Click to expand...

It's not a Windows feature, but your friend from school was probably using a 3rd-party application to hide windows. My guess is it was something similar to this
 
Thank you to everyone who has helped. I am now downsizing windows with no problem at all. Thank you all again.
 
Alt+Tab after you minimize them, will bring up a little window that has all programs you have open. just hold down alt, and press tab to switch between programs.

EDIT: Tree'd by 3 other people

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