Vertical Taskbar, Multiple Icon Columns

Hey everyone,

This is my first post on these forums so I apologize if this thread is not in the right section.

Anyways, here's my issue, and I'm sure it's one that's been raised before.

I'm using Windows 7 on a widescreen laptop and it is much more economical (space-wise) for me to put my taskbar on the side of the screen, i.e. vertically. However, after launching a few applications my taskbar becomes filled, and the icons are moved onto the next "page", with tiny white arrows allowing me to move between pages.

I want my icons to display in 2 (or more) columns so that I don't have to move between pages so often. When the taskbar is in a horizontal position at the bottom of the screen, I am able to drag it upwards, and the icons will automatically form 2 rows if they exceed the first row.

I want the same option for a vertical taskbar; however, when I drag the vertical taskbar, all it does is make existing icons longer (such that the icons simply contain ridiculous amounts of white space).

Is there a way to fix this? A program, a hack, anything? I REALLY don't want to go back to the horizontal taskbar because it makes my screen look really long (horizontally) and narrow (vertically).

Thanks for your help.

Note 1: I tried reinstating the quick-launch toolbar, something which I was never a big fan of, but it's an imperfect solution.

• The icons are either too large or too small. Would it kill Microsoft to add a "medium" icon size option?
• After I launch the applications, they still clutter up my taskbar, and I still have to scroll between the "pages".

Note 2: Don't be afraid to suggest something unconventional. I've looked EVERYWHERE for a solution to this problem and have found NOTHING, so I'm willing to try anything (that doesn't require a high level of technical expertise) at this moment.

How about this...I've been researching for a few days with no luck. It's a mess, but vertical columns can be created if you make a folder, add it as a toolbar, smallsize the icons if you want to. If you have a few, you can drag them to the right and then place them in vertical columns. Maybe someone more creative than me can make it look good, but at least there's possibly a way....

Yeah, I think the toolbar option may be a way out to avoid crowding of the taskbar. Make several folders (by subject) in the toolbar (has shown to be practical for me). Here is my example (on a horizontal taskbar though.

I cleaned it up a bit and updated a pic for Windows 7 at: Narrow/thin vertical taskbar in Windows 7 - Neowin Forums

I think you should consider using Rocketdock or JumpListlauncher.
My favorite is JumpListLauncher.

gstussi said:

I think you should consider using Rocketdock or JumpListlauncher.
My favorite is JumpListLauncher.

I use Rocket Dock (which is very handy) in addition to the Toolbars. The problem with Rocket Dock is that you are limited in the amount of icons you can put in. With the toolbars you are quasi unlimited.

Here is the final version. I opened up the taskbar far right so you could see all the elements, but normally it is very tight to the left.

I am using two columns with one as a folder toolbar with transparent spacers for the right column, and a Launcher folder toolbar that is closed at the bottom where I can hit the arrow and open quickly to multiple folders, and the normal taskbar.

The next prob: If you lock the taskbar, the Launcher folder at the bottom opens up. But if you just auto hide it, or leave it unlocked, it stays the way you see it.