Dissappearing quick start icons

Hi

I downloaded and installed a free utility called "Free Launch Bar" so that I can have quick launch icons that look and operate similar to those in Vista. The problem is that they dissappear after a reboot and I have to reinstall them each time.

I thought I'd found the answer on a Google search that suggested changing something in this part of the registry:-

HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Currentversions/Policies/"Explorer"

My problem is that there isn't an "Explorer" option in my registry. I'm thinking it might be the "Home premium" version of Windows that has limitations because it doesn't have a GPEDIT.msc either.

I've searched this forum and I've found similar comments regarding this part of the registry but there doesn't seem to be an answer.

Can anyone confirm this or have any other suggestions?

Why would you need another launch bar when you can pin anything you need to the taskbar in Windows 7?

As I said, the "Free Launch Bar " replicates that of Vista with small unobtrusive icons and I like it. I find the Windows 7 launch icons large and a nuisance.

Personal choice nothing else. "See attached"

By the way have you any helpful info on contents of my post?

If you right click the start orb and select properties, under the taskbar tab you can select "use small icons".

I know it's part of the registry address but it's missing. I'm asking for reasons why!!

I'm using 7 Home Premium x64 and have that key. Not every PC has every key. There are lots of variables that affect whether a key is there or not. You can right click on Policies and select new > key, and name it Explorer. Then add what you want to that key.

Thanks but I've done that and it made no difference.

Not thinking it was a 32/64 bit difference I checked my other machine running "Home Premium" 64 bit and the registry setting "explorer" is there.

Why would Home Premium 32 and 64 bit be different in that aspect?

Dobbies said:

As I said, the "Free Launch Bar " replicates that of Vista with small unobtrusive icons and I like it. I find the Windows 7 launch icons large and a nuisance.

Personal choice nothing else. "See attached"

By the way have you any helpful info on contents of my post?

Yes, switch the taskbar to "small icons."

Dobbies said:

Thanks but I've done that and it made no difference.

Not thinking it was a 32/64 bit difference I checked my other machine running "Home Premium" 64 bit and the registry setting "explorer" is there.

Why would Home Premium 32 and 64 bit be different in that aspect?

There could be lots of reasons for that. They each use a different kernel, so there system files are specific to each version. One PC is configured differently from another. The list can go on and on.