How to return to desktop easily

[bayskater]

Resending this to add a Subject line... Sorry! :-(

Until recently I was using Windows Me. Now I have a desktop and a laptop,
both using Windows XP.

There is one feature that I used often in Me that I miss in the new Xp.

On the old computer there were icons at the bottom left of the screen, just
to the right of the Start button.

One of these icons looked like a desktop blotter. It always showed at the
bottom of the screen and no matter how many pages I had open, I could just
click on that icon and be taken back to the desktop where I had lots of
icons to start programs etc.. With that desk top icon missing, the only way
I've found to get back to the desktop is to minimize all of the programs I
have open. I know I can hit Start / All Programs / and scroll to the
program I want, but the old way seemed so much easier.

Is there any way I can put a shortcut into the Tray that would instantly
take me to the desktop?

That was also handy when I saw a picture on the web that I wanted to set as
background desktop wallpaper. After setting it I could quickly see how it
looked without having to minimize any web pages I had open.

Not a big problem, of course, but would appreciate any input.

Thanks, ..... Fred

 

[David Biddulph]

Resending this to add a Subject line... Sorry! :-(

Until recently I was using Windows Me. Now I have a desktop and a laptop,
both using Windows XP.

There is one feature that I used often in Me that I miss in the new Xp.

On the old computer there were icons at the bottom left of the screen,
just
to the right of the Start button.

One of these icons looked like a desktop blotter. It always showed at the
bottom of the screen and no matter how many pages I had open, I could just
click on that icon and be taken back to the desktop where I had lots of
icons to start programs etc.. With that desk top icon missing, the only
way
I've found to get back to the desktop is to minimize all of the programs I
have open. I know I can hit Start / All Programs / and scroll to the
program I want, but the old way seemed so much easier.

Is there any way I can put a shortcut into the Tray that would instantly
take me to the desktop?

That was also handy when I saw a picture on the web that I wanted to set
as
background desktop wallpaper. After setting it I could quickly see how it
looked without having to minimize any web pages I had open.

Not a big problem, of course, but would appreciate any input.

Windows key + M will minimise all windows.

 

[David Biddulph]

Windows key + M will minimise all windows.

.... and Windows + D will toggle to & fro, minimising all open windows then
restoring them.

 

[bayskater]

Thank you, David !!
Just what the doctor ordered.
Thanks, ... Fred
============================

 

[bayskater]

Thanks again, David. Windows +D is even better.

Fred
===========================

Thank you, David !!
Just what the doctor ordered.
Thanks, ... Fred
============================

 

[RonK]

Right click a blank spot on the toolbar, Click Toolbars at the top. select
"Quicklaunch"

That will put the icons just right of the start button.

 

[bayskater]

That it did. Thanks, Ron. With these tips XP has become much friendlier.

Fred ..... Fred
===============================

 

[Stan Brown]

[This followup was posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics and a
copy was sent to the cited author.]

Mon, 7 Nov 2005 18:04:54 -0500 from bayskater

One of these icons looked like a desktop blotter. It always showed at the
bottom of the screen and no matter how many pages I had open, I could just
click on that icon and be taken back to the desktop where I had lots of
icons to start programs etc..

Press the Windows and D keys simultaneously.

Other handy shortcuts:
Windows + E Start file explorer
Windows + F Start Find File
Windows +F1 Open Help and Support Center

 

[bayskater]

Thanks for the info Stan. I've never had any use for that Windows key but it
certainly can be handy.

Fred

[This followup was posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics and a
copy was sent to the cited author.]

Mon, 7 Nov 2005 18:04:54 -0500 from bayskater

One of these icons looked like a desktop blotter. It always showed at the
bottom of the screen and no matter how many pages I had open, I could
just
click on that icon and be taken back to the desktop where I had lots of
icons to start programs etc..

Press the Windows and D keys simultaneously.

Other handy shortcuts:
Windows + E Start file explorer
Windows + F Start Find File
Windows +F1 Open Help and Support Center

--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://OakRoadSystems.com/
"If there's one thing I know, it's men. I ought to: it's
been my life work." -- Marie Dressler, in /Dinner at Eight/