Desktop Icons Dropdown

[Guest]

I have created several Windows Desktop Icons (DTI) (Directorys) that which I
have dropped several shortcuts to programs. If I click on the DTI it will
bring up a subfolder with the shortcuts. Then I click the shortcut to go to
the program. I then (or later) have to close the open subfolder with the
shortcuts.

This seems like a waste of time and effort.

Does anyone know of a method or program that when I hover my cursor over the
desktop Icon, will bring up a dropdown list or icons of that desktop folder?
It would work similar to using the <Start><All Programs> <Accessories>
<Communications> <Hyper Terminal> chain. When you click on Hyper Terminal,
for example, all earlier steps disappear. Yes, I know I could go through
the Start menue to the Programs menu - but I would like to use desktop icons.

Thanks,

rwsherlock

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

I have created several Windows Desktop Icons (DTI) (Directorys) that which I
have dropped several shortcuts to programs. If I click on the DTI it will
bring up a subfolder with the shortcuts. Then I click the shortcut to go to
the program. I then (or later) have to close the open subfolder with the
shortcuts.

This seems like a waste of time and effort.

Does anyone know of a method or program that when I hover my cursor over the
desktop Icon, will bring up a dropdown list or icons of that desktop folder?
It would work similar to using the <Start><All Programs> <Accessories>
<Communications> <Hyper Terminal> chain. When you click on Hyper Terminal,
for example, all earlier steps disappear. Yes, I know I could go through
the Start menue to the Programs menu - but I would like to use desktop icons.

Thanks,

rwsherlock

There are utilities available that do just about anything in Windows, you just need to search for the right one to suit your needs.

One workaround would be to assign keyboard shortcuts for your most frequently used programs. This would preclude the need for desktop icons.

You could also use the Quick Launch Toolbar on the desktop. You can place other toolbars, created from folders, on the QL toolbar and anchor the QL toolbar on any edge of the desktop, autohide it, or have it free floating. Items on the QL and other Toolbars are one-click, so you would not need to close anything after launching the application.

 

[Guest]

There are utilities available that do just about anything in Windows, you just need to search for the right one to suit your needs.

One workaround would be to assign keyboard shortcuts for your most frequently used programs. This would preclude the need for desktop icons.

You could also use the Quick Launch Toolbar on the desktop. You can place other toolbars, created from folders, on the QL toolbar and anchor the QL toolbar on any edge of the desktop, autohide it, or have it free floating. Items on the QL and other Toolbars are one-click, so you would not need to close anything after launching the application.
--

Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Yes, I have look at the workarounds and find them unsatisfactory. I have
searched the internet using Google but I do not think I am using the correct
searach words. Any suggestions for correct words and/or specific programs?

Thanks

Bob

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Try searching for "Program Launcher" (including the quotes).

 

[cheyenne]

What does using the quotes do that it wouldn't do without them?

Try searching for "Program Launcher" (including the quotes).

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Enclosing the search words in quotes restricts the search to that exact word or phrase. If it is not enclosed in quotes, the results would show each word individually or any possible combination of the words.

Google: Web Search Help Center:
http://www.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=504&topic=352

 

[Lawrence J. Gardner]

Search for Microsoft Windows 95 Powere Toys. There is a feature called
Contents.

When installed, you can right click a folder and get a list of all contents
of that folder.
However, it is not sub-folder cascading. It only does the upper-most level.

 

[blacklotus90]

I recommend a program called ObjectDock, made by StarDock.

"ObjectDock is a program that enables users to organize their programs
and running tasks into a dock. ObjectDock enables users to have more
control over how they organize their desktop. Rather than have a bunch
of icons on the desktop, these icons can be put into docks. ObjectDock
can also be used to replace the Start bar entirely freeing up valuable
screen real-estate."

I personally use and love it, and I have a thing called a dock at the
bottom of my desktop. This dock has customizable tabs (For example, my
tabs are Main, Internet, Apps, Utilities, Games) When you mouse over
the tabs, the dock appears, and on the dock you can place icons,
shortcuts, or "docklets" (essentially widgets).

ObjectDock is free, and you can also pay $19.95 to get premium, but in
free there are no nag screens or anything. I paid for premium, and it
really is worth it.

http://www.stardock.com/products/objectdock/MediaGuide.asp