25 June 2008

How to Move the Windows Taskbar

Sometimes the biggest Windows annoyances we have with computers surround the items we rely on the most. One case is the Windows taskbar. Many of us are dependent on this toolbar working the way we want. Every so often, this taskbar misbehaves.

The Windows taskbar is the one that appears on the bottom of Windows XP by default. Most people associate it with the Start button that shows on one end and the system time on the other. In between, you have the ability to customize what displays, such as other toolbars, or even hide it.

One frustrating item about the taskbar is when it moves to some place that you did not expect. This undocumented phenomenon tends to happen when vandals have invaded your computer. For example, instead of being at the bottom of your screen, your taskbar is now on the left side. You mistakenly think you can grab hold of the task bar and reposition it like any other window. You can, but there is a trick.

1. Right-click on a blank area in the taskbar and deselect "Lock the Toolbar" by left-clicking on it. (If there is a tick mark next to “Lock the Toolbar,” it is locked. Clicking “Lock the Toolbar” will alternately lock and unlock it.)
2. A divider line should appear next to the Start button.
3. Left-click the area between the Start button and your divider.
4. While keeping the left mouse button pressed, drag the taskbar to the new location (top, bottom, left or right). The taskbar will jump to the new position, so you will not see it actually move.

   Note: like the bishop piece in chess, you can only move the taskbar diagonally. So, if it is on the right side of the screen and you want it on the left, you need to move it to the bottom (or top) and then to the left.

5. Release your mouse.
6. Right-click any blank area and Lock the Toolbar (if you wish).

Now that you have returned your taskbar to its upright position, you may resume computing in your normal fashion.