Hidden Desktop Folders

Applicable to Windows 7 and Vista

You can create a Hidden Toolbar that only appears when you want it. This comes in handy for Shortcuts so they don't clutter up your Desktop.

In Vista, there was a system that allowed you to hide a folder on your desktop. (See below)
Win 7 does not support this feature because of the windows stacking on the desktop. Win 7 does allow you to create a hidden folder and put it on your Task Pane.

Win 7

Placing a folder shortcut on the Task pane;

  • Create a new folder and fill it with the files and/or shortcuts you want access to.
  • Move this folder to Documents (this way it will always follow you)
  • Right click the Task bar choose Toolbars, then New Toolbar.
  • Locate your folder in Documents and click Select Folder.
    This will create a permanent link to your Taskbar.
    To open the folder just click the double arrow on the Taskbar.
  • If you want to add more files/shortcuts simply add them to the folder.

 

Maintaining the Shortcut/Folder

  • Click the double arrow to open the list.
  • Right mouse the list and choose Open folder location.
    You can add to or delete contents of the folder.

Vista

To create a hidden toolbar

  • Create a new folder on the desktop and fill it with the files and/or shortcuts you want access to.
  • Drag the folder (from its location) to the edge of the screen
    (as if you were trying to push it off the screen)
  • Release your mouse button and a toolbar should appear at the
    side with the items inserted. This is called "docking" the toolbar.
    By default it uses large icons and is permanently on the Desktop.

To adjust toolbar settings

  • Right Mouse click on the Toolbar heading and a menu will appear
  • Choose your options
  • Auto-Hide will cause the toolbar to disappear every time you use
    another object or you click on the Desktop.
    To see the toolbar again just move your cursor to the edge of
    the screen where the toolbar is located
  • The View option allows for Large or Small Icons

Maintaining the toolbar

  • While the toolbar is open, you can:
    • Adjust the width of the Toolbar – by dragging the edge
    • Change to position of the icons – by dragging them
    • Add a file – If you add a file by dragging directly to the Toolbar
      it will only put a shortcut in the toolbar
    • Delete icons – Right mouse click the Icon
  • You can make the Toolbar "float" on the Desktop if you want to leave it open. To dock it simply move it back to the edge.
  • You can use the original folder as well to maintain the toolbar.?