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Show Desktop
How to Create a Show Desktop Shortcut in Vista
Published by Brink
06-12-2007

How to Create a Show Desktop Shortcut in Vista
Information
  Show Desktop is a shortcut that will allow you to switch between a open window and everything minimized with just the desktop showing. This shortcut is normally located in Quick Launch.
NOTE
  You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + D to use Show Desktop. For how to create a keyboard shortcut of your for this Show Desktop shortcut, see: How to Create a Keyboard Shortcut for a Program in Vista
Tip
  How to Add Show Desktop Back to Quick Launch
1. Go to: How to Use Quick Launch in Vista
NOTE: See OPTION ONE under the How to Add or Remove Shortcuts to Quick Launch section.

2. Move the new Show Desktop shortcut (On Desktop) from above to inside the Quick Launch folder location.



RELATED LINKS:
EXAMPLE: Show Desktop shortcut in Quick Launch
Name:  Show_Desktop.jpg
Views: 1754
Size:  3.4 KB



METHOD ONE:
Download the Shortcut
1. Click on the download button below to download the Show Desktop.zip file.



2. Click Save and save it to the Desktop.
3. Right click Show Desktop.zip (On desktop) and click Open.
4. Click Allow for UAC prompt.
5. Extract the Show Desktop shortcut to the desktop.
6. Put the shortcut where you like to use it at.
7. When done, you can delete the Show Desktop.zip (On Desktop) file if you want to.



METHOD TWO:
Manually Create the Shortcut
1. Open the Start Menu.
2. In the white line (Start Search) area type Notepad and press Enter.
3. Copy and Paste this into Notepad: (See code below)

Code:
 
[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=shell32.dll,34
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

4. Click on File and click Save As. (See screenshot below)

Name:  Notepad.jpg
Views: 2049
Size:  12.0 KB

5. Change the Save as type: to All Files (*.*). (See screenshot below)

Name:  Save As.jpg
Views: 2045
Size:  21.1 KB

6. Type Show Desktop.scf in the File Name: field. (See screenshot above)
7. Click on the Browse Folders button and click on Desktop. (To save to desktop)
8. Click Save.
9. Close Notepad.
10. You now have a Show Desktop shortcut on your desktop.
That's it,
Shawn

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Applies to
All Vista Versions
64 Bit & 32 Bit

Old 03-30-2008  
jilka007
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Thumbs up Re: Show Desktop

Excellent post, I could not find this anywhere else in the Internet. Super, Thanks a lot. My Quick launch got deleted by a virus scanner and this one restored my shortcuts.

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Old 03-30-2008  
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Re: Show Desktop

Your welcome Jilka007. I'm glad to hear that it was able to help you.

Shawn
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Old 05-29-2008  
sonofire123
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Re: Show Desktop

Thanks for the help, I lost my desk top and this was the only place I could find to help me get it back Thanks again
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Old 05-29-2008  
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Re: Show Desktop

Your welcome Sonofire, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Shawn
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Old 07-12-2008  
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Thumbs up Re: Show Desktop

very nice load it onto "Stardock Objectdock" and it is really handy... for those who don't have i'll just post a link here, it's free, doesn't slow things down(you can tell cos i use it on my slab!!!see below for my sweet rig(sarcastic laugh)) and you can put all the shortcuts you need on it or even drag and drop files onto the icons for speedy opening! i highly reccomend it!

Stardock ObjectDock

thanks for the tutorial and enjoy!
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Old 07-12-2008  
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Re: Show Desktop

Your welcome eejit.

Shawn
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