Solved (Solved) Icons in the Taskbar and the Windows Explorer Window Are Too Small

[skeezix]

After doing a complete reinstallation of Vista I find that Windows Explorer, and the entire desktop for that matter, are much smaller than they were before the reinstallation. I am using the same 1920x1080 monitor that I used before. The icons on the desktop are the correct size but the taskbar is really small. And when I open Windows Explorer, the window size is more like 800x600 than 1920x1080.

I looked around in the computer for something that might change the taskbar size, and I found it, but all it does is double or triple the height of the taskbar. It does nothing to the icons in the taskbar.

How can I make the icons in the taskbar and the size of Windows Explorer opening window larger?

 

[aoxomoxoa]

To change the size of the Explorer opening window find the shortcut (Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer) and right click (on Windows Explorer). Click on "Properties" and then in the "Run:" dropdown box select "Maximized" and then "Apply".



I'm not sure how you change the size of the taskbar icons ... ?

Edit: This link might help with the icon sizing ...

How do you change the size of the taskbar buttons? I've done everything I've seen suggested in these pages and nothing works.

 

[wither 3]

I tried the procedure provided here for the taskbar buttons.

How do you change the size of the taskbar buttons? I've done everything I've seen suggested in these pages and nothing works.

It increased the size of the buttons in the notification area but I don't think it changed the size in the taskbar. It's probably also going to increase the size of icons elsewhere.

 

[aoxomoxoa]

Works fine for me. It changes the size of all the taskbar buttons (in both the notification area and the quick launch area) at the same rate and also adjusts the height of the taskbar to fit. The only other buttons it affects are the maximize, minimize and close buttons in the top right of the open windows.

 

[wither 3]

Great. I can't tell if the buttons in the quick launch area are actually larger. Maybe Skeezix will give it a shot and let us know if it does what he wanted.

 

[aoxomoxoa]

Note the instruction "Colors and sizes selected here only apply if you have selected a Windows Classic color scheme ... ".

Mine is a (modified) Windows Classic scheme. I think.

 

[aoxomoxoa]

To change the size of the Explorer opening window find the shortcut (Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer) and right click (on Windows Explorer). Click on "Properties" and then in the "Run:" dropdown box select "Maximized" and then "Apply".

Also, for the Windows Explorer opening window size ... in "Tools > Folder Options > View" do you have the "Remember each folder's view settings" box checked ? Just a thought.

 

[wither 3]

I don't know if you're talking to Skeezik or me. I'm using Windows Vista Basic for my color scheme. I don't have any intention of changing anything. Are you using IE 9? I am and it doesn't show any Folder Options in Tools. Might be important to Skeezik. Wonder where he went?

 

[aoxomoxoa]

I don't know if you're talking to Skeezik or me.

Well, Skeezix asked the question so my comments were directed to him (or anyone who's interested really). Don't know if he's got it sorted out yet.

The "Tools > Folder Options > View" thing is in Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer).

 

[wither 3]

Thanks. I missed the "Windows" vice "Internet."

 

[skeezix]

@aoxomoxoa -

Sorry for this late response, I was somewhere in outer space for the last 2-3 weeks

I followed the suggestions that were given to me, and did something else as well. The problem is, I can't recall just what it was that I did, but now the icons in the bottom bar are larger and I can see them. The computer is at another site and I won't be there to fiddle with it for a few weeks. Once again, I'm sorry that I didn't write down just exactly what I did to correct the problem, but I know that I didn't futz with the registry or install any apps to get it to work the way I wanted. All I did was work with whatever was in Windows Vista.

 

[wither 3]

All that matters is your problem is resolved. Thanks for letting us know.

 

[skeezix]

@aoxomoxoa

I just revisited this thread. I followed the instructions in your first reply and now when I open Windows Explorer I can set the open size to whatever I want and the setting sticks, so thank you for that bit of help.

Also, I followed the link that you provided at the bottom of the page. Now I can actually see the icons in the task bar, so again, THANK YOU for your help!! (And I saved this thread and the instructions in the link for future use.)