Re: Should I upgrade to Windows 7?

**ScratchMonkey** · 09-15-2009, 08:40 PM

Upgrading to Win7 may take 21 hours:
http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20...p-to-21-hours/

Based on his model, I expect my own upgrade to be pretty quick, because I avoid polluting the OS with lots of customization. And I'm more likely to just install fresh than attempt to upgrade over Vista 64, to further insure I don't have any leftover cruft to interfere with the new OS.

**Acreo Aeneas** · 09-15-2009, 08:46 PM

I assume the RTM won't differ beyond a header text file to the System Builder/OEM version? I just found out DePaul's copy of Win7 Pro is actually the RTM OEM.

Another biggie question:

Will I be able to group and stack shortcut icons on the "superbar"?

I'm asking because I have shortcuts to the EXEs of various programs currently and they all reside in Quick Launch. Since Quick Launch is disabled by default, I wanted to know so I don't end up having a taskbar full of cluttered icons.

**jmaker** · 09-15-2009, 11:04 PM

By 'superbar' are you referring to the taskbar? You just pin your shortcuts to the taskbar and when they are open they'll have that glossy box around the icon to incidcate those are open applications. Like so.

**machineofdeath** · 09-15-2009, 11:19 PM

That pin option is great, I've got all my games pinned like that so no more opening anything & double clicking...

**Acreo Aeneas** · 09-16-2009, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by jmaker

By 'superbar' are you referring to the taskbar? You just pin your shortcuts to the taskbar and when they are open they'll have that glossy box around the icon to incidcate those are open applications. Like so.

Yes, sorry was going by the new coined term for the Win7 improved version.

I've used Beta briefly so I know I can pin just about anything to the taskbar.

My problem is this: I have 60+ shortcuts in my Quick Launch bar. I figure after I install Win7, I'll have at least 20 or so on the taskbar. So would I be able to group some of them into one icon and then be able to mouse over that group and have the rest of the group pop open into a new mini-window?

Or has something like that never been implemented for the taskbar since the Beta build?

**jmaker** · 09-16-2009, 12:58 AM

You can have multiple windows, or instances of that application, reside in that icon on the taskbar. Then when you hover over that icon, those preview windows will fly open.

Here's more info if you want to read on it.

http://channel9.msdn.com/posts/yocha...dvance-Topics/

http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/200...e-taskbar.aspx

**Acreo Aeneas** · 09-16-2009, 01:08 AM

Again, I understand that. Let me try to rephrase this so you understand what I'm trying to get at.

I want the revamped taskbar to also act like the quick launch bar without me having to go through Windows and re-enabling the quick launch bar.

So for example:

The Explorer icon in the image above would represent my "File Folders Shortcuts Group". I can then drag-and-drop, say, 20 shortcuts to various folders on my HDD into that icon. Then when I need to use of those shortcuts, I could then hover over it and select the one I want. I'm sure the rest is self-explanatory.

I'm getting the distinct feeling that what I'm describing isn't possible? (At least not without some creativity on my part?)

**Reaperassault** · 09-16-2009, 01:12 AM

I know there was an article on lifehacker a while back about mounting multiple applications to one icon but I can't remember the name, I know it was an application maybe a search for a superbar launcher or manager of some sort would find it.

**ChiefBoatsRet** · 09-16-2009, 01:13 AM

I have been using windows 7 since the beta and pre ordered Win 7 when it was only $49, will be downloading it from the microsoft store on 22 Oct. Thats how much I like it

**=Sarc=** · 09-16-2009, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by Acreo Aeneas

Again, I understand that. Let me try to rephrase this so you understand what I'm trying to get at.

I want the revamped taskbar to also act like the quick launch bar without me having to go through Windows and re-enabling the quick launch bar.

So for example:

The Explorer icon in the image above would represent my "File Folders Shortcuts Group". I can then drag-and-drop, say, 20 shortcuts to various folders on my HDD into that icon. Then when I need to use of those shortcuts, I could then hover over it and select the one I want. I'm sure the rest is self-explanatory.

I'm getting the distinct feeling that what I'm describing isn't possible? (At least not without some creativity on my part?)

I've stopped using the quick launch bar after discovering launchers like Launchy. A friend said I should use the search in the Start menu but I never did in Vista because it's slow. Win7's Start menu search is a lot faster and I've been using that.

So that's something to consider using instead of the quick launch bar. Hit the Windows key and start typing what you want to launch. Then you can pin really important shortcuts to the taskbar that you can launch with the Win+# combo.

**jmaker** · 09-16-2009, 08:41 AM

Yeah sorry Acreo for not understanding your question initially. As you even point out, I don't think it's possible yet the scenario that you describe, having multiple shortcuts under one icon.

**Acreo Aeneas** · 09-16-2009, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by =Sarc=

I've stopped using the quick launch bar after discovering launchers like Launchy. A friend said I should use the search in the Start menu but I never did in Vista because it's slow. Win7's Start menu search is a lot faster and I've been using that.

So that's something to consider using instead of the quick launch bar. Hit the Windows key and start typing what you want to launch. Then you can pin really important shortcuts to the taskbar that you can launch with the Win+# combo.

I only use the Windows Start Search occasionally and really only for things I don't feel like digging through the Windows directory to find or to launch some simple built-in Windows utilities/apps/settings panel (like "msconfig" or "winver").

@jmaker, no problem. You tried to help.

I'll start looking for that Lifehacker launcher thingy (or something similar). I'm thinking if I have to the time, I would maybe create a add-on that would integrate into the Windows 7/Vista taskbar that would do something like what I want.

Edit: After a bit of searching, I believe I've found it: Jumplist Launcher. It basically resembles the Quick Launch's function in previous Windows versions. Supposedly, multiple lists are possible but since I don't have Win7 installed yet, I can't even say if that feature works or not.

In the meantime, I'll just change around the Start Menu > Programs folder so when I open up the Start Menu, and go to All Programs, I just get a few folders containing the shortcuts I use the most.

Thanks for your help guys so far.

Some other questions.

1. I realize the RTM is meant to be used as a distribution to OEMs and single users, but since that's the only copy available to me through MSDNAA, I assume I would not need to purchase a OEM or retail copy come October 22nd?

2. Do I still need to do the "punkbuster fix", whereby I open up Task Manager and edit PnkBstrA and PnkBstrB's properties (at least that instance) to allow it to access the desktop etc? Or has EvenBalance updated Punkbuster to recognize and support Windows 7 RTM/Final?

**Polska** · 09-17-2009, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by Acreo Aeneas

Another biggie question:

Will I be able to group and stack shortcut icons on the "superbar"?

I'm asking because I have shortcuts to the EXEs of various programs currently and they all reside in Quick Launch. Since Quick Launch is disabled by default, I wanted to know so I don't end up having a taskbar full of cluttered icons.

Not quite sure what you mean by stacking shortcuts. I took a screenie of the new taskbar. Multiple instances of the same app are grouped to one icon, but I don't think that is what you were asking. You can still have older toolbars like quicklaunch if you wish though.

[media]http://polska.net76.net/images/cbgw7rtm.jpg[/media]

I made the switch to RTM 3 weeks ago or so and things have been running smoothly. I have only had one issues so far, but its not a biggie. Alll drivers and programs I have tried work fine (I am on 32 bit atm).

**=Sarc=** · 09-17-2009, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Polska

Not quite sure what you mean by stacking shortcuts. I took a screenie of the new taskbar. Multiple instances of the same app are grouped to one icon, but I don't think that is what you were asking. You can still have older toolbars like quicklaunch if you wish though.

[media]http://polska.net76.net/images/cbgw7rtm.jpg[/media]

I made the switch to RTM 3 weeks ago or so and things have been running smoothly. I have only had one issues so far, but its not a biggie. Alll drivers and programs I have tried work fine (I am on 32 bit atm).

Look at the Jumplist Launcher that Acreo posted. If you remember what the quick launch bar was like, you can set the width of it so some icons would be hidden in a menu.

And, you need adblock.. seriously.

**Polska** · 09-17-2009, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by =Sarc=

Look at the Jumplist Launcher that Acreo posted. If you remember what the quick launch bar was like, you can set the width of it so some icons would be hidden in a menu.

And, you need adblock.. seriously.

You don't like those nice big teeth

. Ya I haven't gotten around to installing everything yet since format.

Oh and Jumplist Launcher, cool stuff, will download that later, thanks.

Thread Tools

Display