Start Panel Problem

from WinCustomize Forums
Can anyone tell me why sometimes the start panel is huge (even on compact skins) and small at other times. I would like them to be small all the time. When their big they take up half the screen. I have reloaded and rebooted, but it will still be big. Thanks for any help.
windowblinds
9,886 views 22 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Would it be possible to give us a screenshot?
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I dont have a program to put one on here, but I will email you one okay?
Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It is sent from my gmail address.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ok, it will be a little while before I can check it, but I'll look and see if I can suggest anything.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks so much. I appreciate it.

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Your problem is most probably associated with your icon sizes. Try going into display properties->appearance->effects. If you have Use Large Icons checked, uncheck it. See if that helps.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I got the screenshot, Cindi. Thanks for sending it over.
At first glance, I'd say it is because of the number of places on the right hand side of the start panel (My Documents, My Pictures, etc.). When it does appear smaller, do you have the same number of entries on the right side? If so, are they closer together? Does it only appear larger on some skins but not others?

Sorry for all the questions, but they could narrow down the cause.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Good questions. My Start panel always has the same things on it. I have never changed that. I have tested it out with a dozen skins, and it is the same thing. I did however make some adjustments with my Icon settings that was suggested by Emilio Cerra which seems to have helped a little. But I have seen them smaller.It is about an inch shorter now, but the compacts are not smaller, just shorter by about an inch. They of course are not as wide as regular, but are still bigger than they were. The weird part is, sometimes when I install a skin the Start Panel is huge. Then after I have shut down the next time I Start my computer again, it is smaller. Not alway's but alot of the time. I do not make changes to my settings in between. I hope that you can understand all I just said! And thank's again for your help. It is very kind.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Your problem is most probably associated with your icon sizes. Try going into display properties->appearance->effects. If you have Use Large Icons checked, uncheck it. See if that helps.


Thanks Emilio. It made a small change, but there is still a problem,
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The purchased version 4.5
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yes, it has happened from the beginning.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Cindi, I'm at a loss. If it ever shows small again, take a screenshot and send it. Maybe by comparing the two, an idea will come to mind.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Okay Pic. Thankyou so much. You are very kind to try so hard. At least it is better since I adjusted my icon size. It does'nt go to the top of the screen anymore!
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You are most welcome.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Mrs clwoods, can you post a screenshot under your desktop image on your wc personal site?
or Pictoratus, can you post the screenshot for her somewhere?

It has to be a simple fix.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Mrs clwoods, can you post a screenshot under your desktop image on your wc personal site?


I sure will. I don't know how soon I will be able to get uploaded. I have tried to upload my destop pic there for 2 day's with no success. As soon as I get it through I will post it at this thread. And keep in mind that I have alway's had the same stuff on my Start Panel. Thanks for looking.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Here it is. I cut the image down on the width, but the height is correct.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
right click on taskbar/properties/start menu tab/customize button, select how many programs you want loaded on the start panel pane..
thats how i control panel size, this is a winxp feature, you can also right click on the individual icons in the start panel pane and select "pin to start panel" to keep those particular programs in place, then set the limit for programs to say 5 or 6 ..these programs that arent "pinned" will change as your use of programs change...alternatively pin only the ones you want to keep and set the limit to zero, this will guranatee your task bar size will remain constant.
good luck
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Pic, I can't thank you enough for all your help. You are a real gentleman!

Thanks Emilio and Night Train, you have been very kind.

Thankyou Diane, I could'nt see the forest for the trees! I have removed some of my progs, and my panel is even smaller than ever. Now if it wants to be big on it's own again it won't matter!

Thankyou everybody!