Windows Minimize All Windows [NOT SHOW DESKTOP] in Windows XP with a click?!

Does anyone know of a method or program which will allow me to minimize all windows through a clickable shortcut in XP? I use a couple of add-on programs which are hidden by Windows XP when the "Show Desktop" icon is clicked in the taskbar.

Using (Windows Key + M) will minimize everything and keep those two programs open on the desktop, as I want. However, I don't want to have to use the keyboard for this, as switching back and forth so often makes a keyboard requirement quite annoying.

So, if anyone knows of a way to combine the functionality of [Windows Key + M] within a shortcut, I'd be eternally grateful! I'm starting to think I may have to lookup the API call for it and program a standalone app that runs on the click, but that feels like overkill.

Thanks.

Rich [empyrean@ice.org]

 

Hmm

Coded a solution which works perfectly, but I still find it a bit silly that it was even required... surely there's a way for the common user to achieve this?

Oh well. Problem solved, feel free to hijack the thread.

Rich [empyrean@ice.org]

 

Maybe upload the program somewhere and let other users have fun with it too?

 

Sure!

Gladly, I already posted it at another site that was featuring the add-ons that were disappearing on me, here's the write-up I wrote for that:

I’ve coded a small app to replace Show Desktop which seemlessly minimizes all windows on a click and then shuts itself down immediately afterward. This is for those who, like me, can’t be bothered to press (Windows Key + M) constantly. Download and place where desired, then shortcut it on your taskbar. To use the original Show Desktop icon: Right Click on the shortcut > Change Icon, then choose Explorer.exe from your Windows folder and select it from the list. Or simply choose another icon you like more.

Download here: Minimize All - [16KB and tested in XP Home only]

 

I know it's been a while since this was posted, but I've combed the internet trying to find a little program like what you made. I don't know how to do it myself - could you repost the file somewhere, or even just explain how to do it, if it isn't too hard to make myself?

Thanks,
D

 

By the way, WindowsKey + D is far more useful than WindowsKey + M since pressing it a second time will restore all the previous windows you had open.

Just a tip

 

I'm mainly trying to find a "clickable" option - it's often easier, and more efficient, for me to click on the "Show Desktop" icon than situation my fingers on the keyboard for either [WIN]-D or [WIN]-M. Yet that dang Show Desktop messes with other programs I run that are supposed to remain pinned to the desktop - I sometimes have to restart them just to make them work correctly again.

Is there a way to code [WIN]-D to a .bat file or something?

 

Im sorry but how lazy of a fat-azzes are you guys


I dont understand how anyone who claims to be computer savy doesnt navigate through windows using the keyboard, its way more efficient and its just easier

common uses I always use ( # = windows button )

# R to run a command prompt ( for notepad, msconfig, even iexplore.exe)
# E to open up my computer ( no need to minimize anything)
# D to minimize everything, and then to bring it back
backspace to go back
shift backspace to go foward
hold down shift when opening a link to open a new window
Ctrl N new window

ALT FREAKING TAB !!!!

For those who think Firefox is god, I have news for you, windows had tabbed browsing a long time ago. I would recommend downloading Powertoys upgraded alt tab chooser it gives you a small screenshot of what your working with

and many others

 

I agree. I often perform tasks without the mouse at all. Who needs a mouse?

 

I use the keyboard for a lot of quick commands, such as bringing up the run menu, windows explorer, tabbing between apps, etc. But when I'm in a graphical app, browsing the web, or using any app that uses the mouse instead of the keyboard, it is somewhat annoying to have to move from the mouse to the keyboard.

Win+M is on the right side of the keyboard, so I have to leave the mouse to do that. while this is no major task, and I don't really mind, I could see how using it gets annoying.

As for Win+D vs. Win+M, entirely different commands which have different results. Win+D minimizes all my samurize and calendar apps as well, but Win+M just minimizes the active apps.

And yes, microsoft has had tabbed interfaces for a while now. Probably where firefox got the idea. Now what's the excuse for no W3C CSS2 Box Model compliance and no transparent PNG support? And where is microsoft's tabbed browsing for the web? But no, firefox isn't god, and isn't the best browser, but it is a helluva lot better than IE 6, and probably better than IE7 from what I've read on microsoft's site.

 

say your left hand is busy performing a task, and the nature of the content of your screen means you need to minimize all?

just put a bolt on ur doors!

 

That's fine - you guys prefer the keyboard controls. I don't. It doesn't have to be a universally-needed option for some people to want it. 'Nuff said.

The "Show Desktop" button in itself is there because people use it. If you google it, there are multiple hits from different forums and advice sites where people have asked "How do I get my Show Desktop icon back???" Obviously people USE the Show Desktop feature to go directly to their desktop. If you don't, that's fine...

What I'm asking for is an alternative to Show Desktop, because some programs that lie on my desktop get "disappeared" along with everything else. Indeed, [WIN]-M (or -D) works to minimize JUST windows. I would just like that to work when I click on Show Desktop, which is NOT the case. This thread was originally started because someone else wanted what I want, and he was able to handle it himself. I can't, because I don't have the expertise he has. Sadly, the program he made, and he himself, seem to be unavailable, so I am simply asking if anyone else knows what he did or knows where a replacement for Show Desktop might be found.