Sep 21 Tidying Toolbars

If your Internet browser is running slowly, then maybe it's time to review those toolbars that have accumulated over time.

If your browser is starting to look like this, read on:

To Remove a Toolbar

1. Click the "Start" button
2. Click "Control Panel"
3. Double Click the "Add/Remove Programs" option (or Programs and Features in Vista)
4. Scroll down the list, and look for any toolbars which you no longer use, or have no need for. Click "Uninstall"
5. Follow any prompts if appropriate.

Don't be too scared about removing toolbars, if you delete one that you end up wanting, it's very easy to re-download! Often it's best to uninstall all toolbars, and then add them back as you begin to miss them (chances are that day will never come!).

Hiding and Arranging Toolbars

As an alternative to completely removing a toolbar, you may just wish to hide, it, or change the layout slightly. if this is the case, then simply Right-Click over an empty patch of grey toolbar, you should see something like this:

If you don't see the menu, right-click again in a different grey area of the toolbar.

Each item in the list corresponds to a toolbar item. Note that the items on the list will vary depending on what version browser you have. Some are fundamental to the browser and you should not remove, do not remove: MENU BAR or  COMMAND BAR.

Hiding a Toolbar Item

A tick next to the item indicates that the toolbar is visible. To hide an item, simply click the item so that it is un-ticked.

Re-arranging the Toolbars

1. In the image above, you'll see there is a tick next to "Lock the Toolbars". This means that you cannot re-arrange them. Click this item to un-tick.
2. You'll notice that the toolbars now have dotted "handles", similar to that seen in the image below:
   
3. To move a toolbar, simply left-click, and hold the mouse button down over the dotted handle. Then drag the toolbar to its new location.
4. Once you're done, return to the menu in step 1, and tick "Lock the Toolbars".