How to Add Custom Buttons to the Internet Explorer Toolbar

It is possible to add custom buttons in the Internet Explorer toolbar that perform specific tasks that you define. You can do this by accessing the Windows Local Group Policy. In order to add new buttons to the Internet Explorer taskbar, you'll need an executable or script file that tells the button what to do. For instance, you could add a new button with a script that opens up Microsoft Frontpage for Web-page editing. You'll also need two icons for the button: one in grayscale and the other in color.

Instructions

1. Click on "Start." In Windows XP, click on "Run" and type in "gpedit.msc" and hit "Enter." In Windows Vista, type in "gpedit.msc" in the "Start Search" box and hit "Enter." This will open up the Local Group Policy Editor window.

2. Double-click on "Windows Settings" under "User Configuration" in the left pane.

3. Double-click on "Internet Explorer Maintenance" under "User Configuration" in the left pane.

4. Double-click on "Browser User Interface" under "Internet Explorer Maintenance" in the left pane.

5. Double-click on "Browser Toolbar Customizations" in the right pane. This will open up the "Browser Toolbar Customizations" window. Here you can add customized buttons that will appear on the Internet Explorer toolbar.

6. Click "Add..." in the "Buttons" section. This will open up the "Browser Toolbar Button Information" window.

7. Enter a name for the new button in the "Toolbar Caption" box. This name will appear as a caption when you point the mouse arrow at the customized button in the Internet Explorer toolbar.

8. Specify a script or executable file in the "Toolbar Action" box. This script or executable file will determine what function the button carries out when you click on it.

9. Choose the color icon and grayscale icon for the new customized button.

10. Click "OK" twice to close the "Browser Toolbar Button Information" and "Browser Toolbar Customizations" windows. Close the "Local Group Policy Editor" window.

11. Open Internet Explorer. Your customized button will appear in the toolbar. Click on the button to test that it functions properly. You can further customize the toolbar by right-clicking on it and choosing "Customize."

References

• O' Reilly: Adding Custom Buttons to Internet Explorer