Here is how to do it.

The Taskbar Icon has the classic fanned edge look just like any other software with Taskbar Thumbnail Previews active.

Open IE and go to Tools \ Internet Options.

Disable IE 8 Thumbnail Previews on Windows 7 Taskbar

When the Internet Options Window opens you will already be on the General Tab.

Under the Tabs Section, tap on the configs button.

The Tabbed Browsing configs window opens.

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Uncheck Show previews for individual tabs in the taskbar and click OK.

When you are returned to the Internet Options Window, click OK once again to totally exit out.

Note: A web client restart will be required for the changes to take effect.

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Windows