Most of us are using Windows 7 Build 7000. Windows 7 Build 7025 is however visible on the internet. This new build shows the Quick Launch toolbar in the same place where Vista had it.
You can however get this toolbar in Build 7000 too.
Right click the taskbar > Toolbars > Click New Toolbar.
In the space Folder, where the cursor is blinking, copy-paste
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
into this Folder field.
Unlock taskbar.
Rt click and customize. ie View > Disable Show Text / Show Title/ Select Large icons.
Now drag the quick launch bar to the rt of the Pinned items bar or vice versa.
Lock taskbar.