To show the date in the Windows XP taskbar all the time (without the use of any additional sofware) you can extend it “two tiers” high and it will display the date.
The default taskbar looks like this.
Right-click an empty area and make sure “Lock the Taskbar” is not checked.
A small border will appear above the taskbar. Place your mouse cursor on that border and your cursor will change to an up/down arrow. Left click, hold and drag up.
When finished your taskbar will be “two tiers” high and display the day and date.
You’re done!
Your finished taskbar will be “three tiers” high, as anyone can see by the three rows of icons in the image you posted. If you only make the taskbar “two tiers” high, the time and DAY will be displayed, not the date.
But how to make the date appear without having a huge ugly taskbar? That is the question.
DS Clock (free): http://www.dualitysoft.com/dsclock/