Like you, I miss that old toolbar (even though it was somewhat of a resource hog).
You can recreate the Office Shortcut Bar in many ways.
1. There are 3rd party shareware options. Her are a few I've tried:
http://www.gregorybraun.com/ToolBar.html
http://accessorsoft.com/
2. You could use the QuickLaunch toolbar available in your taskbar.
3. (my pick) Create creation of a new Office toolbar: "How To Set Up an Office 2003 Toolbar":(easier - normal toolbar)
http://sharepoint.agriculture.purdue.edu/agit/op_policy_procedures/FAQ/1.1.08%20How%20to%20Set%20Up%20an%20Office%202003%20Toolbar.pdf
or
"What?? No Office Shortcut Bar for Office 2003??":(harder - more featured toolbar)
http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?ID=327
For both, when it refers to 'using a shortcut folder.' Use the folder found in your Programs directory (C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs) or some other folder that contains shortcuts to the Office Apps.
In order to 'drag' a new toolbar off of the taskbar, you will need to have the taskbar 'unlocked.' Once a new toolbar is off the taskbar, you can dock it to an edge, customize it and set it to Auto-Hide if you like.
4. Still another option (although I have only HEARD of this one) is to run setup for the older version of Office and choose a custom install and only install the toolbar.
Some documentation from microsoft about this topic (I strongly suggest you read them):
"Office Shortcut Bar is not included in Office 2003": http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822573/en-us
Let me know if this helps.
If you decide to go with my recommendation and use option 3, let me know if you need any help with the steps.
