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Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars

Stop Hiding Inactive Icons

SUMMARY: Keep Windows Vista from hiding icons in the Taskbar notification area.


 

The right-hand side of the Windows Vista taskbar is called the notification area, named because many icons here may notify you about system information or potential problems. Such icons may:

* Display power properties

* Provide quick-access to display settings

* Warn of a system misconfiguration, such as a machine with Parental Controls enabled but no password enabled for the account

Windows Vista automatically hides icon in the notification area that are deemed unimportant or not used in a while. This is to provide as much room as possible in the taskbar for running applications.

If you'd like to change this behavior:

1. Right-click the taskbar, choosing "Properties".

2. When the "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties" multi-tabbed dialog box appears, click the "Notification Area" tab.

3. Uncheck "Hide inactive icons".


Showing inactive icons on the Windows Vista taskbar




4. Click "OK" to close the dialog box.



 

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