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".

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

Print This Tip

Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online

Return to the Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars page.