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Windows XP Taskbar - Toolbar - Start Menu

Stop Hiding Inactive Notification Area Icons

SUMMARY: Keep notification area icons on the Windows XP taskbar from disappearing for no reason.

Windows XP, in an effort to help keep the Notification Area of the Windows Taskbar uncluttered (the icons on the right side of the Taskbar, usually next to the clock) will periodically hide icons it deems inactive. This frees up more room on the Taskbar for showing running programs, and all inactive icons are accessible by clicking the left-pointed arrow to the left of the notification area.

However, if you find Windows XP frequently hiding icons that you need to use, stop it from hiding them.

1. Right-click an empty area of the Taskbar and choose "Properties".

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

3. Uncheck "Hide inactive icons".

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