How to Restore Tray Icons in Vista

Microsoft Windows Vista gives users options to adjust and tweak the operating system to fit their individual needs. One of the various options is to change how Vista displays the tray icons that normally display under default system settings. The option to change how tray icons display is useful to some, and it can be reversed if a user changes her mind and would like to restore the system tray icons.

Instructions

1. Right-click over the task bar and look over the menu that appears. The bottom option is Properties. Click the "Properties" option. A window titled "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties" opens.

2. Click the tab that says "Notification Area." This tab allows you to control how your icons display.

3. Select the customizable options to choose which icons you want to hide or display on the "Notification Area" tab.

4. Click the "Customize" button under the icons section of "Notification Area." A new window opens with more options. Click the "Default Settings" button and then click "OK."

5. Return to the "Notification Area" tab and click the "Apply" button. Then click "OK." The window closes and your tray icons are restored.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have several icons in your task tray, try setting your task bar to automatically hide inactive icons to save space.

References

• Fix for Missing Icons in System Tray