How to Delete Programs Out of a System Tray in XP
You can reduce the number of program icons in your Windows XP system tray in a few steps. XP refers to the taskbar zone next to the clock as the "notification area." The notification area shows icons of all the programs running on the system. The only way to remove an icon from this area is to delete the program. The other option is to change the icon behavior. You tell it to hide. This removes clutter from the system tray and you can still view all the icons when you want to.
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Instructions
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Right-click on an unoccupied spot on the taskbar (near the system tray / notification area). This is the band with the "Start" menu and the clock on it. Press the area of the mouse to your right to right-click. At the bottom of the menu that comes up, click on "Properties" (it's at the bottom of the list).
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Click on the box labeled "Hide Inactive Icons." It's at the bottom of the "Notification Area," located halfway down in "Properties."
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Click on the "Customize" button, located to the right of the box, to hide inactive icons.
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Read the menu of all the program icons. The right-hand column, labeled "Behavior," allows you to change whether the icon always shows, always hidden or hidden when inactive. Click on the phrase next to the first program icon you want to change, and select either "Always hide," or "Hide when inactive." That choice means the icon shows up when the program is active, then automatically goes back into hiding. Go down the list and set each program icon to do what you want.
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Make a list of any programs that you no longer use that are on XP notification area list. If you are certain they are programs you don't use and want to get rid of, go to Control Panel. (Click " Start," then click "Control Panel." Click on "Add or Remove Programs." Click "Remove" for the programs you want to remove, one at a time. Some programs will prompt you to to restart Windows to complete the uninstall. To see the hidden icons in Windows XP, press the arrow on the task bar on the left of the icons.
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Tips & Warnings
To remove the Volume Control from the System Tray / Notification Area, go to "Control Panel." Click on "Sounds and Audio devices." Check or uncheck the box "Place volume icon in the taskbar."
Use this same procedure to hide new program icons as they appear in the system tray.
Refrain from removing programs if you aren't sure what they are.
