Clearing or modifying notification area

Category: Geeks r Us

Post 1 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Saturday, 26-Apr-2008 21:49:22

Hey all. I using windows xps2.

I've been reading all over the net, trying to figure out how to have more control over my systray notification area. I know of the usual hide when inactive business, but I want to do more. I noticed there is now 33 items under the customization box. Thing like 2 logitech quickcam, which I have removed that software. Or your computer hasn't been restarted since the last update.

So, with all that said, here's my question... The following is the only fix I can find, but it involves the regedit. Scary time!

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerTrayNotify
Delete IconStreams and PastIconsStream

Is something you tech folks would do? How much of a no brainer is it? Or having these items in the notification are, not really a big deal?

Thanks for the input. I'd like to have more control over what exists there, but I'm not sure if I want to use regedit.

Post 2 by skpoet711 (Zone BBS is my Life) on Sunday, 27-Apr-2008 1:35:18

start, run, mscofig, startup tab
services tab
each of those contains progs that can be start or stopped
Don't need to play with registry if you don't have to.
right click start menu, properties, there you can find a list of progs to hide, always show, show if not needed or however its worded.

Post 3 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Sunday, 27-Apr-2008 9:12:22

Ok, if I go to the msconfig and the start up tab, it'll mean I computer will start up in selective mode, right? Is this a big deal?

Also, if I modify the start up tab, will it change thing in the notification area?

It is too bad there isn't a way to stop programs/aps from automaticly dropping themselves in that area.

Thanks for help.

Post 4 by CallMeAl (Veteran Zoner) on Sunday, 27-Apr-2008 9:50:17

I bought a program called Win Patrol that's great at handling this stuff. There is a free version and a plus version. The difference in the plus version is that it will bring up an informational page about any item you're curious about, so you can make a more informed decision as to whether or not to remove the item.

If you want more info, go to:
http://www.winpatrol.com

Post 5 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Sunday, 27-Apr-2008 9:59:46

Thank you, I'll check out win patrol. I just compared my startup tab and the notification area, startup has 22 items and notification area has 32. The things that bother me are like the logitech, I got rid of that webcam. Also the winamp agent, it has something sitting their for one of my radio stations. Java has 2 or 3 things sitting there.

Maybe win patrol can help me out.