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tool bar junk

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by xort, 2009/02/03.

  1. 2009/02/03
    xort

    xort Inactive Thread Starter

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    There are several items on the bottom tool bar I would like to get rid of.

    I've read that more stuff there slows down the computer. I tried a registry cleaner but those don't seem to have a removal tool. I don't want to remove the program completely, just from the toolbar. Is there a freeware that does this?

    Thanks
     
    xort,
    #1
  2. 2009/02/03
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You mean the Task Bar - Quicklaunch at the left and Notification Area at the right by the clock?

    Removing the icons from either will have no effect on the load on the computer, but ....

    Quicklaunch icons - right click > delete.

    Notification area - these icons are placed there by the programs which are running from startup - you need to look in each of those programs for an option not to show the icon. Not all will have that facility. Some may show the option if you right click on the tray icon.
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2009/02/03
    xort

    xort Inactive Thread Starter

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    OK, got it. Some that I have disabled re-appear when I restart the computer.

    I guess it's that these programs need to run whether they are in the tray or not.

    I have:
    java,
    win messenger (i don't use it)
    hp digital monitor (don't use it)
    local area network (don't use it)
    light scribe control panel (rarely use it)
    WLAN: on (don't need it in the tray)
    synaptics pointing device (don't need it)

    Can I / Should I get rid of any of these from startup to free up the computer?

    Thanks
     
    xort,
    #3
  5. 2009/02/03
    Johanna

    Johanna Inactive Alumni

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    Some software is designed to start with Windows, so even if you disable it during a work session, it will return as soon as the computer reboots. What you are describing in your notification area are ordinary things that should not be causing a drain on the computer's resources. If you want to select programs to start specifically, use Mike Lin's Start Up CPL and untick any programs you do not want to run at boot. You can turn optional software on yourself as you need it during a work session. Do NOT disable any of your security programs from running at boot unless you boot the computer offline.

    You might also want to tick "hide inactive icons" by choosing properties from a right click on the start button. This doesn't shut anything off, but will reduce the clutter in your peripheral vision.
    Johanna
     
    Johanna,
    #4
  6. 2009/02/03
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Java - needed for browsers - it does not run unless called for.

    Control Panel > Java - Advanced tab - Miscellaneous and uncheck 'Place Java icon in System Tray'.

    Messenger .....

    Uninstall Windows Messenger

    HP digital monitor ...

    Try Add/Remove Programs

    Local area network ....

    Part of Windows - Control Panel > Network Connections - right click on LAN > Properties and uncheck the Show icons boxes.

    Light Scribe control panel ....

    Try Control Panel or Add/Remove Programs - my optical drives do not have that facility.

    WLAN ....

    Control Panel > Network Connections - Wireless Network Connection - right click Properties - uncheck Show icons boxes

    Synaptics pointing device - that's your touchpad. Remove the icon through Control Panel > Mouse - tabs for Synaptics there and icon can be disabled.
     
    PeteC,
    #5
  7. 2009/02/03
    goddez1

    goddez1 Inactive

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    Hp digital monitor alternative:
    Check to see if a shortcut has been put in your startmenu> "startup" folder.
    Rightclick the systray notification icon and see if you have an option to disable this on startup.

    Take note of this faq from HP:
    The results of disabling this as a startup may be "printer/scanner" version and model specific.
     
    Last edited: 2009/02/03
    goddez1,
    #6

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