Member Avatar for thumper714

I am using Windows XP on my computer. I have a problem with trying to keep the horn or should I say volume control icon on my taskbar. In order for it to stay, I have to go into the control panel after I turn on the computer. I have to then go into sound, uncheck, hit apply, then recheck and hit apply in order for my icon to show on the bottom of my taskbar. I have no idea why when it is checked off to be on my taskbar it just won't stay there after I turn off my computer and then on. Can anyone help me figure this thing out? I have done scan disks, defrag, everything that I can think of to get it to automatically come up along with my virus icons, etc. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Dani AI

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Short, practical explanation and next steps based on what described (and the hints from and ): the speaker icon in XP is not just a checkbox — the shell (SysTray/Systray.exe) and the volume program (SndVol32.exe) must detect an active mixer/driver and actually start for the icon to appear. That means the control-panel flag can look correct but the underlying component didn’t initialize at logon, or the volume program file is missing/damaged, or the tray/icon cache is corrupted. (learn.microsoft.com)

Quick, non-destructive checks (do these first): try to run the volume program manually and note any error.

Start -> Run -> sndvol32.exe

If you get an error like “program not installed,” restore the file from a retail Windows XP install CD (do not use a vendor “recovery” disc). Example (replace X: with your CD drive):

expand -r X:\i386\sndvol32.ex_ %windir%\system32

Then reboot and test. The expand/restore step is the standard Microsoft-recommended fix when sndvol32 is missing. (sony-asia.com)

If SndVol runs but the icon still won’t appear at logon, try these next checks: make sure the Windows Audio service (and its dependencies) are set to Automatic and running; clear the notification-area cache (backup registry first) by deleting the IconStreams and PastIconsStream values under

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TrayNotify

then restart Explorer (End explorer.exe and start it again). If Explorer or the tray isn’t launching the icon at startup, confirm the system tray is actually starting (some repairs restore a missing systray startup entry). Back up the registry before editing and proceed cautiously. (learn.microsoft.com)

If those steps don’t solve it, the remaining safe actions are: reinstall or update the audio driver, run sfc /scannow, and scan for malware (some scanners quarantine system files). If help is still needed, note any error messages seen when running sndvol32.exe or when adding the icon — that text is the best clue for the next step.

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Member Avatar for MAD_DOG

Man reinstall the ServicePack or the Operating system. Did you install your sound card "software" not drivers on that computer? Let us know.

Member Avatar for thumper714

Hi, I just checked, the service pack is up to date, and all the software was installed properly. I have no idea what and how to do next. My son just searched and tried and nothing worked for him. I can't do a system restore because I also had another problem and just corrected it all so I have a new restore point. Every morning so far, I have been having to go into the control panel, uncheck and recheck to have my icon pop up on the task bar, don't know why and don't know what else to try. I tried going on the Microsoft website and there was nothing there for Windows XP troubleshooting about the icon, only for earlier versions of windows. Helppp please, thanks

Member Avatar for blud

If you right click on the start menu, then goto properties, there should be a box called 'hide inactive icons' uncheck that and see if this fixes your issue.

Member Avatar for MAD_DOG

Yeah I agree try werid things keeps doing it do a virus scan scan for spyware if all fails try to reinstall the SP manually again.

Let us know how it goes.

Member Avatar for thumper714

I want to thank you for all your help, I played around and did weird things, and guess what? It now comes up automatically now when I boot up the computer. Thanks again, I really appreciated all the help. :)

Member Avatar for MAD_DOG

Cool deal glad "we" can help enjoy

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