If you have a large number of programs installed on your computer, you might have noticed that the right corner of Windows is jam-packed with icons that are actually shortcuts to your programs. To keep this area clean, Windows XP automatically hides the icons for any programs that have not been used recently. If you prefer to have these icons remain visible at all times, then you must disable the feature known as Hide Inactive Icons. Here’s how:

1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click the Control Panel. (If you don’t see this option, then your Start menu is in classic mode. In that case, click Settings, and then select the Control Panel.)

3. If the Control Panel is in category view, click the Appearance and Themes category, and then click the Taskbar and Start Menu icon. If the Control Panel is in classic view, simply double-click the Taskbar and Start Menu icon.

4. A window opens. Click the Taskbar tab.

5. Remove the checkmark from the Hide Inactive Icons box.

6. Click the Apply button.

7. Click the OK button.