Now that the new Windows 7 RC is out, I think I should write some blog posts on it. One of the more annoying features of Windows Live Messenger + Windows 7 is that Messenger no longer docks in the system tray where it’s supposed to be.
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No Messenger!

Instead, it puts itself where all of the other icons are, making the taskbar look more cluttered. Here’s how to fix that.
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Doesn’t that look a little cluttered and confusing?

First, before you do anything, close down Messenger by mouse-ing over the Messenger icon and pushing the redimagebutton.
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Then, open the start menu and type in “Windows Live Messenger”, then right-click on “Windows Live Messenger”, and click “Properties”.
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In the window that pops up, click “Compatibility”, check “Run the program in compatibility mode for:”, click the drop-down box, then click “Windows Vista”. Now you can click “OK”.
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Now start Windows Live Messenger by clicking the “Start Orb” then type in “Windows Live Messenger”. Click “Windows Live Messenger”.
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Now you can say good-bye to the taskbar icon! The icon is back in the system tray where it should be.
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Enjoy!
P.S. This technique can also

be used for Windows Live Mail and other applications that used to have their icons appear in the system tray.