How to Minimize Skype to Windows 7 System Tray (Notification Area)

This is a paraphrase concerning Skype, from the original article at mydigitallife.info. All credit for this article should go exclusively to the original author. The purpose of re-iterating it here is strictly archival. Please thank the author for this excellent tip.

Changes in design behavior for Windows 7 causes many software applications to minimize (a behavior initiated by clicking the 'X' in some software) to the Taskbar instead of minimizing to the system tray (The area where the time and date are displayed in the lower right hand corner of the desktop; now called the notification area). You will notice this behavior in Skype 4.2 and newer.

Here's the workaround to minimize Skype to the notification tray on Windows 7.

Updated Skype Built-In Method

1. In Skype, go to Tools -> Options.
2. Then, click on Advanced tab to go to Advanced settings.
3. Uncheck and untick the Keep Skype in the taskbar while I’m signed in option.
   
4. Click Save button, and the Skype button or icon will be removed from Taskbar on minimize.

Note: You won’t see the option if the Skype is in compatibility mode.
Compatibility Mode Method

1. Exit or quit from Skype program.
2. Right click on Skype icon on Desktop or Skype shortcut in Start Menu, and select Properties.
   
3. Go to Compatibility tab.
4. Under “Compatibility Mode’ section, check and tick the checkbox for Run this program in compatibility mode for: option.
5. In the below drop-down box, select Windows Vista (Service Pack 2).
   
6. Click OK.
7. Start the Skype program, and now it should minimize to system tray.
   
   

Gadgets Toggle Script

I like a nice tidy desktop, but I also like to have access to my gadgets when I need them. I like to keep things efficient and fast too, so I went on a search for a script that would toggle my desktop gadgets on and off. This was what I found. It works really well too, though I made just a few cosmetic tweaks to the code.

http://www.wiseontech.com/hack/quick-script-to-showhide-windows-gadgets

Digsby IM Reviewed

I recently downloaded a new Instant Messaging software called Digsby. I used Pidgin for years which is amazing IM software, but Digsby has more functionality and special features such as popups that let you know when new email is received or updates are made on popular social networking sites, etc.

It's very functional, but there has been some dispute as to just how honest the people at Digsby are? They have taken steps in the right direction and it seems that they are more scrupulous than before by removing much of their crapware from the installer. Kudos to them for that.

Just be aware while installing the software that many options are selected by default such as an Ask.com toolbar. Here are the screenshots from the entire installation process for build 25261, as of this post.

Screen 1

Screen 2

Screen 3 - Deselect these options to kill the toolbar

Screen 4

Screen 5 - I only selected the top option to Launch automatically

Enjoy the software, it really is great except for the installer, and let me know what you think.

P.S. Does the Digsby guy remind anyone else of Homestar Runner? lol

Biometrics Fix

I have read that many people have had issues with the biometrics (fingerprint) scanner not working in Windows 7 while trying to use it to login for a second time. For most, including myself, it always worked the first time but after putting the PC to sleep and trying to login again, it wouldn't work.

After searching all over for a fix, I was unable to find anything that helped. So I waited patiently, and now it appears that Microsoft may have released a fix for the issue. I am running Windows 7 Professional (Build 7600) on an Asus C90S Laptop with an integrated biometrics scanner below the touch pad.

All I did was to temporarily turn on Windows Update and do a scan. Under the "Optional" updates section Windows should have detected an available update for the biometrics driver. At least there was for me, that's how I fixed it. I can't promise this will be available for everyone, but it worked for me.

Best of luck. Please feel free to respond with your own fixes if different from those already posted here.

Compatibility

I've found a strange issue with an ASUS utility called Turbo Gear that is compatible with Vista but apparently was the cause of me not being able to right-click the recycle bin on my desktop. It also caused issues with my system tray and other applications I have installed.

I would recommend not installing Turbo Gear.