Fix System Tray Tooltips in Windows XP - Troubleshooting Guide

Windows XP System Tray Tooltip Issue and Solutions

A frustrating bug exists within Windows XP where system tray tooltips and popup notifications can unexpectedly appear obscured, positioned behind the taskbar or other active windows.

This can be particularly disruptive when relying on these tooltips for information or guidance.

Temporary Fix: Taskbar Properties Adjustment

While a definitive solution remains elusive, a workaround can often restore functionality. This involves a quick modification of the taskbar properties.

The steps to implement this temporary fix are as follows:

• Right-click on the taskbar and select "Properties" from the context menu.
• Within the Taskbar Properties window, locate and uncheck the option labeled "Keep taskbar on top of other windows".
• Click the "Apply" button to save the changes.
• Re-check the "Keep taskbar on top of other windows" option.
• Click "Apply" once more to finalize the adjustment.

This process will typically resolve the issue, bringing tooltips and notifications back into view. However, it's important to note that this is not a permanent fix.

The problem may recur, necessitating repetition of these steps in the future.

Permanent Solution: NeoSmart ToolTipFixer

NeoSmart has developed a dedicated application designed to address this specific Windows XP issue.

ToolTipFixer offers a more consistent solution, although it requires continuous operation in the background.

For users frequently encountering this problem, the persistent background process is a reasonable trade-off for reliable tooltip visibility.

You can download ToolTipFixer directly from NeoSmart.