Vista: Remove "Safely remove hardware" icon?

[Drox]

When I turn on the computer, the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in the bottom right corner of the screen appears (on the taskbar), even though I don't have any devices plugged in (other than a keyboard and mouse).

What is causing this and how do I get rid of or disable the icon?

[Dfg]

Try clicking the icon and see if it shows any devices connected.

Related problem:
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12546_10...hreadID=244496

Another approach:
http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/...hardware-icon/

Hint focus on the drives being optimized for portability.

In short post your system specs and Windows Vista version.

[Drox]

I can't follow the instructions in the first link as my Registry seems to be missing the bolded part. It's just not there.

1. Click Start -> Run
2. Execute regedit
3. Navigate to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\nvata

4. Click Edit
5. Select New > DWORD value
6. Name this DWORD: DisableRemovable
7. Double click this new DWORD and set its value to one (1).
8. Close Regedit and reboot

The second link offers advice on how to hide it (but I want to get rid of it completely) and tells you about a third-party program you have to pay for (which I think is ridiculous to get rid of one icon).




As for specs:

Acer Aspire M5201
Windows Vista Home Premium
Service Pack 1
AMD Phenom 9550 Quad-Core Processor 2.20 GHz
4 GB RAM
64-Bit OS

[Dfg]

Originally Posted by Drox

I can't follow the instructions in the first link as my Registry seems to be missing the bolded part. It's just not there.




The second link offers advice on how to hide it (but I want to get rid of it completely) and tells you about a third-party program you have to pay for (which I think is ridiculous to get rid of one icon).




As for specs:

Acer Aspire M5201
Windows Vista Home Premium
Service Pack 1
AMD Phenom 9550 Quad-Core Processor 2.20 GHz
4 GB RAM
64-Bit OS

Upgrade to Windows Vista Service Pack 2 first.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...6b7ce1033.mspx

[BlackopsNinja]

Mine is there because for some reason my harddrive registers as a device. I've tried disabling it and it wont let me. I pretty much just forget about it.

[Dfg]

Originally Posted by BlackopsNinja

Mine is there because for some reason my harddrive registers as a device. I've tried disabling it and it wont let me. I pretty much just forget about it.

Check this link:
http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/...hardware-icon/

Focus on the drive settings.

[Drox]

Alright, I've upgraded to Service Pack 2.

I checked the Registry again and that nvata file is still missing.

[Dfg]

Originally Posted by Drox

Alright, I've upgraded to Service Pack 2.

I checked the Registry again and that nvata file is still missing.

Does the ICON disappear?

Okay this is an easy fix:
To access Windows Vista's "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties", right-click on an empty area of the taskbar, and click Properties. A window will open, with the Taskbar tab selected, revealing the Taskbar Appearance settings:

Go to Notification tab and then select the icon and against it use this setting "Hide icon and notification". Doing this will remove the icon.

[Drox]

I don't have the option to select "Hide icon and notification".

The only options I have are: Hide, Show, and Hide when inactive.

[Dfg]

Originally Posted by Drox

I don't have the option to select "Hide icon and notification".

The only options I have are: Hide, Show, and Hide when inactive.

Use Hide.

I am on Windows 7, so it's bit tough for me .

[Drox]

Eh, I've been using Hide for a while, but the icon is still there though, taking up unnecessary space.

I'd ultimately like to have it removed completely, so I won't even need to hide it.