JSI Tip 8624. How do I use group policy to hide the Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 notification area on the taskbar?

In tip 5922 How do I hide all the items in the Windows XP Notification Area (System Tray), we used the Registry Editor to hide the notification area on the taskbar.

To use group policy to hide the notification area:

1. Use the Group Policy editor to navigate to User Configuration / Administrative Templates / Start Menu and Taskbar.

2. Double-click Hide the notification area and Enable the policy.

When this policy is Enabled, the notification area, on the right-hand side of the taskbar, is hidden, except for the system clock. Only the Start button, taskbar buttons, any configured custom toolbars, and the system clock are displayed.

NOTE: See How do I hide the clock in the Windows XP Notification Area (System Tray)?

NOTE: If you enable Hide the notification area, and the clock, the Notification Area is hidden from the taskbar.