What is this odd icon on my Win 7 taskbar?

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by Cache, Nov 15, 2016.

  1. Cache

    Cache Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2016
    Posts:
    445
    Location:
    Mercia
    Grateful if anyone can help. This strange "icon" has recently appeared to the right of my Start button. Mousing over it or left clicking on it just creates a moveable horizontal two-headed white arrow and right clicking produces the menu as though it were a blank part of the Taskbar. Only noticed it recently and I've no idea what it is.
    Task.PNG
     
  2. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Posts:
    14,881
    Location:
    Slovenia, EU
    You can rightclick on taskbar and check if you have any toolbars enabled. If you have, just disable it and it will disappear.
     
  3. Cache

    Cache Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2016
    Posts:
    445
    Location:
    Mercia
    Thanks Minimalist. It is indeed part of the Lenovo Power Manager Toolbar which I have always had enabled as I like the battery status that it displays on the RHS of the toolbar. Odd though that this "icon" on the LHS has only just appeared.

    BatteryStatus.PNG
     
  4. Minimalist

    Minimalist Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Posts:
    14,881
    Location:
    Slovenia, EU
    Yes that's strange. If I have any toolbar enabled this separator is shown next to start button. IDK why it showed on your taskbar just now.
     
  5. Cache

    Cache Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2016
    Posts:
    445
    Location:
    Mercia
    One of Windows' little mysteries! Anyway good to know it's nothing to worry about.
     
  6. emmjay

    emmjay Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2010
    Posts:
    1,540
    Location:
    Triassic
    I have the same Start Orb Icon with <---> as shown in your attachment. Never noticed it before. NB: I have a Lenovo Laptop too.
     
  7. Cache

    Cache Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2016
    Posts:
    445
    Location:
    Mercia
    Thanks emmjay - that's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this!
     
  8. T-RHex

    T-RHex Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2009
    Posts:
    152
    It's the gripper-bar for the toolbar; you can drag it to reposition or resize each toolbar (if you have more than one showing). If you right-click on the toolbar and select "Lock the toolbar" it will disappear (so that toolbars cannot be accidentally moved or resized). Perhaps you previously had it locked? Unless you have a hidden toolbar that you were unaware of, it should be normal. And I too have the Lenovo Power Manager Toolbar and the bar showing all the time -- I'm just so used to it, I don't really notice it anymore.
     
  9. Cache

    Cache Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2016
    Posts:
    445
    Location:
    Mercia
    @T-RHex Many thanks for the great explanation. :)

    I must have unlocked the Taskbar accidentally and not realised. Mystery solved!
     
  10. T-RHex

    T-RHex Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2009
    Posts:
    152
    You're welcome. As long as it didn't show up because of a new toolbar that you weren't aware of (if you installed anything recently). Just check the list under "Toolbars" from the right-click menu and look for anything odd.

    I've hit it at times when aiming for either "Task Manager" or "Properties". Trigger finger's not what it used to be, ...
     
  11. Cache

    Cache Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2016
    Posts:
    445
    Location:
    Mercia
    Thanks again. I had already checked under Toolbars though and Power Manager is the only one ticked so all looks well. I know exactly what you mean by "Trigger finger's not what it used to be, ..." I'm the same these days! :(
     
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.