Why did my yahoo desktop icon change?

Yahoo messenger 10 system tray icon dissapears?

• I have seen alot of older posts about this for older versions of windows and yahoo messenger, but nothing recent that has an answer to my question. I've had to post this twice now since there is an expiry on questions and my question was not answered with a solution or resolution despite it being closed with an answer that was not helpful. I am using yahoo messenger version 10 on both my pc and netbook, using vista and windows 7 starter respectively. After having yim on for a while the system tray icon for it just disappears, but every other system tray icon is still there. Task manager says yim is still running and I can sill receive messages (and send them but only when I've received a message, because I have no access to my buddy list) but there is no tray icon to access it with. Does anyone know how to fix this for either or both os'? I'm not looking to pin anything to the start menu or task bar, as that leaves an open task and large space on my task bar making it more crowded nor am I wanting to put a launch program icon on my already crowded desktop. I have a quick launch icon placed, so also don't need a desktop icon. The problem is my icon in the task tray (that little area next to the clock, that icon that shows up after the program has been launched) will just plain disappear after a while. Even clicking the quick launch icon doesn't bring back the system tray icon or maximize the hidden minimized program. Having the system tray icon is useful as I can change my status or status message simply by right clicking it and choosing the option, but if there is no icon in the system tray I can't even maximize the program to change it or access my buddy list to send messages. Anyone know a fix for this?

• Answer:

  As the problem is common to 2 machines and related to the Contact List - I suspect you have a problem with your account - you can try making a second account on one machine to prove it but do the malware check first. It would appear your Contact List is disappearing when you are in the 'Idle' mode - so increase the elapsed time here while you investigate Contact List > Messenger > Preferences > Privacy - ramp up the time > Apply > OK Malware check 1) Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool Hold down the "Windows key" ( Bottom row with flag ) and press R Type in ..... MRT ..... and press 'OK' Run the tool from your desktop using a full scan 2) Malwarebytes Download the free Malwarebytes program and run a full scan. It will deal with anything it finds without having to upgrade to the paid version http://www.malwarebytes.org/ 3) Scan your Windows files for errors and repair (automatic) Hold down the Windows key and press R Paste in ... sfc /scannow ....and click OK Notification Area Right click a blank area of the Notification Area, to the right of the clock and select 'Properties' select 'Taskbar' on the NA window at the bottom check the box to "Hide inactive icons" this will allow the "Customize" button to be used Click the 'customize' button and find the Messenger icon - click on the text to show the dropbox and select 'always show' > OK > Apply > OK First time I have ever seen this problem posted and any feedback will be appreciated you can click on my avatar to message me. Don't forget to clear your Messenger Cache http://help.yahoo.com/kb/index?page=answers&startover=y&y=PROD_MSNG_MSNG10&source=product.landing_search&question_box=clear+messenger+cache