I seem to have lost my volume bar on the system tray and I'm not sure how to get it back. It was there when I first got my laptop but now it's disappeared.

Although it's not a problem most of the time, when I'm watching DVD's it is. There is a button to turn the volume up on the laptop but even on maximum volume when watching DVD's, the volume isn't always enough. And I think I remember the volume bar not being on full before it disappeared. Would anybody help me to solve this problem?

You're not Robinson Crusoe!

The answer's here: Volume Missing!

I looked at that post and followed through the steps. But I'm afraid I'm still in a bit of a jumble.

The 'Place volume on task bar icon' is unticked but when I try to tick it this error message comes up.

"Windows cannot display the volume control on the taskbar because the Volume Control program has not been installed. To install it, use Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel."

I went to Add/Remove but I can't find anything that sounds like it will install the Volume Control program.

In Add/Remove programs, there should be a an "Add/Remove Windows Components" or "Windows Setup Option". Under "Multimedia" )or something similar, perhaps "Ëntertainment" there is - I think - a box beside "Volume Control", which should be checked.

I'm not sure this works, but it's worth a try. (I speak from memory: I'm using a version of Windows XP right now that doesn't seem to have this option, but I remember it being available when I used '98.)

Yes I'm using XP and I looked for this option and it's not there.

But you did help me in another instance. I just recovered the Microsoft games such as Solitaire, Freecell and the rest...some of which I couldn't find running a search of drive C. I also recovered Calculator and a few of my other Accessories that went missing. Everything seems to be disappearing! So thanks achernar, for helping me get on the right direction with that.

I'll keep searching for clues on fixing the Volume Control problem in the meantime.

Hello blurrystar

Do you have your XP installation disk handy? Have a read of this and follow the step-by-step instructions under the Resolution heading.

Just one tip: In the instructions where it says: system_root. Change that bit for: c:\windows (see the bold type just below that part).

Well, a year later I finally decided to really tackle this problem and I posted it in Computing Net forums today. And I have my volume icon back, today! Very great service.

My computer did not come with a Windows XP CD, so I tried to find the file sndvol32.exe on my computer but no success even using the Search.

Then this person pointed me to this site, www.relaxingsoftware.com/sndvol32.exe so I downloaded the file, and followed the rest of their instructions.

And voila, I have my volume icon back. Woohoo!