Windows Vista changing settings

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I'm having problems with my settings for the notification area on my laptop. It runs on Vista, unfortunately, and regularly changes the settings for the icons to view on my notification area. Using my laptop as I should, ie. on the battery, for a lot of the time, i need the battery life icon to be displayed. However, invariably the next time I go onto my laptop. the icon has disappeared from the notification area, and when I open my control panel to reset it, the option to check the relevant box is not highlighted. its not until I've shut down the computer and restarted it (much later, sometimes the next day) is the option box highlighted again. Please help, I'm fed up having to do this every time I log on!!