If you’re looking for a way to get the classic style network activity indicator back in Windows 7, there are a few ways to go about it. One way is to use the Windows Update tool. Another way is to use the System Restore tool. And finally, another way is to use the command prompt. All three of these methods can be used in combination, so it’s important that you take note of which one works best for your situation. The Windows Update tool The first method that we’ll look at is using the Windows Update tool. This tool can be found in the Start menu and it will open up a window that will allow you to check for updates. Once you have checked for updates, you will need to click on the update button and then select Install from Updates. After installation has completed, you will need to restart your computer and then reopen Windows 7 and try again with the update tool. This process should work every time. The System Restore tool The second method that we’ll look at is using the System Restore tool. This tool can be found in Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > System Restore . Once it has been opened, it will look like this: (If this isn’t visible, make sure that your computer has been restarted.) In this window, you will need to select which folders or files should be restored: The Classic Style Network Activity Indicator folder or The Current Folder . After selecting which folders or files should be restored, click on OK . After restoration has completed, you will need to restart your computer and then reopen Windows 7 and try again with the system restore tool. This process should work every time. The command prompt Finally, we’ll look at using the command prompt as our final method of getting back classic style network activity indicator in Windows 7. To do this, we first need to open up
Before
Here is the default “Network Activity Indicator” in one of our example systems…regardless of what is going on it looks pretty lifeless (and boring).
Setup
When you download the app it will be in a zip file and contain only three files. Once you have unzipped the contents you will need to create a “Program Files” folder, place the contents inside, and create a convenient shortcut. Now you are ready to “replace” the default “Network Activity Indicator” and enjoy some classic goodness.
After
As soon as you start the app you will have two “Network Activity Indicator” icons temporarily displaying in your “System Tray”.
Time to make the default “Network Activity Indicator” disappear. Use the “Customize Command” to open the “Notification Area Icons Window”.
Scroll through and set the default “Network Activity Indicator” to “Hide icon and notifications”…
And set “NetworkIndicator.exe” to “Show icon and notifications”. Click “OK” when you are finished.
Now you can easily see when network activity is occurring.
Menus & Settings
This is the “Right Click Menu” for the app… You can access the settings from here and to close it you will actually need to click on “Close Menu”.
Here are the settings. You can customize the “Blink Duration” and set the app to automatically load when Windows starts.
Conclusion
If you have been wanting a “Network Activity Indicator” that shows more life than the default built into Windows 7, then you should definitely give this app a try.
Links
Download the Network Activity Indicator for Windows 7 (version 1.7)
