Windows 7 systems tray network icon does not show connections pop-up

Hi,

Try these however I would recommend you ask in the TechNet forums also as possibly more
there have seen this happen. Usually its the icon itself that disappears, not the functionality
as you are experiencing.

Try the methods below and if no success ask in TechNet.

Windows 7 IT Pro Forums
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/category/w7itpro

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Do these to clear corruption and repair/replace damaged/missing system files.

Start - type in Search box -  COMMAND   find at top of list -  RIGHT CLICK  -  RUN AS ADMIN

sfc /scannow

How to Repair Windows 7 System Files with System File Checker
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Then run checkdisk (chkdsk).

How to Run Disk Check in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

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After the above do this : (NIC and Wifi here are interchangeable in the sense that both need to be
done though you can do whichever you use first.)

Do this :

Control Panel - Network - write down make and model of Wifi - double click on it -
driver's tab - write down version - click Update Driver (may not do anything as MS
is far behind certifying drivers). Then Right Click on Wifi/NIC Device and UNINSTALL
- Reboot - this will refresh the driver stack.

If needed download the drivers on another machine and transfer them to the problem computer via
removable media such as CD - DVD - or a USB drive.

Manually look at manufacturer's sites for drivers - and Device Maker's sites.
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/driverssupport/ht/driverdlmfgr.htm

Installing and updating drivers in Windows 7 (updating drivers manually using the methods 
below is preferred to ensure the latest drivers from System maker and Device makers are
found)
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/43216-installing-updating-drivers-7-a.html

Download - SAVE - go to where you put it - Right Click - RUN AS ADMIN.

You can download several at once however reboot after you install each one.

After looking at the System Maker's you can check Device Maker's for even newer versions.
(The ones from System maker become your fallbacks).

Repeat above for network card (NIC) and is a good time to get other updated drivers as Windows
7 loves updated drivers.

======================================

If needed :

How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

=======================================

Other possibilities include something running is interferring - suspect antivirus/security programs
among others.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or Windows 7
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

How to Change, Add, or Remove Startup Programs in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1401-startup-programs-change.html

Autoruns - Free - See what programs are configured to startup automatically when your system
boots and you login. Autoruns also shows you the full list of Registry and file locations where
applications can configure auto-start settings.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

Hope this helps.