Windows Vista 64 bit taskbar - how does something go from a current item to a past item?

Before I attempt what you did, what was the result of those three keystrokes? Did the taskbar disappear completely or did you lose a task?

If it doesn’t show you may have it on “auto-hide” where it will only show when you run over it with your mouse pointer. You may have also moved it so move your pointer across all edges.

The result of those three keystrokes will show you some items that are listed as current, and other items listed as past. I didn’t loose the task bar.

I’m guessing that if an item does not activate in the taskbar within a set amount of time, it will fall into the “past” category (mine includes USB devices I have not hooked up recently). I don’t know what that time period may be. I’ll fish around some and let you know if I find some info.

I guess they don’t want to share with us how much time is involved. From taskbar, general description, help: “To reduce clutter, Windows hides icons in the notification area when you haven’t used them in a while. If icons become hidden, click the Show hidden icons button to temporarily display the hidden icons.” (emphasis mine)