In almost all Windows versions the time is displayed in system tray. The hour and minutes are displayed along with the AM and PM symbols.
This tutorial will teach you how to customize these AM and PM symbols. You can replace them with any desired text, e.g. your name, anything you want.
To change it:
1. Type intl.cpl in Run or startmenu searchbox and press Enter. It'll open Regional Settings window. You can also open it from Control Panel.
2. Now click on "Customize" or "Customize this format" button. It'll open another window. Go to "Time" tab:
3. Now you can change the text for AM and PM symbols to your desired string. You can also completely remove the AM, PM symbols by removing "tt" from "Time format" text box. Even you can interchange between 12 hour and 24 hour time format by using "h" and "H" respectively.
Click on "Apply" button to apply the changes, then again click on "Apply" button to close the main Regional Settings window. Now the system tray will show your desired text instead of default AM and PM symbols:
4. There is a limitation in this method. You can only type 12 characters in the AM and PM symbol text boxes. What if you want to set longer string? Then you'll need to edit Registry.
5. Open regedit and go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International
Now look for "s1159" and "s2359" string values. Both represent AM and PM symbols respectively.
6. Double-click on each string value and change its value to your desired text. Now you can use longer string without any problem:
7. Exit registry editor. Your changes will be saved immediately. If you don't see the new text in system tray, then you might need to log off or restart your system.
This article was posted in Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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Ingniton
Hey VG,
thanx for this. I only knew how to put a name after the am and pm but did not know how to put the name longer
Amal
Thanks for the good post.Keep posting
Ronald
You sir never cease to amaze, and although this is something that would seem very simple, i was able to do something i wished to do but did not know how. If i am ever asked about windows, or if i see someone that needs help with windows, i send them here first. They usually come back with the problem solved and thanking me for sending them to you. I might refrain from posting here and at mirawindows but it is only because i have nothing to contribute except praise and appreciation.
Thanks for keeping on.
Apte
good work bro
VG
Thanks guys. I really appreciate your comments.
reed
nice VG
Abdul
Bro Vishal
I was unable to display AM/PM on the taskbar. Can u help me out.
But anyway it was worth the browse. MAY GOD ALWAYS BLESS U.
VG
^^ Make sure "tt" is present at last in "Time format" box as mentioned in Point 3.
Ron
Dear Vishal,
I was wondering if you knew of a way to display the time + date + year in the notification area, when the taskbar is at its slimmest? What I mean by that is, when the taskbar is unlocked and the vertical adjustment is at its smallest. I am currently using windows classic theme vista home premium, and each vertical increment shows more detail; time, then time and day, then time, day, and date / month / year. I would like to show all and am having a hard time figuring it out. I would like to increase the notification areas horizontal size.
Thanks in advance for any time you spend helping me on this.
Much Love Ronald.
VG
^^ Sorry but its not possible.