System Tray

System Tray

NeXroll includes a lightweight system tray application for quick access and background operation.

Overview

The system tray app (NeXrollTray.exe) provides:

• Quick access to the web UI
• Service management controls
• Update checking
• Status monitoring
• Minimal resource usage

Installation

The tray app is installed automatically with NeXroll. During installation, you can choose:

• Start with Windows: Auto-launch tray app on login
• Install as Windows Service: Enable service management features

Tray Icon

The tray icon appears in the Windows notification area (system tray). Right-click for menu options.

Menu Options

• Open: Launches http://localhost:9393 in default browser
• Start Service: Starts the NeXroll Windows Service (if installed)
• Stop Service: Stops the NeXroll Windows Service
• Restart Service: Restarts the NeXroll Windows Service
• Start App (portable): Runs NeXroll directly (non-service mode)
• Check for updates: Checks GitHub for newer versions
• About: Shows version and system information
• GitHub: Opens NeXroll repository in browser
• Exit: Closes the tray application

Auto-Start

When "Start with Windows" is selected during installation:

• Tray app launches automatically on user login
• Runs in background with minimal resource usage
• Survives system restarts

Service Management

If Windows Service is installed, the tray provides service controls:

Starting the Service

# Via tray menu
Right-click tray icon → Start Service

# Via command line
NeXrollService.exe start

Stopping the Service

# Via tray menu
Right-click tray icon → Stop Service

# Via command line
NeXrollService.exe stop

Service Status

The tray icon changes to indicate service status:

• Green: Service running
• Red: Service stopped
• Yellow: Service starting/stopping

Update Checking

The "Check for updates" feature:

• Queries GitHub Releases API
• Compares current version with latest release
• Shows dialog with update information
• Provides direct download link

Portable Mode

"Start App (portable)" runs NeXroll without the Windows Service:

• Useful for testing or when service isn't needed
• Runs in user context
• Can be used alongside or instead of service

Configuration

The tray app uses minimal configuration:

• Auto-start: Controlled by installer option
• Service integration: Automatic detection
• Update check interval: Manual only (no background checking)

Troubleshooting

Tray Icon Not Visible

Solutions:

• Run "NeXroll Tray" from Start Menu
• Check Task Manager for running NeXrollTray.exe
• Restart the tray application
• Reinstall if corrupted

Menu Not Responding

Symptoms: Right-click doesn't show menu

Solutions:

• Try left-click first
• Restart tray app
• Check for Windows theme issues
• Verify no other tray apps interfering

Service Controls Disabled

Symptoms: Service menu options grayed out

Solutions:

• Verify Windows Service is installed
• Check service status in Services.msc
• Run installer repair
• Check user permissions

High Resource Usage

Symptoms: Tray app using excessive CPU/memory

Solutions:

• Restart tray application
• Check for conflicts with other tray apps
• Disable Windows visual effects
• Update to latest version

Logs

Tray app logs are written to:

%ProgramData%\NeXroll\logs\tray.log

Advanced Usage

Command Line Options

NeXrollTray.exe /silent    # No startup notifications
NeXrollTray.exe /debug     # Verbose logging

Registry Settings

Tray settings are stored in:

HKCU\Software\NeXroll\Tray

Custom Icons

The tray icon can be customized by replacing:

C:\Program Files\NeXroll\icons\tray.ico

Integration

With Windows Service

• Tray monitors service status
• Provides start/stop controls
• Shows service health

With Web UI

• Quick launch access
• Status synchronization
• Update notifications

With Windows

• Follows system theme
• Integrates with notification area
• Respects power management

Security Considerations

• Runs with user privileges
• No elevated permissions required
• Secure token handling
• No network access (except for updates)

Performance

• Memory usage: ~10-20 MB
• CPU usage: <1% when idle
• Startup time: <2 seconds
• Background operation: Minimal impact

Uninstallation

The tray app is removed during NeXroll uninstallation:

• Removes auto-start entries
• Cleans registry settings
• Removes shortcuts

Development

For developers working on the tray app:

# Main entry point
if __name__ == "__main__":
    from NeXroll.tray_app import main
    main()

The tray app uses:

• pystray for system tray functionality
• PIL for icon handling
• Windows API for service management