After months of use on a Vista machine, the little battery power remaining icon disappeared from the system tray (or whatever they call it now...) I have looked everywhere, but can't seem to figure out how to get it to reappear. It is useful with a laptop on battery power, without having to go into Mobility Center. Thanks.

Try right clicking on the taskbar and selecting Properties
Then click on the Notification Area tab
Under System icons, check the box for Power and click OK to save the settings.

I should have remembered that... thanks!