Verified answer

In XP you can view the battery life using the battery icon in the taskbar clock area (system tray). To turn it on (in XP):

Control Panel -> Power Options -> Power Meter tab.

1. Open the Control Panel's Power Options icon.

2. Click on the Advanced tab.

3. Click on the box by the Always Show Icon on the Taskbar option to put a check mark.

4. Click OK.

Hope that helps!