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Windows sidebar is not working properly

After a recent windows update, the windows sidebar is messed up. Here is a picture: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=vpz3ev&s=5#.Uo4o-MR4xug
Is there any way to fix this?

Hi,

 

I would like to know some information about the issue so that we could help you better.

 

1. What happens when you click on Windows sidebar?
2. Do you receive any error message?


I would suggest you to try the following steps and check if it works for you.

 

Delete Windows Sidebar settings file
 
a. Copy and paste the following text into Start Search field exactly as it is below and press Enter.

%homepath%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Sidebar

 

b. You will be able to see two things, Gadgets folder and Settings file.

 

c. Close Windows Sidebar.

 

d. Right-click on Settings file and select "Rename"

 

e. Change the file name to Settings.old

 

f. Open Windows Sidebar and everything should be set to defaults.

 

You can now customize the sidebar to your preference.
 
I would also suggest you to add a screenshot using this article:

 

How to include a screenshot in your post
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki/windows_other-windows_programs/how-to-include-a-screenshot-in-your-post/2594b08e-32a3-476a-85a6-b021181be7e4


Please reply with the screenshot so that we can help you further.


Thanks

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Thanks for replying. When I try clicking on windows sidebar, nothing happens and there is no error message. I tried doing the steps above, but that didn't fix the problem. Also, the add image button doesn't work for me. When I try to add the image, it keeps saying "connection was reset."  Are there any other solutions I can try?

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Hello,

 

1. Which update did you install before this issue?
2. What is the KB number of the update that you installed?

 

Follow these steps to check:
a. Click Start Button.
b. In search box, type "Windows Update" and press Enter.
c. Click "view update history".

 

You will find latest updates installed with KB number.

 

Please uninstall KB update and try to reinstall it in clean boot state.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135
Note:After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps from section “How to reset the computer to start as usual after clean boot troubleshooting” to reset the computer to start as usual.

 

Thank you

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Are there any other solutions I can try?

In a Technet windows 7 forum I saw some threads discussing IE11 and broken gadgets.  Check it for yourself (search "IE11 gadgets" or similar):  Folks reported that everything was fine after they reverted to an older IE.  That might be not the best solution for you.  Windows update recommended to install IE11 this month, I didn't try this, therefore I can't tell you if it's really incompatible with the deprecated Vista sidebar gadgets.  

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Question Info

Last updated January 4, 2024 Views 2,841 Applies to: