Windows Sidebar

When I boot into Vista I often get a message telling me that Windows Sidebar has failed to start, or something to this effect.

I am then told that sidebar was closed to protect my data.

However, the clock appears.

How can I rectify the sidebar issue, why does the clock start, is it not part of sidebar?

Thanks

 

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/114722-windows-sidebar-enable-disable.html, try this my friend and see if it helps.

 

I believe that Windows Sidebar starts and sometimes completes, but often fails to complete.

Windows Sidebar is mentioned in the registry.

I was thinking that it might be a software conflict, for example, my anti-virus program (Avira) usually downloads new definitions soon after booting. It could, of course, be another program that is conflicting, or none at all.

A

 

Considering MS disabled the widgets for Windows 7 over security issues, I wouldn't be surprised if this is something similar that Avira has done with the Vista sidebar. I was looking over some Avira scans of Vista on the Avira forum, and I did see evidence that the program scans sidebar .exe and all its components (or did as of last year). Totally a guess, but I wouldn't be surprised if Avira is causing the message (if so sounds like they made an exception of the clock widget)...

I suppose to get rid of the message you could follow NickT's advice and shut down the sidebar, or you could try making an exclusion for sidebar.exe in the Avira exclusions list (I am just assuming you can exclude processes from Avira scans, since I have always used Avast!). Then again, this might be a default setting in Avira for Vista and therefore impossible to get around the sidebar shutdown...

I happened to find your message on the Avira forum from a Google search, so hopefully someone there will answer your question more knowledgably...

 

Ref. AtlBo

Thank you.

This is a very helpful response.

I will post of the Avira board and see what the 'experts' have to say.

Best wishes.

A

 

You need to just remove the Windows Sidebar as suggested by Microsoft. See here: Majorgeeks begins deleting all gadgets from database

 

If a user only has the clock on the sidebar, is that user vulnerable to exploits?

 

Good morning.

It might be argued that the clock is benign (since it's a Microsoft-written gadget) but why take the chance? A July 2012 Sophos article stated:

For the most part the vulnerabilities stem from the use of gadgets written by 3rd-party authors and not gadgets from Microsoft, but regardless: the Sidebar is a platform used to launch malicious code so it should be disabled completely.

 

Thanks for responding.

I was looking at the various ways to disable to sidebar. Most seem rather involved.

Why not simply rename the sidebar exe file. It could then be changed back if the user decided to re-use the programme?

Best wishes.

A

 

I wanted to edit my post, but it has passed to 10min rule. I do not understand the need for this rule.

Hence, I am re-posting.

Thanks for responding.

I was looking at the various ways to disable to sidebar. Most seem rather involved.
Fix-It is probabaly the simplest. Some posters have reported that this fix did not work regarding Vista 32 bit!

Why not simply rename the sidebar exe file. It could then be changed back if the user decided to re-use the programme?
Or, change the permissions in the Windows Sidebar folder (but which ones?)
Regarding Turning Windows Features on/off, I can't see the sidebar?

Best wishes.

A

Ps. IF I disabled the sidebar is there a free alternative set of features?

 

I have disabled sidebar by simply clicking on it and in 'Properties' disabling the 'start with Windows' box. Sidebar no longer appears on the desktop, but the program is still installed on the machine. Have I done enough?

If I have why are the Fix's or registry edits recommended?

Thanks

 

You need to read the replies and click the links we have been giving. There are at least to posted links that will tell you how to disable it.

 

The point I am making is that I have disabled it, so why use the Fix-it, or edit the registry

 

Good morning. If the default Sidebar disable method worked then I see no reason to continue to worry about it - you should be good to go if you've kept up with Windows Updates.

That's always a worth a shot for these types of problems. I'm not advocating the name-changing of Windows system files, but for curiosity's sake did you try that? If so did you receive any correlated error messages? Just asking for info.

 

Thank you for responding.

After disabling the sidebar, there is no sign of it on the desktop, although all the files are present. In addition, I could re-enable it if I wanted to (with little effort).

I did not need to rename any files because the disabling has worked.

I miss my clock (top right hand corner). Have you come across any clocks that are free, run well under Vista, and, most importantly, do not have security issues. I ask because I will be searching and I expect a deluge.

Best wishes.

A

 

Rainmeter - nice little program that's customizable and has lots of bells and whistles if you want them.

 

2nd on Rainmeter. If you need any help with it, just say so. For me, it's been one of the best programs to come along. If you get a chance, take a look at the Omnimo theme for Rainmeter. Easy to set up with a little guidance and many options for the desktop. I don't even have icons on the desktop anymore in XP...or a Start Menu button for that matter...

 

Thanks for responding.

I have many utilities on my machine, hence all I am really looking for is a nice analog clock (a selection, and digital options would be nice).

I get the impression that Rainmeter is much more than a clock, more of environment with tools.

Thanks.

Ps. I have been reading regarding Sidebar. There are many people who take the view that there appears to be no problem with this application. However, I accept that are also many who believe that the utility is a hazard. I am open minded.

 

It's not so much that it is dangerous but more the fact that they have stopped development on it which means no more updates/security patches. That leaves it open to malware. Not just Windows applications. Any software that is abandoned by it's developer should be removed from a computer.