Windows Desktop Gadgets blank - and none of the found solutions works

xdya · 15 Nov 2012

Hey, so I was wondering I you could help me, because this issue is just driving me crazy. (I know this is a problem already discussed like thousand times before but I tried every known solution on many forums and nothing seems to work.)
So, some weeks ago my weather desktop gadget suddenly stopped working (the nice blank thing with just the close button) but I didn't really pay attention when exactly. Some days ago I tried to solve the problem, the outcome was that all of my gadgets were killed. So I finally decided to do a system restore.. painful, but I did it and then everything was fine again. Would be nice but I still needed to do two things again: uninstall an expired kaspersky trial version (killed half of my gadgets again) and install a free avast (killed all of them).
1) I re-registrated everything (so basically did this:
taskkill /im sidebar.exe /f
regsvr32 msxml3.dll
regsvr32 scrrun.dll
regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 atl.dll
Regsvr32 "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\sbdrop.dll"
Regsvr32 "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\wlsrvc.dll"
reg delete "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones" /f
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe)
2) Deleted the zones key from the registry.
3) Deleted the settings.ini for the gadgets.
4) Even restored a .dll kaspersky file just as suggested on the kaspersky forum.
5) Reinstalled all of my gadgets. (I only have the ones from microsoft except for the avast one.)
6) And no, they don't work in another user account either.
So I'm kind of desperate now, I really liked those things and they really seem dead. It's not like I can't live without them but I really could appreciate some help.
Any suggestions?
Many thanks!!

ps. sorry for the long description and the new thread

ICIT2LOL · 15 Nov 2012

Hello and welcome xdya You mentioned you had a trial Kaspersky now if you look in Start > Programs > open the Kaspersky up - it should have an option - remove Kaspersky - see mu pic.

I see you are running Avast - yes? if so the Kaspersky may be your problem as I know form experience Kaspersky does not like running with other AV's.

Failing that and to make sure -
Removal tool for Kaspersky Lab products

unzip and run that and to be absolutely final I always check in regedit in the H_KEY - Software to see if any remnants are still there - shouldn't be but I know Norton is good at doing that.

Let us know if the gadgets are back. Sorry about the pic quality but can't snip it LOL!!

Oops I just realised you are running both AV's ?? For easons I mentioned above not a good idea my friend.

xdya · 16 Nov 2012

Omg, I can't believe this, after a week of struggle they are working again. I downloaded the kaspersky removal tool, ran it, and did the same for McAfee that was originally installed on the pc. I cleaned everything with CCleaner and manually deleted every remaining trace of Kaspersky and McAfee from the registry.
And now.. I turned my PC on and.. my gadgets are working xD So great xD
Many many thanks for your help!!!

ICIT2LOL · 16 Nov 2012

No worries my friend so glad it worked.

Now in the future you will know how to get rid of the bloat and those AV's you don't want because they almost all have their own specific removal tool!

Plus some of the bloat like those rotten Zynga games you will not find in Programs and Features to delete you need to hunt them down in the reg - but be careful.

Plus as I aid I always do the reg bit too as you may come across AVG and Norton who have a real reputation for lurking. I am also suspecting that because you had Kaspersky and McAfee on at the same time was causing conflicts. I run Kaspersky and I know for a fact it doesn't like other AV's playing in it's backyard LOL!!

Now to make your machine run a tad better too try this out - it is my Bible for getting the thing moving along a little faster.

Optimize Windows 7[2]=Performance Maintenance

If you have main AV suite then these are two add ons that will pick up any "strays" it misses. Just remember to keep them updated. But I suspect you may have them already.
Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware download

SUPERAntiSpyware | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!

One last thing if you need an app for your system specs these two are really good - hardware temps licences passwords etc

Buy SIW Pro or Download SIW Home Edition < scroll down to the free version

Speccy - System Information - Free Download

Good luck happy puting:)

John

xdya · 17 Nov 2012

Hey thanks for these xD I might have needed a spyware and a malware remover xD (and btw I was never running two avs a the same time, i was just stupid enough to believe that a normal uninstallation was enough to remove them xD) Thanks again anyway x))