Sidebar.exe will not launch

Freaky. I know.

When I right-click the desktop and click "Gadgets," it returns me this obtuse message:


If I go directly to the EXE in Program Files (x86), I get this surprising error:


Likewise, the EXE in Program Files:


I don't know what could have caused this at all. I had a Dell technician control my computer yesterday; I wasn't terribly attentive. I particularly remember he deleted the contents of the Temp folder.

I tried sfc /scannow which found lots of errors in the the Sidebar and Gadgets from my view of the CBS.log; I tried resetting whatever Regsvr32 resets of the Sidebar.exe files; I also tried disabling/re-enabling "Windows Gadget Platform" in the Windows Features Turn On-Turn Off section = nothing. Same errors.

Any ideas what could be causing this confusing problem?

Thanks,

~Ibrahim~

@A Guy

Right; I have tried that. I tried it again: no luck.

SFC: hmm..I do not remember the exact wording, but it found some problems that I think it was able to fix. Yes, this is seemingly the only problem I'm having, though I haven't completely tested my entire system. Most of the diagnostic scans (anti-virus, anti-spyware, Windows' built-in ones) have reported no other problems.

EDIT: OK, I just ran it again. This time: "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations." However, right, Sidebar still will not launch.

Hmm...it does sound like the path is missing. But, how can that be if I see the actual .EXE file and try to open it?

~Ibrahim~

@A Guy

No worries; it's all good.

I made a new account; still present.

I was actually just thinking that, too: to run a repair installation. I looked at the guide, but I only have the OEM disk Dell gave. I called them up and they were, unfortunately, unable to help. I have, however, run a repair installation off this disk during a technical support call to Microsoft about SP1. It is possible with the standard disk, I'm almost sure....

I think it will be the easiest and simplest solution.

Thank you for your help; I appreciated it! :)

~Ibrahim~

For anyone who had the same problem, an update:

It was spyware. SUPERAntiSpyware was the only program that could remove it. However, it came back the next day.

I just said screw it and did a clean install. Gadgets working perfectly for a week now.

~Ibrahim~

Can anyone help me to get Windows 7 Home Premium to open?

Is a system restore to an earlier point my safest bet to solve issues with Gadgets opening and possible regisrty probs?