Solved Windows 7 (7000) X64 Sidebar Flash Player Fix

[KCDale99]

I wasn't sure what forum to put this in, so I figure I will start here and if it needs moved I can move it.

After getting Win7 x64 installed, I was having a problem getting the Pandora Gadget to work. It turns out this gadget uses Flash, which only comes in a 32 bit version. The Sidebar is x64, and can't access Flash. I came up with a quick and dirty way to load the 32 bit sidebar instead which allows flash to work! I know there are several gadgets out there that use flash so this should be a fix for all of them.

Edit the following Registry Key:
\\HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\SideBar

Change the key to this: C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun

(The only addition is loading sidebar.exe from c:\program files (x86)\ instead of c:\program files\)

This should get you by until Adobe gets their act together!

 

[garysgold]

Thanks KCDale99. Welcome to the forums.

I don't have 64 bit installed at the moment, but will be installing it again soon. Will give that a go.

Gary

 

[drichfsu]

KCDale99, were you actually able to get this to work? When I make the change, gadgets don't show up on the desktop any more. (to be expected because they were 64 bit before) When I attempt click directly launch the (x86) version of sidebar, nothing happens. If I right click on the desktop and then choose "Gadgets", it appears that the 64 bit gadgets are launched again. Any thoughts?

 

[retscheid]

Hi,

Could you explain your fix for Flash Player in simpler terms (for me)? I have a new Dell laptop windows 7, 64 bit and I cannot find anyway to get Adobe Flashplayer.

Thanks,
Rita

 

[Zidane24]

Hi,

Could you explain your fix for Flash Player in simpler terms (for me)? I have a new Dell laptop windows 7, 64 bit and I cannot find anyway to get Adobe Flashplayer.

Thanks,
Rita

This is for folks who want to use the 64-bit versions of IE, firefox, etc...

By default most users will use the 32-bit of these browsers...the "E" on the bar at the bottom (that opens Internet Explorer) will open the 32-bit...you will have to go through the start menu or Explorer to get the 64-bit version...

in conclusion...just install Flash player from www.adobe.com...you will be good to go

 

[CyberBoy]

Great!

Thank you very much for this post, KCDale999! I am gadget developer myself and wanted to write a flash-based gadget. Now I wrote an executable file and the users can fix the bug very easily. For all who prefer the simple way instead of working in the registry : http://robofan.de/Programme/Windows_64bit_Sidebar_Flash_Support.exe
This program will fix the bug without working in the registry, simply click the button!

I hope I could help you and thanks a lot to KCDale999.

Best Regards from Germany
CyberBoy

 

[CyberBoy]

Flash Support Gadget 2.0

I released a new version of my program. Now it supports the command-line parameters fix and restore so that gadget developers can easily integrate it in their gadgets. How it exactly works and more information you can find on: Blog - CyberBoy Software

Download of the program for non-developing users on http://robofan.de/Programme/Windows Sidebar - Flash Support.exe (simply start the program and click "Fix flash bug of the sidebar").

Best Regards
CyberBoy

 

[halim007]

CyberBoy THANKS 100/100

 

[Ericard]

OMG!!! IT WORKS!!! MILLION THANK YOU CYBERBOY!!! YOU SAVED ME FROM MY NIGHTMARE!!!