Solved Sidebar.exe will not launch

[ikjadoon]

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]

Did the SFC scan say there were errors that could not be corrected? You may have to run the SFC several times. Is the only problem you are having the gadget problem? It sounds like the path for sidebar.exe is missing or changed somehow. You did say you tried to reregister the file?

Try this:

Start> In search box type cmd> Right click on cmd.exe in results above and when the command prompt opens, type the following, pressing enter after each:

Regsvr32 -u "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\sbdrop.dll"

Regsvr32 -u "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\wlsrvc.dll"

Regsvr32 atl.dll

Regsvr32 "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\sbdrop.dll"

Regsvr32 "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\wlsrvc.dll"

Reboot the PC and see if this fixes the problem.

A Guy

 

[ikjadoon]

@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]

Sorry, missed your reply. I'd suggest creating a new user, and see if the problem persists there.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2974-user-accounts.html

If it works there, you can transfer everything to the new user. I'm thinking a repair install may be easier in the long run. You have already restored original system files, so the OS itself may need repair.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

A Guy

 

[ikjadoon]

@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~

 

[ikjadoon]

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~

 

[Frank1166]

Sidebar.exe

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

 

[Frank1166]

Sidebar.exe

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