The Windows Vista Sidebar

How to Turn on the Windows Vista Sidebar

If the Windows Sidebar icon Shows the Windows sidebar icon. is in the Notification Area (and remember that it might be hidden, so you need to show the hidden icons to be sure), then simply click on it. If it isn't there, then from the Start Menu, select All Programs -> Accessories -> Windows Sidebar.

Shows how to enable the Windows sidebar from the Start menu.

The result of this is that the Windows Sidebar is added to the right-hand side of the desktop, as shown in the following picture.

Shows the Windows sidebar.

If you want to be sure that the sidebar will be present each time you log on, right-click on the sidebar, select "Properties", and ensure that the "Start Sidebar when Windows starts" box is ticked.

Shows the Windows sidebar properties.

How to Remove the Windows Vista Sidebar

Right-click on the sidebar, select "Properties", and ensure that the "Start Sidebar when Windows starts" box is unchecked (this will prevent the sidebar returning next time you log on). Then, right-click on the sidebar, and select "Close Sidebar".

How to Add Gadgets to the Windows Vista Sidebar

Either select the button at the top of the sidebar with the plus sign Shows the Windows sidebar buttons., or right-click on the sidebar and select "Add Gadgets...". Both methods bring up a window allowing you to select gadgets to be added.

Shows how to add a gadget to the Windows sidebar.

The window displays a limited set of gadgets, but by selecting the "Get more gadgets online" button, you can select from a much larger number.

How to Remove Gadgets from the Windows Vista Sidebar

If you move the cursor over a gadget, a menu appears on its right-hand side.

Shows how to remove a gadget from the Windows sidebar.

The top button (with the X symbol) closes the gadget. The lower button (with the spanner symbol) opens the properties or options for the gadget.

How to Dock/Undock Windows Vista Sidebar Gadgets

Gadgets can be moved from the sidebar to the main part of the desktop, and vice-versa. When they're moved out of the sidebar (undocked), they generally increase in size, so the contents of the gadgets are easier to view. When you're not using them any more, you can return them to the sidebar (dock them), so that they don't clutter up the screen.

To undock a gadget, simply drag it to whatever part of the screen you want it in (position the cursor over the gadget, press and hold the left mouse button, move the cursor to wherever you want the gadget to be, and then release the button). To dock a gadget, simply drag it back to the sidebar.

You can also drag gadgets up and down within the sidebar to rearrange them into whatever order you want.

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