An annoying thing with Windows 7 Gadgets is, if you have uninstalled any Windows default gadgets; You won’t find any option to revert back or restore or re-install default Windows gadgets.
By doing some R&D with Windows gadgets, we have found the way to get them back. Windows doesn’t uninstall the default gadgets instead of hide them from user and save the setting in a configuration file. Lets see how to -
Here is first and much easier method, advised by my friend Ramesh, Microosft MVP. Follow the instructions:-
How To:
Method 1
1. Click on Start and type Restore Gadgets in StartSearch box or type in Control Panel’s search box.
2. Now click on Restore desktop gadgets installed with Windows and all default gadgets will be restored.
Method 2
1. Open Windows Explorer and go to %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Sidebar or C:\Users\<USER NAME>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Sidebar
2. In Windows Sidebar folder, there is a file called Settings.ini, that holds all settings of Windows Gadgets for user. Open the file in Notepad or any text editor and search for PickerDefaultPackageSkipList. The line contains the list of hidden gadgets (uninstalled gadgets), separated with , (Coma).
3. Now just remove the gadget name like PicturePuzzle.Gadget, Calendar.Gadget etc. and save the file. You can delete the Settings.ini even to reset the Windows Gadgets settings.
Applies To:
- Windows 7 Ultimate
- Windows 7 Professional
- Windows 7 Home Premium
- Windows 7 Home Basic
- UPDATED 5/3/2010
Click Start, Control Panel. In the search box, type Restore Gadgets
Click Restore desktop gadgets installed with Windows.
Thanks Ramesh !!! its too handy. the post has been updated.
Thanks! I too overlooked the simple option at first, then somehow managed to find this gem hidden in the Help & Support.
hai,
in my lap there is some problems in default gadgets.it will display
update the program
close the program
debug the program
what i will do.how to restore gadgets.i m doubted to affect virus in my lap.how to identify it.tell me the solution to me.if virus affected what i will do fully formated or i have need any other choice.
Your PC may be infected by viruses. So first of all, install a good AV program like (BitDefender, Kaspersky, ESET Nod32, Microsoft Security Essentials etc.) and scan your PC.
Formatting is not only the solution. Can we have extact error message or screenshot of error? It may help us to rectify the source of error.