The .gadget file extension belongs to small application files that run within the Widows Vista side bar. The gadgets are things like weather feeds, news feeds, system monitors, calculators, sports scores, on-line auction monitors, along with endless other possibilities. They are generally written and submitted by Vista enthusiasts and can be downloaded from the Windows Live Gallery website. There are unofficial sites that offer gadgets for download, but they are not supported or sanctioned by Microsoft. Vista sidebar gadgets are comparable to widgets in the Mac OS, and the Gnome or KDE desktops for Linux.
Testimonials
I really do love FileCure because it's so easy to use - you don't have to be some kind of computer guru to get just what you need!
Susan K., Chalmette
Plug and play? Not even close. I spent a lot of time trying to get my new, so-called 'plug and play' scanner to work. I was about ready to take it back. ParetoLogic FileCure got it working and saved me a needless trip (and gas!!) back to the store.
Sylvia D. Franklin Park, San Francisco
I have to admit I'm no computer geek. When something goes wrong, I usually have to call someone to fix it and it costs me a lot of money. When my printer wouldn't work, a friend of mine suggested I try ParetoLogic FileCure a try. I figured it was worth a shot because I was going to have to pay for a geek anyway. I was so happy when it worked... and worked properly!
David G.
I figured the graphics card my grandson gave me was broken when I couldn't get it work on my computer. It turns out that I just didn't have the right driver. ParetoLogic FileCure got it workin.
Fred J.
Hello FileCure folks:
I can't thank you enough for this great product. I just bought a new Vista machine and had been having all kinds of problems. First it was my screen and once I got that fixed it was the printer . Finally, my son suggested I try your product. It worked great and continues to keep my computer working. Thanks you.
Reggie E., N. Dakota
I hate paying a lot of money for anything. That's why I buy mostly used computer equipment. Last week I thought I got taken when I bought a scanner. It just would not work. ParetoLogic Driver Cure got it working. With the updates, it makes sure my stuff will keep working and that I don't have to pay more money.
Eugene P.
I work at a school so my mom thinks I am some kind of computer whiz. I have wasted so much time trying to get her stuff to work. Our IT guy suggested I try ParetoLogic FileCure. It has been a godsend and has saved me a lot of wasted hours. My mom and I can't thank you enough.
Carol S., Saskatchewan
My wife bought me a new Vista system, and ever since I have had problems with some of my hardware. I saw FileCure, and decided to give it a shot. Ever since, the Vista and my hardware have been working great. Thanks!
Nick Shultz, Canberra, Australia
I upgraded my system to Vista, and my printer started to act funny. No error messages, but it just wasn't working quite right. I read that drivers could sometimes be the problem. I looked online and saw FileCure. After downloading FileCure, my printer works great. You guys rock!
Saul Cohen, New York, USA
Users of Microsoft XP can download and install the Vista sidebar, thereby making .gadget files usable, but there are numerous reports of different versions of the sidebar not all displaying gadgets the same way. Since the sidebar was never intended to be released for XP, Microsoft has not put a lot of resources into supporting it, so XP users who wish to use the sidebar and gadgets are left to themselves to make them work. Tweaking the sidebar to properly use .gadget files takes some time and skill, but it can be done.
Instructions on Using File Cure to Solve Computer Problems
Start Your Free File Scan File Cure Software will scan your computer system to check if any of the file extensions need to be updated.
Scan is Done Once the scan is complete, File Cure will prompt you to update all the file extensions which are outdated and can cause computer errors. Outdated file extensions can cause your software to malfunction.
Official File Extensions Used ONLY Whichever brand of computers you use; Dell, HP, Lenovo, Fujitsu, Acer, Compaq, Gateway etc, File Cure ONLY recommends the correct file extensions for your computer to ensure your computer does not crash.
Finished Updating Your File Extensions All Software Issues should be Solved Once File extensions are Updated and the Computer is restarted.
Why settle for 1 when you can get ALL 5 for the same price?
DriverCure
RegCure
Privacy Controls
XoftspySE
Data Recovery
One common problem with gadgets in XP is that no file association exists for them, nor is the .gadget extension registered by the operating system during a gadget install. A registry edit is needed to fix this problem which is not recommended for inexperienced users. An internet search using your favorite search engine will point you to several developers who have put together registry keys for this issue. The keys can be downloaded and installed with a simple click of the mouse. In older versions of the sidebar, the registry fix may enable the use of gadgets, but they still may not display correctly. Search the various XP forums to find more information about this.
For Windows Vista, the sidebar is part of the default installation. Any .gadget file downloaded directly from the Windows Live Gallery should work without incident. Download the file to the desktop, double click the icon, then watch the gadget as it installs. Some gadgets may require a system re-start, but most will not.
It has been reported that .gadget files are merely .zip files with a different extension. If this is true, the .gadget could be renamed and then opened and extracted using any archiving program that supports .zip. As always, care should be taken when extracting any archive whose source is not trusted. Due the fact that many Vista gadgets are live (they access information from the internet), they pose an inherent security risk. Users who employ the use of live gadgets should always have an antivirus package installed, updated, and active.
Two other types of .gadgets are available: Web gadgets and SideShow gadgets. These files serve the same purpose as their desktops siblings, but Web gadgets are placed on web sites while SideShow gadgets are used on cell phones and other mobile devices. SideShow gadgets are not stand-alone applications, rather they are used to transfer data between the Windows Vista PC and the connected device. The gadgets are inoperable if the device is not connected. It matters not however, what type of connection is used. The device can be connected through a USB port, fire wire, ethernet, or wireless network connection. Web gadgets are mini applications that reside on a web page, such as an IM applications, news feeds, or search engines.
Microsoft .gadget files are proprietary and should not be confused with Google's gadget files. Google gadgets serve the same purpose as Microsoft's but they carry .gg extension rather than the .gadget. They also can be downloaded and installed from the internet, and carry the same inherent security risk.
