Windows gadgets are application icons that display in Windows sidebar. These gadgets direct users to programs that are installed or to particular websites on Internet. If you desire to modify Windows system, one method is to create own custom gadgets for sidebar. After you have made all parts for gadget, installation of gadget is simple.

Instructions

Step 1

Create new folder in one of Windows sidebar folders. These sidebar folders are found at "C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\Gadgets," and this is where you place all parts of gadget. Name folder something that makes it simple to differentiate.

Step 2

Design custom gadget for sidebar by design or graphics software. Start it by opening canvas that is 64 x 64 pixels and include text or images that would like in gadget. Save gadget design to folder that made by go to "Save as..." and choosing "UTF-8" as "Save as" type.

Step 3

Start basic text editor, like Notepad, and make manifest file for gadget. Gadget manifest has presentation data for gadget and basic configuration. A detailed description of elements that should be contained in gadget manifest is accessible at Microsoft's website.

Step 4

Utilize text editor to create HTML file for Windows sidebar gadget.

Step 5

Open Windows sidebar by go to "Start", "All Programs," Accessories" and click "Windows Sidebar" option. Click "+" sign to show "Gadget Gallery." Gadget that you made must show in Gadget Gallery if saved gadget to "Gadgets" folder on "C:" drive.

Step 6

Double click name of gadget that made for sidebar. Gadget installs to sidebar mechanically.