0

I want to see the Sidebar gadgets without having to minimize all the windows one-by-one; I want them to appear and then disappear again.

4
  • a.k.a Dashboard for Mac. ;)
    – caliban
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:14
  • Doesn't the sidebar appear when you take the mouse pointer to the right edge of the screen?
    – alex
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:16
  • No, that does not work on my computer.
    – Geoffrey
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:37
  • Strange, it works for me. It's the default behavior, from what I know. I'll check it out when I get home.
    – alex
    Sep 3, 2009 at 8:14

5 Answers 5

5

WIN+G works. Just click anywhere in the current window to make the SideBar disappear again.

3

I don't think this can be achieved without third-party utilities in Vista. However, you can always just quickly press Win+D key to Show Desktop (along with the widgets), and then Win+D again to restore all windows to the exact state it was at.

4
  • +1 For the Keyboard Shortcut. Also very handy. Sep 3, 2009 at 7:17
  • 1
    WIN+D shows only the desktop, but not the Sidebar. The Sidebar does show, but only for a split-second.
    – Geoffrey
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:40
  • 3
    Aha! I tried different key combinations with the WIN-key, and, what-do-you-know, WIN+G does the trick! Thanks ScoopDreams.
    – Geoffrey
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:45
  • Serious??? I didn't know about that even!! -laughs- thanks for finding out for us!
    – caliban
    Sep 4, 2009 at 6:44
2

In Vista

  • Click on the Orb
  • Type Windows Sidebar Properties in Search
  • Press Enter
  • Tick Sidebar is always on top of other Windows.
  • Click OK

Just tested it and it actually fits the windows next to the Sidebar when Maximized.

Alternatively double click the icon in the TaskTray to quickly display it. As already mentioned there is no way to make it "slide" in and out without a third party tool.

5
  • Probably the good solution, though it's not what he asked for, since he asked for it to be "above" the maximized windows (though it would mask a part of them, but that's another thing)
    – Gnoupi
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:33
  • I am aware of the exact question, but as already mentioned it is not possible. I would much rather give an alternative then none at all. Sep 3, 2009 at 7:36
  • Thanks, Diago, but I knew that already. I want it to appear and then disappear again.
    – Geoffrey
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:39
  • @Geoffrey : You want that ? You may then want to edit a bit your question, to make it more clear.
    – Gnoupi
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:42
  • @Gnoupi, I have edited the question.
    – Geoffrey
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:49
0

Not an actual solution to your problem, but in a way, I think such demand will be satisfied with Windows 7, with having floating gadgets, not depending on a sidebar anymore.

2
  • Windows 7 has Aero Peek, which makes all windows transparent except for the gadgets.
    – Geoffrey
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:51
  • Indeed, this too.
    – Gnoupi
    Sep 3, 2009 at 7:52
0

You can press windows key + space to make gadgets appear over any open and maximised windows (not sure about full screen applications)

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .