I have two windows 7 64 bit and one 32 bit computers. Since March 2013 MS updates the sidebar does not always load on all three computers. Set Avast to load after system services and that seemed to help at first but still occurs. Found a site that tells how to make a new settings file for the sidebar and that may have helped but only about an hour ago so time will tell. Also found if you have UAC off sidebar will not work, one computer it is off and sidebar been working for 3 years. So I will keep looking at all this. In doing all this came across lots of sites telling me that Microsoft says to disable the sidebar for security reasons or your computer will get the big bad malware, then I thought well if the sidebar is so bad then why would Avast still make a windows gadget, a security company. I like the sidebar clock, calendar, and Avast gadget and want to keep them. Is Microsoft just making a big deal out of nothing? Or should I disable the sidebar and do away with my favorite clock, calendar, and Avast gadgets? Thanks slybo