This is my first upload so please be paitent lol.
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This is a package of files and programs you will need to install the real actual Windows Vista sidebar into your current Windows XP. All of the files you will need are there and there are some screen shots of it as well if you would like to look at it before installing it. This can be completely reversed if you decided you don't want it anymore.

All of the files here I have found after hours of searching the web. I don't claim to have made any of these programs. I was fed up with those look alike sidebars that don't work with the actual gadgets from M$. If you want one of the great features of Windows Vista but want to keep you Windows XP than this is for you.



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How to Install Vista RTM sidebar in Windows XP

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STEP 1
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First check to see if you need to install any of the programs from the "check if you need these" folder. this folder contains

1. Internet Explorer 7
2. Windows Media player 11
3. Microsoft 2005 C++ Redistributable Package
4. Microsoft Wireless lan API (KB918997) (you don't need this if you are using SP3 or later)

if you already have any of these programs installed you will not need to reinstall them.

IMPORTANT!! you must run Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer 7 just once after installing them before proceeding with the rest of the installs.




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STEP 2
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Install vaio xp -- it will ask for a Vista key but you will not need to supply one to make sidebar work. 

IMPORTANT!! Reboot after installing this




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STEP 3
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Install Vista RTM Sidebar -- you will then find it in your Program files folder. Simply make a shortcut to your desktop if you want.



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TO INSTALL GADGETS..
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Vista RTM sidebar comes with many useful gadgets aleady but if you would like to add more you can download them from M$'s website. To make them work change the file extension to .rar (ex: Weatherbug.gadget.rar) you will need WinRar or another program that can handle RAR or ZIP files.. after changing the extension you can unrar the file to a folder with the gadget's original name (ex: Weatherbug.gadget) and copy it to the "C:Program FilesWindows SidebarGadgets" directory. Check your gadget listing on the last page and your new gadget should be there. If not close Sidebar and launch it again.

Enjoy your Vista sidebar in XP :)


thanks to Rafael, Zoronax for Vaio XP.. and to Ricktendo64 for Vista RTM sidebar installer