How to write Windows 7 gadget in C#?

Question

How can I use C# to write a gadget in Windows 7?

Is it possible?

This looks like a duplicate question. See: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5285715/create-windows-desktop-gadget. — Joel Lee, Apr 01 '11 at 05:59
It is not a duplicate. This asks how to do it in C#. Sidebar Gadgets only "support" JavaScript/HTML. — , Apr 01 '11 at 06:04

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 01 '11 at 05:56

5

http://www.codeproject.com/KB/gadgets/CPRepWindowsGadget.aspx

And a search on codeproject shows even more: http://www.codeproject.com/search.aspx?q=gadget&sbo=kw

answered Apr 01 '11 at 05:56

EKS

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Sidebar Gadgets only "support" JavaScript/HTML. – Apr 01 '11 at 06:03

Emond · Answer 2 · 2011-04-01T06:10:51.057

1

Is Sidebar gadgets what you are looking for?

Have a look at this Silverlight trick!

edited Apr 01 '11 at 06:10

answered Apr 01 '11 at 05:57

Emond

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Sidebar Gadgets only "support" JavaScript/HTML. – Apr 01 '11 at 06:03
This uses Silverlight hosted in an IFrame I think. So still C# – Emond Apr 01 '11 at 06:05
The 2nd link does show the Silverlight solution, the first didn't seem relevant. – Apr 01 '11 at 06:09

score 1 · Answer 3 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:02

Assuming that "Windows Sidebar Gadgets" are being talked about, this is not possible to do directly. However there are some work-abouts (none of which are supported by Microsoft):

Use Silverlight. However, as I recall, the background can't be "painted transparent" and this will not work with a 64-bit IE (the IE running gadgets isn't always 32-bit by default) as there is no 64-bit Silverlight. This is the same problem plaguing sidebar gadgets that use Flash. (Like Pandora, one could require avid users to launch the 32-bit version of sidebar.exe).
Wrap the gadget window. I started work on a project like this that allowed WPF (in a separate process) to "overlay" the gadget window -- started via COM. Avoids 32/64-bit issues (actually, doesn't matter since it's in a separate process and is CLR, not Silverlight). Some issues with default gadget border, sizing, properties, etc. Concept work only.
Use an embedded HTA to launch a 32-bit IE and grab that handle (can then use/embedd Silverlight if launched the 32-bit version). I didn't have success with this, but it "should work".
Use a converter like Script# -- write in C#, "compile" to JavaScript.

Happy coding.

How to write Windows 7 gadget in C#?

3 Answers3