Does anyone use the 8 gadget pack? Have used it for a few years as I always liked some of the handy gadgets like MSN weather, scrolling photos and cpu meter. Anyway I noticed on all our machines since yesterday the MSN weather gadget says service is unavailable. Anyone getting the same? I know I could just look at the pinned weather app in start menu but I like to glance up at the desktop and see it always there.
It could be affected by this (although it shouldn't take effect for three weeks yet):
Important notice: MSN apps on Windows 8.1 Desktop and Windows 8.1 Phone
This is the reason that isn't working:
Outlook Weather Service failing in calendar - Office Support
Yep, with the '7 Sidebar' gadget to provide a nice panel for the other gadgets on my 2nd monitor.
I prefer Weather Monitor, if you want something to tide you over.
What about Gadgets Revived Sidebar How to get desktop gadgets and sidebar in Windows 10 or 8.1
Also try Windows 10 Gadgets Windows10Gadgets.pro - Homepage - Free Desktop Sidebar Gadgets for Windows 10/8.1/7.
So this reminded me to update 8GP, and it looks like Weather Monitor isn't part of it anymore—I also couldn't get a separate download of Weather Monitor to install. Good news though, MSN Weather is working again.
I checked Alternative To and don't see your recommendation there. Since gadgets from unknown sources can contain malware, I'm not willing to take a chance.
If I was going beyond 8GP, I probably go for Rainmeter, which is a trusted source that's been around for a long time—bit of overkill for me at the moment, though.
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