Moving offscreen windows

[Volk359]

I've got a laptop that when I'm using it at home I have a second monitor hooked up to it. Unfortunately when traveling I find some of the windows that I've moved to the second monitor are "still there" and I can't see or move them. These are windows internal to a programs such as the properties window from Access or the text box from Paint Shop Pro.

I've tried minimizing all the windows then cascading them from the task bar but that doesn't seem to do anything.

Any other ideas?

Thanks.

 

[linney]

Is it something as simple as telling Windows not to "Restore previous folder windows at Logon" which specifies that the folder and browser windows you leave open when you log off from your computer will be restored the next time you log on to your computer? See Folder Options/ View.




Using Dualview.

"On many portable computers and some desktop computers (those with two video ports on one video card), you can expand your display to a second monitor by using Dualview. Dualview is very similar to the multiple monitor feature, with the exception that you cannot select the primary display. On a portable computer, the primary monitor is always the LCD display screen. On a desktop computer, it is the monitor that is attached to the first video out port. Once you attach the second monitor and turn on your computer, use the Display tool in Control Panel to configure your settings, just as you do with multiple monitors. You can use Dualview with docked or undocked portable computers."

Hardware Requirements for Multiple-Display Support in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;296538&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Description of DualView in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283674/EN-US/

List of Supported Display Adapters for Multiple Monitors and Dualview in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307397/EN-US/

307873 - HOW TO: Configure and Use Multiple Monitors in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307873&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Display Properties Question
thread779-779588

opening a new window
thread779-456444

 

[Volk359]

Hmm... this isn't an issue about how to use/setup dualview or multiple monitors or where the application is being launched but where the applications' windows locations are, such as a dialog box.

In otherwords, the main application shows up on my laptop screen where it's supposed to be, even if it was closed down from the second monitor, but the dialog box or secondary application window/box still opens up on the now virtual second screen.

For example, in Excel right click a cell and select format. That box that pops up was originally on the second screen and still thinks the screen is still there so that's where it positions itself. If I remember the key combinations I can still use it but it's like working in the dark. Is there a way to move the box back to where I can see it?

 

[bcastner]

Is "Start" docked at botton left of your screen?
If not, this is a known issue in XP.

 

[Volk359]

Yes, it's docked in the lower left.

 

[linney]

Some later post in this thread talks about dragging the windows back before you go on the road and some other suggestions along the lines of "or when they open but aren't visible do ALT-Space then M for Move and arrow it over.", whether they help you or not?

http://discuss.joelonsoftware.com/default.asp?biz.5.89508.16

 

[Volk359]

...dragging the windows back before you go on the road...

Yes, I believe I'm learning my lesson here....

Unfortunately all the move does is move the main application not the dialog boxes, which are the problem. Also, the rest of the suggestions above either did't work or are not applicable.

I'm currently at a remote location and perhaps I could borrow the monitor from my workstation long enough to resolve the situation. I was hoping there was an easier way to move things without having to pirate monitors, install drivers, etc.

Oh well, lesson learned.

 

[Nelviticus]

Alt-space brings up the control box for parent windows (i.e. applications etc.), but you can also use alt-minus to bring up the control box for child windows (documents, dialog boxes etc.). Unless they're maximised or minimised you will then be able to move them as Linney suggested.

Hope that helps!

Nelviticus

 

[PEDZ118]

The easiest way to resolve this problem is to go into "Display Properties" then Settings and click on the second monitor on the diagram. Untick the "Extend my windows desktop" Tickbox. All windows should now open on the primary monitor.

 

[Volk359]

PEDZ, "Extend my windows desktop" is unticked and the parent windows do show up on the monitor but the child window does not.

Nelviticus, atl-minus works on windows that show up on the monitor as does selecting M, or arrow down one and press enter, and moving the window by the arrow keys (nice trick, I didn't know you could do that) however it doesn't appear to work on windows that are off the screen. When I press the arrow keys I seem to be scrolling thru the options for that window.

 

[Nelviticus]

Are you using nVidia drivers? If so then I'm sure there's an option in there somewhere to centre all windows when they're opened. I'm not at an nVidia box at the moment but I think you have to turn on something like "desktop enhancements" and check an option box.

Alt-space (or alt-minus) then 'm' should work though: are you sure you're pressing 'm'? The alt-space/minus calls up the control menu for the active window and 'm' selects the 'move' item.

I'm not sure about the text box for PaintShop Pro but the properties dialog for Access responds to alt-space, not alt-minus. You activate it by selecting an object then hitting alt-enter.

Nelviticus

 

[Volk359]

I tried the alt-minus on a viewable window then M and yes it does work but it woldn't on the properties box.

I'll give your other suggestion a try. BTW, it's an ATI driver.

 

[imapeach]

Volk - I am having the same problem! And everywhere I go for help they assume your talking about the master program. It is really a function of the host application, in the example you cited Excel. You are being perfectly clear as I read it, but I have a *deeper* understanding of the symptoms.

My problem is a bit worse, albeit the same symptoms. I am running a three monitor desktop. On occasion after an unrelated hardware install my monitors like to reassign their positioning. For example, I plugged in an iPod and after the next boot - whammo! monitors are all in different positions and my pivot pro app is asking to be reinstalled. What the h!*% does an iPod have to do with the monitors?

The end result each time this happens many of the subset application windows, e.g. any window generated not by windows but an application, are in off-screen positions. To make matters really worse, I usually have no way of moving them to the new locations. ARG!

In some applications like AutoCAD I have been able to find some of the customization file logs and search for the errant window location and edit it. Interestingly, the locations are often negative!

I am in desparate want of a better solution than uninstall/reinstall. Reinstall alone doesn't work because all "customized" settings are maintained - oh thank you technology!

 

[linney]

Can you make use of this tool although I can't say what or how it may behave with multiple monitors and the position of a window it does allow some control of positioning a window.

http://www.faberbox.com/fabertoys.asp?action=features

http://www.faberbox.com/products/fabertoys/images/windowsexplorerbig.png