Active Window opens behind previous one

[Jj3and1]

Hello everyone, thanks for reading this post.

I have just completed building a new computer for a good friend, and natually after all the work, an annoying problem has developed that I just can't figure out.

All the parts, includind WinXP Pro OEM was purchased from Newegg by my friend and I have assembled it. Windows are opening behind, rather in the foreground. The best way I can explain it is to give you some examples.

Right from a fresh boot, while on the desktop, if I click on START, that form comes up properly and covers the lower left corner of the desktop. Now, if I right click on My computer, then select properties, What normally would happen is the START form/window disappears and is replaced by the properties window. On this computer however, the START window stays open on the lower left and the properties screen opens behind it.

Another example, Click START, Control Panel, .. then any subsequent choice in control panel opens behind the control panel window.

Another example, while I was installing Power DVD for them, the main front end screen appears and you can select installation, of components. Click on anything and it opens in the background.

Unless you know enough to look down on the task bar, you can be waiting till the cows come home for it to load.

This has also happened to me while opening Windows Explorer and clicking on an EXE program that should launch its installer. All too often that opens behind Windows Explorer.

I have tried as many things as I can think of and now I have stumbled on the strangest part of this whole thing.

If I launch AOL everything returns to normal. Even if I launch and close AOL, all windows remain normal with no problems.

Reboot, and all the problems return until I open AOL again. I went into MSCONFIG and disabled EVERYTHING on the startup tab. No difference! When I saw AOL solve the problem, I assumed it was some part of AOL running TSR conflicting with some call windows wanted to make on boot up. But with all the start ups disabled it still loaded windows behind other windows until I actually opened AOL. Then all is ok.

I am now thinking that AOL may not be the problem, but rather something that AOL invokes or loads on its start up may be something windows is missing. OR ... maybe there are still more AOL components running TSR through the registry or Win.Ini or System.ini files that are conflicting.

Before I uninstall AOL (probably to find the same issue) I was hoping someone may have a thought on this.

The only other thing ... and I shutter to think of it. Is reinstall Windows and reload all her programs again in a different order. (Yuk)

thanks a lot,
joe

[LooseChippings]

Hi Jj3and1, welcome to the forums.

Historically AOL and Windows don not gel together very well.

I would uninstall AOL as a 'first fix' attempt before trying any other remedies.

[Jj3and1]

thanks for the welcome, yes, I'm going to try to remove AOL today. I'm first cousins with that guy named Murphy.... and my fear is removing AOL may be removing my only fix to date ... lol

I'll let you all know,

joe

[LooseChippings]

Ah Murphy's Law, I know it well.

Just remember to note all the connection settings and remember to back up all important data.

[Jj3and1]

thanks for the reply loose... yeah, I've been messing these things up for quite a while This is a fresh install on a government job for a friend. I built em a whole new system. It figures I' m gonna be making a career out of it.

Nothin important on this system except its completion.. lol

I'll let ya all know,

thanks again,
joe

[Jj3and1]

and the answer is..........


the keyboard!

I plugged another one in and its fixed!

whew...

joe