Microsoft KB Archive/120797

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Office: MOM Buttons Don't Activate Renamed Executables

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Q120797

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Office for Windows, versions 4.0, 4.2, 4.3

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SYMPTOM
In Microsoft Office Manager (MOM) versions 4.0 and later, you will be unable to activate an active application by choosing the built-in buttons on the MOM toolbar if the executable file for the application has been renamed.

For example, if you rename the Microsoft Excel 5.0 executable file (EXCEL.EXE) to EXCEL5.EXE, MOM will not switch to a running instance of Microsoft Excel when you choose the built-in Microsoft Excel button on the toolbar. Instead, a new instance of Microsoft Excel will be started.

CAUSE
Microsoft Office Manager attempts to see if an application is running by looking for the original filename (EXCEL.EXE, for example) in memory. If this original filename is not found, a new instance of the application is started.

WORKAROUND
If you want to use the MOM toolbar to switch to an application that has a renamed executable file, create a custom button to start the application. With a custom button, you do not need the original filename to be able to switch to an application.

Note that a second instance of the application may be started if you are using alternative shells such as PC Tools for Windows. This will occur if the running instance of the application is not visible on the screen or is in a "virtual" screen. If this is the case, activate the "virtual" screen where the application is located, and then select the tool on the MOM toolbar.