Microsoft KB Archive/80773

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File Manager Window Not Visible

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Q80773

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows versions 3.1, 3.11

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SYMPTOMS
You start the Windows version 3.1 File Manager, but it doesn't appear on the screen. Selecting File Manager from your Task Lisk has no effect.

CAUSE
There may be a problem with the settings in the WINFILE.INI file.

WORKAROUND
To make File Manager visible, do the following:


 * 1) Minimize all applications currently running, including Program Manager.
 * 2) Start Task Manager by double-clicking on the wallpaper, or using CTRL+ESC.
 * 3) Select File Manager from the Task List, and select Tile. File Manager will now be visible.
 * 4) From the Options menu in File Manager, make sure Save Settings On Exit is chosen. This will prevent the problem from occurring again.

MORE INFORMATION
This problem is caused by an invalid entry in WINFILE.INI. WINFILE.INI can be found in the WINDOWS directory and can be edited with Notepad. Near the top of the file there will be a Window= line in the [Settings] section. For example:

  [Settings] Window=0,0,800,600,, ,1

First Number: X offset of upper left hand corner Second Number: Y offset of upper left hand corner Third Number: Width of window Fourth Number: Height of window If the first number is negative, and its absolute value is greater than the third number, or if the second number is negative, and its absolute value is greater than the fourth number, the File Manager window will be off-screen and not visible. This could happen if a virtual desktop utility is being used like the Inner Media's Wide Angle, or shareware program BIGDESK.

EXAMPLE: If the following line is in the WINFILE.INI

    Window=-500,0,480,600,, ,1 File Manager starts up without an error, but is not visible. File Manager shows up in the Task List, but selecting it does not make it appear.

NOTE: This problem does not occur in the Windows 3.0 File Manager, as it does not use or recognize the &quot;Window=&quot; setting.

KBCategory: kbtool

KBSubcategory: win31

Additional query words: 3.10 3.11 invisible disappear win31

Keywords :

Issue type :

Technology : kbWin3xSearch kbWin310 kbWin311