Microsoft KB Archive/886217

= New program window appears behind all other open windows on a Windows 2000-based, Windows XP-based, Windows Server 2003-based, or Windows Vista-based computer =

Article ID: 886217

Article Last Modified on 10/12/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
 * Windows Vista Business
 * Windows Vista Enterprise
 * Windows Vista Home Basic
 * Windows Vista Home Premium
 * Windows Vista Ultimate

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Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure that you back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

322756 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista



SYMPTOMS
When you start a program from another program, the new program window may appear behind all other open windows. For example, when you use Microsoft Word to open a Word attachment file in Microsoft Outlook, the new program window may appear behind all other open windows. Additionally, the new-window icon flashes on the taskbar. This symptom occurs on a Microsoft Windows 2000-based computer, on a Windows XP-based computer, on a Windows Server 2003-based computer, or on a Windows Vista-based computer.



RESOLUTION
Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To resolve this issue, use either of the following methods.

Modify the registry
To resolve this issue, modify the value of the ForegroundLockTimeout registry entry in Registry Editor. To do this, follow these steps:  Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK. In Registry Editor, locate and then click the following registry subkey:

 

 In the right pane, locate and then double-click ForegroundLockTimeout. Under Base, click Decimal, type 0 in the Value data box, and then click OK.

Note The default decimal value for the ForegroundLockTimeout registry entry is set as 200000. Quit Registry Editor. Restart your computer.</ol>

Use the Tweak UI utility
To resolve this issue, use the Microsoft Tweak UI utility to change the default windows settings. To do this, follow the steps for your operating system:

Windows 2000

 * 1) Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Tweak UI.
 * 2) Click the General tab, click to clear the Prevent applications from stealing focus check box, and then click OK.
 * 3) Close Control Panel.

Windows XP and Windows Server 2003

 * 1) Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Powertoys for Windows XP, and then click Tweak UI.
 * 2) Expand General, and then click Focus.
 * 3) Click to clear the Prevent applications from stealing focus check box, and then click OK.

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MORE INFORMATION
To download the Tweak UI version 2.10 utility for Windows Server 2003-based or Windows XP-based computers, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

Important You can only install the Tweak UI version 2.10 utility on Windows Server 2003-based or on Windows XP-based computers. You cannot install the Tweak UI 2.10 utility on Windows 2000-based or on Windows Vista-based computers. Microsoft does not provide support for the Tweak UI utility.

Keywords: kbtshoot KB886217

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