Microsoft KB Archive/943326

= Overlapping layered windows are not displayed in the correct order in Windows Server 2003 =

Article ID: 943326

Article Last Modified on 10/22/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition for Itanium-Based Systems

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SYMPTOMS
In Windows Server 2003, one or more applications create layered windows that have a WS_EX_LAYERED style. Additionally, the layered windows overlap one another. However, the overlapping layered windows are not displayed in the correct order. For example, an application creates a window and then creates a pop-up window inside the parent window. In this situation, the parent window unexpectedly covers an area of the pop-up window.

When this problem occurs, users cannot access the covered area.



CAUSE
This problem occurs because the Win32k.sys driver displays the order of layered windows incorrectly.



Hotfix information
A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows Server 2003 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem, submit a request to Microsoft Online Customer Services to obtain the hotfix. To submit an online request to obtain the hotfix, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=6294451

Note If additional issues occur or any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. To create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Prerequisites
To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 installed on the computer. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

889100 How to obtain the latest service pack for Windows Server 2003

Restart requirement
You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information
This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

File information
The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x64-based versions


WORKAROUND
To work around this problem, use one or more of the following methods:
 * Do not use layered windows. If you want to use layered windows to create irregular-shaped windows, use window regions instead of layered windows.
 * Do not change display configurations when the applications are running. The problem that is described in the &quot;Symptoms&quot; section frequently occurs when users change their display configurations. For example, do not extend the desktop for dual monitors.
 * Restart all the applications that have overlapping layered windows.



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the &quot;Applies to&quot; section.



MORE INFORMATION
You can use a layered window for the following reasons:
 * To improve performance and visual effects for a window that has a complex shape
 * To animate window shapes
 * To use alpha-blending effects

The system automatically composes and redraws layered windows and the windows of underlying applications. For more information, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms632599.aspx#layered

For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

Additional query words: overlapped AllowsTransparency WS_EX_LAYERED style

Keywords: kbbug kbfix kbqfe kbpubtypekc kbexpertiseinter kbhotfixserver kbwinserv2003postsp2fix KB943326

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