Prevent XP from choosing open window !

Dumb_Question · Aug 8, 2012

When I set Windows XP a task, which might take what seems like a couple of minutes (like opening Firefox, on my PC), and I switch to another window (task) like writing a note in notepad, how do I prevent Windows from switching back to the first task I set it to do on its completion ? It very annoying to be typing something and not realise that you're typing at the wrong window (not being a touch typist I look at the k/b not the screen when typing). I want to choose which window I'm working in, not have Windows select the task it thinks I want to be working in !

Dumb_Question
8.August.2012
Compaq Presario S5160UK DT261A under XP/SP3
Processor - Celeron 2.7 GHz
Motherboard - MSI MS-6577 v2.1
RAM - 1GB + 512MB (1GB +1GB max) DDR PC2700
PSU - Octigen 300W model 10270PSOTG ('upgraded' from original Bestec 250W PSU [in 2011?])
Nvidia GeForce 6200 graphics card in AGP slot.

pwillener · Aug 8, 2012

I have never seen that; what I see when another process gets updated, the task bar icon changes color. I have never seen another task suddenly popping in front of the active window.

Maybe there is a setting somewhere to change this behavior?

plodr · Aug 8, 2012

1. Click on Start and then Run and type in regedit.
2. Locate HKEY_CURRENT_USER folder under My Computer and click on the (+) sign next the folder name to expand the folder.
3. Continue to expand folders until you reach the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel registry key.
4. Select the Desktop key under Control Panel. On the right-hand side of the screen, locate and double-click on the ForegroundLockTimeout DWORD. In the Edit DWORD Value window that appears, set the Value data: field to 30d40. ( Make sure the Base option is set to Hexadecimal when entering the DWORD value.)
5. Click OK and then close Registry Editor. Reboot.

pwillener · Aug 9, 2012

Wow - there are always some cool things to learn from you! :cool

Dumb_Question · Aug 9, 2012

-> plodr

Thanks for that, but reboot ! eek !
I will do as you suggest and let you know the result when I reboot and after a while when I fail to observe this irritating phenomenon (could be a while).
What does that do, exactly ?
How do you find that stuff out ? I doubt even a microsoft expert could have come up with that)

Dumb_Question
9.August.2012
Compaq Presario S5160UK DT261A under XP/SP3
Processor - Celeron 2.7 GHz
Motherboard - MSI MS-6577 v2.1
RAM - 1GB + 512MB (1GB +1GB max) DDR PC2700
PSU - Octigen 300W model 10270PSOTG ('upgraded' from original Bestec 250W PSU [in 2011?])
Nvidia GeForce 6200 graphics card in AGP slot.

plodr · Aug 9, 2012

What does it do? It appears that your computer is changing focus of windows. You desire one to remain active, yet it switched focus to a different window. This sometime happens in browsers tabs. As the ads finish loading in one tab, the focus will switch to that tab, not what you want.

I search for solutions and dismiss all the ones that sound bogus.

If possible, I examine my computers (I run XP and 7) to see if the directions are logical and possible. If the directions are vague or I can't find what is mentioned, I do some more searching.
Last, I keep notes on index cards in a wooden box my husband made for me. It is easier to find notes that way than to store notes on a computer.

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Prevent XP from choosing open window !

Dumb_Question Sergeant Major

pwillener MajorGeek

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

pwillener MajorGeek

Dumb_Question Sergeant Major

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member