How to stop windows (any kind) from popping on top

[Guest]

Is there anyway to instruct Windows so that any program/application/whatever
windows doesn't pop on top of the others? Examples:
1. It's very annoying when you're typing something important and the Office
reminders pop on top. Sound and blinking in the Taskbar is more than enough.
2. Another situation is when you're running two applications at the same
time, and you're working on one of them, and the other's process generates
new windows, and they pop on top. My problem is not that it generates new
windows, but that THEY ALWAYS POP ON TOP.

I hope I made it clear and that someone can help.

Thanks

 

[Norm Dresner]

Is there anyway to instruct Windows so that any
program/application/whatever
windows doesn't pop on top of the others? Examples:
1. It's very annoying when you're typing something important and the
Office
reminders pop on top. Sound and blinking in the Taskbar is more than
enough.
2. Another situation is when you're running two applications at the same
time, and you're working on one of them, and the other's process generates
new windows, and they pop on top. My problem is not that it generates new
windows, but that THEY ALWAYS POP ON TOP.

I hope I made it clear and that someone can help.

Thanks

Unfortunately you're under the mistaken impression that you're in control of
your computer. It's wrongheaded to think that. Almost any program can do
almost anything it want to do at any time without stopping to ask your
permission. [That's how most virus programs work too.] There's absolutely
nothing you can do without modifying your OS in somewhat drastic ways to
prevent any program from creating any display or window it wants anywhere on
your screen. That's life. That's Windows.

Norm

 

[Stan Brown]

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 02:06:08 -0800 from Fabiano

Is there anyway to instruct Windows so that any program/application/whatever
windows doesn't pop on top of the others? Examples:
1. It's very annoying when you're typing something important and the Office
reminders pop on top. Sound and blinking in the Taskbar is more than enough.
2. Another situation is when you're running two applications at the same
time, and you're working on one of them, and the other's process generates
new windows, and they pop on top. My problem is not that it generates new
windows, but that THEY ALWAYS POP ON TOP.

In the General tab of TweakUI

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

check "Prevent applications from stealing focus".

It doesn't work perfectly, but it's better than nothing.