IE stealing focus

[Kevin]

Internet Explorer seems to have a tremendously difficult
time avoiding "stealing focus". Even though I am using
the PowerToys' TweakUI in preventing applications from
stealing focus, Internet Explorer doesn't seem to want to
behave. (I'm currently running Windows XP Professional,
by the way.)

For example, when using ScanSoft Inc.'s NaturallySpeaking
voice-recognition program, whenever you bring up a dialog
box (Correction or otherwise) within Internet Explorer,
Internet Explorer will, just about 75% of the time, steal
focus away from the dialog box within less than one
second after it appears.

Another example is when I'm simply using the Alt-Tab keys
in order to switch between windows/applications. About
50% of the time when you use the Alt-Tab keys to attempt
to switch to another application and/or window, Internet
Explorer will not allow you to see "behind" its current
open window. This is extraordinarily frustrating!

Is there any solution to these long-standing problems?

Please help!

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[DVarnau]

Kevin,
My experience was that the "prevent applications from stealing focus" worked
pretty well with IE4 on Win95. It hasn't worked with IE5.5 or IE6 (WinME.)
The usual advice is to minimize the IE window. That should keep it out of
the way.

Or, there are a number of free utilities which will keep selected windows on
top. Try http://www.nonags.com/nonags/desktop.html You might have to start
at nonags.com then work your way to freeware then desktop, etc. I've used
WinOnTop- it worked well.

Don