IE windows battling for focus

[Tim C]

IE 6, Windows XP Pro SP2, latest updates for both.

We are using a browser-based online agency management system. The system
"prints" by downloading a PDF file in a new IE window.

The problem occurs most of the time (but not always) on all of our computers
for all of our users. It does not occur for most others agencies using this
same product, which would tend to indicate the problem is with browser or
Windows settings.

Here's the scenario:

User is in IE window #1, using application. User intiates a "print" job
within the application in window #1. This also initiates a reload of window
#1 or the loading of a new page in window #1. IE window #2 opens in front
of Window #1 and loads the PDF file. So far, so good.

But then most of the time (not always), when window #1 finishes reloading,
it takes the focus, and jumps in front of window #2. The user then has to
go through additional clicks to bring window #2 back up again.

Sometimes, after window #2 has taken the focus, window #1 takes it back
again a second later. Other times, window #1 behaves itself, and leaves
window #2 alone.

Tech support for the application says that this not normal behavior for
their program and that it is a Microsoft issue.

Any ideas?

The only focus-stealing articles I have found discuss adjusting the
ForegroundLockTimeout registry entry. But that doesn't work, because we DO
want window #2 with the PDF to take focus when it opens, we just want to
prevent window #1 from taking it back again.

Thanks,
Tim C

 

[Tim C]

I reversed the windows in the 7th paragraph. It should read:

"Sometimes, after window #1 has taken the focus, window #2 takes it back
again a second later. Other times, window #1 behaves itself, and leaves
window #2 alone."

Tim C