Windows won't maximize after a while

[Jean Bovet]

There is a strange behavior that is happening for a few weeks now. After
starting Windows XP, I can maximize my windows to full screen as we might
expect. However, after a certain period of time (which can vary from a few
minutes to a few hours), all the maximized windows suddenly are resized to
fill about 75-80% of the width of the screen. Even if I click back the
maximize button, the window won't resize to the full screen.

The only solution I found so far was to restart the computer. Has anyone had
the same experience? Any help would be appreciated.

I'm running Windows XP SP3 on a Dell Latitude D630 laptop computer connected
to an external monitor. My video card is a Intel 965. I have installed the
latest driver I can find. Notice that my wallpaper still fills the screen,
and I can still drag windows over the empty space, but maximized windows
won't fill that space.

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

There is a strange behavior that is happening for a few weeks now. After
starting Windows XP, I can maximize my windows to full screen as we might
expect. However, after a certain period of time (which can vary from a few
minutes to a few hours), all the maximized windows suddenly are resized to
fill about 75-80% of the width of the screen. Even if I click back the
maximize button, the window won't resize to the full screen.

The only solution I found so far was to restart the computer. Has anyone
had
the same experience? Any help would be appreciated.

I'm running Windows XP SP3 on a Dell Latitude D630 laptop computer
connected
to an external monitor. My video card is a Intel 965. I have installed the
latest driver I can find. Notice that my wallpaper still fills the screen,
and I can still drag windows over the empty space, but maximized windows
won't fill that space.

On a maximized window there is no "Maximize" button, only a "Restore Down"
button. When your problem occurs, do you see a "Maximize" button on
maximized windows or do you see a "Restore Down" button"? If unsure what I
mean, press Alt+Space on a window that is supposed to be maximised. Which
options are available?
If the "Restore" button is available then you probably have a
temperature-related problem with your video adapter.
If the "Maximize" button is available then you have a Windows problem.

 

[Jean Bovet]

On a maximized window there is no "Maximize" button, only a "Restore Down"

button. When your problem occurs, do you see a "Maximize" button on
maximized windows or do you see a "Restore Down" button"? If unsure what I
mean, press Alt+Space on a window that is supposed to be maximised. Which
options are available?
If the "Restore" button is available then you probably have a
temperature-related problem with your video adapter.
If the "Maximize" button is available then you have a Windows problem.

On a maximized window, I only have the "Restore" button, that's right. Do
you think this is a temperature-related problem with the video adapter? I can
"restore" the window and then resize it manually to cover all the screen
(that still work). Is there a way to check if the temperature is an issue?

Thanks

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

On a maximized window, I only have the "Restore" button, that's right. Do
you think this is a temperature-related problem with the video adapter? I
can
"restore" the window and then resize it manually to cover all the screen
(that still work). Is there a way to check if the temperature is an issue?

Thanks

Yes, I suspect that it is a temperature-related problem. You can test this
suspicion by doing this:
- Open the computer case.
- Use some adhesive tape to stick a thermometer to the video adapter.
- Use a hair drier to blow warm air at the video adapter. Make sure that the
temperature does not exceed around 60 degrees.

You could also ask your friendly computer dealer for a loan of an old video
adapter. They always have a few of them lying about.

 

[Twayne]

On a maximized window, I only have the "Restore" button, that's
right. Do you think this is a temperature-related problem with the
video adapter? I can "restore" the window and then resize it manually
to cover all the screen (that still work). Is there a way to check if
the temperature is an issue?

Thanks

Sometimes a box fan set to high and blowing into the front of the
computer will help a lot. If it's a temp problem, it'll usually add
enough moving air to stop the problem from happening.
If that's not definitive, open the case and put the fan where it will
blow right on the video card but not so it fights any other internal
fans like for the processor, video card, etc..

Unless a fan has quit working. Open up the machine and be certain all
the fans are doing their job. If there's a fan out, that will likely be
the source of the problem.

If no joy then I'd probably borrow the wife's hair dryer and try it on
the video card, then cpu, and then the power supply, any of which could
have problems with heat. Keep it at a respectable distance from the
parts; you do NOT want to get them boiling hot. Anything that will
sizzle spit is already too hot; careful you don't burn youself.

HTH,

Twayne`

 

[Jean Bovet]

Thanks for your answers and having actually a path to explore! Because this
is a laptop that is provided by my company I will need to talk to the IT guys
and see what they can do about it.

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

Thanks for your answers and having actually a path to explore! Because
this
is a laptop that is provided by my company I will need to talk to the IT
guys
and see what they can do about it.

This is what you should have done in the first place. Newsgroups are not
meant as a replacement for in-house IT support facilities!

 

[Jean Bovet]

You're absolutely right. However, I've already done this and they have
absolutely no clue about what is going on. I've also spent countless hours
with the Dell support (they even took control of my machine) and same result:
no clue.

I've decided to use this newsgroup as the last resort hoping some people
could help - which is the case

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

message

There is a strange behavior that is happening for a few weeks now. After
starting Windows XP, I can maximize my windows to full screen as we might
expect. However, after a certain period of time (which can vary from a few
minutes to a few hours), all the maximized windows suddenly are resized to
fill about 75-80% of the width of the screen. Even if I click back the
maximize button, the window won't resize to the full screen.

The only solution I found so far was to restart the computer. Has anyone
had
the same experience? Any help would be appreciated.

I'm running Windows XP SP3 on a Dell Latitude D630 laptop computer
connected
to an external monitor. My video card is a Intel 965. I have installed the
latest driver I can find. Notice that my wallpaper still fills the screen,
and I can still drag windows over the empty space, but maximized windows
won't fill that space.

On a maximized window there is no "Maximize" button, only a "Restore
Down"
button. When your problem occurs, do you see a "Maximize" button on
maximized windows or do you see a "Restore Down" button"? If unsure
what I
mean, press Alt+Space on a window that is supposed to be maximised.
Which
options are available?
If the "Restore" button is available then you probably have a
temperature-related problem with your video adapter.
If the "Maximize" button is available then you have a Windows problem.

I am having the "Maximize" issue as stated above and it only happens on
1 window in Peachtree accounting software. I don't have any other
issues with any other windows. When I click on "Alt + Space Bar" I get
the menu in the top left corner of the screen like the window is on
another desktop. I have verified that single display is set on my video
card so I now it's not that. I have tried to "resize" but it won't
allow it with my mouse. I can only have the tab "minimized" or
"maximized". I have another co worker that is having the same problem
on different software but again only on 1 window in that specific
software. I'm sure it's a XP issue I just don't know where to start
looking for the fix. Any help would be great.

If this only happens with Peachtree software then it is likely to be a
Peachtree issue, not a Windows issue. Launch the Windows Calculator (Start /
Run / calc.exe) - it also has only a "Maximize" and a "Minimize" button. By
the way - it would be better if you started your own thread instead of
piggy-backing onto someone else's thread, even if you're dealing with a
similar subject.

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

Pegasus [MVP]

Do you want me to start another post? If so that is fine I will. The
"calc" test only has "minimize" available, no "maximize".

Bucoholic

It is up to you to decide if you want to start another thread. If I was in
your position then I would.