Windows 7 A strange problem with the taskbar, cannot switch between different instances of a single program

[stirfriedsushi]

I am having a strange problem with my taskbar. For some reason, whenever I have multiple instances of a program open, like firefox or word, I can usually mouse over the icon and switch between the different instances. But for some reason now I can't. I have been experiencing other odd problems like me not being able to click onto a firefox page on my second monitor when my first one has a flash or blip.tv movie playing on it at full screen.

Only recent change I have done was trying to install grandia 2 for pc. Otherwise no recent changes. I am planning on formatting soon so this isn't a huge issue, but I won't be able to do it for a few weeks and this is still annoying.

any suggestions?

thanks!

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're encountering some unusual behavior with your taskbar and program instances, especially with applications like Firefox and Word. Here are some steps you can try to resolve these issues before you format your system:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Restart your Computer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches or issues. It's a good first step to try.
2. Check Taskbar Settings:
   • Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
   • Ensure that the "Cascade windows" and "Show windows stacked" options are not enabled.
   []Check Taskbar Grouping Settings:
   • Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
   • Go to Taskbar settings.
   • Check if the "Combine taskbar buttons" option is set to "Always" or "When taskbar is full." Try setting it to "Never."
   []Update Graphic Drivers: Ensure your graphic drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause display-related issues. []Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM:
   • Open a Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Run the following commands:

      sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   []Check for Malware: Perform a full system scan for malware using Windows Defender or a reputable antivirus program. []Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows system is up to date with the latest updates from Microsoft. []Disable Hardware Acceleration in Firefox:
   • Open Firefox.
   • Go to Options > General.
   • Scroll down to the "Performance" section and uncheck the box that says "Use recommended performance settings."
   • Uncheck the box for "Use hardware acceleration when available."
   []Test in Safe Mode: Boot your computer into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is related to third-party software or drivers. []Check for Grandia 2 Software Conflicts: Since you mentioned installing Grandia 2, check if there are any known compatibility issues with other software on your system.

   After trying these steps, if the issue persists, backing up your important data and performing a clean format might be necessary.​

   If you encounter any specific error messages or if these steps do not resolve the issue, feel free to provide more details for further assistance.