OT - Need computer help

[connectikev]

I try to open a file on my computer and it opens on the bottom task bar, but not on the screen (meaning that I cannot do anything with the open file). Right clicking on the file (while hovering on the icon on the task bar) doesn't open the file either.
How do I fix this so that I can open files and some functions (like mozilla, for example) and work with them?

 

[Sonofabeach]

I would run CCleaner (free Program) and reboot your computer

 

[temery]

I try to open a file on my computer and it opens on the bottom task bar, but not on the screen (meaning that I cannot do anything with the open file). Right clicking on the file (while hovering on the icon on the task bar) doesn't open the file either.
How do I fix this so that I can open files and some functions (like mozilla, for example) and work with them?

How are you trying to open the file? Is it a file or a program?

 

[connectikev]

How are you trying to open the file? Is it a file or a program?

file explorer, mozilla, photos (file on desktop) - they open, but only on the task bar, I can see them as open when hovering over them on the task bar - but cannot access them.
Just ran ccleaner and rebooted - to no avail

 

[Leebo]

I try to open a file on my computer and it opens on the bottom task bar, but not on the screen (meaning that I cannot do anything with the open file). Right clicking on the file (while hovering on the icon on the task bar) doesn't open the file either.
How do I fix this so that I can open files and some functions (like mozilla, for example) and work with them?

Try opening the file and then going into the Task Manager (ctrl+alt+del). Right click on the program in question from the Applications tab and choose "Maximize." See if that does anything.

 

[UconnAlum04]

Do you have a secondary display (tv/monitor) attached to this computer?
Are you on Windows 7?

If so, try the following...
1. Go down to the task bar, and mouse hover over the open program
2. RIGHT CLICK on the little Preview Window that pops up
3. Click RESTORE
4. Repeat Steps 1-2, but this time choose MOVE
5. Now hold LEFT arrow key on keyboard to see if it moves onto the primary monitor, or try holding RIGHT arrow key

Let me know if that works

 

[August_West]

Do you have a secondary display (tv/monitor) attached to this computer?
Are you on Windows 7?

If so, try the following...
1. Go down to the task bar, and mouse hover over the open program
2. RIGHT CLICK on the little Preview Window that pops up
3. Click RESTORE
4. Repeat Steps 1-2, but this time choose MOVE
5. Now hold LEFT arrow key on keyboard to see if it moves onto the primary monitor, or try holding RIGHT arrow key

Let me know if that works

^^^ I believe that to be the solution (if we are reading your problem description accurately). Nice call Alum. Want a job?

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/wind...-windows-back-to-your-desktop-keyboard-trick/

 

[UconnAlum04]

^^^ I believe that to be the solution (if we are reading your problem description accurately). Nice call Alum. Want a job?

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/wind...-windows-back-to-your-desktop-keyboard-trick/

11 years as a Sys Admin finally paying off!

 

[connectikev]

Do you have a secondary display (tv/monitor) attached to this computer?
Are you on Windows 7?

If so, try the following...
1. Go down to the task bar, and mouse hover over the open program
2. RIGHT CLICK on the little Preview Window that pops up
3. Click RESTORE
4. Repeat Steps 1-2, but this time choose MOVE
5. Now hold LEFT arrow key on keyboard to see if it moves onto the primary monitor, or try holding RIGHT arrow key

Let me know if that works

Ok - that led to the answer - The display set up was sending my open windows to a second (non existent) monitor....
Thank you for the help! - you can imagine how frustrating it was.