Alt + Tab not working properly?

Question

I recently purchased a Dell Vostro 1000, with Windows XP Home, I've never had this problem on any other computer so I figured I would post it here. When I hit Alt+Tab to switch windows, the window switcher screen disappears after a second or two, and sometimes it immediately disappears. It's really frustrating, and I have no idea why this is happening. If anyone else has had the same problem, and knows a solution, it would be appreciated.

himynameiskevin · Answer

It's not a delay or anything, the computer runs really fast. When I push alt+tab, the window that pops up disappears within a second or two, and I have to push alt+tab again. It doesn't always close at the same speed, sometimes it stays open for 2 seconds, sometimes a fraction of a second. I'm really not sure how else to explain that.. It's like the program that switches windows using alt+tab crashes

BELL BOY · Answer

Assume you mean switching between open items using Alt+Tab Yes it’s normally instantaneous but if a slight delay – could be something running & slowing down your computer. Have you tried using Task Manager (right click on task bar or Ctrl+Alt+Del) & checking CPU usage when there is a delay in switching?

BELL BOY · Answer

If you mean it’s the taskbar open item that you are trying to switch to that, “sometimes it stays open for 2 seconds, sometimes a fraction of a second” & you need to press Alt+Tab keys again to make it appear permanently?

Then problem could be keyboard (not unusual) or you have Powertoys for Windows XP installed or (a long shot & unlikely) some shortcut keys don’t work properly if Use StickyKeys has been check box enabled in Accessibility Options?

himynameiskevin · Answer

I'm not using power toys, and sticky keys are not enabled... I guess I'll just have to deal with it, which is lame.

cavemanweb · Answer

i have the same problem in that vostro, do you fix it or still have that thing?

himynameiskevin · Answer

still the same problem, i have no idea how to fix it.

sg12_371eaf · Answer

I have the exact same problem.  I recently bought Inspirion 1501 and it behaves JUST LIKE THAT.  It seems not to be able to 'hold on' to the task switching screen that opns when you Alt-Tab.  However, if I hit Alt-Tab in quick succession twice, it switches to the previous app.   Go figure!

-h0b0- · Answer

Alright, I had this problem too (extremely annoying) and fixed it today. The problem lies in Dell's BIOS. I went back 2 versions and now my Alt + Tab is working as it should.

My system: Inspiron 1501 (Laptop)
Bios versions where Alt+Tab does NOT work: A14 (2.6.1), A11 (2.4.1)
Bios versions where Alt+Tab DOES word: A09 (2.3.0) and probably lower (haven't tried)

Good luck to anybody else with this problem.

Message Edited by -h0b0- on 11-27-2007 12:42 AM

AndresGV · Answer

Hi, could you fix the problem the way h0b0 said?
I can't find the bios firmware version in dell site.

I have the same laptop and problem.
I have other effect as consequence of this problem:
- Direct3d test is canceled
- Preview of some screensavers doesn't work
- Some tooltips didn't work

Best regards

himynameiskevin · Answer

This problem seems to have magically disappeared for me. I didn't change anything on my computer except running Windows Update, but it stopped doing it. So, if it's not from Windows Update, then I have no idea why it stopped.

-h0b0- · Answer

Andres, here is the page with all BIOS downloads for Inspiron 1501:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/previousversions.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=gen&impid=-1&vercnt=9&osl=en&SystemID=INS_PNT_1501&catid=-1&deviceid=13120&releaseid=R174470&releasetype=BIOS&servicetag=&os=WW1&formatcnt=1&libid=1

AndresGV · Answer

Hi Kevin, thanks for your response. Mmm, I hate when things magically get fixed, well maybe I have to keep windows up to date. Regards.

AndresGV · Answer

Hi h0bo, thanks for the link, but my laptop is a Vostro 1000, anyway i could find the bios for my laptop, it seems i have installed the latest one so maybe i'll do what you said and install a previous version, although i'm a little afraid of bios changing. Thank you.

BitSlave · Answer

INSPIRON 1501 with same problem Alt-Tab window disappears quickly.

Also these strange problems: At end of winning solitaire, only about 2 cards will fly away before "Deal Again" pops up. Programs opened up in less than full screen will open beneath open windows and the corresponding task bar button will flash orange. Windows screen saver will only preview properly one time. After that, preview will go to black then pop back to screen saver dialog box.

It is as if an invisible window is open or the mouse is always moving. No wireless mouse - only stock touch pad.

Also sometimes typing an email is very frustrating because the text is displayed very slowly. If you have to back space it's just plain silly.

BitSlave · Answer

Found on other thread:

Unplug from AC

Shut-down Windows

Remove battery

Hold down power button. 10 seconds

Seemed to work. Will be interested to see if the never ending ERROR Event 7011 (event viewer) ends.

Windows General

Alt + Tab not working properly?

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