FSX-MS FSX freezing when you switch windows

[Gaz 15]

Hi

I'm trying to get started with FSX and I'm having trouble switching between FSX and another Window (such as a browser). I can use ALT+TAB as you would normally to come out of FSX, and the icon remains in the task bar at the bottom of the screen, but when I try to go back in to FSX, it doesn't normally work.

I have tried ALT+TAB, right-clicking on the icon and selecting FSX, but nothing happens.  When I look in my Tasks list on the PC, it does say that FSX is running, but the option to switch to it is greyed out.

This means I have to kill FSX. It is not useful when you are using SimBrief and you have to get some of the data from there to enter into the FMC!  I noticed that FSX doesn't seem to run as a standard Windows window - perhaps getting it to do so would help stop the problem.

I would appreciate it it if anyone could help - and I reckon a lot of people have come across this issue.  BTW, I am running Windows10 with the Steam edition of FSX.

I desperate hope!

Gary

[CB_Pilot 54]

Hi Gary

No guarantees that these suggestions will work but worth a try.

1. Make sure that "Settings\General\Pause on task switch" is unticked if you want FSX:SE to keep running when you switch window.
2. My former PC setup used to suffer from your issue and I found that selecting the FSX:SE icon on the taskbar and then selecting ALT+ENTER brought the simulator back in to view. (ALT+ENTER is switching between full screen mode and windowed mode.)
3. Also, if you are running two monitors (not sure if you are) then make sure that the resolution settings are set properly for each screen. You can do that via "Settings\Graphics" and checking that the Device parameters are appropriate and correct.

It will be something simple, it usually is with FSX: the trick is knowing what to check and where to look. Good luck.

[Gaz 15]

Thanks for that, I'll give it a go! 

Gary

[cmpbellsjc 2,963]

I never use the Alt-Tab to minimize as I’ve found it troublesome sometimes.

I just press the Alt key until the drop menu header appears and then using the mouse hit the minimize icon. Seems to always work ok for me doing it that way.

[Gaz 15]

2 hours ago, Bobsk8 said:

15 minutes ago, cmpbellsjc said:

I never use the Alt-Tab to minimize as I’ve found it troublesome sometimes.

I just press the Alt key until the drop menu header appears and then using the mouse hit the minimize icon. Seems to always work ok for me doing it that way.

When I use the Alt key, I do get the menu appearing at the top, but no Maximise, or Minimise, or key to make it into a Window.

Gary

[Gaz 15]

1 hour ago, CB_Pilot said:

Hi Gary

No guarantees that these suggestions will work but worth a try.

1. Make sure that "Settings\General\Pause on task switch" is unticked if you want FSX:SE to keep running when you switch window.
2. My former PC setup used to suffer from your issue and I found that selecting the FSX:SE icon on the taskbar and then selecting ALT+ENTER brought the simulator back in to view. (ALT+ENTER is switching between full screen mode and windowed mode.)
3. Also, if you are running two monitors (not sure if you are) then make sure that the resolution settings are set properly for each screen. You can do that via "Settings\Graphics" and checking that the Device parameters are appropriate and correct.

It will be something simple, it usually is with FSX: the trick is knowing what to check and where to look. Good luck.

CB_Pilot,

You have completely solved my problem! The Alt+Enter fixed the whole issue... 

I really appreciate it.

Gary

[cmpbellsjc 2,963]

1 hour ago, Gary McCluskey said:

 

Gary, you don’t see the boxes on the top right when you hit the Alt key? I put an arrow pointing to them.

Btw, when you quote someone, don’t reply inside the quote, reply outside the quote, it’s easier to read.

[Gaz 15]

56 minutes ago, cmpbellsjc said:

Gary, you don’t see the boxes on the top right when you hit the Alt key? I put an arrow pointing to them.

I have a screenshot of what I see here.  There may be a menu when I hit the Alt key, but as I said, no Min or Max buttons on the right.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yG5d6nM2kWxVcp2r7

[cmpbellsjc 2,963]

1 hour ago, Gary McCluskey said:

I have a screenshot of what I see here.  There may be a menu when I hit the Alt key, but as I said, no Min or Max buttons on the right.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yG5d6nM2kWxVcp2r7

Hmm, that’s weird. Could be a variance due to operating systems, OS set up and version of FSX that you’re using.

I’m using Win 7 64, FSX SP2 and have the OS set a certain way. 

Perhaps if you’re using FSX-SE on Win 10 those buttons are gone.

Anyway, as long as you got it solved that’s all that matters.

[CB_Pilot 54]

13 hours ago, Gary McCluskey said:

CB_Pilot,

You have completely solved my problem! The Alt+Enter fixed the whole issue... 

I really appreciate it.

Gary

You’re welcome Gary. AVSIM has been a huge help to me over the years so I’m glad I can also help you.

Enjoy that next flight!

[Gaz 15]

Well thanks for this, it's really helped.

Actually, I do think it may be an operating system thing (or related to it being the Steam edition). The bar at the top of the screen on your screenshot looks very different to mine.

Thanks again, Gary