Windows 7: All files open in background??

So I installed Windows 7 the other day and everything went surprisingly smooth. There were a few hiccups with program compatibility and drivers but nothing major (which thrilled me).

However, there is one issue I have not been able to resolve and I can't find any type of info on others having a similar issue. Ever since I installed the new OS, every file I open from a folder opens in the background. So far this includes pictures, music, video, etc. It doesn't seem to affect my Open Office documents or spreadsheets, however.

Here's the other hitch. . . it only affects the very first file I open from a folder. After that, all subsequent files are opened on top. However, once I close the folder and go to a new folder, the problem starts again.



I wouldn't classify it as a major issue, however, it is a bit annoying. Anyone else having a similar issue or have an idea of what is going on?

Do you have any other programs running at the time that might have a "always stay on top" option like the Task Manager?

Thanks for the response Minotar.

Other programs running don't seem to be the issue. It seems to happen regardless of whether I have nothing else open or many things. Also, here's another interesting thing I've discovered about this issue. If I have multiple windows open (i.e, Firefox maximized) and then I open a folder with files in it, such as pictures, the file will open behind the folder window but not the other windows (in this example it's Firefox). In other words, it's not really opening in the background, it's just always opening behind the folder window.

Hopefully that makes sense.

No problem and it does

Have you tried ticking the "Automatically Expand to current Folder" button in the folder options in appearance and personalization in control panel?

Just tried that with no success.

This will probably end up being a simple fix but for now it's becoming an obsession.

Im lost on this now,ive ran out of ideas

Well thanks anyway. I appreciate your help. I'll keep at it.

Just a bump to see if anyone has any ideas.

In folder options, is "open each folder in the same window" checked. If not, perhaps that would help. Worth a try.

Another thing you could try would be to run the system file checker. Open administrative command window and type sfc /scannow, and hit enter, and wait a few minutes for it to complete. It will check your system files for corruption and fix if possible if any is found.

Otherwise, perhaps a "repair install" which does not wipe out your programs, settings, and data, might be worth trying.

Another possible fix would be to create a new user account and see if the objectionable behavior happens when you're in that account. If not, from within the new account, you could copy over all your folders and files that are under your old User/user name into the appropriate place in your newly created account and hope that the problem doesn't transfer to the new account along with old your folders and files.

If that last approach fixes the problem, then after you're very sure everything is working properly with all your transferred folders, apps, files, etc., you could delete the old user account.

My wifes system has had this problem even on Vista and now 7. I've never had the problem and cant reproduce it on my sys. After spending much time trying to figure out what was causing it I came to this conclusion...

She is running Skype and FireFox, where I am not. Otherwise all settings for Explorer and taskbar etc are the same.