"Flie open" window doesn't display correctly

Hi there,

I have a problem running Patran 2007 in Windows 7, the program seems to run fine, and I am able to open data bases and work on them. The problem comes in when I want to either save the database, open a new database or just open a current database. For each of these functions a new smaller window pops up so I can navigate to the correct file or path to click on it or whatever.

Initially the window opens as I would expect, but as soon as I move the mouse or try to use the keyboard to navigate, the window goes blank and I can do nothing with it. Strangely, using the compatibility setting to open the program in a 640x480 display, they do seem to work fine, but because of the small resolution, I cannot actually see the part of the window where the files are - so that also doesn't help me.

It seems as though there is something between Patran and Windows that one of them don't like, but it baffles me that everything else works fine. If any one else has had the same problem, maybe with a different program even, let me know what you did to resolve it. Otherwise any advise would be useful.

Thanks
Alan

Crowthorne, try these one by one.

1) Run Patran in compatibility mode. Then right click on your desktop, Click 'Graphic Options' then 'Panel Fit' and choose 'Full Screen (No Border)'.

2)Run in compatibility mode. Next, under Start -> Run, type MSCONFIG -> Enter
Boot Tab -> Boot options -> CHECK Base Video, Apply.
Restart your PC.

Hi Johnathan_king,
thanks,

Unfortunately it has been happening right from the word go, and I have reinstalled multiple times, and tried running it in about every possible setting in compatibility mode and seem to get the same problem every time. just no luck with doing the basics.
Regards,

Hi Bill2,

I don't seem to be able to find the option you are referring to in your first option, if I right click on the desktop I only get the Nvidia control panel or alternatively the screen resolution/customise your desktop options. Is there another way to find the "Panel fit" setting? Is this not maybe a vista setting rather than a windows 7 setting?

As for the second option, what happens then is the screen resolution is set to 800x600, and as I posted above when that happens, although the "open file" window seems to be working, I cannot access the area of the window where the files are listed to select any of them.

I am in the process of checking graphics drivers to see if there is a latest driver that might improve the situation.

Thanks

Just curious, what happens if you turn Aero Peek and transparency off?

Nope, tried disabling all the fancy animations and even went back to classic desktop settings, didn't work. Also tried stopping the themes process under "services.msc" - unfortunately does not help. Thanks for the suggestion though.
What I have found though is that the functionality of the "file open" window is still working. I can use tab and the arrow keys to navigate, and then select a file to open - which it does - unfortunately I cannot see which file I am selecting! Frustrating...

Thanks for the suggestions so far, if any one does have a bright idea, let me know, but otherwise it feels as though I must either go back to XP , or else just live with it as is.

@Crowthorne

I get the same problem with Patran 2010, there used to be a fix in the internet but I can't find it now, anyways the best solution for now is to say goodbye to the fancy skinned mode in patran, if there is one. In the shortcut to the program just delete -skin at the end an only leave ....patran.exe this will make the patran more dull but hey, at least it works.

where can I get the fix for Window 7 and Patran 2010? Thanks

Its not a fix but a work around for Patran 2006/7:

The file > new/open/save window not fully displaying can be overcome by repositioning the "file new" window dragging it top left of screen, escape and reopen.

It should then display enough to work with.

Hope this helps