All full screen applications keep minimizing to desktop / losing focus

[Muskel]

Hey. So I've had this issue for a few days now. Any game I play or any movie I watch, if its on full screen, it will lose focus or minimize to desktop within 1-2 minutes. There are no error messages, and I can't find a single thing to help me. Yesterday, I downloaded a registry cleaner, and after it cleaned the errors, I could use full screen apps very well. Then I shut my computer down for the night, and when I woke up today, and started the computer, the problem started as well. Any ideas?

System specs:
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit,
Intel Core i7-2600k CPU @ 3.40GHz (8CPUs), ~3.7GHz,
Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3 Motherboard,
8GB DDR3 Ram,
AMD Radeon HD6950 (2GB DDR5 Vram)

 

[DavidE]

Hello and welcome to SevenForums.

Do you have a restore point or backup image prior to when this problem started?
If so, you may be able to backout any changes that caused this.

What registry cleaner did you run?
Do you have a log of what it changed/cleaned?
Can you run your registry cleaner again, and just analyze what changes it will make?
If so, do you see something that was cleaned last time, but is back again?

I don't use/recommend/trust registry cleaners, but you have already used one...

It sounds like the registry cleaner fixed the problem until you re-booted.
So, maybe re-analyzing with the registry cleaner will help identify the cause of the problem.
And, that would be a good thing

Did you recently install any new programs, or re-configure your current programs?

You may have a program/add-on/toolbar... that is "stealing focus" and causing this.

I would look at all the startup programs in msconfig/startup...
- Disable anything not needed (don't disable AntiVirus/AntiMalware,...)
- reboot and see if the problem continues.

You can also try re-booting in Safe Mode to see if you can duplicate the problem.

Unfortunately, malware is always a possibility, so you can run AV/AM scans to see if anything is found.

regards, david

 

[Muskel]

I have also tried a system restore, from a point which I got this computer from (17th March) -- It did not help. I used "Eusing Registry Cleaner". I don't have a log of what it cleaned, but as much as I looked over them, it was something in \SysWOW64\ folder.
Yeah indeed I have installed many things, because I just recently got this computer. No add-ons which would cause this. I have the Norton antivirus system, but I have tried disabling it -- nothing. Tried safemode as well -- same result.
Also, like a hour ago, I noticed the same problem started with every application (even not full screen). Currently writing this was an issue, because it kept losing focus.

 

[DavidE]

If it was me, I'd do a clean re-install.
Back up any data you do not want to lose before re-installing.

You already ran a registry cleaner, and now the problem is getting worse.
It may be malware...

The only registry cleaner I would run is CCleaner...
I would not use Norton.
I use MSE or Avast for Anti Virus, and MBAM Pro for anti malware.

Is this a custom build, store bought Pre Built, or you bought it used from someone?

If it is a Pre built this may help
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[MilesAhead]

I have also tried a system restore, from a point which I got this computer from (17th March) -- It did not help. I used "Eusing Registry Cleaner". I don't have a log of what it cleaned, but as much as I looked over them, it was something in \SysWOW64\ folder.
Yeah indeed I have installed many things, because I just recently got this computer. No add-ons which would cause this. I have the Norton antivirus system, but I have tried disabling it -- nothing. Tried safemode as well -- same result.
Also, like a hour ago, I noticed the same problem started with every application (even not full screen). Currently writing this was an issue, because it kept losing focus.

It sounds like you picked up a virus. When I get a new PC first thing I do is get rid of all the bloat-ware that tries to run on boot. Then I install the software I want to use to guard against virus etc..

Try downloading Malwarebytes anti-malware and doing to total scan. Before that remove Norton. If it came with the machine you'll probably have to download the Removal Tool to get rid of it all. When your machine is acting crazy and it has some prophylactic software running, half the time that software is what's making it wacky.

 

[Muskel]

I have fixed the problem, don't even know how xD updated my gphxcard driver again, and the issue stopped. Thanks for trying to help guys

 

[Muskel]

Okay, now it started again. Apperantly, the old fix worked until a restart of the system.
I have checked my computer for malware about 5 times now, no results found. Also removed my registry cleaner, and undid anything so far done by that. Currently im concidering Formatting C:\ and reinstalling Windows. If you got any ideas that would spare me from doing that, I'd love to hear them.

 

[pandasniper100]

Okay, now it started again. Apperantly, the old fix worked until a restart of the system.
I have checked my computer for malware about 5 times now, no results found. Also removed my registry cleaner, and undid anything so far done by that. Currently im concidering Formatting C:\ and reinstalling Windows. If you got any ideas that would spare me from doing that, I'd love to hear them.

if u still have the issue go to msconfig and look at the services tab and disable any processes that update also have a look in there for any unknown under manufacture then disable them and then go to the startup tab and do the same that should solve it. it did for me

 

[likeike12]

How i fixed mine

When it does it immediately go to the task manager and look for a process you dont recognize it should be at the top of the process list. This will tell you what program is causing the issue in my case i had to disable internet explorer (which didnt matter to me because i use chrome), but anyways thats how i fixed mine.

Simple instructions:

1. play something in full screen
2. wait for problem to occur
3. when it occurs open task manager immediately
4. you will find the thing that is buggin you in the process tab. (probably at the top of the list)
5. Then memorize the name and go to google and ask how to disable or uninstall it

hope this helps

 

[GDavidF]

#8 OR #9 haven't worked for me either, I will post back when resolved.

Crude so far until I can find the culprit:
Dual monitor tools