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"Save PDF file as" dialog box opens behind open documents

Anonymous
2010-02-19T06:34:00+00:00

When I try to print to PDF using Adobe or PDF995, the "save PDF file as" dialog box opens behind any other open window. This also occurs using XPS document writer. I can get to the dialog box via the taskbar but that is kinda clumsy. I'm using Windows 7 Professional on a new HP dv7t quad laptop. I've downloaded the most current print drivers. This occurs consistently with all programs, specifically IE8, Office 2007 and Live Mail. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Anonymous
2010-02-20T04:31:09+00:00

Hey,

a. Was it working fine earlier?

b. Did you make any recent changes to your computer? 

Having the Save As dialog appear on the Task Bar or having it make sure it is the top-most window would help. 

Try performing System File Checker (SFC) scan on your computer. SFC tool scans system files and replaces incorrect versions of the system files by using the correct versions. 

To run the System File Checker tool, follow these steps: 

1.    Click Start, and then type cmd in the Start Search box.

2.    Right-click cmd in the Programs list, and then click Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue.

3.    At the command prompt, the following line, and then press ENTER:

sfc /scannow 

Check the below link for details: 

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7

**http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833**

Also you may check if the issue persists in new user account.

Method 2: Create a New User Account

When troubleshooting a variety of issues, it can be useful to determine if the issue affects a specific Windows user account or all accounts. Follow the steps below to create a new user account in Windows Vista or Windows 7:

1. From the Start menu, choose **Control Panel.**2. Open Add or remove user accounts (If using the Classic View in Windows Vista, open User Accounts. Then open Manage another account).

3. Select  Create a new account and follow the instructions to complete the account setup process.

4. Once the new account is created, choose Log Off from the Start menu.

5. Log into the newly created user account.

If the issue does not persist in the new user account then you may copy the files from the existing profile by following the steps mentioned in this link:

Fix a corrupted user profile**http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Fix-a-corrupted-user-profile**

Regards,

Divya R – Microsoft Support.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-11-30T04:46:14+00:00

    I have had an additional encounter with this problem. I have a fairly recent install of Win 7     (home premium, 64-bit, over XP, service pack one)   , and  there is a lot of other stuff installed. I just read the cleanup suggestion from Microsoft support. When I have a free half-day I may try it, but I am underwhelmed. I've been using Microsoft products since DOS and  Win 3.1 and this is the first time that message windows have not been on the top layer. With the number of occurrences that are showing up, Microsoft has a problem and should face up to it. This certainly happens to me with Adobe but it seems to me that happens with a lot of other programs. I have not kept records, but after reading the information on this site last evening, I was sensitized to the need for keeping score.

    My experience tonight: I was opening a file (double-click) with Microsoft Word (office 2010) and I was inadvertently resting my finger on the control key, which apparently commands Microsoft Word to open in a special mode. The message window for Microsoft Word notified me of this situation and ask if that was what I intended. BUT THAT MESSAGE WINDOW WAS CONCEALED behind the Microsoft Word document window that was being opened, freezing the system until I found it and responded. 

    In the days of Windows 3.1 I knew that the system would crash every hour or so and so I learned to take defensive measures. With W[n 7, I know that the system will freeze occasionally and when it happens I should start minimizing windows until I find the message window yearning for a reply. Déjà vu all over again!

     I am an old computer dog with plenty of tricks. So I can live with this, now that I've figured out why my system freezes occasionally. But I would think that Microsoft would be a little embarrassed and might even try to fix it. this is happening to too many people! I understand that it could be caused by third-party software. But Microsoft Word does not qualify, which is why I thought my current case was especially important.

    I would like the fix to come to me in one of the endless upgrades. A progress report on this blog would reassure me that someone cares.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-08-03T16:38:43+00:00

    I have this problem as well when printing documents to the Adobe PDF printer. 

    We are running Adobe 9 Standard with the latest patches (9.4.4 at time of this posting).    When our users choose print to PDF the save as dialog box opens flashing on the taskbar.

    I don't believe it specific to Adobe though because sometimes our word popups don't come to the foreground.  For example if  user opens a word document on a network share they are typically prompted with a message regarding opening in read only or receive notification when file is available.  This new window appears flashing on the task bar.

    I made the registry change for ForegroundLockTimeout and that made the PDF printing window come to the foreground for   little while.  But then it stopped working.  I can confirm the registry key is still set to 0 for that key.

    This is causing some major headaches for my users.

    Joshua

    Seattle, WA

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-05-06T05:21:06+00:00

    Where is that setting?

    I am in the same boat.  Brand new CPU with Win 7 64-bit.  Happens with all virtual printers, XPS, Adobe PDF, etc.   Save file as dialog behind window of program.  If it wasn't for the flashing icon on the taskbar, I'd never know that the dialog was open and I'd think the system was frozen.  Changed to "Hide Folders" and now it comes in front, until I close and reopen the application, then it fails again, even in Hide Folders.  This is majorly annoying.  MS Please respond.

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-05-06T05:20:28+00:00

    Where do you find this show or hide folders setting?

    I have seen this problem too, and it can be a nasty one for those of us developing software.  If someone has my application up, and tries to print to XPS, and the save as dialog appears behind the app, Windows 7 decides that our app is nonresponsive and the user may think it has crashed.

    I found that if I go in once and change the save file dialog to "show folders" mode, then when I subsequently open it it always appears in front.  It seems to be related to the "show folders" or "hide folders" mode, for me at least.  Is there any way I can modify my application to force it to "show folders" mode when someone tries to print?

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