Windows Stops Responding When Moving or Resizing a Window

• Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you are using the mouse to move or resize an application's window, Windows may stop responding (hang).

CAUSE

This problem can occur if a second Windows-based application opens a new dialog box while you are holding down the left (primary) mouse button and moving or resizing an application's window.

When the second application's dialog box opens it places an incorrect instruction into the message queue. This blocks the first application from receiving a message from the mouse that is required to close the move or resize action. The computer hangs as the first application waits for input that it cannot receive.

RESOLUTION

You must restart your computer to resume normal functioning.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows and Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1 and 3.11. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Most Microsoft Windows-based programs (such as Microsoft Schedule+ and WinPopup) do not have this problem because they do not display dialog boxes until after the first application has completed its move or resize action.