ALT+TAB Six-Second Delay in Real/Standard Modes

Last reviewed: November 22, 1994
Article ID: Q59654

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a

SYMPTOMS

If you are using a PS/2 Mouse Port style mouse, you may experience a five- to six-second delay switching between MS-DOS applications in real or standard mode in Microsoft Windows 3.0.

NOTE: This occurs not only on genuine PS/2 machines, but on any machine with a PS/2-style mouse port, such as the COMPAQ 386S and 20e.

CAUSE

This delay is caused by the presence of an MS-DOS mouse driver. The MS-DOS mouse driver reinitializes the mouse port with each ALT+TAB, thus causing the delay.

WORKAROUND

If you can do without a mouse driver for your MS-DOS applications, this increase task switching considerably on this type of machine.

MORE INFORMATION

The products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kbhw kb3rdparty
KBSubcategory: win30
Additional reference words: 3.00 3.0 3.0a 3.00a win30 3rdparty KBHW

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Last reviewed: November 22, 1994
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