File Manager Window Not Visible

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q80773
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

You start the Windows version 3.1 File Manager, but it doesn't appear on the screen. Selecting File Manager from your Task Lisk has no effect.

CAUSE

There may be a problem with the settings in the WINFILE.INI file.

WORKAROUND

To make File Manager visible, do the following:

  1. Minimize all applications currently running, including Program Manager.

  2. Start Task Manager by double-clicking on the wallpaper, or using CTRL+ESC.

  3. Select File Manager from the Task List, and select Tile. File Manager will now be visible.

  4. From the Options menu in File Manager, make sure Save Settings On Exit is chosen. This will prevent the problem from occurring again.

MORE INFORMATION

This problem is caused by an invalid entry in WINFILE.INI. WINFILE.INI can be found in the WINDOWS directory and can be edited with Notepad. Near the top of the file there will be a Window= line in the [Settings] section. For example: 

   [Settings]
   Window=0,0,800,600, , ,1

   First Number: X offset of upper left hand corner
   Second Number: Y offset of upper left hand corner
   Third Number: Width of window
   Fourth Number: Height of window
If the first number is negative, and its absolute value is greater than the third number, or if the second number is negative, and its absolute value is greater than the fourth number, the File Manager window will be off-screen and not visible. This could happen if a virtual desktop utility is being used like the Inner Media's Wide Angle, or shareware program BIGDESK.

EXAMPLE: If the following line is in the WINFILE.INI 

   Window=-500,0,480,600, , ,1
File Manager starts up without an error, but is not visible. File Manager shows up in the Task List, but selecting it does not make it appear.

NOTE: This problem does not occur in the Windows 3.0 File Manager, as it does not use or recognize the "Window=" setting.

KBCategory: kbtool
KBSubcategory: win31
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.11 invisible disappear win31

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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