application "stuck" on the primary window

[untoldtech]

I'm using an older application that a customer requested. It runs fine in windows 10. I've found that if I'm using dual monitors with this application it will *not* move to the secondary monitor and will only stay on the primary monitor. I've done all sorts of things like holding shift and dragging etc and it doesn't work. Only this application and nothing else has this issue so it's specific to this application. Anyone ever seen this before and know a way to force an application to be on the secondary monitor instead of the primary? I'm wondering if this is something to do with the .net version or something that it uses.

 

[phaZed]

I suppose it will depend on the actual application, however, if it's old enough or written poorly... my bet is that the program itself is handling Window resizing and placement/resizing of objects on it's own and not through some Windows API (Which was common back in da day!). If that's the case, the program may not allow you to either 1. Go into 'Negative screenspace" or past a hard coded limit (Ex. 1900x1080) or limit that is inherent of the variable types they are using.

I suppose a round about 'hack' to make it work could be to run it in a VM like VirtualBox but ya, not elegant.

EDIT:
In Windows, you can change any monitor to be the "Primary" - if the client needs that app only on a particular monitor, and not on both/others.. perhaps change the primary to the one the customer is wishing to have it on?

 

[glennd]

if the application will not allow itself to be dragged outside the primary monitor or if it does drag outside and then returns to the primary monitor as soon as you let go of the mouse button that's a symptom of some short sighted hard coding to ensure it stays visible at all times. @phaZed 's idea of rearranging the desktop / monitor space is the best bet.

 

[MichaelBits]

I have one application at home that will only run on the primary monitor. It's a security camera program, and not that old.

Odds are in your case, it has more to do with the age of the program, but there are current programs out there that only allow the primary monitor to be used. Which i find pretty lame really....

 

[Krynn72]

Can you snap it over? Like, by holding the Win key and using the left/right arrows.

 

[untoldtech]

Can you snap it over? Like, by holding the Win key and using the left/right arrows.

no workie tried that

 

[TurricanII]

These day's I would call the vendor immediately for the official line!

Did the program work on a 2nd monitor on older Windows versions? Rick click the program icon > Properties > Compatibility and set to XP/7 etc -- any joy?

 

[ZenTree]

We had something similar with a CCTV program. The vendor support had a very quirky and program specific way of changing this, I would contact the vendor.