Window Detective - Control & Modify Program Windows

Understanding and Troubleshooting Peculiar Computer Behavior

Experiencing erratic computer behavior, such as spontaneously opening or closing windows, or an unresponsive mouse, can be incredibly frustrating. Identifying the root cause of these issues often proves challenging for the average user.

Developers working with Windows applications, particularly those requiring precise control over window properties and actions, also require access to detailed information not typically displayed in standard task management tools.

Existing Window Management Solutions

Previously, suggestions like Tina’s WinTabber and TaskSwitchXP, alongside Varun’s compilation of multitasking applications, were presented as methods for managing numerous open windows.

While these programs offer valuable functionality, they don't provide the depth of insight available through a specialized utility.

Introducing Window Detective

For users seeking a more comprehensive understanding of their computer’s processes, Window Detective offers a powerful solution.

This tool allows you to examine the underlying activity occurring when your system exhibits unusual behavior. It provides a detailed look at what your computer is attempting to accomplish.

Simply download and launch Window Detective to begin investigating and diagnosing potential issues.

It’s a valuable resource for both everyday users and developers needing granular control and information about application windows.

Exploring Window Properties with Window Detective

Managing numerous simultaneous tasks can be simplified by gaining insight into your open windows. Utilizing Window Detective allows for a comprehensive review of both visible and hidden windows currently active on your system, potentially revealing unexpected processes.

Understanding Window Detective's Capabilities

Window Detective provides detailed information regarding each application running on your computer. This includes dialog boxes, applications residing in the taskbar, and multiple browser tabs.

Initially, the application organizes windows based on the "desktop window hierarchy." However, for users familiar with the process task manager, the View dropdown menu enables switching to a "process window hierarchy" perspective.

Analyzing Process Window Hierarchy

Switching to the process window hierarchy view displays all running applications and their associated open windows. This reveals not only the primary windows you are actively using, but also a comprehensive list of other active elements.

Alongside each window, you can observe its handle – a unique identifier used by other applications to modify window properties – and its dimensions.

Customizing Window Detective

Accessing Edit -> Preferences allows for extensive customization of the information displayed within Window Detective.

You can tailor the application to show only the data most relevant to your needs, streamlining the monitoring process.

Advanced Properties and Functionality

Even without customization, this task and window monitoring tool offers more functionality than many comparable process monitoring applications.

Beyond simply listing open windows and their fundamental properties, Window Detective provides access to a wide array of advanced properties for in-depth analysis.

Detailed Information and Control Capabilities

Once the process list is displayed, navigating to the windows associated with a specific process allows for right-clicking on any listed window. This action reveals a menu of options designed for in-depth analysis and modification.

Among these options, three stand out as particularly valuable: viewing window properties, inspecting messages, and crucially, adjusting window properties.

Selecting the option to view window properties presents a comprehensive data panel on the right side of the interface. This display provides exhaustive details about the window in question.

Information includes the parent and child handles, precise dimensions, all currently active style settings, and a wealth of other technical specifications.

As Window Detective is utilized, it dynamically illustrates window activity through color-coding. This visual feedback shows where windows are being opened, closed, or undergoing changes, even while other tasks are performed.

The ability to "set properties" via the right-click menu is arguably the most powerful feature. It enables direct modification of open windows by altering their active or inactive style bits and properties.

As an illustration, the main window of IrFanView was altered to remove its title bar. Verification confirmed that Window Detective successfully implemented this property change.

Furthermore, choosing to view window messages allows real-time monitoring of all communication between the operating system and the selected window.

This feature provides insight into the window's response to user actions, such as mouse clicks, window movements, and other interactive events.

While much of the information provided by Window Detective is most beneficial for programmers seeking to understand window interaction, it also offers a unique perspective on system activity.

This can be particularly useful when troubleshooting issues potentially caused by recently installed software.

Experiment with Window Detective and discover new aspects of your computer's operation. What are your impressions of the ability to customize the appearance of any open window? Share your opinions in the comments below.