Objectdock interfering with Games

from WinCustomize Forums
I'm running the freeware version of Objectdock.

I like to use Normal Window Z-Ordering so I can call for it at anytime for all my programs but when I play PC games that are controlled by a mouse then Objectdock pops up now & again if I move my mouse to that certain edge of the screen which isn't what I want!

I know I could turn Objectdock off before I start playing but I have my game icons on Objectdock so that kinda defeats the object!

If there isn't a fix, then I propose an idea:

Create an additional option seperate from the Z-Option etc so that you could also include per program setting (Exclusion list?) .
That way you could choose Normal Window Z-Ordering for all programs expect for any that you don't want Objectdock to interfere in (Stay on bottom).

If there is already a way to fix this though I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me.
Thanks.
objectdock
3,090 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
you can always write a little batch file to close object dock and start the game. When you then exit them game you'll have to restart OD manually.
you will need taskkill - write a batch file that looks something like this:

"C:\whereveryouputit\taskkill.exe" /F /IM msnmsgr.exe /IM Type32.exe /IM Point32.exe /IM OSDMenu.exe /IM Monitor.exe /IM RcMan.exe /IM CTSysVol.exe /IM mcagent.exe /IM yzdock.exe

following that, write another batch file that calls the one above and then starts your game, for example...

CALL "C:\whereeveryousavedit\Kill Tasks.bat"
CALL "C:\blahdebah\Soldier of Fortune II - Double Helix - Multiplayer.lnk"

you must have the game called as a link ie shortcut, else it won't work.

You can also write a batch file to end non-essential services too, and then have another one to restart after the game, but that takes a bit more time.

Have fun, hope that helps.

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Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I used to have this problem with the freeware version. I play UT2004 a lot and when I moved my mouse forwards (up) OD would appear at the top of the screen and the game would minimize to taskbar. The easiest way to solve it was to exit OD before starting the game.

I haven't had this problem at all since I started using using OD+

WindowBlinds - Free yourself of the default settings, customize your desktop.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm glad that for you this problem doesn't appear in OB+ but I would like to test OB+ myself first to see if it fits my needs before I pay for it.

I would like to D/L a time trialed OB+ if possible?
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
No, there is no trial for OD+. You are still talking about OD and not OB right? OD is Object Dock, OB is Object Bar. I'm not sure what the differences are between OD and OD+ but it's probably relatively minor and your problem with OD interferring with games probably won't change. As Fuzzy said, your best bet is to just exit OD. Or, write a simple javascript to kill OD, run your game and then wait until the game exits and restart OD. Problem solved and it should be pretty easy to do.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
OD+ will still give you some issues showing up when you don't wnat it to. I'm not certain that there is a way to get around this.

The batch file to close it, however, looks interesting!

My biggest whining point is that certain applications must use an interface that includes DHTML or js or something (Note my proficiency with which interface is which! ). When you have them open, if you mouse over the spot that would normally activate a tabbed dock that is acting as a drawer, you see a white space appear in the program's interface, and then it goes away - most of the time, but not always - when you mouse away. With other full-screen programs, sometimes games w/ heavy graphics, the tabbed docks try to appear through them - and are partially successful - messing up the screen. Closing OD+ temporarily is the only way out at times.

The "white block of space" thing happens on a few applications that I use. Right now I can affirm that Broderbund's 3D Home Architect Studio Deluxe has this conflict with OD+. There are others, but I can't think of them offhand - it's my "getting too old, CRM" problem - internal memory!

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central