Gather windows

Hi,
I have a longstanding issue. With colloquy in 10.6 and 10.7 when I would unplug from my dual monitors if my next restart was without the dual monitors I could not find my chat room window. The "Gather windows" button would sometimes help with this, but usually I used an applescript to bring the window back to a visiable and accessible desktop or "space". However, with 10.8, I can't get the gather windows button to show when I am not plugged into dual monitors (wouldn't be having this problem if I could), and the applescripts I wrote also depends on that. For example, here is the script that worked on 10.6 and 10.7 to bring back the room chat window :
tell application "System Preferences"
          set current pane to pane id "com.apple.preference.displays"
          tell application "System Events" to tell process "System Preferences" to tell first window to click button "Gather Windows"
quit
end tell
Doesn't work on 10.8 because the "gather windows" button won't show if you aren't currently plugged into one more monitor.
I recently tried this applescript for 10.8 as well:
tell application "System Events"
          perform action "AXRaise" of window 1 of process "Colloquy"
end tell
But this script will only access the "Connections" of Colloquy and won't bring back the actual room chat window.
Can someone please let me know how I can solve this without having to plug back into my dual monitors (exactly for situations where I can't because I am not near them)? This must be a known issue with workarounds at this point since the issue has been present in the last 3 versions of OSX?

similar problem here....
Akoustik Piano seems to be located on display 2... even though the second display isn't plugged in!?
when I press F3 Akoustik Piano appears (windows gather) but when I click on the program, it just shoots of as if display 2 was active!?!
Message was edited by: AndyBook

Similar Messages

"gather windows" won't work

Hi forks.
Now I'm using iMac with external window(Nanao) through DVI connection.
When I turn off external display and press "gather windows"(System preferences-display),
it comes only display setting windows, other windows which were arranged on external windows are not gatherd.
Even if I press "detect display" button, it doesn't work.
So there are any solution to gather windows on turned off external display?

similar problem here....
Akoustik Piano seems to be located on display 2... even though the second display isn't plugged in!?
when I press F3 Akoustik Piano appears (windows gather) but when I click on the program, it just shoots of as if display 2 was active!?!
Message was edited by: AndyBook

Gather Windows button doesn't work

Hi,
Button "Gather Windows" in "Display Preferences" should (based on help page) transfer all windows from all connected monitors to one I pressed this button on.
However in fact only "Display Preferences" windows from all other monitors are transferred.

Here is how I managed to do this in Mountain Lion:
Preparations:
open lid on MacBook (if not already)
connect external display
go to "System Preferences -> Displays" -> "Arrangement" tab
uncheck "Mirror Displays" checkbox (notice different wallpaper on each of the monitors)
drag menu bar to external display
Now, when external display is connected all opened windows will be displayed on it (because we've made it primary before). Once you now disconnect external display (no matter if lid is open or closed) all windows will appear on internal display.
Now trick is how to make all windows (from all apps) go back to external display:
close lid (macbook will go to sleep automatically then)
connect external display
open lid (macbook will wake up automatically on Mountain Lion)
login dialog displayed on external display
perform login
Now all windows are back on external display where they were (in a bit smaller size maybe).

Displays - gather windows from 2nd monitor? OR - turn off detected display?

I use my Sony HDTV (960XBR) via HDMI as a 2nd monitor sometimes (also use a 17" LCD sometimes). When not using the Sony for the Mac (like actually watching TV!), the Mac still detects it as a display and allows any program windows I'd placed there to remain on that display, even though it's not actually displaying the Mac signal.
Question: is there any way to "gather" all program windows onto the primary display? Or "turn off" a detected display from the Mac?
Thanks!

Most applications support the following: under the Window menu, you'll see a "Bring All to Front" command. If you hold down the Option key, that changes to "Arrange in Front". Choose that to have all windows arranged in front. That should probably force all windows to the main screen.
Hope this helps.....
Dual 2.7GHz PowerPC G5 w/ 2.5 GB RAM; 17" MacBook Pro w/ 2 GB RAM - Mac OS X (10.4.6)

"Gather windows" for all apps?

How do I move all apps from a Secondary Desktop that I can't see to my Primary Desktop that I can see? This is something that I end up faced with at least once a week and its incredibly frustrating.
This is a problem on any version of OSX without Spaces. Mavericks, Yosemite, and anything else lacking Spaces is a problem.
I am hooked to a Projector for a meeting and I can't see my Secondary Desktop.
I need to change settings, for example the background image needs to be changed, but I can't see the Secondary Desktop background controls and so I can't change anything.
In Windows there is an option to "Move" an open window using the arrow keys. You can recover -any- window that you can't see.
Is there anything like this in Yosemite?
I used to use Spaces for this but the new Mission Control is horrid and doesn't come close to what Spaces used to offer.
I need to "simply" move a window from my Secondary Desktop to my Primary Desktop without being able to see the Secondary Desktop...
This is a huge issue for me. I am left frustrate and wanting to throw my Mac into the river almost once a week because of this issue...
please someone help me!!

Hi Brian,
Thank you for contributing to the Apple Support Communities.
It sounds like you're having a frustrating experience with Spaces in Yosemite. There are a few options that may help with this behavior.
First, make sure your displays are set up as separate Spaces in the Mission Control pane of System Preferences:
Displays have separate Spaces
If you use the Spaces feature and have multiple displays, you can set up separate spaces for each display.
From:
OS X Yosemite: Mission Control preferences
Then, if you want to move an application window from one space to another, try one of these options:
Assign apps to spaces
If you assign an app to a particular space, it opens in that space by default.
Press and hold an app’s icon in the Dock. You may have to first open the app from Launchpad to see its icon in the Dock.
From the shortcut menu that appears, do one of the following:
Have the app open in the current space: Choose Options > This Desktop.
The app appears only in that space. However, if you open the app in full screen, it appears in its own space.
Have the app open in the current space on a specific display: Choose Options > Desktop on Display [number].
Have the app open in every space: Choose Options > All Desktops.
The app appears in every space.
Have the app open in whichever space you’re using at the time: Choose Options > None.
In Mission Control preferences, you can also specify that, when you switch to an app, your desktop should switch to a space with open windows for that app. To open Mission Control preferences, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Mission Control.
From:
OS X Yosemite: Work in multiple spaces
Best Regards,
Jeremy

ACD as main display under Windows/BootCamp while in clamshell possible?

Is there any way to run a BootCamp Windows XP Pro installation on an MBP using the ACD as main display while in clamshell mode? Currently the system refuses to wake up after I close the lid. I use a BT mouse/KB, but even with a USB mouse connected it wouldn't wake up. It seems like it would be possible, but I'm not sure how to go about it.

Correct, there was no Gather Windows button.
I do have multiple adapters, but one is an Apple adapter which is, apparently, "passive" whilst the other is active. The passive adapter never works at all under MacOS X, but I haven't tried it under Windows. The "active" adapter works under Windows, but only shows the apple bootup logo under MacOS X, and then turns the display off.
I don't think that the mini displayport is faulty, because the second display plugged into it works perfectly through BootCamp.
I'll try thoroughly testing out all adapters tonight, and then try a different brand of display. I've seen a lot of posts about ViewSonics being flakey under MacOS X, so it's possible it could be on the display driver side of things. Maybe ViewSonic does something screwy signal-wise in their displays, and Windows is willing to deal with it but MacOS X isn't.
Oddly enough, the ViewSonic display I have was shipped with a single-link DVI cable, and it's always worked without a problem, even when plugged into the dual-link DVI port on the Mac Pro. So I don't believe that the display *itself* requires a complete dual-link connection to the computer.
I have much appreciation for all the help and suggestions. Thanks again.

Find Window disappearing off top of screen

A colleague's find window is 'stuck' off the top of the screen! The lower part is visible.
Reset/change workspace doesn't help. We've also tried System Prefs - Display - Gather Windows but that didn't work either.
Googling suggests it's not a common problem! Any ideas?
Thanks!

Troubleshooting 101: Replace, or "trash" your InDesign preferences
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/526990

Window Restore on Dual Monitors after Waking

I asked this question in the OSX forum a week or two ago and didn't receive a response. I'm thinking most of the dual monitor uses must have Mac Minis so maybe this is a better place to ask. When my monitors awake from sleeping, it's a crap shoot as to where my app windows will appear. Is there any way to fix this? The monitors are HP LP2475w's. I didn't have this problem with a single monitor.

I have this exact same problem. The only fix is a reboot. Currently I'm experiencing the opposite as well. My macbook still thinks it's hooked up to an external monitor. If I open up the display settings and click Gather Windows I can change settings for the no longer attached Dell 1905FP. It's an intermittent issue. Sometimes I don't have this problem for a week, other times it occurs twice a day.
I'm using the mini DVI to DVI adapter and like the parent, the only fix is a reboot.

Spotlight "window" missing

After a system crash, attempting to use Spotlight results in a blue background behind the Spotlight icon in the menu bar, but no entry area appears.
However, every time I invoke Spotlight (CMD+Spacebar), the following message appears in the syslog:
SystemUIServer[190]: -[MDMenuWindow _checkTopRight] the window is off the screen topRight point is {0, 1028}
Any idea how I can recover this window to a visible position on my screen? I've tried using the Display object from the system preferences to "Gather Windows" to the primary display (didn't work); I tried using Finder to "Bring All to Front".
Note that the entry area IS active, if I hit CMD+Spacebar and type an application name, that application is launched. However, the display area normally displayed when using spotlight for searching is missing in action in addition to the entry area.

Yes there is a hack to get it to appear, but it is buggy as all get out--which is undoubtedly why it didn't get turned on. Evidently finding out why it ain't working is not a priority, so it still hasn't been enabled in the OS updates (I would guess it is not likely it ever will be fixed). See this old MacOSXHints tip:
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=2009083113534843
For little more information, including some screen captures, see my article here:
http://www.pinkmutant.com/articles/mods.html
Its about half way down the page, in the section on "Brute Force Edit of the Plist"--did I mention it is really buggy?
Francine
Francine
Schwieder

I have a mac book pro with Windows for Mac, I have really been struggling to figure out a keyboard shortcut to switch between 2 excel files can someone suggest a solution please ?

I have a mac book pro with Windows for Mac, I have really been struggling to figure out a keyboard shortcut to switch between 2 excel files can someone suggest a solution please ?

someonehelpmaddy wrote:
My Mac knows that it is connected to the montior...
Open your Displays system preferences. Is there an Arrangement tab and does it show two screens? If no Arrangement tab then your mac does not know it has two screens. Maybe smc and pram reset will shake it free and maybe not. Maybe there's something wrong with the connection. Thunderbolt plugs are similar to mini-displayport plugs so make sure the plug is pushed firmly in so that essentially all the metal part disappears inside the socket. The plugs can be a little tricky in that you need to make sure the plug is fully seated in their socket.
If you do see two screens in the Arrangement tab then click Detect Displays and Gather Windows to get the Displays preferences of the other monitor on to your main monitor. Check the resolution and if there is a refresh rate check that as well.

I have ivms-4200 for my home cams.When i start the program the opening window is almost outside from macbook pro screen

Until yesterday this proble was not exist.Thanks a lot.

Go to "System Preferences / Displays" and select "Gather Windows"

My dialog windows appear off the screen...please help

Many of my dialog windows such as paragraph styles, or when I place items appear off the screen (I see the bottom of the window, but not the top which means I cannot move them around) - Any suggestions?
Laurie

I am having the same issue. I am using CS6, and my 'Effects' box is off the screen and unusable. I have tried resetting the workspace, changing the workspace, restarting the program, rebooting the system, switching between multiple and single monitor....all with no effect. The dialog box is always in the same place; in the upper left of the screen. Any further help would be appreciated.
Mac OS X 10.8.2
InDesign CS6 with the latest updates
15" MacBook Pro Retina
FIXED: As soon as I posted this, I had a thought. While that dialog box was active, I went to System Preferences>Displays>Gather Windows. May or may not work for original poster.

Cannot Connect Imac 24" via mini dvi to HDMi adapter cable to Sony Bravia 3

Hello Everyone,
I'm having the worst time in trying to connect the following:
1. Imac 24" 3.06 dual with dvi connection
2. Mini dvi to HDMI adapter (this mac with this connection was produced only for a short while!).
3. 10' (foor) HDMI wire
3. Sony Bravia 32" model KDL32L-5000 with 3 HDML connections
i.When I wire everything up, I keep getting"no signal" on my Sony Bravia TV.
ii. It doesn't matter whether I connect the HDMI wire to HDMI 1,2, or 3 on my Sony
iii. On my Imac Hard Drive>>Applications>>System Preferences>>Displays
all I get is a list of different resolutions. There is no mention or mirrors etc.
Nothing happens when I press "Gather Windows" or Detect Displays"
Can someone out there please help!!!!!
Can you also give any solution in very simple and small detailed steps!
Thanks,
Stacey Bindman
Montreal

Majortrout, there is a major disconnect going on here.
1. You are showing an Ebay link with a mini-DVI to HDMI adapter.
2. You report that you have an Early '09 24" iMac.
3. That iMac does not have a mini-DVI port. That iMac has a mini-DispayPort.
4. You need a mini-DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.
It is physically impossible to attach the adapter to which you link at Ebay to your iMac. So you need to take a step back and figure out what you really have; which iMac, which adapter, etc.
Dah•veed

Cinema display has lit on, black screen

Hi everyone-
I have been searching the forums on a fix to the issue I am having. I am currently using a 17" MacBook pro (2006) and have a 22" apple LCD cinema display (from 2002) as my primary display. I use both at the same time. I have never had an issue with either and originally bought my display brand new in '02. Just yesterday as I got back to my desk, I tried to wake my system up, with the MacBook pro running fine and the 22" keeping the black screen. The light stays on underneath however. After shutting down, restarting, unplugging, etc the screen would not work the way it normally does. Every once in a while the screen would turn on, but was dark. When the screen is black, the light underneath is bright. When the screen would display, the light was faint. It would go back and forth between on and dull and completely black. The light continues to stay on when connected to a power source. It turns off when disconnected from power, and no matter how long I wait to plug it back in the light turns back on.
Thanks everyone for your help!

That's what I thought the situation was.
With the 22" "out" and as your primary screen how are you able to run since the menu bar would be on the screen you cannot see?
I think, for the moment, you need to make your MBP your primary. Hopefully if you disconnect the external 22" (may have to reboot) your MBP should become the primary. Then go into the Displays system preferences and make sure it is the primary with the Arrangement tab (move the little menu bar on to your MBP screen in Arrangement).
Now, at least you can control the Displays prefs for both monitors. If you reconnect the 22" (again may have to reboot) click detect displays and gather windows to get the Displays prefs for the blacked out 22" on to your main monitor (which is now your MBP).
Check the resolution and refresh rate. If they are ok then again I still think there is something wrong with the 22". But it couldn't be definitively be determined unless you could connect that 22" to another machine.
After thought: Your definitions of "primary" and "secondary". Maybe they don't agree with my definitions. I specify the "primary" monitor as the one containing the menu bar. Is that your definition? If so my original question about how are you able to run without seeing the menu bar on the 22" stands. But it occurs to me that your definitions may be that you still keep the menubar on your MBP but just work with the 22" most of the time.

How do I connect a MacBook Pro to HD TV?

I just bought a new HD TV. I bought a mini display port to HDMI cable and connected the MacBook into HDMI port 3 on the TV.
My Macbook "Purple Sky" screen appears but no other icons, menus, trays etc. The Screen Setting dialog box appears but it is different to the one on my macbook. I cannot get anything on my macbook to show on the screen other than the default "purple sky" screen. Does anyone know if there is something i need to be setting on the TV (Samsung D55 8000) or my MacBook Pro in order to make this work? Thanks so much.

Sorry, Mike, part 2 follows:
However, the ColorSync Utility had become activated and I believe it helped me later one. When I clicked on this utility I got a window called “profile first aid” and I clicked on the “verify” button. I think this is what led me to the 800 x 600 stretched resolution. Result: the DVD movie now covered both TV and laptop screen.
Also under the display tab (probably of the TV display at this point in time) is a check box for “show displays in menu bar”. Checking it will result in a shortcut to your display settings from the desktop.
Finally, under the display tab (within both TV and laptop display) is a useful button called “gather windows”.
(At this point, I had not yet chosen under the arrangement tab “mirror displays” and was getting “lost” for the following reasons.) Curiously the TV display was shown on the Macbook screen while the laptop display appeared on the TV screen. Confused? So was I. Sometimes I did not see the cursor on the screen I was looking at. So I would chase the cursor by using the trackpad to continuously move to one side or the other, depending on which side I was allowed to move towards…and the cursor would eventually end up on the screen I was looking at. This is a phenomenon of “extended desktop” where each screen represents one side of the desktop.
Pressing the “gather windows” button moves the two displays together, one “cascaded” behind the other. You will be able to easily click each display in turn to switch between them.
ARRANGEMENT
Within the TV display is the arrangement tab. Here you can find the “mirror displays” check box. The default is called “extended desktop” where each screen represents one side of the desktop.
Under “extended desktop” mode, you can choose which display will be your main control screen. In the arrangement tab you will see two images representing the displays. Under extended desktop, the location of the menu bar determines which display you will use to control everything. One of them has a white border at the top that represents the menu bar. You can click and drag the menu bar to the other display to make it your main control screen.
If you check the “mirror displays” box, identical images appear on both the TV and the laptop screen.
The tabs will also be automatically reorganized as a result.
Within the laptop display, there will be four tabs: display, arrangement, color, options.
Within the TV display, there will be two tabs: display, options.
DARKENING LAPTOP SCREEN
When watching the HDTV you likely will not want to be distracted by an active laptop screen. To put it to sleep you need to connect an auxiliary keyboard or a mouse. The alternative is to hit the F1 button to reduce the backlighting.

Gather windows

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