Windowed Mode - why does the taskbar sometimes show?

[draz]

I play in windowed mode using my monitor's native resolution (1920x1200) and occasionally - but not always - the Vista taskbar will remain on top of the game window, blocking among other things a part of the minimap. It happens totally at random and I've been trying to figure out the logic behind this - anyone have an idea why this happens only sometimes? Reboots or anything don't seem to have any effect.

And yes I realize you can disable taskbar from showing on top of other apps, but I like it for browsing and such, and I'm basically too lazy to keep switching it on and off everytime I want to play civ.

Using full-screen mode is hardly an option either since I just loooove that alt-tab!

 

[MarkJohnson]

I think it's something with windows as most all my games do this. I just play full windowed anymore. I just alt-tab out when needed. Not sure why you dislike this method?

Also, you can manually change the screen size to make it fit, or lastly you can bake the task bar minimize to a thin line(autohide) or even move the task bar to the top or side of the screen as well.

 

[draz]

I just find Civ tends to get unstable after alt-tabbing for a while (I use the RoM mod and in later eras turns take a while, so I alt-tab out inbetween turns) in fullscreen mode. And enlarging the window to fit like you said sacrifices a lot of graphic quality (LCD screen so non-native resolutions are kinda terrible).

I just found it bizarre that it seemingly does this at random, would sure like to know the reason why.

 

[MarkJohnson]

I just find Civ tends to get unstable after alt-tabbing for a while (I use the RoM mod and in later eras turns take a while, so I alt-tab out inbetween turns) in fullscreen mode. And enlarging the window to fit like you said sacrifices a lot of graphic quality (LCD screen so non-native resolutions are kinda terrible).

In theory, Alt+Tab should improve game performance. When you minimize an application, it's suppose to flush out a lot of memory (not sure what all) and should improve the game when you go back in to play again.

As for non-native resollutions, you shouldn't be changing the resolution at all. just keep it at 1920 x1200 and chose windowed mode and strech the game to your desired size. You will lose game area, but that should be normal since you are shrinking the window.

I just found it bizarre that it seemingly does this at random, would sure like to know the reason why.

You can write Microsoft if you wish, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for an answer. But, if you find out, let us know.

-=Mark=-

ps. I just played with it for a bit and noticed when switch from windowed/full screen it will adjust above the task bar, but opening a save in windowed, it goes behind taskbar. I find hitting the maximize/restore button a time or two restores the window to be above the taskbar.