Parallels Stealing Focus, Switching Spaces

When running Outlook on my XP VM, it steals focus every time I receive a piece of mail.

 

Me too, and kinda-sorta-workaround

This problem is driving me nuts. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for when it decides to steal the focus and switch the space, but it's maddening.

The only workaround I've come across is to hide Parallels Desktop when I switch away. When it's hidden, Parallels can't steal the focus.

The reason this is only kind of a workaround, of course, is that it's a pain to remember to hide the application, and having to click the icon in the Dock to get back to Parallels defeats the purpose of Spaces in the first place.

But, if you need to leave Parallels running a lengthy background process (compiling, or batch-processing files, or running a long script), hiding the app will prevent it from stealing the focus.

But this problem really needs fixing.

 

Can you please clear following checkbox
Bring notification windows to front
in Parallels Desktop -<Virtual Machine name>-Edit-Virtual Machine-Coherence

 

Already done

I already have this checkbox cleared and it continues to steal focus.

 

Hi!

I'm running Leopard with latest updates installed. For me it happens with 5608, Parallels with XP Prof. running on Space 1, only Outlook is active.
On Space 3 I'm trying to work with IntelliJ IDEA, a Java IDE. Every time Windows triggers an event (incoming mail / doing some windows network stuff in outlook or explorer, shown by the hourglass), my Mac switches to parallels on Space 1.
If I'm fast enough to switch back every time, this happens at least 3 times for a single incoming mail (with Outlook notification enabled).

One more observation I think I made:
It only happens when the topmost Windows application triggers an event. If I hide Outlook behind an other application, it happens only when a new mail arrives, but not with every "hourglass"-event.

This checkbox is cleared for a long time on my system, but you are right, the behavior reminds me of the times when the checkbox was active.


Greets,
Andi

P.S.: I also cross my fingers for a fast solution, as it really drives me crazy. My colleagues are not amused when they have to call me every time they send me a mail: "could you please turn on your outlook again?" ;-)

 

Ok, I need time to check it, but from your side please check following:
1. select box I mentioned, click OK, start and shutdown WIndows
2. Exit Parallels Desktop
3. Uncheck this button, exit Parallels desktop and check, if problems still there
I would like to ask you to reinstall Parallels Desktop as described in http://kb.parallels.com/en/4790
I will be sure, that old or somehow incorrect installation doesn't affect Parallels Desktop

 

Still happens

I followed the first steps, but found that it was still stealing focus every time I receive a piece of mail in Outlook, so I uninstalled and re-installed according to the instructions you posted and I'm still having the problem.

 

Same for me.
Un- & reinstalling according to the KB article didn't help.

 

I got the moment and need additional information:
1. Is Windows is running in Coherence?
2. Outlook notifications is set
3. Outlook version

 

Used Software

1. Yes, i'm running in Coherence mode
2. OL notifications are on
(all options set: play sound, briefly change cursor, show envelope icon, display notification)
3. OL 2003 (11.8169.8172) SP3

Just as a reminder:
It also happens when e.g. Explorer is in the foreground and windows does "some windows networking stuff" (shown by the hourglass mouse cursor).


Thanx,
Andi

 

Do you mean searching Network Shares?

 

I mean network activities not being triggered by the user. Activities, windows does in the background, like searching for printers, discovering it's network, whatever.
I really can't say what's happening, the only indicator that something happens is the mouse cursor changing from arrow to hourglass for a short time.

 

Sorry, may be I am missing something, will try to check this to,
But I reproduced situation, when entering fake share and got Space jump to Parallels Desktop

 

Another example is when I shut down XP and switch to a different space, I will be forced back to the space with XP. If I switch away again, I will be forced back again. This happens several times.

 

Any Update?

Are there any updates for this problem? Were you able to reproduce it?

 

Yes, I reproduced situation and submitted problem, we are working on this

 

I've been getting the same thing. I think I see this only in Coherence mode. I’ve run full screen before and don’t remember seeing the issue in that mode.

Parallels - Coherence Mode:
Group All Coherence Windows: No
Disable Drop Shadow: Yes
Do Not Minimize Windows to Dock: No
Bring Notification Windows to Front: No

Exclude Dock: Yes
Use Multiple Displays: Yes

Relocate (Taskbar) Automatically: Yes

Windows:
Taskbar ends up on right side
Taskbar set to Auto-Hide
Running MS Outlook 2003 always
Sometimes running other programs (Adobe InDesign, etc) but focus issue occurs regardless

Mac:
Running various programs for video/audio editing
Running OSX Leopard 10.5.4 with all current updates
Running Spaces with Parallels in Space 2

 

Thank you we already identified problem, and working to find solution

 

Your terse responses are not appreciated. I would ditch parallels in a heart beat if fusion was anywhere near as good (and sadly beta 2 is not yet) solely based upon the rudeness of the parallels reps on this board.

Please be courteous to us.

 

I am not sure what exactly do you mean?
This problem was identified by me , and submitted to development, What rudeness are you talking about?