trouble dragging palette windows

GG
Posted By
Geoffrey_Gaylord
Feb 15, 2005
Views
567
Replies
9
Status
Closed
Actually I do use my mouse left-handed, but even when I tried reversing the buttons to normal right-handed configuration the problem was exactly the same. Also, my screen resolution is 1024X768 so that is not why I am having the problem. Thank you for the suggestions, however.

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LF
Lena_Forsgren
Feb 15, 2005
I think I have the same problem, but I never have any problems moving a single palette, only those that I have "grouped together". Most of the time my palettes that are grouped together seem totally stuck. Only sometimes it is possible to drag the whole group and it seems to be when I have done something using a palette menu. This makes no sense at all to me — I should be able to drag them anytime. Shouldn’t I?
GG
Geoffrey_Gaylord
Feb 15, 2005
Accessing the palette menu seems to be the key to being able to drag them (they can all be dragged for at least a while once any menu is accessed, and for me they are not locked and can be dragged individually), but I agree it makes no sense that that is the only time they can be dragged. The help screens talk about dragging palettes, so it would seem there wouldn’t be such a limited situation in which it is possible. Keep in mind that other functions such as double-clicking the window bar at the top of the palette window will always minimize the palette window even if it is not possible to drag it. I think the problem is a bug in the software, but still wonder if there is another explanation.
KR
Karla_Rizzo
Feb 15, 2005
I agree with you, Geoffrey, that we should be able to do the moves that are in the manual that comes with the program! And I agree with Lena about moving individual palettes—but for that one uses the tab or the gray space beneath the title bar, since the title bar itself does not work. This morning I tried various files, thinking that might offer some hint. With first open file, moving grouped palettes did not work first try; did work after 30 seconds and clicking on the newly opened file to resize it. But from then on all grouped palettes were essentially "stuck" in whatever place they landed. Closed PS, reopened and opened a file. This time could not move any grouped palettes. Tried again after a couple of minutes. Was able to move one grouped pallete after switching the individuals back and forth between the groups, closing some, opening some, was able to move only one grouped P., and again they all stuck in place randomly. Resetting Workspace Palette Locations moves them all to the right, but still unable to move them manually. Since the PSCS book does not offer any tips/tricks for moving the grouped palette, and at least three of us now are unable to get this to function, I agree Geoffrey, this seems to be a bug. Perhaps this needs to be reported to the "bug" people in the "Contact Us" section of the Adobe Web site. I shall do that now. Wish that a tech support person would read this and respond, if they had any suggestions!
KR
Karla_Rizzo
Feb 16, 2005
Well, I’m back. I have switched my left-handed mouse to a right-handed mouse, and now the title bars work. In my case the mouse button seems to be the problem. I shall contact the "bug" folks, to see if that info might be helpful.
GG
Geoffrey_Gaylord
Feb 16, 2005
Very interesting. I too have come to the conclusion that the problem is in the mouse software. I too have solved the problem and am actually able to still use the mouse left-handed. For me, with a programmable 5-button Kensington mouse, the trick is to start with a standard mouse configuration and then check the box in the mouse setup dialogue box that reverses the buttons. That way the palettes drag just fine. What seemed to be causing the problem for some odd reason was to program the buttons individually (left button for "right-click" and right button for "click") which is another way to reverse the buttons. Anyone with a programmable mouse would know what this difference means.
LF
Lena_Forsgren
Feb 16, 2005
Very interesting indeed. I use the mouse with my left hand (although I’m actually right-handed) and therefore I have reversed the buttons via the same dialogue box that Geoffrey is talking about (I have Windows XP too). But … for me THAT seems to be the problem. If I uncheck the box, dragging seems to work without a sweat.

My problem is that I’d really like to reverse the buttons when I work with Photoshop, but at least now I know how to drag the palettes. Thanks Karla for telling the "bug" folks! Maybe they will fix it!
GG
Geoffrey_Gaylord
Feb 16, 2005
Lena, I think it might depend on what kind of a mouse you have and how the software for the mouse works. This morning I am able to make the dragging work in all of the possible configurations (left-handed, right-handed, buttons swapped, buttons not swapped) so I am thinking perhaps my mouse software had gotten corrupted and was reset by one the changes I was trying. If you want to get back to left-handed use you might try reinstalling the mouse software and see if that helps. I have also used a right-handed mouse on the left side without reversing the buttons and found it pretty easy to get used to.
KR
Karla_Rizzo
Feb 16, 2005
Hurrah! A mystery solved. And you’re welcome, Lena–I actually have written them twice now about this. This should be something fixable for Adobe programmers. I first experienced the problem in an early version of Photoshop Elements and it was fixed in a later version. Had no problem with it in Photoshop 7. So maybe the next version of CS will accomodate us left-hand users. Seems to me this would be important, since a lot of artistic people are left handed. Interesting, Geoffrey, about the programmable mouse. I currently am using Logitech with a ball on it and suspect I must continue with the XP dialog. It’s been fun, moreso since we were able to figure it all out. Onward through the fog!!
LF
Lena_Forsgren
Feb 16, 2005
I’m also very relieved that this mystery is solved (and will be even more relieved if the bug is fixed so I don’t have to get used to re-reversed buttons)! It’s been a mystery for me for almost a year now … Couldn’t find anything about palettes getting stuck. But the other day I decided to try a little harder to find out if anyone had the same problem, and not only did I do that — we could even figure it all out, as you say, Karla. The Internet is fantastic! 🙂

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