Home → EstiMate Version 2 → Known Issues → Changing Screen Modes in Windows Vista causes EstiMate to crash.

1.16. Changing Screen Modes in Windows Vista causes EstiMate to crash.

Q:  I am using Windows Vista, and whenever I open Adobe Illustrator it switches Vista's screen mode from Aero to Windows Basic.  If I have EstiMate open when it changes screen modes it causes it to crash.

 

A:  We are aware of this issue, and we will try to find a solution.  What actually happens is that when the screen mode changes it causes EstiMate to "redraw" the Connect toolbar over top of the main EstiMate toolbars.  You then think you've been logged out, but when you try to connect to your database again it tells you you're already connected.

 

If you happen to have anything open in EstiMate when the "switch" takes place try to save your work immediately if you can, and close EstiMate.  If you try to access anything (else) you will get an error message; "Invalid connector for object".

 

This issue will only occur if you have EstiMate open when switching screen modes in Vista.  The solution is to try and save your work if possible, and restart EstiMate.  That will correct the issue unless you switch screen modes again while EstiMate is still open.  If you close Adobe Illustrator it will switch back to Aero automatically if that's what you originally had set.

 

UPDATE:  The best way to resolve this issue is to just set your Vista Desktop to "Windows Vista Basic", and leave it at that.  Adobe Illustrator is one application that can't run with the "Aero" screen mode enabled, LogMeIn (remote desktop software) is another.  Setting you desktop to "Windows Vista Basic" will prevent these applications from changing the screen mode for you and causing issues with EstiMate 2.

To change your screen mode in Vista from "Aero" to "Windows Vista Basic":

• Right click on any empty space on your desktop

• Select "Personalize" from the context menu

• Under Personalize appearance and sounds click on the "Window Color and Appearance" link

• On the Window Color and Appearance screen click the link at the bottom of the page that says: "Open classic appearance properties for more color options"

• When the Appearance Settings window pops up change the Color scheme from "Windows Aero" to "Windows Vista Basic"

• Click the "Apply" and "OK" buttons
  

 

The main thing you will notice with this change is that you windows are no longer transparent, and the task bar preview of windows no longer show.  Other then that there is not much noticeable change, your Windows Side Bar will still work, and everything else will work as expected.