focus moving to Solution Explorer in Visual Studio 2005

[yellowfog]

A search shows a similar support request raised, but no resolution.

I have four people using Visual Studio 2005 with the Vault Enhanced Client, we're on version 5.0.3. Occasionallywhen typing code (I think on class libraries as well as ASP.NET web applications) the focus will unexpectedly and annoyingly move from the code window to the Solution Explorer. One of the developers happened to have Fiddler open one time when it happened, and he said that he spotted a call into the Vault server at the time. He didn't make a note of what the call was, however (I really don't know why not).

This is happening on both XP machines and a 64 bit windows 7 machine. Is there a fix for this in version 5.1.1?

Thanks for any help.

[lbauer]

We were unable to reproduce it, so most likely it hasn't been fixed. Can you reliably reproduce this? Or at least give us a little more indication under what circumstances it happens?

What type of file are you modifying when this happens?

Are you typing in a file that is not checked out, so that the modification triggers a checkout? Maybe that could be changing focus?

[yellowfog]

I've confirmed a problem case. Noting that every ten minutes Visual Studio makes a couple of calls into our source code server, I got a colleague to check in a change to file, then left the focus on the code page while I twiddled my thumbs. At the expected time the icon on the changed file was updated in Solution Explorer, and that window received the focus.

[BigBrett]

Try turning off "Track Active Item in Solution Explorer" under "Projects and Solutions" in the Options dialog.

Regards,
Brett

[yellowfog]

I would, but it isn't on.

[lbauer]

I'm still not able to get the focus to change to the Solution Explorer, either in Vault 5.0.3 or 5.1.1.

By default, the client refresh is every 10 minutes. Does this change in focus co-incide with the refresh?

You can test this out by changing the refresh value in VS 2005 under Tools->Options->Source Control->Vault Options->Advanced Options->General->Automatically refresh every ___ minutes.

[yellowfog]

Yes, the change in focus coincides with the refresh. I've changed the update rate to one minute, and it's now easier to test (if nothing else I'm learning some interesting configuration settings here). I've had my colleagues update and check in both .html and .cs pages, and solution explorer takes focus (from my .cs page) when the icon changes for me on the updated file.

Versions:

Studio: 8.0.50727.762 (SP.050727-7600)
.Net: 2.0.50727 SP2
Vault Visual Studio Enhanced Client: 5.0.3.18802

I've got a couple of other extra addins in there, but nothing in common with the other team members who are also experiencing the problem.

Incidentally, a colleague has asked me to point out that once when he was developing he managed to narrowly avoid moving files as a result of the focus changing while he was making the appropriate keystrokes. So it's potentially more than just an irritation.

[lbauer]

I still haven't been able to reproduce this.

I'd suggest we schedule a remote assist session where I can take a closer look. Email support at sourcegear.com, Attn: Linda and we'll set something up. Please include a link to this forum post.