Switch to text mode

zohar

New Member
Messages
9
How do I switch to text mode? For example, in linux it's something like ctrl+shift+f7.

There are times when an application or a game is hijacking the screen/desktop, and hangs. When I try alt+ctrl+del task manager to kill it, I only see the task bar, and the rest of the desktop is black. So I can't see what I am doing. If I could only hijack it back, e.g. text mode to kill the application.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8.1
What do you mean by Text mode? There is no text mode in either Linux or Windows. It is Ctrl, Alt F7 to switch the X mode/Terminal in Linux btw.

If you are talking about the Command Prompt for Windows. Just use Windows Key & the X key to bring up a Context menu. That will allow you to choose to run either Command Prompt.

Also your terminology of hi-jacking is not the same as most of us think of. When a program stalls or locks up in Windows. Sometimes you have to wait until Windows kills the process, before you can even bring up the Task Manager.
 

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    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Text mode:

VGA-compatible text mode - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
howto start linux in text mode and not in graphical?

If you don't like the hijack term, then call it whatever you want: desktop is now black due to a hanged app which renders nothing, and it's top most, except for the taskbar. So, I can run cmd and taskmanager, but they aren't rendered, I can't see their window or output (and I can't blindly kill the offending app process).

But I'm not here to debate terminology. Do you know how to switch to text mode (such that it would override any hanged app that supposes to render), or can you think of another alternative to kill a process (when closing its window doesn't work)?

Maybe there's an app that adds to the context menu, when right clicking a taskbar menu app, an option (along close window) to kill its process?

---------------

On the subject, a different but related question. I run a process that does a lengthy computation, and doesn't process its window events. Is there a way to show the desktop (win+d)? Since it doesn't override the app. I mean, the app doesn't process wm_paint, why windows can't override it and minimize/hide the app window instead of giving me a blank white?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8.1
Your desktop is black, because explorer.exe has crashed. That is typical when Explorer.exe gets overwhelmed by a run away process.

As for killing the process. You could use Sysinternals Process Explorer in place of Windows Task Manager. But Microsoft has pretty much incorporated a lot of stuff from Process Explorer into Windows 8.x.x & Server 2k12 Task manager.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
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    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
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    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
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    Realtek HD
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    LCD
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    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
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    Logitech M525
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    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
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    Google Chrome
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    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Your desktop is black, because explorer.exe has crashed. That is typical when Explorer.exe gets overwhelmed by a run away process.

Wrong. Otherwise there was no taskbar or other functionality. I described the state precisely.

As for killing the process. You could use Sysinternals Process Explorer in place of Windows Task Manager. But Microsoft has pretty much incorporated a lot of stuff from Process Explorer into Windows 8.x.x & Server 2k12 Task manager.

process explorer also uses a window, so how would it be better in this case?

I believe you completely misunderstood me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8.1
Do you get a list of choices when you press Windows key + X?
If so can you choose Command Prompt?
If that works use tasklist to display the running tasks then taskkill to end the one that is causing the problem.

Enter taskkill /? for usage info.
 

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When it happens again try pressing alt tab and see if you can switch focus to another open window.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
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    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
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    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
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So clicking apps on the taskbar or running new ones aren't enough, you think alt+tab would do the trick? :sarc:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8.1
Was the sarcasm slimly on purpose?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
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    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
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    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
No, the forum AI parsed your question, then my answer, and then added the smiley automatically. ;)

The forum software does not add smileys. I've never seen it other than switching text like : ) into a smiley.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
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    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
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    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
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    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
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    Windows Defender
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    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Joking about what? I'm trying to help you and you give me a sarcastic response. That's how it looked to me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Correct. And since you misunderstood #11, AI stands for Artificial Intelligence.

So what's with the attitude? I am just trying help you out?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Reason for attitude: We are on the second page already, I keep repeating myself, and people don't bother to read my post in depth, and make suggestions that don't make even a bit of sense. So, I guess my patience slips. Usually I would have apologized, but it's really becoming ridiculous.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8.1
Well I for one won't waste any more of your time. With an attitude like that I doubt anybody else will either. We are all volunteers here and give up time to try and help people out. Being sarcastic and condescending to other forum members won't get you very far. I've already deleted my subscription to this thread so have a nice day.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Well I for one won't waste any more of your time. With an attitude like that I doubt anybody else will either. We are all volunteers here and give up time to try and help people out. Being sarcastic and condescending to other forum members won't get you very far. I've already deleted my subscription to this thread so have a nice day.

Amen to that!

Reason for attitude: We are on the second page already, I keep repeating myself, and people don't bother to read my post in depth, and make suggestions that don't make even a bit of sense. So, I guess my patience slips. Usually I would have apologized, but it's really becoming ridiculous.

I can post some links for dedicated professional help at a premium!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion
  • PC2
    Tablet - Windows 10 Home
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