Portable NVDA: cannot open Python Console while focused on a modern app with compact overlay mode enabled

[josephsl]

Hi,

Originally I believed it was tied to wxPython 4.1.1 but it turns out this affects portable NVDA versions (including source code). The steps outlined here applies to binary portable copies.

Setup:

Install wxPython 4.1.1 in "include/wxPython" directory and test this under Windows 10. The best app to test this is Calculator as it provides commands to reproduce this. You must also compile NVDA from source before testing it.

Steps to reproduce:

1. After compiling NVDA from source with wxPython 4.1.1 included, run the source code copy.
2. Run Calculator or Groove Music. These two apps include compact overlay mode (Calculator/always on top, Groove Music/mini view). For best reproduction, run Calculator.
3. With Calculator open, press Alt+number row 1 to switch to standard calculator.
4. Press Control+NVDA+Z to open Python Console, then press Escape to close it.
5. From Calculator, press Alt+Up arrow to switch to always on top mode.
6. Press Control+NVDA+Z to open Python Console and press Escape to close it.

Alternatively, if using Groove Music, when the app opens, open Python Console and close it, then click mini view button and open Python Console and close it, then press Escape to close mini view.

Actual behavior:

Python Console does not open with compact overlay on.

Expected behavior:

Python Console opens.

System configuration

NVDA installed/portable/running from source:

Source

NVDA version:

master:e5d62e3296

Windows version:

Windows 10 Version 20H2

Name and version of other software in use when reproducing the issue:

Python 3.7 and 3.8 (32-bit), wxPython 4.1.1, Calculator 10.2101.10.0, Groove Music 10.20122.11121.0

Other information about your system:

Testing Python 3.8 work, part of Windows Insider Preview beta channel

Other questions

Does the issue still occur after restarting your computer?

Yes

Have you tried any other versions of NVDA? If so, please report their behaviors.

No issues in alpha-21753,e5d62e32, 2020.3, 2020.4 RC1, all tested as installed copies. If used as portable copy, issue occurs.

If addons are disabled, is your problem still occurring?

Yes

Did you try to run the COM registry fixing tool in NVDA menu / tools?

Not applicable

Thanks.

[josephsl]

Hi,

Tecyhniclaly, Python Console does open but it isn't the top-level window if opened while focused on a modern app with compact overlay enabled.

Thanks.

[josephsl]

Hi,

Upon further testing, it appears this is specific to non-installed version of NVDA i.e. portable, source (edited issue title and steps accordingly).

Thanks.

[Adriani90]

@josephsl how is this now behaving with NVDA 2024.1 RC1? Is this issue still reproducible?

[josephsl]

Hi, testing wita 31515 (2024.2 alpha): Python Console opens but does not take system focus. Thanks.