[Nvda-dev] [NVDA] #97: Allow NVDA to handle multiple input desktops in Windows XP (was: Allow NVDA to handle multiple input desktops)

[NVDA Trac]

#97: Allow NVDA to handle multiple input desktops in Windows XP
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 Reporter:  jteh         |       Owner:  jteh    
     Type:  enhancement  |      Status:  accepted
 Priority:  major        |   Milestone:          
Component:  Core         |     Version:  trunk   
 Keywords:               |    Blocking:  100     
Blockedby:               |  
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Old description:

> Currently, NVDA only handles a single input desktop; i.e. the input
> desktop on which it was started. This means that programs which run in
> other desktops cannot be read by NVDA, such as the Windows logon screen,
> the Windows security screen, the "Unlock Computer" screen, Vista's UAC
> screens and applications run as administrator in Vista. A Windows service
> needs to be implemented which can detect when the input desktop changes
> and act accordingly. This service should be light-weight, so it probably
> needs to be written in C/C++.
>
> Ideally, NVDA should simply re-register all events in the new input
> desktop and switch, but this is probably not possible with the current
> architecture. The alternative is for a new instance of NVDA to be started
> on a new input desktop.
>
> Issues to be discussed include:
>  * Should NVDA be terminated on the previous input desktop or should it
> just be silenced or the like?
>  * What should happen with regard to current configuration?
>   * Current configuration needs to be communicated to the new instance of
> NVDA.
>   * Any configuration changes need to be communicated back to the
> previous instance.
>   * What happens if the user requests to save the configuration while
> running another instance?

New description:

 Currently, NVDA only handles a single input desktop; i.e. the input
 desktop on which it was started. It cannot be run on the secure winlogon
 desktop, which means that the Windows logon screen and other secure
 screens cannot be read. For Windows XP, a service should be provided which
 can detect when the current input desktop changes and launch NVDA
 accordingly.

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Comment(by jteh):

 Hijacking this ticket for the XP service. Support for Ease of Access for
 Windows Vista and Windows 7 will be moved to another ticket, as it is
 quite different.

 Note also that the old secureDesktop branch is obsolete. New branches will
 be started.

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Ticket URL: <http://www.nvda-project.org/ticket/97#comment:5>
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