Frequently Asked Questions

PTFB Pro isn't working on some target windows

If you define a new macro or single press item and find that it doesn't seem to work all the time, please try the following.

1) Determine if the failure is because PTFB Pro isn't always recognizing the target window.

Open up the item's properties and give it an initial delay of at least five seconds, then hit Start Watching and make sure you can see PTFB Pro's tray icon. You should see part of the icon light up in red as the time of action approaches. If it doesn't then PTFB Pro is not recognizing the item for some reason. Open up the item's properties again, switch to the page "Identifying the Target" and hit the Help button for information on how to help PTFB Pro recognize the target window, even when it changes subtly.

2) Slow things down a little

Sometimes PTFB Pro acts before the target window is ready. This can be because the computer is running slowly, but on Windows 7 onwards it can also be caused by the more elaborate window animations that these new operating systems employ.
- Try introducing an initial delay of several seconds. If that works, reduce the delay until you find a good compromise between response speed and reliability. Remember you can whittle a delay down to 1/10 sec!
- For macros, try reducing the playback speed. Macros set to play at full speed go far faster than a human could possibly act; maybe faster than the target program can cope with.

3) Change things around

- If the item in question is a macro, try redefining it but this time try to use mostly keyboard shortcuts rather than mouse actions. Keyboard shortcuts tend to produce more reliable macros.
- For single press items acting on a button that has a keyboard shortcut, try getting PTFB Pro to use the keyboard shortcut rather than the mouse.
- If you're using a macro to accomplish something that a single press item could do just as well, try using a single press instead.

4) Is something getting in the way?

Sometimes other software - especially antivirus and firewall suites - can prevent PTFB Pro from doing its work. Try adding PTFB Pro to the suite's whitelist, or try temporarily disabling the suite to see if that helps.

Also, verify that no "always on top" windows or screen savers are physically blocking PTFB Pro's activities.

Help Topics:


Last Updated 8 years ago


Help Topics

  • PTFB Pro