Mac OS X 10.4.x: Minimize buttons will not work (#2)

Yesterday we reported on an issue where the minimize window function will not work under Mac OS X 10.4.x. Minimization of windows can usually be accomplished by either clicking the Amber sphere in the upper left corner of Mac OS X windows, or double-clicking the window title.

We've since received a number of corroborating reports.

MacFixIt reader Thomas writes:

"On my stock Dual 800 Digital Audio G4, running a stock 10.4.2, the Minimize button does this after I use the Expose feature. I can log out and then Minimize comes back."

Another reader adds: "I have noticed this issue since 10.4.0, and have not seen it fixed through 10.4.2. I have noticed the issue in finder, Mail, and Bittorrent. Quitting and restarting the offending application usually fixes the issue, though it is pretty annoying. I have some third party widgets and Launchbar, but I don't have any utilities constantly running."

Gary adds:

"I had this problem (greyed out minimize buttons) around 10.4.0, or 10.4.1, but it seems to have resolved itself without my knowing how, or why. I'm just supporting the person who reported that this can happen. It's a pain in the proverbial when you're used to keeping a bunch of windows in the dock."

To recap from yesterday, this issue can often be resolved temporarily by force quitting the Finder (either control-click on the Finder icon in the Dock and choose Force Quit or hold the Shift key and click the Apple menu then select Force Quit Finder), logging out then back in, or restarting the system.

If you are experiencing similar issue, please let us know.

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