Jigsaw Mania display issue

[alan2134]

I have Jigsaw Mania by Inertia Software and have played it for a number of years on my Dell AIO 24 inch on Windows 10 without any problems.

When I got my shiny new HP Envy 34 AIO on Windows 11 I decided to install it as I thought bigger screen why not.

When I loaded it and tried it the pieces have all got a white shadow (see images) around them which makes it impossible to play.

I contacted Inertia Software thinking it was some issue with Windows 11. They had no idea and didn't seem particularly interested either only to suggest I buy a different program instead.

So I thought if it's Windows 11 it won't play on my Laptop on Windows 11but it did with no problem at all.

Therefore I am thinking it's maybe a display thing on my HP or a setting that needs altering.? Other than the shadow it seems to work in terms of moving pieces around you just can't see where you are putting them. 

I have included three screenshots two on my HP and one on my laptop, I hope these help understand what I am getting.

I do hope someone might have some idea what is happening. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.Not working on HP Envy 34Not working on HP Envy 34 using one of my own photosWorking on Laptop

[Dragon-Fur]

@alan2134 

I don't know the answer...

That said, the source of the problem might be a loss of transparency in the individual game pieces.

This "solid outline" effect can be a result (for example) of changing an image file type from .png to .jpg.

I cannot explain whether the file type is related to what you are seeing -- or, if it is related -- where / how to fix / adjust the game piece files.

Does look like an interesting game - I hope it can be fixed.

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[alan2134]

Thank you for your response and taking the time to look at my issue.

The images have not been changed in any way in fact two of them are stock images in the program and the third is photo of mine in which I created the jigsaw, they work perfectly on my laptop and my Dell AIO.

As for the program if you are into jigsaw's which I have been since my Grandma started me off when I was very young and nearly 68yrs old now and still enjoy them. This program is the most realistic one on a computer I have ever come across and the fact you can create your own from your own photos is even better. I do 5000 piece ones so keeps me occupied for a long while.

I am hopeful it can be sorted.

Thank you anyway have a great day.

[Dragon-Fur]

@alan2134 

I went to the website for your software and tool a quick tour of the site.

This might be some fairly old code -- the download information (or the information was in the FAQ?) says the 2.1 version of the program supports Windows 7 and older.

Side Bar

I am sure you have scoured the jigsaw website so no need to repeat any of the content.  If you have not done that, take a look -- you know this program and software -- there might be something helpful in one of the sections.

What is wrong?

Still unknown...

A guess

I wonder if you are running into an incompatibility issue with Windows 11.

What?

Specifically, each newer version of Windows generally has working remnants of a previous Operating System still lurking deep in the File System.  This is neither good nor bad -- it simply means that if a piece of legacy code can still be used, it might be left in place or even incorporated into another program. 

There are pieces of Mr. Peabody's "Way Back Machine" embedded in newer Windows versions. 

(Forgive and ignore the reference if you are too young.)

That said, Windows 11 is in some ways structurally different from Windows 10.  The pieces of the code that let your program still work in Windows 10 might not still be part of Windows 11.

You could try running your program in Compatibility mode.

Open Web Page

Microsoft - Make older apps or programs compatible with Windows 

Click Windows 11 to see the "how-to"

What else?

As a test -- and perhaps to keep you from going into jigsaw withdrawal (likely a real thing for any gamer),

Consider / Try

Download / Install the Microsoft Store Jigsaw puzzle app.

Information here

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/microsoft-jigsaw/9wzdncrfj9x2#activetab=pivot:overviewtab

The "system requirements" indicate the app will likely run OK...

Windows 10 version 18362.0 or higher

If the Microsoft jigsaw app runs, it won't help your older software, of course.

The app will provide at least a base line that the style of app / software might be compatible with your new computer.

I do realize what I'm offering is fairly weak -- I still don't have an answer; I'm just intrigued.

Good Luck.

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[alan2134]

Yet again thank you for your response and effort to help get to the bottom of this issue.

Firstly I am still not convinced it is a Windows 11 issue I am inclined to think it is a setting/ display issue but I am only guessing I'm no expert at all.

The reason for thinking this is the third picture where it is working is from my laptop which is on Windows 11 so if it was a compatibility issue it would not work on there..

Secondly I did try the Microsoft Compatibility check and no difference.

I have the Microsoft Jigsaw already on my computer and it works fine although compared to Jigsaw Mania it is very limited but was worth a try, that's why I tried it out. 

I did check out Inertia Software site but again no joy.

So although I am really impressed with your efforts to help unfortunately we still are no further on sadly.

I still think there is something on my HP Envy that is causing the issue, a setting or a tweak of some kind but what I don't know. Just the fact it works fine on the Windows 11 laptop but not the Windows 11 HP Envy.

Thank you again for your help.

[Dragon-Fur]

@alan2134 

You are right, of course.

When I reread the post, I missed that you do have a Windows 11 laptop that runs the software.

While the drivers, hardware, and File System are not identical on every system -- your argument is certainly reasonable.

Apologies.

I shall withdraw, having nothing useful to add to my already muddled response.

Smiling.

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[alan2134]

Please I hope you don't take offence as I really appreciate your input and suggestions.

I actually thought when you mentioned about making older apps and programs work with Windows 11 that you were onto something but sadly it didn't work.

I am grateful for any suggestions as I am convinced it is a small thing that will make the difference.

I have tried running the program and everything else in the program appears to work fine just this display issue.

Hopefully something will turn up.

Thank you again.

[Dragon-Fur]

@alan2134 

Nah - except for a slight sense of embarrassment, it's all good.

I spent a good portion of my life in IT -- that tends to toughen the ego.

The lack of transparency is likely the issue -- honestly, I don't know the cause.

If you have HDR  switched ON (in Settings > Display) in the mis-behaving system, switch if OFF -- or switch it ON if it's off.

Meh.  Not sure...

[alan2134]

Just checked what you say about HDR and it appears its not available on my system. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@alan2134 

It was pretty unlikely related --  More Easter Eggs, I guess.

I cannot get past the way the individual game pieces are behaving.

There seems to be something different about the way the file content of the little game pieces is recognized.

It's as if the system has changed the file type of the little image files from .png to .jpg.

Check the default apps that open files.

Warning - Might be more  "Searching for Easter Eggs".

Example

Settings > Apps > Default apps 

Find and open the Program name in the list

Check the list of programs used to open which file types.

General Example  - Settings > Apps > Default Apps

menu / settings for Microsoft Paint

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