Member Avatar for om1d_h

We have a funny problem

In a PHP page we have used following code:


onmouseover="window.status='hello'"

I runned the page on two diffrenet machines both runnig win XP and both with the same IE version (6.0.29).
In my surprise, on one of them, there is no status bar. But on the other one the status bar is working and the 'hello' message is shown properly.
What could be the reason?
What can we do to solve the problem?

P.S Both of them have the same screen resolution 1024*768.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Member #36984

Dani AI

Generated

As noted, the native IE status bar is a browser-controlled UI element and cannot be reliably forced from script in an already-open window; that explains why saw the text on one machine but not the other. Differences commonly come from the user's Status Bar setting, full‑screen mode, installed toolbars/add‑ons, pop-up blockers or corporate policies that lock the browser chrome.

Quick checklist to diagnose the mismatch:

  • Confirm the browser UI isn't hiding the status area (full‑screen, toolbar settings or a locked policy).
  • Try the same page in a fresh profile or with add‑ons disabled to rule out an extension.
  • Remember that modern browsers increasingly ignore scripted changes to the native status area for security; relying on it is fragile.

A robust, future‑proof approach is to create an in‑page status strip that the site controls (works across machines, supports keyboard focus, and is accessible). Example minimal pattern:

<!-- place near the end of <body> -->
<div id="faux-status" role="status" aria-live="polite" aria-atomic="true"></div>

<style>
#faux-status{
  position:fixed; left:0; right:0; bottom:0;
  padding:6px 8px; background:#f2f2f2; border-top:1px solid #ccc;
  font:12px/1.2 sans-serif; color:#222;
}
</style>

<script>
(function(){
  var s = document.getElementById('faux-status');
  function findA(n){ while(n && n.nodeType===1){ if(n.tagName && n.tagName.toLowerCase()==='a') return n; n=n.parentNode; } return null; }
  function show(t){ s.textContent = t || ''; }
  document.body.addEventListener('mouseover', function(e){ var a=findA(e.target); if(a) show(a.getAttribute('data-status')||a.href); }, false);
  document.body.addEventListener('mouseout',  function(e){ if(findA(e.target)) show(''); }, false);
  document.body.addEventListener('focus', function(e){ var a=findA(e.target); if(a) show(a.getAttribute('data-status')||a.href); }, true);
  document.body.addEventListener('blur',  function(e){ if(findA(e.target)) show(''); }, true);
})();
</script>

This gives consistent behavior, works with keyboard users (focus/blur), and provides an accessible fallback for readers of the thread who need a dependable alternative to the native status bar. If legacy behavior is required, opening a new window that allows a status bar is possible but fragile (pop‑up blockers and browser differences).

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for goro

Well, go to "view" menu, and click in "status bar" ;)

Member Avatar for om1d_h

Well, go to "view" menu, and click in "status bar" ;)

What a good Idea :O
I will hire one jilion fellows to send them within each page to each of clients to do that for us.


This is a programming problem.

Member Avatar for goro

ooooooook.. look: you can't control if the status bar is shown in internet explorer or not in an already displayed window, BUT, if you reeally need that status bar you can open a popup,(window.open) this will allow you define parameters of the popup to create, one of those parameters is to show the status bar or not.

Now, what you I would do if opening a popup is out of the question is to create a div imitating status bar behaivor.

So, directly answering your two questions:
What could be the reason?
The reason is the status bar appareance is defined by the client.
What can we do to solve the problem?
Create your own status bar or open a popup.

Have fun!

Member Avatar for Member #36984

What a good Idea :O
I will hire one jilion fellows to send them within each page to each of clients to do that for us.


This is a programming problem.

not sure i like your attitude too much mate...

as a matter of fact, goro is absolutely correct. put simply, if you can see it one one of your computers, there is either an error with the other, or the status bar is disabled through the view window...

you don't have to be so hostile to those who are trying to help! :(

anyway, i hope you get the problem sorted

cheers

Member Avatar for om1d_h

not sure i like your attitude too much mate...

as a matter of fact, goro is absolutely correct. put simply, if you can see it one one of your computers, there is either an error with the other, or the status bar is disabled through the view window...

you don't have to be so hostile to those who are trying to help! :(

anyway, i hope you get the problem sorted

cheers

sorry, but one part of it comes because of my bad English ( I'm persian) and the other one is the damn job I have. A full time programmer can make any human being go nuts sometimes.
The problem is solved, thanks anyway and I'm sorry again.

Member Avatar for Member #36984

OK, no problem mate ;)

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