When I run notepad or double-click an AOL buddy in AIM the
window comes up and then minimizes. The properties for
notepad are set to "run normal window".

My first notion is that I was playing with the pcmag t&t
that demonstrates how to save the geometry of the window
by doing a "shift left-click" on the X (close) button in
the upper right hand corner of the window.

I worked so well I tried it on other windows and I'm
wondering if these two apps didn't approve of my actions.
I deinstalled AIM to see if there was some relationship.
Notepad still minimizes. To add insult to injury. The
window changes its geometry upon restore.

Any ideas?