Patent ID: 7549087

Claim:
A computer implemented method of providing information to a user when an underlying application is in an unexpected hung state, the method comprising: (a) capturing application display data for an application window, wherein the application window corresponds with the underlying application; (b) determining when the underlying application is in an unexpected hung state; (c) when the underlying application is in an unexpected hung state, creating a proxy window that includes the captured application display data, wherein the proxy window is created for user interaction to visually indicate to a user that the underlying application is in an unexpected hung state; (d) replacing on a display device the application window with the proxy window; (e) determining when a user uses an input device to interact with the proxy window; and (f) when the user interacts with the proxy window, displaying on the display device, in a view at least partially obstructing the proxy window, a dialogue box informing the user of options for responding to the hung application, wherein the dialogue box is separate and distinct from the proxy window.