3CX client for Windows won't start.

[ihu]

I am having issues with 3CX client for Windows. The app is running in the background, but there are no visible Windows and icons in the Taskbar and hidden icons in the system tray.

 

[VasilisV_3CX]

Hello @ihu,

Can you provide a few more details as outlined here?

When you restart the 3CX Windows Client entirely (killing all background processes or the computer), does it start up correctly?

 

[ihu]

It is running as a background process, rather than an app. no windows appearing.

 

[VasilisV_3CX]

Can you provide the version of your PBX, version of your Windows Client and details we may need as seen here? https://www.3cx.com/community/threads/information-to-provide-when-requesting-help.67558/

Does restarting the service / the machine start it up correctly?

 

[ihu]

• 3CX Version, Enterprise Annual 16.0.1078
• Server OS, Windows Server 2016
• Is the 3CX Server Hosted and where? On-premise
• IP Phone Make/Model/Firmware - 3CX client for Windows v. 16.3.0.198
• Provisioning Method: Local / VPN / STUN / SBC
• Trunk Provider or Gateway Make/Model
• Has the Firewall Checker passed: YES
• Are custom Phone Templates being used: NO

Even after process termination or system reboot the process is running listed as a background process in Task Manager, no Windows are appearing.

 

[Evolute IT]

Have you tried uninstalling/reinstalling?

And, do you get a taskbar icon that is clickable/selectable (as if there was a window) ?

 

[ihu]

Tried reinstalling, the process is still running in the background. The icon is clickable, the app is running in the background, but there are no visible Windows and icons in the Taskbar and hidden icons in the system tray.

 

[Evolute IT]

Tried reinstalling, the process is still running in the background. The icon is clickable, the app is running in the background, but there are no visible Windows and icons in the Taskbar and hidden icons in the system tray.

That's really weird. Try uninstalling and go to AppData and ProgramData and delete any 3CX folders. Then, reinstall. (This should clear any pre-existing config.)

 

[ihu]

I have already done this, but the issue still persists.

 

[VasilisV_3CX]

Hi @ihu,

Are you using any headset integration, such as EPOS / Sennheiser? If yes, can you disable all integration software?

If not, may I advise escalating this to 3CX Support via your Partner Portal under 'Get Support' to follow up? Reference this forum post when escalating that they can be made privy to all of the data you've provided thus far.

 

[AWS2P]

Did you

I have already done this, but the issue still persists.

Hi, did you got a fix to this, someone on french forum describe same behavior as you got, they are on W10 V20H2 desktop Computers

 

[bbaker73]

I just had this occur on a client after v16 update 8. I had already tried all of the above, reinstalling, deleting directories etc, found the answer in an old thread. The app was basically off the visible window area.

I just reread that you might not have tray icons, so possible this is not your solution.

Solution:
1) Shutdown (kill) the app via Task Manager

2) Press the Windows + R key and enter in the field: Notepad %appdata%\3CXPhone for Windows\3CXPhone.xml

3) Edit the following two lines, so that both lines contain the number 100:
<MainWindowLeft>100</MainWindowLeft>
<MainWindowTop>100</MainWindowTop>

4) Save and close the file.

5) Start 3CX soft phone. The app should now be visible in the upper left part of your screen.

 

[SteveITS]

app was basically off the visible window area

Haven't seen that yet with 3CX but have with plenty of other apps over the years, like Word. A general way to fix that for Windows programs is to either:

1) Mouse over the 3CX program icon in the bottom bar until the preview window appears. Right click the image and choose Move.

Press any arrow key. The window is now locked to the mouse, move it around until you see the window and click to release.

or
2) [this one doesn't seem to work for the 3CX Windows app] Click the program icon to focus the invisible window. Alt+Spacebar to show the control menu. Type M to select move. Press any arrow key. The window is now locked to the mouse, move it around until you see the window and click to release.