multiple instances incorrectly run at the same time every time I click RUN

[SteveMylo]

I noticed that when I run a script that Is already running, another instance runs at the same time every time I click RUN. I can see them doubling up in the task tray and no, when I hover the mouse over them it doesn't disappear .
I use the line '#SingleInstance, Force' and it still happens.
This never ever happened on my Windows 10 PC since I started with Autohotkey 3 years ago, but now I have a Windows 11 Laptop, it always happens and even running the same scripts. why?
It's so frustrating , I have to implement an exit first method before running each time when I'm in Dev.

I even put in a trillion fail safes that ChatGPT offered, which were all very good. See spoiler here for reference of one suggestion

Spoiler

Code: Select all

#Persistent
DetectHiddenWindows, On  ; Allow interaction with hidden windows

; Get the list of running processes
Process, Exist

; If another instance of the script is found, close it
if (ErrorLevel != 0 && WinExist("ahk_exe " A_ScriptName))
{
    WinClose, ahk_exe %A_ScriptName%
}

; Rest of your script
return  ; End of auto-execute section

but, It seems if I press run for the 2nd time without clicking anywhere else on the screen or typing, it'll create two instances, but If I do click or type, the fail-safe scripts will work and nullify two instance. strange

[RussF]

I use the line '#SingleInstance, Force' and it still happens.

I honestly don't know for sure if it makes a difference, but the example in #SingleInstance does not have a comma - your example does. Perhaps try without one?

Russ

[V0RT3X]

Just a possibility...

The posting by Cattleya about 2/3 of the way down in the below old thread offers a SingleInstance function that may help.

https://www.autohotkey.com/board/topic/56956-singleinstance-force-doesnt-work-sometimes/

[SteveMylo]

Would you believe chatGPT pointed me to that thread. Pretty unbelievable.
Anyways, i tried about 11 different fail safes & they all didn’t work. Even ones including a FlagFile & many others.
Something is wrong that my other computer PC windows 10 does not happen.
I’m using SciTE4Autohotkey. Maybe that’s it.
I have recently switched to VS Code. I’ll try there perhaps

[SteveMylo]

I use the line '#SingleInstance, Force' and it still happens.

I honestly don't know for sure if it makes a difference, but the example in #SingleInstance does not have a comma - your example does. Perhaps try without one?

Russ

It shouldn’t make a difference at all. But i’ll try tomorrow
The comma in `#SingleInstance, Force` is optional. Both `#SingleInstance, Force` and `#SingleInstance Force` are valid and functionally identical in AutoHotkey.

In AutoHotkey, the comma is often used to delimit parameters in function calls and commands, but in the case of directives like `#SingleInstance`, it's not required. So you can use whichever version you find more readable or consistent with your coding style.