MULTIPSK on Linux Mint 24.04 - minimise to panel problem

[#1]

Linux Mint 24.04   all up to date... 

WINE 9.0  up to date

MULTIPSK ( various versions - 2007 - 2017 and latest versions) 

I have been using this app/program for many years on LINUX MINT (with WINE installed ) with no problems.. download it.. install it .. configure it and it works.. minimise it to the panel ( lower task bar) and return it to full screen - no  problem.

UNTIL.. sometime last year ( or maybe a bit earlier...) it minimises o.k.  but I cannot get it back to full screen from the panel  Windows Selection list.... 

Googling the problem suggests that I have not got a "registered" copy code.installed.. however I have had my USER.COD code for about 15 yrs. when the USER.COD is copied into the MULTIPSK folder.. the program shows the users name and address on the top of the program screen - to show that it is registered..

This feature appears on whichever version I have tried...  

Initially, i thought it was due to the "latest" version update, hence me searching old HDD`s for my old back up files and downloads... 

When I click the icon in the Windows Selection list, instead of showing the program opening.. it does nothing. left click or right click - the panel list just disappears. 

Strangely, I also have another program called CWCOM. that when I minimise that to the panel... it has the same effect when trying to restore it to use . 

Other windows programs seem to behave in the same way... so it may not be a LINUX problem...but something to do with WINE - however...as mentioned, I have not had this problem before. 

The only way I can clear the windows list of the "failed to restore" programs/apps is to close down and reboot and re execute all the programs as a new start. 

Any sensible suggestions as to how to resolve it, please.

[#2]

This is what Grok suggests -

The most likely cause is a problem with Cinnamon's panel/window list applet (common on Linux Mint), not WINE itself or your programs.

This started "sometime last year" and affects MULTIPSK, CWCOM, and other WINE apps. It's a classic symptom of the Grouped Window List (or Window List) applet glitching — especially with non-native (WINE) windows.

Quick Fixes to Try First

1. Restart Cinnamon (without logging out/rebooting):

   • Press Alt + F2, type r, and press Enter.

   • Or run in terminal: cinnamon --replace & (then close the terminal).

2. Check/reload the Window List applet:

   • Right-click an empty spot on the bottom panel → Applets.

   • Make sure Grouped Window List (or Window List) is enabled/checked.

   • Right-click it in the list → Reload Code (or remove it, then add it back).

   • Also ensure you're not in Panel Edit Mode.

3. Reset the panel (safe, keeps most customizations):

   • Right-click panel → Troubleshoot → Restore all settings to default (or similar "Reset Panel" option).

More Targeted Troubleshooting

• For WINE specifically: Try running your programs with a virtual desktop.

  • Right-click the .exe → Properties (in file manager) → Open with Wine or use winecfg.

  • In winecfg → Graphics tab → check Emulate a virtual desktop and set a reasonable size (e.g., 1280x1024).

  • This often fixes window management quirks with older apps like MULTIPSK.

• Alternative applets: Some users prefer the older "Window List" over "Grouped Window List" for better compatibility with WINE apps.

  • Remove Grouped one and add the classic Window List applet.

• Update everything (you said it's up to date, but double-check):

  Bash

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

  Reboot after.

• Test in a new user account to rule out config corruption.

Workarounds While Fixing

• Use keyboard shortcuts:

  • Alt + Tab to switch windows.

  • Super + M (or Win+M) to minimize/restore all.

  • Right-click the taskbar icon → Restore (sometimes works when left-click doesn't).

• From terminal (to terminate stuck processes if needed):

  Bash

  wineserver -k

  Then restart your WINE apps.

If Nothing Works

• Check Cinnamon logs: ~/.xsession-errors or run journalctl -xe after the issue happens.

• Report on the Linux Mint forums with your exact Cinnamon version (cinnamon --version).

• As a last resort, you could try a different desktop environment temporarily (e.g., MATE via sudo apt install mate-desktop-environment), but Cinnamon fixes usually resolve this.

This has been reported for years with Cinnamon + WINE older apps. The panel applet reset/reload fixes it for most people. Let me know what happens after trying the applet checks!