Can't maximize windows unless one is already open

[Red Squirrel]

On one system I have running Linux Mint 17.1, if all things are minimized, I can't maximize anything. I click on the task bar and nothing happens. I have to right click and go restore. Oddly, I get an option for "unmaximize" even though it's minimized. If one is already open, then I can maximize the others. Does this with any program. Occasionally it actually does work, it seems to work only once per program. Tried rebooting , updating etc. no go. I think it's Mate, but I'm not too sure, installed it a while back.

 

[Fallen Kell]

Most likely is a problem with the desktop you are using. Try using KDE or GNOME and see if it happens in there as well (at which point I would say it might be the X-server you are using, and would say to try and use x-org if it is available as that is still the most trusted and stable X-server).

As I have always said, if you want a stable, bug free linux system, stay away from cutting edge stuff and stick with tried/true and heavily supported solutions. CentOS is usually the place to be if you don't want to deal with lots of bugs.

 

[Red Squirrel]

CentOS is more of a server oriented OS though, their package list is quite limited for desktop apps and if I end up having to use 3rd party repos then that's opening a whole can of worms. I suppose I could try to install the KDE version on this laptop and I'm sure the problem will go away but it never did it before so hoping I can just fix it.