Log viewer and Python console become unresponsive when modal dialogs are shown

[SaschaCowley]

Steps to reproduce:

1. Open the NVDA Python console.
2. Open a modal dialog in NVDA, such as the About dialog.
3. Switch back to the Python console without closing the dialog.

Actual behavior:

The Python console is reported as unavailable, and cannot be used.

Expected behavior:

The Python console should work normally.

Further context

If steps 1 and 2 are swapped (IE the Python console is opened while a modal dialog is open), the console works as expected.

This also affects the log viewer, speech viewer, Braille viewer, settings dialogs, Add-on Store, and likely other parts of NVDA. In most cases, this behaviour is desirable, however it can get in the way of debugging in the case of the Python console and log viewer.

NVDA logs, crash dumps and other attachments:

System configuration

NVDA installed/portable/running from source:

Installed or running from source have been tested

NVDA version:

alpha-34198,67f6cb99 (2025.1.0.34198)

Windows version:

23H2 (OS Build 22635.4291) x64

Name and version of other software in use when reproducing the issue:

Other information about your system:

Other questions

Does the issue still occur after restarting your computer?

Yes

Have you tried any other versions of NVDA? If so, please report their behaviors.

No

If NVDA add-ons are disabled, is your problem still occurring?

Yes

Does the issue still occur after you run the COM Registration Fixing Tool in NVDA's tools menu?

Yes