app stranded on unplugged monitor

[Doug Rhine]

When I use an app on a second monitor I am forced to quit the app only after I drag it to my main (macbook pro) screen. If I forget to do this and open the app again without the second monitor plugged in, the app will open on the now non existant monitor and I can't use/see it. I can only resolve this if I plug a second monitor which is usually impossible when I am not home. I have tried messing with the displays settings but can't find a way to disable the extended (unplugged) screen.
I'm curious why apps don't default open on the main screen if no other monitors are detected.
Thanks!

 

[Kaveman]

They normally do, your App is not using the system APIs to do this.

If you need to get it back you can delete it Preference file.

 

[Doug Rhine]

Far as I can tell, every non game app I have does this. iTunes, iPhoto, any web browser, MS office etc.
I'm a new Mac user so I wouldn't know how to delete/locate the preference file you are talking of.

 

[Kaveman]

What version of OS X?

 

[Doug Rhine]

10.8.2 Mountain Lion