Opening via command line in an already running PD: can't load file(s)

[hi5]

Version information

2025.12.26, both on Win 10/11

Describe the bug

There is a difference when opening files via the command line (batch) if PD is running or not.
If PD is already running it can't open the files using the same batch file.

How can I reproduce the bug?

Batch file:
start PhotoDemon.exe "c:\Portable\PhotoDemon\output1 (2).png" "c:\Portable\PhotoDemon\output2.tiff"

1. PD not running: start batch, these two files - and more if I add them - are opened successfully.
2. PD running, no images open, start batch, error:

Unfortunately, the image Unfortunately, the image c:\Portable\PhotoDemon\output1 (2).pngF c:\Portable\PhotoDemon\output2.tiff could not be found.

If this image was originally located on removable media (DVD, LISB drive, etc), please re-insert or re-attach the media and try again.

Note the "F" behind PNG as well - this doesn't always seem to happen (adding a letter I mean)

Expected behavior

Open the files passed on the command line whether PD is running or not,