open painted shut window

http://bcove.me/o7ryghve  -- opening window painted shut

http://bcove.me/gkradjzd -- replacing cord sash with pulley

http://www.silentpaintremover.com/photos/window_restoration.htm

Your windows won’t open at all.

In some cases, a window may fail to operate simply because of broken hardware. Replace the hardware and the problem is solved, right? Some situations aren’t so easy. Your window, for example, may be painted shut -- and setting it free can be a painstaking process. By carefully working a putty knife around the perimeter of the sash and breaking the paint seal between sash and frame, you can often undo the damage. For some extra leverage, try a small pry bar. In extreme cases the interior trim may have to be removed. Be advised: windows that are painted shut are often older and of poor quality. Replacement windows and patio doors are the best bet.

Operational trouble can also stem from a warped frame and sash. Warped windows or patio doors are usually caused by house settling, which skews the rough opening where the window sits. In this case, the entire window or patio door must be removed and the opening reframed and squared. After that, the most common course of action is to insert a brand new window or door.

Your double-hung window won’t stay open.

If it’s an older window, there’s most likely a problem with the connection to the sash weights. Older double-hung window sash are counterbalanced with heavy weights connected to the sash on a rope. As the windows age, the rope dries out and becomes brittle, eventually breaking. If you decide to fix the problem yourself, you can remove the interior trim to expose the fallen weight, replace the rope and reinstall the trim. Newer double-hung windows often feature in-sash balancers. If these break, follow the window or door manufacturer’s recommendations for balancer replacement.

Your windows don’t open or close easily.

For casement windows, the solution may be as easy as cleaning and lubricating the operating hardware with a light oil or dry silicone spray. Avoid lubricants or harsh abrasive cleaners -- these will break down or collect dirt and grime. Gliding window tracks also need periodic cleanings to maintain easy sash operation. Otherwise, you may be looking at a warped frame and sash caused by house settling, which can skew the rough opening the window sits in. Here, we recommend removing the entire window and reframing and squaring the opening. Then simply insert a new window.

info from http://www.andersenwindows.com