Target Frame Issue

Creating a frameset delivered via browser for a “dashboard/portal” type effect. It is broken into five frames. Two left side frames show views to documents that can open in the bottom right frame. Problem is with the top/middle right frames. The top frame is just a page with 5 URL hotspots to other web apps that will open in the middle right frame. They all work well enough individually, opening in the frame as expected. But if you want to switch between apps, after two clicks (or two apps) the hotspots start opening a new window even though they are all coded to open in the middle frame. Doesn’t seem to make a difference the order of clicks or apps chosen. Every test I try does the same thing, 1st hotspot click opens in frame, 2nd hotspot click opens in frame, 3rd hotspot click opens a new window and continues to do so unless I close the browser and start fresh (refresh does nothing) or click the IE “compatibility view” button that will “refresh” the app and start opening in the frame again… until you get to the 3rd selection! Argh!