Hey all
I've been using TFP for a few years now, having graduated from V3 thru v6 and v12, until I received my sparkly new v14 disk today. I'm quite used to having to coax real-views from my drawings, however I seem to have come across a prob I've never encountered before...
When I try to real-view, the drawing either shows a white screen or doesn't change at all. The radiosity scan seems to work ok though. I have tried updating my video drivers and re-installing the program. I have also installed the patches from the web-site.
I am working on a Fujitsu Siemans Amilo laptop with Windows 7 x64. I'd be really grateful for any help you guys could give.
Thanks in advance....
Hi - Welcome to the forum!
Seems like you have been familiar with FP3D and TFP for as long as me (although I did have V7, 8, 10 and 11 also). It is fascinating software isn't it?
Did you mean you have just got V14 or V15? The latter was released just two days ago.
To your question and assuming you did mean V14:
Quote from: Tobestos on May 15, 2010, 08:55:27 AM
When I try to real-view, the drawing either shows a white screen or doesn't change at all. The radiosity scan seems to work OK though. I have tried updating my video drivers and re-installing the program. I have also installed the patches from the web-site.
Can you please check the full version number? (under Help / About... as you no doubt know). I know you said you have applied the patches but the symptions sound similar to the very first release of V14 and was just wondering if you had somehow been sent an old original disk, although the patch should have fixed it assuming you used the correct one - you should only need one (624 to 662). The most recent version of V14 ends in 662. There are no known issues in this area with 662, so if that is what you have then the issue is presumably PC related, and hopefully Pat will see this and may be able to make other suggestions, but you could try the following:
I assume you are talking about Basic render giving the white screen. Were you saving as BMP or JPG? Try the other and see if that helps - that was one of the issues with the original V14...624.
One other thing you could try, if you haven't already, is to turn off Hardware Acceleration (Settings/ Programme Settings/ Graphics), although if you have upgraded the video drivers it should not be a problem, (unless maybe if the driver is ATI, as some seem to have problems with them).
Let us know how you get on.
Allan
Hi Tobestos
Alan is right and. of course, please, first step--> verify / apply the patches
If the patches are OK, I have several recommendations, but I'd need to know more info regarding you video card (brand, model, etc)
In addition, and very important --> you wrote
Quote from: Tobestos on May 15, 2010, 08:55:27 AM
I am working on a Fujitsu Siemans Amilo laptop with Windows 7 x64.
note that (according with http://imsidesign.com/Default.aspx?TabId=659) TurboFlOORPLAN is a 32-bit application. If you are running TurboFLOORPLAN on a 64-bit system, it will run in 32-bit mode.
Let us know the info regarding the VC and we'll help with the adjustments
Pat
Thanks Pat for following up on this one.
I have another personal issue for you but will let you handle this one first to save confusion - or I will do another post if I can't resolve it soon.
Allan
Hi Allan,
Of course, I will be glad to help! :)
Feel free to post here or, if you prefer, you can email me
Pat
Hi Guys,
Many thanks for the warm welcome and help so far. You're right Alan, it is amazing how much the program can help people express their creativity!
In answer to your questions:
I am using Ver 14.0.C2.662
My Graphics Card is NVidia GeForce GT130M
When I try and install patch 624-662, it errors with Err 1642 and says that the prgram cannot be found. The other update does install however.
Hi Tobestos
If your version is .662, you don't need the 624-662 patch
I encountered some issues with graphic programs using my second computer (with Nvidia card)
You can try these steps, they helped in my case
1 - Check the website of your video card manufacturer and update the drivers
2 - Right click on the wallpaper (look for a place without icons)--> Properties--> Settings--> Advanced--> Open GL--> Compatibility Settings--> Force 16 bits--> Apply--> OK
3 - Set your video color depth at 24 or 32 bits ("true color")
4 - Go to www.microsoft.com/directx, and see what version is current and check if you have this version installed in your computer
5- Some NVidia cards show additional problems change the color settings from 32 bit to 16 bit
Hope this helps
Pat / Draftcad
Fingers crossed - I think it's sorted now...
I uninstalled, double checked everything above, did a clean install and it looks like it's working now. Ver 14 is much nicer to use than ver 12 as well!
Many thanks to all for your help. Right - I'm going to go and draw something a bit special now ;D
Thanks again
Toby.
Hi Toby,
Glad to here the problem is sorted out (hopefully!)
Have fun!
Pat,
My problem concerns the Garden Encyclopedia.
This problem originally occurred a few weeks ago when I found I could not insert plants. I got a series of messages as in the image. It seems to think there are two copies of the
Hi Toby,
Glad to know that the problem is solved! :)
Hi Allan,
I will be glad to help, and I think that I know where the problem can be. However, today (Sunday) is "Unistall / Install day" ;D, so I just uninstalled my TC version 15 and my TFP version 14 and I am cleaning / defrag in order to install my new TC V17 and TFP V15
As soon as I've all installed will check the plant issue
Pat
Hi Allan ,
(all my programs are installed now :D)
OK, I verified the TFP folders, just to sure. Sorry if I explain in excess, but, in a future, this post can be usefull for other TFP users with less computer experience
*.db files are database files, they work a "computer Rolodex" where each element is a card. In this case, each plant is a card. Unfortunately, the db files become corrupted with a certain frequency, and sometimes, for odd reasons like a bad shut up, a virus or a Trojan, or a corrupted sector in the HD.
In my opinion, if you are copying the db from the desktop to the laptop and it is still corrupted, the problem is not in db original file--> there is something in your laptop preventing the database execution. There are several programs to fix databases (some of them free in the MS website) however, once you've he original file, I'd try to fix the problem and not the database ;)
The radical solution is --> uninstall both versions--> clean + defrag --> run a good cleaning program (I'd suggest Spybot and / or Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, both are free) and then start by installing one of the programs
If you wish to start slow, try to run the cleaning programs + clean + defrag
Anyway, I'd run a CHKDSK (checkdisk) to be sure about the physical conditions of the HD--> CHKDSK for Win 7 --> http://www.w7forums.com/use-chkdsk-check-disk-t448.html
If you find bad sectors, the problem is there
Let me know about the results
Pat
Hi Pat,
Sorry to bother you again but I am having issues with this.
First - I am still on Vista (Home Premium). I did not switch to Win7, even though I got a free upgrade with the laptop purchase. Turns out it had to be registered on their website by a certain date and I missed the date by a few days. So....
I decided to do a backup first and when I clicked the Backup option it said I have a corrupt 'C' drive (sounds like the problem you suspected) and that I need to run a checkdisk first. I clicked 'Schedule Checkdisk' but when I reboot, it just starts Windows as usual and no check is performed.
There were many references to this issue on the internet but all the explanations were too long or too technical. Many are forum responces so the explanations are all over the place ,so that after hours of reading I was so confused I did not know what to do.
Can you put the steps into plain simple English, or would I be better off to just take it to the computer shop, buy Win7 and get them to install it?
Allan
Hi Allan,
Of course you are not bothering! I am really glad to help!
(Just wait for my questions regarding TFP 15... :D)
OK, I think that the *.db" issue is identified--> a bad sector, so the first step is a very good backup
I think that you performed the right steps but anyway--> Go to the Windows Explorer--> My computer --> Local Disk C (if this is the HD)--> Right click--> properties--> "Error-Checking" --> "Check Now" button --> Select "Automatically fix file system errors" + "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors" -->"Start" --> --> "Schedule Check Disk," --> Turn off your computer --> turn your computer back on --> Chkdsk will run before Windows is loaded
If this doesn't work, try this--> Start--> Run--> Chkdsk
Let me know if you need additional help
Pat
Hi Pat,
Sorry but nothing happens when I do either of the options.
If I select Schedule Check Disk and reboot the PC nothing happens - it just starts Windows as usual.
If I use Start / Run / Chkdsk again nothing happens - my normal desktop image and shortcuts just sit there.
Any other ideas to make it start?
Allan
Hi Allan,
Something is preventing this process
Important note: a rootkit virus can be preventing the check disk, so check this possibility first
If the virus cleaning is OK --> First of all, try to deactivate all and any antivirus running in the computer and after this, try to run the check disk again
If this doesn't work--> Try this--> start your computer in Safe Mode--> (By pressing the F8 key when Windows starts) --> try to Check Disk using the same procedures
Let me know if you need additional help
Pat
Hi Pat,
Well I finally got all my data backed up and virus check done - nothing found.
I got a step further in Safe mode - it said there was a corrupt sector but then said it could not continue with Chkdsk in Read Only mode. That sounds logical but how do I set it so that it is not read only?
Also does it need some extra instructions to actually fix anything it finds - or is Chkdsk enough?
Allan
Hi Allan,
OK.... I see two things here
1 - yes, you can change the "read only" condition of the system files--> to do this you'll need the Windows installation disks and install the Recovery Console --> note that this is for Advanced Users --> I know how to do this, but I never did. Let me know if you wish the instructions
2 - I was reading again all the posts related with this problem, and I think that your autochk.exe file is corrupted (probably in a bad sector as well). I'd suggest to replace the autochk.exe file --> this is very easy ;) In this page http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/130824-chkdsk-will-not-run-startup-vista.html there are tutorials, very basic--> I think that # 4 should work in your case
let me know if you need additional help
Pat
Allen
For future reference, Ckdsk looks for bad sectors on your hard drive. When it finds a bad sector it tries to move any files it finds to good sectors. This very seldom works because the bad sectors have corrupted the file. An advanced user can sometimes determine which files these are and replace them. We use to have a problem with Utheme file under XP. All the icons on the windows desktop would be gone and windows would stop loading but the background would be there. We kept a copy in our tech directory on the network so we could just copy it down. Occasionally, if you do a repair under windows it will fix the problem, but it is better if you know the file.
Hi rgathje,
Just as reference--> in Allan's case, he has the original database in his desktop, and he tried to copy the original db in his laptop and it didn't work --> this is an indicator of a probable bad sector
This is the reason why we are trying to fix his disk, but it seems that the autochk.exe is corrupted as well.
Notice that a bad sector doesn't mean a HD collapsing
The Chkdsk process includes a "verify" step and a "fix" step (optional) . After the fix process you can copy the file again. However, in my experience, I'd prefer uninstall / install
let me know if you need additional help
Pat
Not to throw a monkey wrench into the process....as I usually do a chk dsk twice a year for last several years....
BUT, last time during the restart after chk dsk was performed with no issues found, Win XP sp2 would not load. Final resolve was the chk dsk buggered the startup files and windows was dead and I had to completely re-install windows....per Dell who was still under warranty. The hard disk tests took a few hours but the HD was completely OK.
I think this is an unusual error/problem....but I no longer do chk dsk unless ready (do serious backup including all data and system (I use Acronis)) to be prepared for a windows re-install.
Thanks everyone for your input,
I am growing very frustrated at this whole thing!!
Anyway Pat, coming back to your comments:
Quote from: Draftcad on May 18, 2010, 12:29:11 PM
Just as reference--> in Allan's case, he has the original database in his desktop, and he tried to copy the original db in his laptop and it didn't work --> this is an indicator of a probable bad sector. This is the reason why we are trying to fix his disk, but it seems that the autochk.exe is corrupted as well.
Notice that a bad sector doesn't mean a HD collapsing
As you said I tried the desktop file on the laptop and it still indicated a corruption (or second copy of the Garden Enc was open - which was not the case). However, would not the copy of the Garden.db, have gone into a different sector on the laptop drive, since many other things would have been installed/created since the original load? Also, when I installed V15 a few weeks ago, would that not have gone into a different sector to the origianal V14 that was failing before? These may be wrong assumptions as I know little about the insides of computer as you can tell.
I also did a double cross check and copied the supposedly corrupt Garden.db from the laptop back to the desktop and it worked fine, so the program itself is not at fault - the problem is obviously the laptop.
Back to autochk.exe file. The instructions on the link you provided were very precise and easy to follow (even for me!), but I still had an issue. Having downloaded the new copy it said to Copy /Replace the original and if it did not allow that, to rename the original one first but it did not let me do that either. The site did not say what to do in this case. I then spent hours trying to sort out Admin privileges because even though it said I was an administrator, I still did not have access to change these things. Is there any way to log in as a proper administrator?
I do not have much hair to spare these days and I am rapidly pulling it out at the moment! I rang my local computer shop to check on the costs of them swapping the whole thing over to Win7 but, with the cost of Win7, plus their time finding all the drivers, backing up and reloading all the software and data, it is almost cheaper to buy a new laptop! I may have to resort to that (if the house sells - can't afford to otherwise).
In the meantime I will just have to do the landscaping on my desktop and the rest of the project on the laptop, since it appears only the Garden.db is affected (unless the autochk.exe is too). Actually Windows Updater has issues too an many files fail to install, so that probably indicates a corrupot sector too (?).
Any other ideas, or a way to log in as an administrator? Or is there some way to force the Garden.db to save in a different sector, eg on the D drive?
Allan
Hi Allan,
Quote from: Allan Chesney on May 19, 2010, 01:07:26 AM
As you said I tried the desktop file on the laptop and it still indicated a corruption (or second copy of the Garden Enc was open - which was not the case). However, would not the copy of the Garden.db, have gone into a different sector on the laptop drive, since many other things would have been installed/created since the original load? Also, when I installed V15 a few weeks ago, would that not have gone into a different sector to the original V14 that was failing before? These may be wrong assumptions as I know little about the insides of computer as you can tell.
I also did a double cross check and copied the supposedly corrupt Garden.db from the laptop back to the desktop and it worked fine, so the program itself is not at fault - the problem is obviously the laptop.
Not necessarily, if the the bad sector is really bad and large. Anyway, at this point, I am looking for other issues (see below)
Quote from: Allan Chesney on May 19, 2010, 01:07:26 AM
Back to autochk.exe file. The instructions on the link you provided were very precise and easy to follow (even for me!), but I still had an issue. Having downloaded the new copy it said to Copy /Replace the original and if it did not allow that, to rename the original one first but it did not let me do that either. The site did not say what to do in this case. I then spent hours trying to sort out Admin privileges because even though it said I was an administrator, I still did not have access to change these things. Is there any way to log in as a proper administrator?
Any other ideas, or a way to log in as an administrator? Or is there some way to force the Garden.db to save in a different sector, eg on the D drive?
In my opinion, the problem is looking more and more like a Windows issue, combined or not with a bad sector in the HD. I know that you checked virus and Trojans, but the fact that you can't access your administrator privileges in Windows, is ringing a bell..... can you tell me the name of the AV program you use?
In addition, please, check this--> set the Windows Explorer --> Tools--> Folder options--> View--> uncheck the "hide extensions.." --> select "Show hidden files and folders" --> OK --> Search --> Files and folders --> perform a search with
*.exe created in the last 90 days, for example --> some you will recognize, but verify (but don't open) the location of the ones you don't recognize
Let me know about the results
Pat
Hi Pat,
Well I did the search, went back to 1 Jan 2010 just be on the safe side and I could recognise, or work out, all the exe files. Some of the file names were obvious and the ones that weren't, were obviously part of set related to a program I had installed. You could see by where they were installed, being related to the key program and the similar file names were then obvious.
The anti-virus I use is the one that was preinstalled - Norton. I have had that on all my previous PCs also and so far have never had a virus (that I know about anyway). I only have the internet connected while I am using it and the PC itself is always closed down when not in use, so infection from that source should not be high. I do not share files, CDs etc with others either and only install well know software, so I think the risk level is fairly low. Most of my contacts, email and web, are done on my phone, which includes the forum ones, unless they are long or include images.
Re your comment "the fact that you can't access your administrator privileges in Windows, is ringing a bell.....": I don't know whether is it is that I "can't" access my Admin privileges, so much as I don't know "HOW" to access them! I tried seting up another user called Admin, gave 'him' full access (so I thought), then started to set up a password for 'him', only to get the message that if I did so I would have to save the password to a bootup disk (or something like that!!!) and would only have standard access. If that is the case, then I certainly did not do anything like that when I first set up my normal access, so is that why I can't get Admin access? Hope you can follow all that because I can't!!
Does any of the above help?
Thanks for persisting with me on this Pat.
If this is what people have to go through to consult an on-line doctor, I think I will stick with my real one!!
Allan
Allan,
no problem! :)
The procedure for the Admin rights (I am not a Vista user, so I think ;) that is in this way) --> Control panel --> System and Maintenance --> Administrative Tools --> open Computer Management --> open System Tools --> open Local Users and Groups --> open Users--> right click on Administrator --> select Properties --> deselect the option "Account Is Disabled"--> log off your computer / log in --> select the Administrator account
Do you use any anti Malware in your computer? If you don't, I'd suggest that you run one
Currently, the Rootkits are a big problem, more than a simple virus, because is a program installed in the root directory. For example, say you work with the hidden file extensions and you receive an innocent file called "floorplan.jpg" , but as matter of fact the file name is "floorplan.jpg.exe"--> if the extension is hidden, you don't see the .exe, therefore, if you open the file.... in a snap, a program is installed in you computer
OK, let me know how if, with the admin rights, your get the check disk
Pat
Sorry Pat but I am still stuck.
I installed one of the Malware programs you suggested and did a full system scan and it did not find anything, not even a cookie. I know Norten gets rid of them anyway and I thought it did pretty well everything, but anyway it did not find anything which is good. I am glad I did it for the reassurance.
Unfortunately they have obviously changed things with Vista (Surprise! Surprise!) and the order of steps you suggested only goes part of the way. I can get as far as "open System Tools -->" but there is no "open Local Users and Groups -->". (see images)
Tried the search for that but could not find it, Likewise tried searching for Administrator but all were oblique references - not to it as a heading/tool. (LATER: Local Users and Groups (and Admin) is not available in Vista Home Premium apparently)
Several hours of searching and Googling later:
I came across this -
Here
Hi Allan,
Probably because the Admin account already exists, but it is hidden for security reasons
Try this --> Start up your computer in Safe Mode (pressing F8)--> Login screen--> the Admin option should appear--> Click on this option--> Go to Control Panel--> "User accounts" --> Select
"Manage another account" --> select one of the Standard accounts --> select "Change the account type" --> Change the type to Administrator--> Reboot --> log on with the account you changed.
Pat
Sorry Pat,
I have tried that - when I come to 'Change Account Type' it is greyed out - and a message says it cannot be changed.
From what I have read that is the situation with Vista Home Premium. Apparently the only way (from what I have read) is as in the blue text above. I found essentailly the same on several sites. Does it sound reasonable to you?
Allan
Hi Allan,
Yes, it sounds reasonable. Specially because, if this doesn't work, the next step would be reinstall Windows..... :o
Pat
Pat - Now you ARE beginning to frighten me!!!
I will give it a go and see what happens.
Assuming I can log on and am actually an Administrator, can I then just run the Check Disk function? or is there something else to do first?
Allan
Hi Allan,
I didn't intend to scare you :D :D but, in my experience, when Windows starts with an odd behaviour, re-installation is the best policy (and this is why I asked you to do a backup ;) )
Allan, just one last try before you proceed.... try to use a restore point dated before the date you started with the problem (if this works, you'll need to install V15 again)
Restore point--> Start--> All programs--> Accessories--> System Tools--> System restore--> restore system
Let me know about the results
Pat
I have gone back and reread this thread from the beginning again. It sounds like the encyclopedia worked at one time and does not work anymore. And now it is corrupted in both V14 and v15 on the laptop that is running Vista. I am guessing the programmers at IMSI used part of Windows Access to read the database in TFP. If they did, it may be a .dll or .xml file dealing with Access that was used in both versions of TFP. Are you have a problem with any other .db files on the laptop? Did you install another program about the time the encyclopedia became corrupted that may have updated or corrupted the .dll or .xml file? You might try uninstalling V14 and V15 but I don't think that will fix the problem because an uninstall won't necessarily replace the Windows file. You might try a recover point before the corruption started which could put the correct file back. I tried to install Roxio on my HP laptop and ended up losing my DVD play. The only way I got it back was to do a restore point before I installed Roxio. There is always the Windows repair or you could see if there is a Vista update to install which could correct the problem. The main thing is get a good back up before you do anything.
Robert
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your thoughts on this problem and for going to the trouble to read back through it all.
I use Access 2007 constantly on the laptop without any problems but, while it was pre-installed on the laptop it was probably 'activated' about the time the Garden.db problem surfaced.
However I would suspect this if I was not also having problems with the automatic Windows updater - nearly every file update fails. Whether this is related or not I do not know - all I know is it is very frustrating!
I will try getting Admin access tonight, run the Check Disk and just hope it resolves both issues!
Allan
Hi Pat,
Quote from: Draftcad on May 21, 2010, 09:46:49 AM
Restore point--> Start--> All programs--> Accessories--> System Tools--> System restore--> restore system
Let me know about the results
Haven't got to this point yet. I finally found via Google how to get Admin access on Vista so I have that now but still run into issues with check disk and autochk. I managed to start the PC with a Command Prompt and do a chkdsk only, which reported corrupt segment but is read only mode (first image).
The second image is some other things I tried but all to no effect.
Allan
Hi Allan,
Try this--> Use the command "chkdsk /f" --> this command will check and fix
Pat
Hi Pat,
That was one of the things I tried including chkdsk /f/r but as you can see in the second image, it would not do it as the drive was 'write protected'. this lead to the attempts to take ownership. I did this too so that I could rename and hence replace the autochk.exe but all attempts failed withsome other complaint, so I seem to be going round and round in circles.
Seems like Vista is fine while things are working OK but if something like this happens, it does everything it can to stop you fixing it.
Allan
Hi Allen,
Did you run across these options in your search for a chkdsk solution:
1. Check your hard disk for errors
You can help solve some computer problems and improve the performance of
your computer by making sure that your hard disk has no errors.
Click to open Computer.
Right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check, and then click
Properties.
Click the Tools tab, and then, under Error-checking, click Check Now. If
you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the
password or provide confirmation.
To automatically repair problems with files and folders that the scan
detects, select Automatically fix file system errors. Otherwise, the disk
check will simply report problems but not fix them.
To perform a thorough disk check, select Scan for and attempt recovery of
bad sectors. This scan attempts to find and repair physical errors on the
hard disk itself, and it can take much longer to complete.
To check for both file errors and physical errors, select both Automatically
fix file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
Click Start.
Depending upon the size of your hard disk, this may take several minutes.
For best results, don't use your computer for any other tasks while it's
checking for errors.
Note
If you select Automatically fix file system errors for a disk that is in use
(for example, the partition that contains Windows), you'll be prompted you to
reschedule the disk check for the next time you restart your computer.
2. The message kept telling me to do a chkdsk, but It would not work.
I was told to do a reinstall with the Vista OS CD, but one of the options on the way to the reinstall was to do a Vista Upgrade which I did.
It goes through a fairly long process on its own for about an hour. Then it states that their are corrupt files, so I clicked OK on all of them and let it proceed.
All of the sudden it did it's own chkdsk and cleaned all the corrupt files. No files were lost and I am back to normal.
Robert
Hi Robert,
Quote from: rgathje on May 24, 2010, 08:50:33 PM
Did you run across these options in your search for a chkdsk solution:
....
Note
If you select Automatically fix file system errors for a disk that is in use
(for example, the partition that contains Windows), you'll be prompted you to
reschedule the disk check for the next time you restart your computer.
Yes I did come across those instructions - it was the first thing I tried but the 'Auto fix file system on restart' is the problem. When it is supposed to do the scan on restart nothing happens - it just goes straight into Windows. This in turn lead to trying to replace the Autochk.exe file since it was presumably corrupt but Vista Home Premium will not let you change the file name so you can replace it. Even when I finally worked out how to force it to give me Admin access, it still says the file is write protected - that is the latest issue, how to get past that. Efforts to 'Take ownership' (takeown) of the file, says it does not know the expression. When I try to Verify the autochk.exe file to confirm it actually is corrupt, it says that a repair is in progress and needs to reboot but when you do you are back at square one!! I seem to be just going round in circles. So I still do not know if the autochk.exe file is corrupt but suspect that it is but there does not seem to be a way to replace it.
Allan
I don't know of to many people that like Vista. I think Microsoft made to bad systems. ME and Vista. I haven't heard of a major complaint with Windows 7 so I am looking forward to buying a new PC or laptop with Windows 7 on it. I worked as a support tech for the county and we never went to Vista. We ordered our computers from Dell and formated the drives when they came in and install XP. I was the only one in the county on Vista for a couple of months until I retired. Your only choice may be to format the drive and if you do that, I would suggest Windows 7. Sorry I couldn't help but I will still be looking.
Robert
Hi Robert and Pat,
I must admit I have not had any complaints with Vista until now - it just seems to have too much convoluted security to get through. My wife's laptop has Win7 and I have been very impressed with it so far.
I have finally given up and taken it to a computer repairer to sort out! If I had kept trying I would have had no hair left! I should know the verdict (and cost :'( ) tomorrow! Hopefully it will be all over then - will let you know what happens but, if it all works again, you will probably hear the YIPPEE from 'down under' without the need of the internet!!
Allan
Quote from: rgathje on May 24, 2010, 08:50:33 PM
Did you run across these options in your search for a chkdsk solution:
Etc....
--> Of course, this was the first suggestion http://forums.turbofloorplan.com/index.php/topic,1164.msg5636.html#msg5636 and as Allan confirmed it didn't work, hence the search for alternative ways
Quote from: rgathje on May 25, 2010, 07:42:42 AM
I think Microsoft made to bad systems. ME and Vista.
--> I'd add Win 2000. It was really bad
Allan,
Please, let me know about the diagnostic. I am curious now!! ;) ;D
Pat
Hi Pat,
I retired about 8 months ago and the company I worked for (State owned energy retailer) stayed with Windows 2000 until fairly recently switching to XP not Vista. Don't know what they have done since Windows 7 came out. Windows 2000 became a joke in the end as so many things would not work. Trouble was they had been running some critical programmes that would not work in XP apparently.
Yes I will let you know what they say. I spoke to them late this afternoon and they said it was still applying all of the Windows Updates that had not worked in recent times - I assume they were working this time.
Allan
I forgot about Windows 2000 because that was another system the county never went to. I don't know of anyone who bought a 2000 system either. Everyone waited until XP came out before upgrading.
Robert
Quote from: rgathje on May 25, 2010, 11:46:46 AM
I forgot about Windows 2000 because that was another system the county never went to. I don't know of anyone who bought a 2000 system either. Everyone waited until XP came out before upgrading.
W2000 upgraded to Win ME
W2000 was released in February 2000, and I remember several users that, disappointed with Win 98, upgraded to W2000, only to find more problems. Then, Win Me was released on Sept 2000, and it was not too bad as Win 2000. I still have an old HP with Win ME
Of course, after all of the above ::) Win XP (released in August 2001) was (and is) a breeze
Pat
Hi Pat,
Quote from: Draftcad on May 25, 2010, 10:13:22 AM
Please, let me know about the diagnostic. I am curious now!! ;) ;D
Pat
Not much to tell yet (and may not be much more). They established that the hard drive was OK, but could not get check disk or Windows Updates to run. They thought if they could force the updates to install, it might help sort things out but every update failed every time, so... It is booked in for Friday to wipe the hard disk and start again. I'm trying to decide before then if I can afford to go for Windows 7 instead of just re-instlling Vista. Somehow before then I have to find the actrivation key for the (preinstalled) Office 2007 also!
I hate these sort of things!!! :(
Allan
Hi Allan,
thank you for the update!
yeah, I know, I also hate these Windows / Microsoft issues >:(
Before the end of the month, I will be getting a new secondary computer, with Win 7, so I will be able to see the differences between XP and Win 7. However, while I was checking prices, I saw some indicators that are worrying ::)
Example: --> Dell is selling computers with Win 7 with the option to downgrade to Win XP :o ??? ::) --> http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=ftbpt38&c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04
Odd, isn't it?
Pat
Hi pat,
Yes, Interesting!
I tried to get a downgrade to XP when I bought this latop but the only choice was an upgrade to Win7 (which I did not realsie had a time limit and it expired the day before I registered for it!!)
Lets hope the upgrade to Win7 is not actually a downgrade, although looking at the 'Help me Choose' link it seems to be so that you could decide when to switch over to Win7.
Allan
Hi Allan,
This is why I will remain with my XP as my main computer and get the Win 7 as secondary. I run lots of old graphic programs and I am not sure if they will work with the same performance (or work at all) with Win 7.
Lots of Win 7 users are using the "virtual XP machine" programs with good results, but, again, I think that it is odd
Anyway, I don't think I'll buy the Dell computer. I saw a good deal with an Acer, but I am still checking
Pat
Pat,
Do you know any way to find out the Office 2007 activation code from within the software or registry?
I cannot find where I have saved it and it is needed if the PC is wiped and OS reloaded tomorrow.
I can't afford to pay for it again!
It must be in the system somewhere since Microsoft validates it.
Allan
Hi Allan,
You can try this free utility
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Before the cleaning, don't forget to write the product ID (Help --> About)
Good luck! ;)
Pat
Thanks Pat,
It worked - I got the ID.
They wiped the hard drive, installed Windows 7 and Office 2007 which actived OK with the extracted code.
All my data is back as it was and all the emails etc so that was all fine.
I am now working through reinstalling all the other software and redoing all my customisations, which seems to take forever. Some I have had to run using Compatibility mode. TFP15 installed fine when it was 'Run as Administrator' AND the Garden DB works fine!!!
Obviously the hard drive was OK but Vista all tangled up apparently and not recoverable.
Thank you very much for all your help (and others too!) through this process.
Win7 seems to be working fine so lets hope it stays that way - I would hate to go through it all again (can't afford to either!!!).
Allan
Hi Allan,
I am really glad to know that all is working OK!! ;D
Last weekend I got the new computer with Win7.... so lets get ready to learn the differences! :o :)
Pat
Hi Pat,
You may be interested in an update to this saga! As you know I converted to Win7 from Vista as it got itself in a knot that no one could untie! Well I have had Win7 reinstalled twice since then!
After a couple of months it suddenly decided that it was no longer a genuine copy of Win7. After 2 hours on the phone to Microsoft trying to work around it, they gave up and talked me through re-installing it. I was then able to register it for the second time. OK for a month or so, then suddenly "Windows explorer has stopped working" was all I could get out of it regardless of what I tried. Even in safe mode nothing could be done - same message for every option. Microsoft wanted $80 to answer the question, so I took it back to the computer shop instead. They could not do anything with it either, so the hard disk has been wiped again and OS reinstalled a second time!! Hopefully I will get it back today - then the arduous job of reinstalling all the other software again and re-doing the customisations - YUK!!
Admittedly the last incident was my fault (or was it?), as I installed an old USB Bluetooth device that apparently had XP drivers. They apparently totally corrupted the operating system. I say it was my fault, but surely they could have programmed Win7 to recognise XP drivers or at least reject the software! Anyway I will reluctantly accept the blame (and the bill - probably much more than $80 - but then would MS have solved it over the phone anyway!). I will be much more cautious about installing old programs in future - can't afford a third re-install!!! If that happens I will give up on computers and retire properly!
EDIT - A few hours later: Well I did not get the laptop back and won't get it back - they had a break-in and my laptop was stollen, along with all their new ones! Thankfully they had backed up everything the night before and it had been totally wiped ready for the reload, so no personal data was on it. The other bit of good news is that they where fully insured, so I will get back what I paid 12 moths ago and better spec laptops are now available for nearly half what I originally paid, so I should be able to get a lot better one! Any suggestions as to what is best for TFP? Unfortunately more delays though waiting for the insurance, buying a new laptop and putting up with the old desktop in the interim.
Allan
Hi Allan,
Wow!! and again WOW :o
However, perhaps this is a bad experience with a happy end
I am assuming that you'll go directly to Win 7 now, so be carefull with your programs / hardware and the Windows versions. Check the compatibilities in terms of drivers --> Now, I am using Win 7 64 bits and I am experiencing lots of problem with several programs and drivers, including PDF editor, Cannon printer, Microsoft keyboard, etc.
But, TFP works great with Win7, even with 64 bits!
Pat
Quote from: Draftcad on September 21, 2010, 08:17:19 AM
Hi Allan,
Wow!! and again WOW :o
However, perhaps this is a bad experience with a happy end
I am assuming that you'll go directly to Win 7 now, so be careful with your programs / hardware and the Windows versions. Check the compatibilities in terms of drivers --> Now, I am using Win 7 64 bits and I am experiencing lots of problem with several programs and drivers, including PDF editor, Cannon printer, Microsoft keyboard, etc.
But, TFP works great with Win7, even with 64 bits!
Pat
I just bought a new laptop with Win7 (not received as yet).....from your experience, do 32 bit programs run OK (without the 32 bit win XP emulator; I got Win7 home premium, not pro or ultimate).....and any special things to watch for (other than drivers)? before or after installing older s/w (I do know some old programs don't have newer drivers for Win7)
Hi Doug,
Several things, but the main question is--> is your Win 7 32 bit or 64 bit?
Pat