Can't get program running

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ffod · #1 Post by **ffod** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 12:20 pm

We have a diagnostic program for forklifts that our mechanics use on their laptops. This year I have replaced everything, servers, computers, laptops with IBM. (my favorite) For some reason this program runs on the desktops XP SP2, and from talking to other forklift dealers, it also runs on any other brand laptop XP SP2 (Dell, Toshiba, HP), but for some reason I can not get it to run on the Thinkpads. I am using the G40’s and G41’s, XP SP2. (firewall disabled) My butt is in a sling here after spending all this money for replacement laptops. The program opens but the keyboard refuses to work in the program (I even tried and external keyboard) then I get an error if I try to access any of the menu items with my mouse that the program has encountered a problem and needs to close. Does anyone have any idea what could possibly be in the Thinkpad configuration that is not in the other laptop configurations that would prevent it from working? I called support but they just asked me what program I was running and they said they didn’t show having anything on that program.
Thanks in advance,
Annette

cwestwater · #2 Post by **cwestwater** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 12:45 pm

mmmm - one thing you could try - drastic like - is wipe the laptop and build it with a plain old MS XP CD, then try the software.

If it works, keep adding the various IBM/Lenovo software apps and drivers one by one until you hit a problem.

Process of elimination!

SeanM · #3 Post by **SeanM** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:08 pm

Either that, or just start uninstalling programs. If at some point your program starts working, then it's just a matter of narrowing down which program was causing you problems.

Since your program works with other machines, I'd start by uninstalling everything that starts with "IBM" or "Thinkpad". Try DLA & access connections first.

You might get lucky this way, or you might just waste time while you ought to be doing what cwest suggested. =/

How does the machine connect to the forklift? Parallel port?

#4 Post by **jdhurst** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:35 pm

You could also try running the program in a compatability mode (Properties of the program / Compatability tab). If that works, it could save you some time and aggravation. It may not work, though. ... JD Hurst

ffod · #5 Post by **ffod** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 6:23 am

I tried the compatibility mode but that didn't work (I couldn't be that lucky!). The forklifts are connecting by com port, we are using usb to com port adapters since the laptops don't come with com ports anymore but I haven't even gotten that far yet since the program won't even run. There are about three other diagnostic programs that are running fine, this one just happens to be an older program for an older model truck, but still very popular and still needed. I think I'll try the suggestion of uninstalling the thinkpad programs first and see where that gets me before I get into a big undertaking of wiping it clean without using the IBM restore. That sounds like I might need your help! I'll try that this morning and post back what happens.
Thanks!
Annette

egibbs · #6 Post by **egibbs** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 10:29 am

ffod wrote:we are using usb to com port adapters

Those are notoriously flaky.

If you disconnect the USB adapter (and anything else on the USB port) does the program run? You would get comm errors of course, but does the keyboard work? It may be thinking the comm adapter is a USB keyboard or mouse.

Ed Gibbs

ffod · #7 Post by **ffod** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 10:36 am

I don't even have it connected right now. I'm just trying to get the program running by itself. I use the adapter with the other programs with no problems though.

ffod · #8 Post by **ffod** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 2:09 pm

Tried deleting all the IBM/Thinkpad programs. That didn't do it. What is going to be the trick in installing XP from a CD onto the laptop? I'm assuming, I'm going to have to format the hard drive. I want to make sure I don't mess with that hidden partition with all of the IBM recovery info on it, so I have the option of bringing it back to it's original state. Also, once I install the operating system, am I going to have to go to IBM's website to find all the drivers? (Sorry, I've never done this before. Only used the recovery) I won't be able to do this until Monday now, but I want to make sure I have all my answers before I attempt.
Thanks

#9 Post by **GomJabbar** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 6:38 pm

Some software needs a Microsoft hotfix to work. Other software will not work with some Microsoft updates. Take a look in 'Add or Remove Programs' to see if you have the same Microsoft updates on both the desktops and the ThinkPads. It also might be a good idea to make sure you have the latest BIOS update on the ThinkPads.

You never said the name of the software you are trying to run. Search on microsoft.com using that software name, to see if any issues have been posted regarding it. Do a Google search on the software name to see if other users have encountered the same problem and solved it. Also search the software manufacturer's site for any info on this issue.

beaker · #10 Post by **beaker** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 10:29 pm

When you run the program unsuccessfully on the IBM laptop, I would be checking the event viewer. Windows always lists an event with an event id number that identifies the problem.

You can get the event viewer by: START > right click on my computer > select manage > select event viewer. I would definitely check the application log.

Once you have the event id, check out this free website:

http://www.eventid.net

HTH

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