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event log doesn't work under windows 7 x64

evening all.

the event log part of soundweb designer doesn't work under windows 7 x64. when starting soundweb designer, a pop-up appears \"cannot start event log client\". attempting to start event log from the menu does nothing at all. right clicking a soundweb device on the design page, then going to properties, and then the event log filters tab causes the software to crash completely. starting the event log client software from the start menu doesn't work either, although this time it fails with a \"cannot edit registry, try REGEDIT\" error. i've tried this on 2 different systems, both windows 7 x64, and they both exhibit identical symptoms.

i've tried various compatibility methods - run as administrator, run in compatibility mode, etc, and none of them work. so i installed XP mode onto windows 7, and have a virtualized XP system in a window. it all works just fine in there, but i can't get it to recognize my serial ports through the virtual system so i can't actually get the event log to work. to be honest it's insane that i should have to go to these lengths to get the software to work, especially when there's a version specified for windows 7. i realize the green boxes are old now but there are still 1 million installations around the world that depend upon them, and we all bought them expecting lasting support.

also, there's still no help file included in the win7 versions of designer. other problems aside, that's a really easy fix, you attach a file to the installation and it's done. and it's been this way for what 3 years now? cmon BSS you're a world class company, you can do better!

Comments

  • StatickStatick Posts: 6
    btw i've posted this because i've got a 9088 running a FOH system which has started crashing periodically, and seeing the event logs would help diagnose the issue. it's one of the major selling points of these boxes so being stuck behind simple compatibility issues is very frustrating!
  • Soundweb Designer is not fully supported on Windows 7. It will install, but as you've found out, the Event Log will not work. For full functionality, it must be installed on an either Windows XP or 98.
    The Soundweb Designer Event Log uses a type of database that does not exist in Windows 7. That's why it doesn't work and is not fully supported.
    The version \"specified for Windows 7\" is not different from the original version, only the installer has been changed so that it installs properly on Windows 7.

    Soundweb Designer will work fine using XP Mode. You should be able to enable the COM port on your host computer to be visible to virtual XP. For example, I am using a USB-Serial adapter on my PC which is assgined to COM port 1.

    In the settings for the virtual Windows XP, I have selected \"Physical serial port\" and COM1 in the drop down box. Soundweb Designer running in the XP virtual machine is able to detect the devices connected to my USB-Serial adaptor.
    Below you can see my Prolific USB-Serial adaptor in the Windows 7 Device Manager:
    win7devman.png

    And here are the virtual machine settings:
    xpmodesettings.png

    The Soundweb Designer Help also does not work in Windows 7. This is for the same reason as the event log. Windows 7 no longer supports .hlp files. However you can install a workaround from the Microsoft website. Search for KB917607

    Just a reminder that the front port on a Soundweb device works at 38400 and the rear port works at 115200.
  • StatickStatick Posts: 6
    thanks for that. it's working well under XP mode now, and i've got the logs appearing on my system.

    having a separate download for win7 gives the impression it's been specifically made for win7, and as such should work fully, so it's maybe worth adding a big notice on the download page informing users that the software isn't 100% compatible. i've been using designer under win7 for several years now, believing it to be fully compatible, simply because i'd never needed to access the logs until now.
  • I don't disagree with you there.
  • i realize the green boxes are old now but there are still 1 million installations around the world that depend upon them, and we all bought them expecting lasting support. ???
  • To be clear: Soundweb Designer works fine in Windows 7 or Windows 8.
    The only thing that doesn't work is the Event Log feature. IF you need this, then you can run Soundweb Designer in virtual Windows XP. This is completely free.
    Windows XP Mode

    Also, to be clear: BSS Audio do still support the Soundweb Original series. Our technical support teams are happy to assist. You can still get parts for it except the ones that are no longer manufactured.
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