30-Jun-2013

Several updates – on the Pc/Windows side
Two major events caused me to take action on the PC front.
First, the workstation – built upon an ASUS P9x79 motherboard – had a problem from the beginning but I could work with it: To install 8Gb of memory (2 4Gb DIMMs) , there is a recommended configuration, and one of thos slots wasn’t working properly: if memory was put into that slot, the hardware detects a memory error and the power-up self test fails. Another slot however accepts the DIMM so I could get the thing running. But it’s sub-optimal.
These boards have a 3-year warranty so I decided to swap the board; Even better: I swapped it for a board one level up – since that comes with a front-end USB-3 connector – one that is missing on the base-level board. On the other hand, it doesn’t offer a COM port but I have room to install one, or two.
Swapping was a painless exercise, but I had to re-activate Windows8 and update some drivers.
As it tuned out, there are some more differences, but these do not interfere with normal work.
One piece of ASUS software however, fails to install, I still have to find out why. But the system runs fine.
The laptop – HP probook 4720s – in quite another story.
Originally, this system was equipped with Windows, and I upgraded this system to Windows8 as well. First, all seemed well, but after several updates it became more and more instable, in the end it wouldn’t even boot anymore. I first tried a refresh – actually a re-install of Windows8 that leaves the files alone – just what is installed from disk or Internet would have to be re-installed. It seemed to work – but once more, the system became instable and so I reinstalled Windows7. It meant re-installation of software one more but since al files are available, it wasn’t that problematic. Just the drives are a lot of work… It’s working now – most of it anyway. Even after I had to revert an update because one of the installations of updates after boot hang…But give some time, it will be Ok.
Looking back, it’s not that strange I ran into trouble: This type has not been qualified for Windows8 – it carries some software that is not compatible with Windows8 but it’s heavily used by HP’s additions…
On the VMS side – I should update the system as well, but there is too little time, with a full 40 hour workweek, some distance from home (including travel time, it’s about 11.5 hours…). But one day, I’ll update the system!