Osaris (Series 5) print problem

[RikB]

I am having a problem with my Osaris. Whenever I try to print - either directly or through PC I get the same message - "Infomation: General (unspecified) error".

I have tried reinstalling the printer drivers with no effect and restoring, again with no effect.

The problem arose after a crash when synchronising with Outlook. This result in loss of data by both Outlook and the Agenda after hanging in the data transfer process.

I can transfer files manually from PC to Osaris and back again but cannot synchronise with Outlook or print in any way.

I am hoping that it can be resolved by reinstalling some or all of the system software files - but cannot seem to locate these.

Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.

Rik Bennett

[netBookBabe]

Hi Rik

I don't actually ever do any printing directly from my Psions, so no experience there, I'm afraid.

Faced with such a problem though, I would be going for a hard reset - probably the most straighforward way of dealing with this, I should think. It sounds like you can manage to back-up OK, so that's not too bad.

I take it you already did a soft reset after the crash?

Anyone got anything more helpful on this one?

Julie

[RikB]

Thanks, yes.

I've done a soft reset with the paperclip (no success), used the restore ultility on this website (no success) and tried removing all batteries and reinstalling (no success) - but I'm reinstalling my backup files so if any of the system software was corrupted I'm reinstalling it.

I was wondering where there might be a source for the original system files to avoid recycling damaged files. The CD which came with my Osaris only has manuals and the PC Connect software included.

Rik

[diem]

Doing a backup/restore will not affect OS files - these are in flash ROM.

Do you get the problem when printing _any_ file, or just emails? I suggest deleting your System\psiwin.ini file if it is all files, or do not restore your email folder if it is emails only.

[RikB]

It happens with print from any document.

When losing the ability to synchronise with Outlook, I decided a hard copy of each week's agenda would suffice - but then hit this problem. I've since tried printing out of Word and from the Spreadsheet - again without success.

There seem to be a number of systems files in a folder called LIBS, including AGNSYNCA.DLL. I'm not sure what they do and whether they are really necessary but am clearly reluctant to delete them. I'm wondering if they are jinxing printing.

Rik

[diem]

try delelting the psiwin ini file, and if this don't help then perhaps uninstall/reinstall the email sync capabilitiy from both the osaris and from Psiwin on the PC.

[RikB]

Thanks

Tried deleting psiwin.ini - no success

I can't locate the email synch files. I've never used email on my Psion / Osaris and never knowingly installed the capability. Does it install by default or is it an optional extra?

Rik

[RikB]

I've just tried deleting all the files in the LIB folder and restarting - still keep hitting the General (unspecified) error when attempting to print.

Back to the drawing board I'm afraid

Rik

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by RikB
I've never used email on my Psion / Osaris and never knowingly installed the capability. Does it install by default or is it an optional extra?
Message Suite was not included in the ROM of the Osaris, so presumably it is not present on your machine.

For the record, if you wanted to install it, it should be on the CD-ROM that you got with the machine. Apparently it's ok for the 8Mb machine, but there's not enough room on the 4Mb one.

Julie

[diem]

sorry Rik, I was confusing sync with email sync. If you're prepared to try it, I suggest a hard reset then try to print from a dummy file straight away, just to confirm that a vanilla machine will print.

If it does, then the prob is indeed to do with something you're restoring. If the problem is present even with a vanilla machine, then the problem is Psiwin and I suggest you reinstall it - full instruction on how to do this are in the 'serial problems' question in my FAQ - its not as simple as you think!

[MikeMcC]

I am having a problem with my Osaris. Whenever I try to print - either directly or through PC I get the same message - "Infomation: General (unspecified) error". Out of interest, what happens if you set the printer driver to "General" and print to "File" rather than via PC or Parallel?

I assume that while printing directly to a printer, you were printing via "Parallel" and that the serial link was set to "Off" - after a soft reset, the link may default to Infrared.

[RikB]

Out of interest, what happens if you set the printer driver to "General" and print to "File" rather than via PC or Parallel?
Thanks - just tried that - same result - General (unspecified) error

I've checked the settings for the port and tried various options but still get the same error message

[MikeMcC]

If printing to file fails, I can only suggest you have serious operating system corruption and will have to perform a "hard" reset. Backup first but you will be unable to 'restore' from backup as this will simply re-introduce the corruption. You will have to selectively copy back the files you need, checking as you go that you haven't copied back the problem file(s).

[RikB]

Thanks

I think I'll have to bite that inevitable bullet. My anxiety is that I am not sure what the files in the system folder do and it might be that one which is essential is corrupted and I am not sure where I get pristine versions from. The CD which came with the Osaris is worse than useless - all it contains is the Connect software and a manual which appears to have been written on the back of a fag packet. I suppose that'll teach me not to try and cut corners!

I'll try a hard reset and reinstalling file by file - I am hoping that the offending file is something to do with the Outlook synchronisation and is therefore non essential.

Rik

[netBookBabe]

Rik

It is "bite the bullet" time yes, but the hard reset will put the Osaris back to its "out of the box" state, with all the apps in ROM ready to go, so everything should work at that point.

Therefore you don't need to worry about "system files", just your own data that you have added over time. As Mike says, you will need to selectively restore that, along with any settings, preferences and third party software that you may have installed.

Think of it as starting out again with a brand new machine.

Julie

[RikB]

Thanks Julie - very reassuring. I shall get cracking tonight!

Talking of 'new machines' I have noticed a secondhand 5mx on sale for £150 in (apparently) excellent condition. Does that sound reasonable? Is the 5mx a good machine?

Although I will probably get the Osaris back into full working condition I am wondering if some of its limitations (eg memory and screen) might be restricting my use thereof.

Has anyone got a feel for the realistic resale prices for Series 5s? Is it worth staying with EPOC (which incidentally I love having had a Series 3 and 3a previously)? Should I be looking to the next generation of palmtops. I do prefer a keyboard and being able to use alkaline batteries.

Any opinions on this would be gratefully received before I start shelling out on what might be (shortly) a white elephant (most regrettably).

Rik

[netBookBabe]

Rik

For a used 5mx, I should say £150 is about the maximum, unless it's totally mint condition, then maybe up to £175. £180-£200 if you can find one new and unused, maybe at auction.

Brand new, mail order, £220-£290, but I don't know of anyone with stock at the moment.

Should you buy one? Well, I for one am definitely planning to get one before production ceases, even though I already have the MC218 because I simply can't see anything else on the horizon that would meet my requirements in a small form factor device.

You would certainly notice substantial benefits over the Osaris - more speed, more memory, better keyboard, more screen "real estate", much more choice of 3rd party applications.

In the long term? Well, there will be support for the machines in terms of spares and repair for a good while to come, I'm sure. There's a wealth of software already around - it's hard to think of a need that's not catered for, and there's plenty of user support on forums such as this.

Hmmm, well I've certainly sold it to myself (as if I hadn't already) so now YOU decide! :D

Good luck with the Osaris revamp in the meantime.

Julie