Triple Beep Reset

[wanman]

Yes the dreaded Triple Beep Reset that my machine and maybe yours is suffering from, since ugrading to 7book and/or maybe after upgrading your netbook OS.

The reason I am posting this is that my machine has started suffering from more regular resets and I thought it would be interesting to find out if anyone else is also suffering and to confirm machine specs so I/we can come up with some sort of solution:

My Machine: 7 series (756) upgraded to netbook running r158os
1 x Simple Technologies 128mb CF card and Psion CombineIT 56k 10/100 LAN card.

Now Diem has already confirmed that the Psion Combine IT cards can cause triple beep resets randomly if they are not upgraded to the correct firmware (7book may also need a hardware modification aswell but not 100%). I upgraded my card and my machine almost lasted a week without a reset. Then I noticed that launching apps such as FIWorld4 v4.41 was also causing occasional resets. I have performed a check disk functions and resinstalled all affected software but neither has resolved the problems.

Now either my modem/lan card is still causing these problems (On the next reset, I will be reinserting my old 56k Dacom card to check that if it is definitely this causing the problems) or it may be some of my applications. It does seem a bit of a coincidence that using apps such as FIWorld and RMR apps that take advantage of the Neuon's various OPX files occasionaly cause this problem aswell.

Can anyone else relate to any of this? Are you suffering from Triple Beep Resets? If so can you post as much info as poss so we can hopefully get to the bottom of it.

Kind Regards

Si

[diem]

Hi Si,

Sorry to hear the dreaded beeps are back! :(

To clarify, the hardware mod I described was to be applied to the card, not the computer. I was quite surprised when you said that a firmware upgrade solved you problem.

That said, the hardware fix is for cards that cause triple-beep resets at apparently random intervals, but always within 20 seconds of having switched on, whether you are interacting with the machine or not. This doesn't match your symptoms, so I'm not sure it will be relevant to you, however I do think it would be a good idea to use your machine with a different PC Card for a while, or perhaps with no card at all!

[wanman]

Thanks Yan,

I thought the Hardware fix relate to the 7book not the Card itself. If this problem is definitely being caused by the card, how do I go about getting the card modified? Is there a set of instructions on the net which will enable me to do it myself or do I need to send the card off to Psion to be modified by them? The firmware upgrade definitely seemed to stop these triple resets but this week I suddenly started using apps again such as FIWorld and the whole random problem started again.

If the 20second rule that you mention is a definite then either my problem is not being caused by the card or the rule might need changing slightly as I am getting the reset mainly (but not entirely) more than 20secs after power up.

As far as the card itself is concerned, I have had no problems connecting using either the modem or 100mb/s LAN.

Regards

Si

[diem]

you'll need to send the card to psion for repair, but it should be free (use the online returns system to avoid pying £1/min on the phone).

This fault does not cause the card not to work, it only causes occasional (3-4 a day) triple-beep resets during the power-up routine, when the OS interrogates its slots to see what devices are plugged in.

You mention this applicaton FIWorld. What does it do, and what 'features' of the computer does it use (net, CF, IR, serial etc.)? Do you repeatedly get a reset every time you open this app. Do you get a reset if you switch on, leave the machine untouched for a couple of minutes, and then try running this app? You also suggest that there are other applications that cause resets, could you list these?

Lastly, what is your auto-switch-off time set to? There is a known bug in EPOC that causes a reset if you try to use IR when this is set to greater than 30 minutes.


Questions.. many questions....

[wanman]

Thanks Yan,

I will check out sending my CombineIT card back to Psion for the upgrade. I currently have my old card back in again as have had another reset. Also my commsdb.dat file has just been corrupted some how so am currenlty re-entering my details. It never rains.... and all that. Does this triple beep reset affect the netbook aswell then?

My Auto switch off is set to 5mins, so assume this is not causing the problem.

FIWorld is just a fancy clock app which lets me know the time around set places in the world. I use it for work. It does not use any of the ports. The other apps that I have been getting triple resets on are similar. No connection stand alone apps.

Very Strange.

I will let you know if the removal of my Combine IT card has done the trick.

Regards
Si

[diem]

has Commsdb.dat only just corrupted or is it possible that its been corrupted as long as this new spate of resets? A corrupted Commsdb.dat could cause resets all by itself, I reckon.

[wanman]

Yan,

Don't think so as I was logging in fine this morning/afternoon. After my last TB reset, I powered down my machine and swapped the cards. All came back on ok so I launched email to log in and old card was working ok. It dialled in on my first account and whilst dialled in I tried to connect to my other email account. It came back with an error message saying corrupt. I then closed my connection and tried again, everything then confirmed corrupt, including modem, internet & ethernet settings.

I then recreated my commsdb.dat file and cleared out all the other connection files stored in the data folder in c:\system. I Tried to connect again. It seemed to connect but suddenly the machine seem to reset (no triple beep) and I had to enter my password again. Strangely, although the screen had been reset (large icons, etc) the email app was still open and connected !!! I closed down and powered off. It then decided I had no modem so I performed a soft reset. All seems to be working ok again now and I have been unable to envoke a TB reset since. Phew !!!!

Right, back to the CombineIT card. I have now raised an online RMA as suggested and will be posting the CombineIT card back tomorrow. Can you let me know what I need to say on the letter. If I can ask for a specific upgrade or job carrying out on the card then it would be better than just saying it is broke !!

Thanks for help Yan,

Si

[Crazed_Monkfish]

I'm getting the occasional triple reset every few days, usually when I'm running either the citrix client, or pdf+ with opera in the background over the wireless network in college and it gets a little confused and loses the connection. The 7book then generally hangs until I turn it off and on a few times, where it either shows an error message or occasionaly does a reset. Interestingly it only seems to do this in college and not on my wireless network at home running the same apps.

I'll keep an eye on it and see if this pattern bears out...

Info: 751 series 7 upgraded to netbook
smc wireless network card
128mb pqi compact flash

(actually just thought, last time it crashed it came up with a corrupt error - so this may still be todo with my pqi compact flash card - see other post)

[wanman]

Hi Yan,

Psion have kindly returned my Psion CombineIT card. Apparently it is now repaired and fully compatible with the netbook, although I have yet to give it a full test. Saying that, it seems to be doing ok at the moment as I am writing this on my home network at 1mb connection !!!:D :D Will let you and the forum know if Iget any more of those dreaded triple beep resets :mad:

Thanks for all your help on this.

Kind Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

Si,

How long did the repair process take? I need to get my card seen to and a rough idea of the turn-around period would be most welcome.

[Fred_R]

Umm ... guys, I just experienced my first (and hopefully only) TBR, and don't have any of the communications systems you are all talking about.

I have a 7Book, build 756 running OS 158 and a IBM 1Gb Microdrive.

At the time I had only just opened it after a break. I had been working on some word files - nothing to about communications.
For no apparent reason, three beeps, you know the rest...

this is just feedback for the moment. Hopefully it won't recur
Fred R

[wanman]

Hi Simon,

Yeh Psion received it on 22/10 and I got it back on Friday 1st. So about 10 working days. Worst thing was that inside the box it arrived in was my original envelope (that I sent the card to them in), seemingly unopened. I thought they hadn't done anything and just returned the card. I phoned them up to complain and as I was chatting to them I noticed a very small opening which they had taped up. They even open envelopes with precision !! lol

All seems ok now so fingers crossed !!

Fred_R. Not sure what caused your TBR but I am sure there are other "features" within the new OS which is causing this instability. All you can do is keep tabs on what apps you have open, or what you do immediately before getting the dreaded TBR. Hopefully a patern will start to emerge but don't hold your breath.

Kind Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

Si,

Thanks for the news. I'll get my card over to them in the next few days (although it had been behaving recently) and I'll watch out for the precision package opening! :)

[wanman]

Simon,

If you raise the RMA online, you can track it from there. Also include a letter specifying the need for compatibility with the netbook. Yan confirmed it might be wise to add a sentence like "If you are unaware of such a fix then full details should be obtainable from the netbook development team".

Let us know how you get on.

Kind Regards
Si

[diem]

Originally posted by wanman
Also include a letter specifying the need for compatibility with the netbook

Note it should be 'compatibility with the latest netBook OS'.

Yan confirmed it might be wise to add a sentence like "If you are unaware of such a fix then full details should be obtainable from the netbook development team".

I'll bet they're well aware of it now :D

[WolfUK]

Thanks Yan and Si. I raised a RMA this morning and have sent my card to them so hopefully in a couple of weeks I will have it back and fully updated.

If only the Mobile Connectivity repairs were as fast as the Mobile Computing ones ... I sent my 5mx in on Thursday for a new screen, they got it on Friday, repaired it today and it is now on its way back (hopefully to arrive tomorrow). This is very efficient and I am finally impressed by Psion's ability to deal with its customers (ignoring the fact that the repairs are outsourced and it is fairly expensive!).

[wanman]

To be fair Si, Psion at least warn you that it could take up to 10days due to low stocks of spares and materials but you would think that this would have been only a temporary state.

Having said all this, my machine has suffered from three triple beep resets today. I did install two new pieces of software today (plopen and plbeam) and hope that it was due to this. One particular TBR was when I tried to connect to my PC via serial port. When I clicked on connect, my Psion reset. Oh Joy !!!

I will keep an eye on this and report any future TBR's The machine is certainly alot more stable now my CombineIT card has been upgraded.

Regards
Si

[WolfUK]

Si,

You're right, at least they warn us about the delay.

I'm starting to wonder if the resets are also caused by a problem in the OS, perhaps something to do with comms in general since it seems to affect modems, network cards and serial links. Hopefully Psion will get this sorted out but just having the card upgraded willl be one less thing to worry about.

[wanman]

Hi Simon,

Major problems with my 7book today. I used my machine for about 15-20 mins with no probs then tried dialling in with my modem. As soon as I selected my mailbox, the machine reset (instead of opening the connections window). After it restarted, I could not make any connections at all as it did not recognise any form of communication (although I could access the settings on the control panel?).

I deleted all related data files including commsdb.dat. I re-entered my modem\lan & internet settings and tried again. No Joy. Although the LAN settings were now working, it would not recognise the modem. I soft reset my machine but still nothing. I then tried to access dialling on the control panel and the machine TBR again. I soft reset again and deleted the remaining communication data files. I then re-entered all my details ...again... and the system let me back into dialling properties.

Everything seems to be working again now.....Phew !!

I think you could be right about there being a problem with the OS. This is a similar problem I encountered when I reverted back to my old Dacom 56k card after sending off my CombineIT for repairs. Perhaps it doesn't like talking to both without a clear out of files first? The problem definitely seems to be with the modem side but no firm pattern (as per usual).

I will keep an eye on it, and hopefully my 32mb DIMM will turn up soon so I can do another rebuild to hopefully clear out the rubbish.

Kind Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

This doesn't sound good. Perhaps someone can get in touch with Harvey and we could find out if this is a known problem with the OS build.

[diem]

I don't think this issue is OS-related, the symptoms and lead-up described by Wanman suggest potential interactions with third-party software.

[wanman]

What else could it be Yan. The only other time I had this sort of problem was when I removed my CombineIT card and inserted the Dacom 56k. After I soft reset and cleared out the data files I had no further problems. I assume the modem access problems were caused by the TBR happening when I was trying to get online, but it is all very strange.

In addition to the two or three TBR's I have encountered since re-installing the now 'fixed' CombineIT card, I have also encountered a couple No Beep Resets. Again, no real pattern on these but things seemed to have calmed down again after the 'several' soft resets I have performed today. The No Beep Reset started happening when I re-inerted my Dacom card. After a soft reset they stopped, so it is strange that they started again.

If anyone else is running a Psion Dacom PCCard or 'fixed' CombineIT card, are you also experiencing either TBR or NBR (no beep reset) when using modem? or when swapping cards?

I so wish I new what was causing this. For information, the following apps are currently installed on my 7book:

ER5 OS 158 & Base Apps (Z Drive)
Palmtop Money (D Drive)
Phoneman Pro v1.98 (D Drive)
Messenger Force (D Drive)
RMR News (D Drive)
RMR Sol (D Drive)
RMR Zip (D Drive)
RMR Fuel (D Drive)
RMR Home (D Drive)
Sokoboxx (RMRBoxx) (D Drive)
Terra Force (D Drive)
Zheroes (D Drive)
Z80 Emulator (D Drive)
Trivia (D Drive)
PDF+ (free reader only) (D Drive)
FIWorld5 (D Drive)
CleanIt (D Drive)
Atelier Essential Disk Utilities (D Drive)
MBMView (D Drive)
plOpen (D Drive)
plBeam (D Drive)
Sysback (D Drive)
EPlayM (MP3 player) (D Drive)

I have run check disk and optimize from the Essential Disk Utilities on both C & D drives and all is ok.

Regards
Si

[WolfUK]

My card arrived back today and with my fixed netBook due back tomorrow or Friday I'll try it out and see what happens on my machine.

[wanman]

Well I almost went a week without a TPR. But today it happened again, when exiting MBMView. I was not connected by modem or LAN. I have soft reset after the TBR and all seems ok again. I will see how long it takes before the next one !!!

I thought it may have something to do with plbeam as I started getting them again after installing and running this. After a soft reset, you have to restart the application by clicking on the icon on the control panel so when I had my last one, I did not start it and my machine then lasted a week without one but today it is back ????

Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

That's not great news. :(

I haven't had a chance to try my upgraded card yet but I will keep you posted when I do and I'll report back if I suffer from any resets.

[diem]

Si, as I keep trying to tell you, the TBR is an intermittent error that will occur occasionally if you have a CombineIT card plugged in. You don't even have to be using the card for any purpose, it just has to be plugged in. The fix is a hardware mod that Psion will do for you for free.

If you're gettings TBRs with no PC Card plugged in, then I take it all back and apologise unreservedly. If however the card is always in when you get the TBR, then bite the bullet and send it back for repair :p

[WolfUK]

Yan,

Do the modifications apply to the card or the netBook? If it to the card then I think that Si and I both have upgraded cards since we have both recently returned them to Psion to be made netBook-friendly. If it is to the netBook then I'll be really frustrated since I've only just got it back with a new screen!

[wanman]

Yan, my CombineIT card has already been 'fixed' by Psion (returned 1/11/02) so it should now have the hardware upgrade.

Mind you, there is no real way of telling as I even had the occasional TBR when my old 56k Dacom was installed when my CombineIT was being fixed. I am still getting the TBR's although I am not getting them so regular now. Have had two today, whilst adding a file to a couple of Zip files using RMRZip. After adding them, I tried to open the .txt file on each zip file and it caused a TBR both times. Everything seems to be working again now though.

I have just uninstalled PLBeam to see if that was the cause and so far so good but I am not holding my breath.

This is all very strange.

Regards
Si

[wanman]

Simon,

The modification is to the PC Card (I had to ask Yan this myself !!). My problems could be either to do with the OS, the fact that my machine is a 7book or that it was previously a 7.

It will be interesting to see how you get on with the CombineIT card. If possible can you leave it installed as long as possible (couple of weeks). It doesn't matter if you are using it as my problems tend to happen when I am not online or connected to a LAN.

Kind Regards

Si

[diem]

My unreserved apologies Si ;)

As it would seem that your card has been upgraded, I would suggest running the 7Book with the card uninstalled for a while (i.e. only plug it in when you actually need to use it). If you get just one TBR when no PC Card is plugged in (I'd avoid using the Dacom card as an alternative), you'll be able to rule them out entirely. You'll then be able to use both your CombineIT and Dacom cards with impunity, and focus on something else as being the problem.

[wanman]

Good thinking. Will try that.

Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

Okay, I've got my CombineIT card installed so I'll see what happens over the next few days. Since I have a genuine netBook it will be interesting to see if it copes better with the catd than a 7 or 7Book.

[wanman]

3days into the empty pcmcia experiment and No TBR's. This is a little ominous. Looks as if the Gold Cards are causing my problems.

Still strange how my old 56k Dacom was ok in the same PCMCIA slot when my machine was a 7 series but as a 7book, it is causing these occasional TBR's. The CombineIT card now (since the hardware upgrade) now causes the same number of TBR's as the Dacom 56k dacom (i.e. 1 every couple of days use).

Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

I'm sill okay with no resets at all. Perhaps there is still some incompatability with 7Books. I'll keep you informed but things are looking good so far.

[WolfUK]

I spoke too soon ... Almost immediately after posting I had a TBR when trying to open a Sheet file. Immediately after that I re-opened RMRBank which caused a second TBR. I've not removed the card and all seems to be fine.

I'll try to work out why it is doing this later.

[wanman]

Hi Simon

Sounds very familiar indeed. At least I now know it MAY not be my 7book or just me.

When I do get a TBR, I tend to get a couple, like you. I then perform a soft reset and I'm free of them for a couple more days.

No one application seems to trigger the TBR although once I get a TBR, that same app may trigger a second TBR within a short timespan. An example of this happened the other day with RMRZip. I was adding a .txt file to two existing zip files. Immediately on adding it to the first ZIP file, I tried opening it within the ZIP to check it was added correctly. A TBR was triggered. When my machine was back, I opened the same ZIP file and clicked on the .txt file again but this time it opened ok. I then added another .txt file to a second zip file and tried opening it in there and a second TBR was triggered. I then soft reset my machine and the problem has not rematerialised. I can now add and open files ok.

I assume it could still be the PC Card but then my 56k Dacom also caused occasional TBR's when I was using it, whilst my other card was off being upgraded. My Dacom card worked fine in the 7 aswell.

This leaves either a problem with the OS (Some Psion help here would be nice.....Harvey ??) or it could have something to do with the netbook personality module. Perhaps these cards don't like the warp like netbook processor speeds !!! lol

Eitherway, I am so glad (I am sure you are not) that someone else is having a similar/same problem. Now all we need to do is find the solution, without that being 'Don't Use the Card'.

I have currently resorted to running the machine at work without the card and only inserting it when I need to connect to the phone or LAN. I would much rather be able to leave it connected all the time !!

Regards

Si

[wanman]

Have managed to minimise my TBR's by removing my card during normal use. Only had one TBR in last few weeks and that was when one of my alarms went off whilst the unit was in my bag with card inserted.

Funnily enough, if I switch on my machine and then insert the card whilst the port is 'hot', I don't seem to get any TBR. Mind you, I only do this when I intend to connect to a network or modem and then remove the card as soon as I disconnect so assume this is luck.

Would be interesting to know what the machine does at start up, that is different from inserting the card whilst on. Would also be nice to get a technical reasons why a TBR would be triggered and then perhaps we could narrow it down to something related to the port or types of cards.

I assume a TBR is similar to the blue screen of death on a windows machine!! lol

Let us know if you find out any more, Si.

Regards

Simon

[diem]

Just thought of something - bring up the 'Open Programs' window, and type Ctrl-Fn-R. This should list some info about the last reset.

[wanman]

Couldn't think what you meant for initially, but found it eventually !!

Although I have not had a TBR for some time (I pop my card out now), I will leave my card in for the time being to see if I can get another TBR.

Current message (not sure about if it relates to last TBR but probably will), confirms the following:

Reset reason Kernel FAULT: 0 A9P (The 'A' has a small \ accent on top of it)

Last exception (No. 12: Code 0x500539c0 Data 0x81450000)

Really hope this will enable us to get to the bottom of this. Do we know any Psion techi guys that may offer some help on this aswell?

Simon, if you are reading this, it may be of use if you can do the same for comparisons.

Regards

Si

[diem]

Okay, this does not match the reset data I always used to get when beta-testing. Post again after your next TBR, and I'll see if the data means anything to a contact of mine.

[wanman]

Cheers Yan. Will let you know.

Regards

Si

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by wanman
... I will leave my card in for the time being to see if I can get another TBR. Course you do realise that it ain't gonna happen when you're wanting it to, don't you? :D

Julie

[wanman]

I hardly think a lady of your position should be mocking the afflicted...don't go an spoil all that good charity work you do? lol

If the mere threat of getting a resolution is enough to stop these dreaded TBR's then I am happy to live with that.

Somehow, I think the likely scenario is that it will work fine for the next couple of days, luring me into a false sense of security and then just when I am least expecting it, it will barrage me with group of repeated TBR's which will continue until I promise to put my 7 personality module back in.....do you think I have taken this to heart ?? lol

More TBR news to follow (hopefully never !!)

Regards
Si

[WolfUK]

Originally posted by wanman
Simon, if you are reading this, it may be of use if you can do the same for comparisons.I haven't had the card in recently but I will see if I can force a TBR and then posts the Reset Information. Perhaps Harvey (who's around again) can shed some light on this.

[wanman]

Cheers Simon

[wanman]

I know, it is barely 2hrs since my last post, joking about the chances of not getting another TBR. Well make that no chance as my machine has just gone and had one.

Yan, I have pressed ctrl+fn+r on the open file window and the reset code is as already confirmed, namely:

Reset reason Kernel FAULT: 0 A9P (The 'A' has a small \ accent on top of it)
Last exception (No. 12: Code 0x500539c0 Data 0x81450000)

I really hope that this means something to someone at Psion and that Simon Wolf has a similar message so that I don't feel completely isolated in my own little 7book world !! :rolleyes:

Regards
Si

[diem]

Okay Si, I'll see what I can find out.

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by wanman
I hardly think a lady of your position should be mocking the afflicted...don't go an spoil all that good charity work you do? lolOops! Now I feel suitably guilty and chastened! ;)

Julie

[wanman]

Cheers Yan !!

Bloody internet has been down at work all day today so I have been using my trusty netbook to post replies. I have noticed that if I switch on and the insert the card after the machine has powered up, it does seem a little more stable.

Hope we will be able to get this cracked.

Kind Regards

Si

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by wanman
Hope we will be able to get this cracked.I hope so too, Si. Didn't mean to make light of the problem, truly I didn't - it must be absolutely infuriating. :mad:

Julie

[wanman]

Isee that your halo is back up and working it's charm !!:D

Just nice to know there is support out there when you need it...........ooooohh I am feeling a bit queasy with all this mushy chit chat!! lol

Imagine what I will be like if someone can come up with something...doesn't bare thinking about.

Si

[WolfUK]

Okay, I've just had a TBR and my reset information is as follows:

Reset Reason Kernel FAULT: 999 Debug
Last exception (No. -1: Code 0x75626544 Data 0x00000067)

HTH

[wanman]

aah.

Completely different reset code then. I suppose, it was hardly going to make things easier on us, by having the same code, now was it.

Looks like still a mountain to climb then.

Simon, do you get better stability if you insert the card after your netbook is switched on in the same way as I do?

Regards
Si

[WolfUK]

Si, I havn't consciously tested the stability when the card is inserted when the machine is on. I know that for this last time it was inserted when the netBook was off but only happened after it had been used a couple of times. I'll try to try that today and see what happens.

[wanman]

Cheers Si,

Thanks for all your help on this. Can you record your reset reasons for each TBR, to ensure they are all coming out the same.

Regards
Si

[WolfUK]

Will do.

I did briefly wonder if this was all related to an 'old-style' Commsdb.dat file but I am 99.9% sure that my netBook was built from scratch since the latest OS came out just before I got the actual machine. Have you tried deleting this file and then re-entering all of your settings to see if it helps?

[wanman]

I thought that too and additionally wondered if the first TBR, brought on by first using my CombineIT card before it was upgraded, may have corrupted one of the communication files on my system. This might explain why I now suffer TBR's no matter which Psion Gold Card I insert (Dacom 56k+fax, Dacom V34+fax & CombineIT 56k 10/100 LAN - upgraded). The Dacom 56k worked fine on my 7book without TBR before I got my CombineIT card. All three now cause similar quantity, depending which is installed.

I have tried deleting the commsdb.dat file along with all the other data files in that folder, but no joy. I haven't tried a re-build yet but will be as soon as my 32mb DIMM upgrade arrives.

Fingers crossed that this may resolve the problem, but there is something telling me that it will not. I know, positive thinking and all that.

Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

Well I've just had another TBR ... This time I removed the card, turned my netBook on and beamed some files to my Revo. The next time I turned my netBook on I got a TBR and the following details:

Kernel Exception
No. 12
Code 0x500539c0
Data 0x81428000

[WolfUK]

One other quick question Si, do you have a reset application installed. I use Restart but I might switch to Reset Plus to see if this is causing any issues.

[wanman]

Not heard of either of these but do use Sysback, when a TBR has ocurred.

Regards

Si

[wanman]

Hi Simon, just read you prior post and notice, you too have now had a similar reset code. This is interesting and hopefully provide additional input for Yan, when he speaks to his friend.

Re Restart & Reset Plus, I definitely don't use either of these apps. I just use a trusty old paperclip for reseting my machine. Or alternatively, just leave my CombineIT card in !!!

My 32mb DIMM upgrade turned up today so I will be inserting this and rebuilding my machine over the weekend. Will let you all know if this resolves the TBR.

Regards
Si

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by WolfUK
I use Restart but I might switch to Reset Plus to see if this is causing any issues. Interesting that you should say that Simon - I had a bad experience with Restart about a year ago. Not TBRs, but assorted "odd" behaviour - can't remember exact details, to be honest. I didn't put up with it for long, but then I couldn't get the thing to uninstall and ended up doing a hard reset.

I've used Reset Plus ever since, which seems absolutely fine. I guess it's probably all irrelevant to the TBR problem, since Si doesn't use either of those apps - might be interesting to see if getting rid of Restart does make any difference, nevertheless.

Julie

[wanman]

Just rebuilt machine with the 32mb DIMM installed. Also updated the eprom so my machine details now confirms netBook !!!

All seemed to be working ok (installed OS with CombineIT card installed). About 40-50mins into full use and re-entering my settings, had first TBR.

Reset reason Kernel FAULT: 0 yyyyyyyy (The 'y' has two dots above each of them)

Last exception (No. -1: Code 0xffffffff Data 0xffffffff)

I will leave card in and see if it comes back with the normal codes again.

I also can't get plbeam or plopen to work as the registration codes are no longer valid (even though the machine ID has not changed). I will email Psiloc for some new ones.

Regards

Si

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by wanman
All seemed to be working ok (installed OS with CombineIT card installed). About 40-50mins into full use and re-entering my settings, had first TBR. How frustrating, Si. Was that even before you had reinstalled any of your apps? If so, I guess we can stop trying to blame any third party stuff for causing the problem.

Hmmm...

Julie

[wanman]

No. Funnily enough it worked great until I had installed everything (took about 50mins). Then even though I hadn't actually launched any of them (was actually setting up my extra bars), got my first TBR.

Regards
Si

[WolfUK]

Si,

I know that this might be a pain but could you list all of your applications so that I can cross-check them with mine and then perhaps Julie or Yan can tell us if they have any of the overlapping ones installed. We might be able to see if this is caused by a rogue application after all.

[WolfUK]

Si, what do you have your auto switch off time set to? I've just checked after seeing a post about resets after using IR and mine was set to 30 minutes. I've changed this to 29 and I'll see what happens.

[wanman]

Hi Si,

Yeh, mine is set to 30mins aswell. I have now changed it to 29mins but always thought the problem was with an earlier release of the OS.

Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

It may have been but so far I've not had a TBR so fingers crossed ...

[wanman]

You shouldn't have said that......

[WolfUK]

Oh! You mean that you're resetting as usual?

[wanman]

Not yet, but you don't want to go tempting fate

[WolfUK]

Phew, I thought that my theory was killed off before it had even started!

[wanman]

No, you are ok for the moment, but how pi**ed off.....I mean annoyed will I be if all this hassle could have been fixed by reducing the shut down time.... lol

Regards
Si

[WolfUK]

I know what you mean but on the bright side it would mean that the problem is solved.

Do you think that we could pursuade one of the moderators to delete this thread to hide our shame?? :D

[wanman]

lol

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by WolfUK
Do you think that we could pursuade one of the moderators to delete this thread to hide our shame?? :D Where do you want the axe to fall?? LOL :D :D :D

Interesting point you've raised - as a matter of fact I always have auto switch off disabled on my netBook. How's it going, guys?

Julie

[wanman]

Now you tell us Julie !!! lol. Could we possibly persuade/beg you to re-enable auto-switch off and set it to 30mins with your CombineIT card in and see if you have similar problems over a week of normal use?

Trust me, the worse that could happen, is your machine blow up, injuring 5 people and the fairy on top of the tree !! :D

Regards

Si

[netBookBabe]

Well, since I don't have a tree yet, let alone a fairy, I guess I can afford to risk it! :D

I'll keep you posted.

Julie

[wanman]

Well, I guess it was only a matter of time. Got home tonight and had a TBR. Auto shut down was set at 29mins.

I launched RMRFuel. Added an entry and then went to access the application preferences. The machine TBR. I launched the application again and when I selected preferences it TBR again. (The auto shut down was set of 30mins after the first TBR). I removed my CombineIT card and tried again and all was ok. Card is now in and I am writing this online. No TBR for last 35mins.

I enclose a copy of a screen shot taken from my, currently working, 7book for Yan's info.

Kind Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

That's not good news and not what I wanted to hear at all. My netBook is, however, still behaving but I'll let you know as soon as it resets.

Do we know if Harvey has looked at this thread at all ... Pehaps he can offer some insight into the problem.

[WolfUK]

Well it had to be too good to be true ... I've just has a DBR (double beep reset) which leaves my display settings alone. I'm not 100% convinced that this was card-related so I'll carry on testing.

The reset details are:
Reset Reason: Warm Reset
Last Exception:
- No 12
- Code 0x54414c50
- Data 0x00000000

[diem]

Originally posted by wanman
I enclose a copy of a screen shot taken from my, currently working, 7book for Yan's info.

Yikes! I'm no expert, but the last reset data looks not to have been filled in - those values look like defaults. It seems to me at the moment that both you and Simon do not get similar errors to one another, nor are your error codes repeatable. On this basis, combined with one being a netBook and the other a 7Book, I suspect that your resets are for different reasons.

My advice now is to record the 'last reset' data every time you get a TBR, and try to establish whether any reset data is repeatable, i.e. does doing a particular thing always cause the same reset info?

If you get repeatable info, then we at least have something to work with. If your reset data varies with every reset, then you have a very unstable machine, and the only recourse I can suggest is a very hard reset and complete OS rebuild. If you've tried this once already, then you ought to try the machine as a Series 7 for a while and see if it starts working fine again. It is possible that your motherboard just can't cope with the netBook processor speed :(

[wanman]

If you get repeatable info, then we at least have something to work with. If your reset data varies with every reset, then you have a very unstable machine, and the only recourse I can suggest is a very hard reset and complete OS rebuild. If you've tried this once already, then you ought to try the machine as a Series 7 for a while and see if it starts working fine again. It is possible that your motherboard just can't cope with the netBook processor speed

Cheers for news Yan.

We were both getting:

Reset reason Kernel FAULT: 0 A9P (The 'A' has a small \ accent on top of it)

Last exception (No. 12: Code 0x500539c0 Data 0x81450000)

I then re-built my machine after inserting the extra RAM. Mine is now displaying the previously attached message and I think Simon's may have changed as he was reduced the shut down time to 29mins from 30mins.

I disagree with your statement regarding the MB and Processor speed as this would not explain why my machine works fine without the card installed and before I first got this TBR (with the CombineIT card), it worked fine with the Dacom 56k modem card for 5-6 weeks.

If you have a contact in Psion, Yan, does he/she know if any of these messages stand out as something familiar or perhaps indicate the part of the system having problems?

Regards

Si

[wanman]

If you get repeatable info, then we at least have something to work with. If your reset data varies with every reset, then you have a very unstable machine, and the only recourse I can suggest is a very hard reset and complete OS rebuild. If you've tried this once already, then you ought to try the machine as a Series 7 for a while and see if it starts working fine again. It is possible that your motherboard just can't cope with the netBook processor speed

Sorry Yan, I don't agree that this problem is being caused by the MB/Processor speed of my 7book. If it was, then I would have been getting these TBR's before I bought the CombineIT card. Up to then (5-6weeks) it worked fine at the increased speed and with my original Dacom 56k modem. Since the CombineIT triggered the first TBR, all three of my cards now cause similar problems and without the cards installed I get no TBR.

There was one set of codes which we did both get and this was:

Reset reason Kernel FAULT: 0 A9P (The 'A' has a small \ accent on top of it)

Last exception (No. 12: Code 0x500539c0 Data 0x81450000)

Since then, I have rebuilt my machine after installing the 32mb DIMM upgrade and Simon has tried changing the auto shut down time to 29mins. This could explain the now different codes (but who knows).

Could you forward these codes to your friend at Psion to see if anything jumps out as an obvious problem? Perhaps the codes may indicate an area of the system which seems to be struggling?

Regards

Si

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by wanman
Now you tell us Julie !!! lol. Could we possibly persuade/beg you to re-enable auto-switch off and set it to 30mins with your CombineIT card in and see if you have similar problems over a week of normal use?OK, almost 10 days into the experiment, CombineIT card permanently in the netBook - so far no explosions, no dead fairies, no TBRs.

Si, I guess that's possibly not what you wanted to hear, although I know you've already discounted the 30-min switch off theory. Perhaps we need to go back to looking for rogue apps?

Julie

[WolfUK]

Well after my warm resets I ejected my card and reinserted it, ensuring that it was firmly pushed in. Since then all has been well (famous last words!). Perhaps my problems were related to the auto-switch off setting.

[Kuipers]

Time for yet another reset problem. I get a double beep reset from time to time.
I used to get the triple-beep reset due to a Psion Goldcard but after having it upgraded by psion that no longer occurs.
When pressing CTRL-FN+R I get the following message : KERNEL FAULT : 0 PLAT no 12
The error only occurs when the goldcard is inserted..
Does anyone have some clue on what is causing this?

[wanman]

Hi Kuipers,

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I tend to eject my card before switching on and then inserting it whilst the machine is on (and I need some form of connection) and I have not had problem since before Christmas. I did have one double beep reset, but this had followed several triples and I did not record the error codes.

Assuming your machine is a 7book, what was the build of the old 7 machine? If you still have your personality module, then there should be a sticker on it saying something like 751/754 or 756.

Also, can you provide the full error message, so that we can start collating these on this thread.

What Psion Goldcard do you have? Is it the CombineIT modem and LAN or just a modem?

Regards

Si

[Kuipers]

I have a new netbook and the card is a combineIT but my friend with a 7Book has the same problem with my card.

[wanman]

Have you tried amending your auto shut down time to 29mins. It seems to have worked on WolfUK's netbook but not my 7book. I am hoping that this problems is to do with the OS but I will not be able to prove this, if Psion don't release an update.

Until then, I will continue removing it as I currently do.....Real Pain!!!

Regards
Si

[netBookBabe]

Si

It would be interesting to see how your 7Book would behave with an earlier version of the OS - would that be worth a try? Not a long-term solution, of course, but it could provide more clues.

Julie

[pliskens]

I tried the previous OS version this weekend on my netbook and worked with it during the entire day and had no problem with resets what so ever but with the latest OS I would surely have had a problem. I will also try it on the 7Book and see what comes up there.

[wanman]

Hi Julie,

Thanks for advices. I may well try that, but will have to get hold of a copy first. Only build 158 was available when I upgraded. Mind you, not sure when I will find the time at mo and could I bear going back to Opera 3.62 and no ethernet ??lol

Regards
Si

[netBookBabe]

Hi Si

I can let you have a copy of 156 if you want it - just say the word!

Julie

[diem]

Hi folks,

Well Si, you're stuck 'tween the devil and the deep blue sea. In order to go forward in isolating the problem, the next logical step would be to isolate ethernet support. The simplest way to do this would be to install the old OS. If the beeps still occur with an earlier OS rev then it would suggest that your machine simply can't take the higher clock speed, and its nothing to do with the additional ethernet code.

Alternatively, put up with ejecting the card at switch-on...

[wanman]

Hi Julie,

Please can you send me a copy of the older build.

Regards
Simon

[netBookBabe]

Hi Si

Sure, no problem - zip file sent by e-mail.

Julie

[wanman]

Thanks Julie.

Si

[wanman]

Got your email. Thanks Julie. Will install tonight and give it a month. If no TBR over next couple of weeks, then I assume it must be to do with new OS or new OS on my 7book.

Regards
Si

[wanman]

Well, old OS installed last night, along with 2hrs worth of other apps !! :-((. Now working ok minus network capabilities and Opera 5.14 from web button. Never mind though, all in the name of science and all that. CombineIT now permenantly installed with just modem working fine. No problems so far. Will give it a month and then go back to the new OS.

Regards
Si

[netBookBabe]

I'm sure everyone appreciates your sacrifices in the name of research, Si! :)

Julie

[wanman]

Well the two weeks are up and I have now reinstalled OS 158. Over the last two weeks, I have had no TBR's, even though my CombineIT 10/100 LAN card+ modem inserted 24x7. I even loaded the alpha release ethernet drivers last week and they seemed to work ok aswell.

Since reverting back to OS158, I have had one TBR this morning (launching Money), which was due to me forgetting to remove my card.

Reset Reason - Kernel FAULT: 0 yyyyyyyy (two dots above each y)
Last exception - (No. -1: Code 0xffffffff Data 0xffffffff)

So does this mean that there is a minor bug in the new OS when installed on a 7book combined with a Gold Card?? Or perhaps this is something else? As I prefer the new OS with inbuilt Opera 5.14, I will have to put up with the TBR's for now and hope and pray that a new OS is released, maybe even fixing this.

Regards
Si

[diem]

Originally posted by wanman
Reset Reason - Kernel FAULT: 0 yyyyyyyy (two dots above each y)
Last exception - (No. -1: Code 0xffffffff Data 0xffffffff)
This is kind of 'default' information - not a great sign :(

I'm afraid it is looking like you have a specific incompatibility with your hardware/OS version setup - your testing of the alpha drivers bears this out.

Perhaps its worth starting a new thread to inquire whether there are any other 7Book owners who use OS158 and a CombineIT LAN card? Given that there are probably very few 7Books out there, its possible that nobody else is doing LAN with one, but its worth inquiring eh?

As far as a new OS release is concerned, unless any netBook owners have the same problem, I can't see Psion changing the PC Card initialisation code. You could start a similar thread in the netBook forum to find out?

And Si, I'm really sorry I can't be more positive; I'm not pouring cold water for the sake of it, honest! I hate having to be the bearer of bad news, but the signs really aren't good in this case :(

Maybe a netBook will turn up cheap on eBay...?

[wanman]

The plot thickens.

I have been speaking to Psion again about the Triple Beep Reset problems, went through to Customer Service, this time and explained I was having problems with a CombineIT and a netbook (must come out of that closet eventually and admit to the world that I am in fact a 7book owner !! lol). I also pointed out that the card had been sent back for the netbook upgrade already and I gave them the RMA no. After a little research and a few emails with some technical guys, it seems that the repair team may not have actually done a netbook fix and instead just checked it for operation with a notebook !!!!

They have asked for my card back and it was returned yesterday. Now this is real slim but if there is a chance that they didn't actually upgrade the card properly, then it is worth the hassel of no card for a week or two.

If this is the cause, then the results I got with the old OS are a bit strange but hopefully an anomaly. Also if Simon Wolf is still having occasional problems with his CombineIT, it may need to be sent back again for a netbook not notebook fix :rolleyes:

Anyway, I will let you all know what they find and how I get on when it is returned.

Regards
Si

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by wanman
... it seems that the repair team may not have actually done a netbook fix and instead just checked it for operation with a notebook !!!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Interesting, Si - let's hope they get it properly sorted for you this time around. I've just acquired a card the same as yours, LAN and modem combined, so it will be interesting to see how that fares. It's due to arrive today, so I'll let you know what happens.

Julie

[wanman]

And there was me thinking you already had one of these cards. Hopefully the one you have bought has had the netbook upgrade or you may be in the same boat as me and Simon.

Fingers crossed it has.

Regards
Si

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by wanman
And there was me thinking you already had one of these cards. Sorry, Si - I should clarify. I currently have a Combine-iT modem-only card, which lives pretty permanently in the netBook, and a Combine-iT LAN only card, which you may recall I tested a few months back. (I haven't got my LAN yet, lol!) Neither of these has caused any reset problems.

The card I just purchased is LAN and modem combined, like yours as far as I know. It is "new in box", but how long it's been in its box I don't know! ;)

Julie

[wanman]

Aaaah, that would explain why you may not have been experiencing the TBR's I think the TBR's only occured with this combined Lan/Modem card. My Dacom 56k modem seems quite happy in my 7book (as it was in my 7) and I have not had any TBR's for a couple of days now with this in.

Hopefully if your combined card is new then it will come with the netbook fix. If not, I am sure it will let you know !! Fingers crossed then.

Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

Si,

Thanks for the updates. I've now actually gone wireless so I am thinking of selling my CombineIT card but it would be good to get it properly upgraded first if that is the cause. For the record I was still getting resets when I stopped using it.

[wanman]

Hi Simon,

That is not good news at all. I was definitely only getting them when the card was inserted into my 7book (but not when it was being used), so it does sound as if we had seperate problems. Are you still getting occasional TBR's then? or has your wireless card sorted things out?

Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

Si,

Good news first, since getting my wireless card I've had no problems at all (mind you whenever I didn;t have my CombineIT card installed my netBook was fine).

My TBRs generally happened when I used infrared and reducing the auto off time to less than 30 minutes seemed to help but I did still get the odd reset (TBR or double beep).

[wanman]

...but always whilst your combineIT was installed? (rather than actually being used). If this is the case then your card may not have been upgraded properly too. I suppose we will have to wait and see what Psion say before getting too excited though.

At least you machine is working ok now.

Regards
Si

[WolfUK]

Si,

Yes the TBRs happened when the card was just sitting in my netBook doing nothing.

[wanman]

That is exactly the same as me. Hopefully Psion will confirm that my card wasn't actually upgraded for netbook usage and if that is the case, I will ask them what you need to do, to get yours sorted or at least checked.

Regards

Si

[WolfUK]

Thanks Si. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say.

[netBookBabe]

I'm a bit concerned to think that Psion couldn't tell the difference between "netBook" and "notebook" !!

:D

Julie

[WolfUK]

After they told me that a netBook ran off AA batteries I'm not in the least bit surprised!

What is worring is how they ever really survived to start with! :p

[wanman]

Psion have just emailed me just now to confirm that my card has arrived and they have been able to recreate the fault (I assume that means his netbook TBR'd). It has been passed to an engineer to be checked over and hopefully fixed.

More news as it arrives and I will ask what fellow PDAStreet members should do if they have a similar problem.

Regards

Si

[netBookBabe]

Sounds promising, Si. :)

Julie

[wanman]

Definitely. Hope the engineer will be able to find the cause and fix it !! He should be looking at it early next week.

Regards
Si

[netBookBabe]

Then maybe this thread will be no longer in the running for the title of "Longest Ever". ;)

:D

Julie

[netBookBabe]

OK, I got my combined LAN and modem card this morning - put it in the netBook - instant double beep reset. :mad:

I'll report on progress!

Julie

[wanman]

Hi all and welcome to your weekly TBR update. Psion contacted me yesterday with mixed news. The engineer has checked my card and although it is causing TBR's, they could find no physical problem. In view of this, they have changed the whole PCB within the card and have tried it for a couple of days without a TBR problem. It is now winging it's way back to me and hopefully the problem (whatever it was) has been resolved.

I have to let them know how I get on with it, so at least they are still interested in getting this one resolved.

More updates as they come in.

Regards

Si

[diem]

Hi all and welcome to your weekly TBR update.
:D

Surely a complete PCB change (plus, one assumes, the latest firmware!) will do the trick. I've got me fingers crossed for ya Si.

[wanman]

Hi all,

Card arrived back yesterday and so far so good (I so hope I am not going to regret posting this 1day after getting it back !!:rolleyes: ). I will use it as normal over then next week or so (but this time without removing it when I start up :D) and hopefully post the happy conclusion of this thread in a week's time.

Still no news regarding what to do if your card is still playing up. My method was to contact Psion Customer support by phone and they raised a query log for me. As I had already returned my card for repair, I quoted my previous RMA number. The rest of the correspondence was handled by email and was very efficient.

Kind Regards

Si

[wanman]

Hi all,

Well it has now been a week I think Psion have finally cracked my card related TBR problems.

I still have had three TBR's over the last week but I think these have definitely been application related. Two were caused by a corrupted file caused by 5fx when it crashed whilst compiling a thumbnail list of pics on my netBook. I have now removed 5fx as it did the same thing twice and I only really use MBMView anyway). I did also have one yesterday which was a bit of a strange one as I was happily using my 7book for several hours (with power supply) and it suddenly TBR'd on me whilst I was swapping between applications. This corrupted another two files which I have removed and reinstated and all seems fine again now. If I start getting any more of these, I will re-build my machine as there may be a dodgy sector on my drive.

All in all, one happy bunny with a fully working CombineIT card and my 7book no longer crashes almost everytime I start up.

Result !!

Kind Regards

Si

[netBookBabe]

Good news indeed, Si. At last! :)

Julie

[strati]

Hello! I have the same problem but with (CRT+Fn+R) I have Kernek Fault 0 yyyyyyyy (all with two point)
Last exceprion(No. -1 code 0xffffffff data 0xffffffff)

But! How much to repair our 7book!

[wanman]

Hi Strati,

The TBR that is caused by the Psion CombineIT Gold Card will create various error messages but this problem is definitely caused by the card and not the 7book. Please can you provide a little more information, such as what card you have installed?

Regards

Si

[strati]

7Book (I think! I have bought it to David Lowe)
64mb Ram
C.F. 128mb
Psion CombineIT goldcard LAN Global PC Card (56k+Fax 10/100 Ethernet)

With a CombineIT 56k+Fax my 7book worked with no TBR problem!

How can I resolved this problem?

[wanman]

Lo Strati,

Yes the Psion CombineIT LAN Global PC Card (56k+Fax 10/100 Ethernet) card is the cause of the problem. Unforunately, these cards have a problem on the circuit board which causes the TBR on netBooks. The only way to get this fixed is to return it to Psion for a fix under their lifetime warranty policy. Best thing to do, is phone their card customer services department and let them know that you want your card fixed so that it is comaptible with the Psion netBook and that it is currenly causing the TBR's. They will give you a return code and will hopefully fix the problem. This is not a firmware issue (upgrades are available on their website, this requires a physical modification, so the card must be returned.

You can also obtain a return code online but there is no guarrantee that they will fix it first time. I returned my card using this method and it was not fixed so contacted customer support and had to return it again.

All is now completely fixed and I am glad to get rid of the dreaded TBR's once and for all.

The customer services number that I used was 0870 608 0680 and make sure they are know that you need the card modifying so that it will work with a netBook (will continue to work with a laptops after the fix also).

If you need any other info, please let me know.

Regards

Si

[bish]

[i]I have a 7Book, build 756 running OS 158 and a IBM 1Gb Microdrive.[/B]

How did you get the microdrive working on your 7Book? I have just executed a transplant from S7 and I still cannot get my IBM 1GB microdrive to work in either D-drawer or E-slot:mad:

Bish