****PCUT freeze up, USB FIX #2****

[protek 0]

I believe I have found the fix.

After trying every PC on my network and 3 PC reformats, I had an idea.

NOTE: There is no need for you to format unless you want to just as a maintenance measure. I highly recommend it though!

#1. Make sure you have the pcut plugged into the PC (power off)

#2. Do a windows update two or three times (selecting EXPRESS) to make sure you have the latest update software and all critical updates. Do this until "critical" shows 0 updates.

#3. Do another Windows update. IMPORTANT, YOU MUST SELECT "CUSTOM" this time. The reason for this is that is is an optional update and "express" will not have it listed. You might say "But I have automatic updates on", that never installs optional updates either.

#4. After the scan is complete, look to the left under hardware. (note: if the pcut was not plugged into the PC, the update will not appear). You might see one or both of these updates. If you only see one you can install it and repeat step #3. The updates are as follows,

FTDI - Other hardware - USB Serial Converter

FTDI Other hardware software update released in March, 2008

Get help and support

http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=hub

FTDI - Other hardware - USB Serial Port

FTDI Other hardware software update released in March, 2008

Get help and support

http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=hub

#5. Download and install them, reboot the machine and cut away!

Also as noted in the post by Ken, make sure flow control is set the same in windows device manager as well as your cutting software. Mine is set to Xon/Xoff. I have tried this on two of my PC's and the PCUT is working fine on them now.

This would explain why Ken cannot duplicate the malfunction on the tech bench. It is not the machine nor the computer but additional windows port drivers / updates that a select few of us did not have.

I hope this helps others and takes some stress of Ken and the team. 

Respectfully,

Paul

[polarkiss 1]

Wow, I am really impressed with your tenacity in fixing your problem! 

I have been following your posts, but unable to offer any support as I am a newbie.

I bet this will really help a lot of people, it sounds like a really frustrating issue.

[protek 0]

Thanks, It drove me nuts. I hope this helps others as well.

I am an IT Specialist. I figured messing with PC and Cutter hardware wasn't working so lets dig into windows and just got pure lucky. Hey what else do I have to do at 4am, lol.

I just hope this works for others and I wrote instructions easy to follow.

[ewen.jamie 2]

Gosh darn it!!!  So I got so excited, my hubby and I jumped on the comp and started following all of your steps....and then the first time we came to download the custom updates my comp crapped out with the bright blue screen and said that it had experienced a problem and we ended up rebooting, and then redoing all the steps again and this time every time we tried to complete the custom updates it just said that the updates failed.  Im thinking I just need to get a different computer if it wont even allow me to do the necessary updates??? What do you think Protek?  Not to mention that now when I try to cut from both SB and SignCut it wont even communicate at all with the cutter, let alone freeze up...even after going through and adjusting all the settings and everything.  Grrrr.... hopefully this works for other people.  It seems to make a lot of sense...if only my computer would cooperate for once.

[protek 0]

If Windows update fail, run a spyware scan. Do you have the latest version of the updater for windows? Also your copy of windows must be validated with the authentication tool.

If you cannot update windows something is wrong with your OS (operating system).

I will PM you my phone and walk you through it.

[protek 0]

I PM'd you. You do not need a new computer.

You actually might have to reformat. As an IT professional, I recommend it once a year anyways.

If you can not update windows you have a microsoft OS prob.

As for now until I talk to you, You can always go to Start/Programs/Accessories/ System Tools/ System restore and choose the date closest to when you tried to update. Choose a date and the PC will reboot itself when done.

Then you can cut like you did before.

Just a heads up to everybody, If you cannot update windows ... it is a software problem.

If you need help with Windows or your PC, Please PM me and I will give you my Phone #. It might be possible that you have to reformat If you cannot pass validation. Have your disks handy.

Paul