satellite internet software

What version of the software is the CD? 4.0.0.40? If so you MUST run the setup program in Win 2000 compatibility, and then check every installed .exe file to make certain that it is set for Win 2K compatibility. To do that you right check on the setup.exe file, go to properties, then to the Compatibility page.

If the CD contains 4.0.1.28, I do not know what is wrong, but the problem is clearly with dpcnet5u.sys which is the driver for the device. On my 8100 I have used 0.40 quite successfully (in 2K compatibility) and am currently running 1.28 with no problems. So call Direcway back, I have found them to be excellent in tech support.

AND, one other thing, have you tried uninstalling the software (from Safe Mode if necessary) and then re-installing. If you uninstall, run Search for dpc*.* and make certain that all DirecPC files are removed. Then turn off all startup items which you can (via msconfig), especially anything using a USB port. Then reboot before reinstalling.

PS: I have been using the Hughes Satellite system for years, and pretty much do my own troubleshooting by this time. Feel free to email me it you need further help at wsnyder@sciti.com.

Shadow

Message Edited on 01/17/02 02:58PM by wsnyder

Message Edited on 01/17/02 02:59PM by wsnyder

The CD has version 4.0
release # 0.41

On re-reading your first post, I realize that you did not say which operating system you are using. Any of the recent versions should work fine with 95-ME or 2K; it is only with XP that problems of compatibility arise. As far as I know the first available version which fully supported XP was 4.0.1.28; yours is an earlier version. What has worked for me in situations like yours is to uninstall or disable from start-up (uninstall is more likely to be successful, but try disable first via Start/Run/msconfig - not available in 2K) all programs which start programs during Windows Startup. Then completely uninstall the Direcway software (including checking via Start/Search for dpc*.* - you must have no hidden files for this to be useful - you want to delete any which are in a System directory, especially any examples of dpcnet5u.*; Direcway's uninstall program does not always get everything). Then POWER DOWN, remove all other USB devices (i.e., disconnect the USB connectors). Reboot, and re-install. If you are using XP, check with Direcway tech support whether 4.0.0.41 must be installed in Windows 2000 compatibility; if it must, ask them to talk you through the process. Then, reboot (without changing Startup or your USB connections) and see if it works. If it does, then you can try restoring your Startup and USB things. It is best to do it one at a time, rebooting with each change; that way if the error message is a result of hardware or software incompatibility you will find out which piece of hardware or software is the problem.

One final point: if none of the above works, check with Direcway to find out whether there is a known hardware incompatibility with any of the non-USB hardware that is installed (sound card, modem, display card, CD-ROM, etc.).

An added final point: feel free to call Direcway (I would, if I were you) and read the above to a tech to see if she/he thinks that it might be worth trying, and you can find out about the non-USB hardware compatibility issue at the same time.

Shadow

Message Edited on 01/18/02 11:28AM by wsnyder

We are using Win2000 professional . We have done all that you suggested over and over. In fact, been doing it since Wednesday night.
The USB ends up with a ! beside it and when you check the cause - it says no drivers for this device.
The drivers are on the CD rom and I have even put them in the manuelly.
Several people tell me it is in the system registry but no one wants to go there.
Its been 48 hours now since I spoke with Directway. They should be calling any minute.

If you have been referred "upstairs" take heart. There are actually two levels: a more experienced tech and, if that does not do it, a software engineer. In my experience (since December 1995!), your problem will eventually be resolved. Apparently they pay their tech support people more than Dell does (that is not quite right: they do not farm their tech support out to the lowest bidder, so eventually they get things running - check with your final tech guy to make sure that you are not charged for the days during which you have had no use of the system; they can inform Billing of the problem).

As for the registry, it isn't that terrifying. First back up (export) your entire registry; then do a search on DirecPC, then Direcway, then Hughes. If you have uninstalled Direcway, then delete anything that refers to those items. If you screw things up, go to Safe Mode and restore (import) your saved back up.

Good luck!

Shadow

thanks.....yes I have been referred "upstairs". They told me it would be another 24-48 hrs and someone would call. I told him it had been 49 hours and I had to call you - so dont tell me that. I paid $750.00 for nothing for far and I am not happy.


But here is a problem I have found. I will try to explain it the best I can by typing.

I plugged in the USB cable
screen comes up - NO DRIVERS FOR THIS DEVICE

you have the option to update drivers - I do this -
You have the option to let the system look for them in several places -
I put a check mark in CD ROM - all the others are blank

I click next - at the top I see Satellite USB
Under that I should see a picture of the CD ROM
but I see this ( doing this from memory)

C:\drivers;inf\driver;driver\inf\driver;driver;\driver;\driver

It looks like the system is not trying to find the drivers on the CD - but from C drive.

They are probably over-loaded with Christmas purchasers. But to your problem. If I remember the new hardware wizard properly, there is an alternative box to the Search for drivers box: something that means that I will tell you exactly where to look. Then a screen comes up which in effect asks where. (Sorry that I do not remember the exact language, and I do not seem to be able to open the wizard to check) You can direct it to the CD to the Drivers folder. The OK box should become active at that point. You may be warned that the drivers are not certified (I forget whether 2K does that), but just go ahead and install.

I guess if you have not got past that point, then you have never run WebSetup so that your account has not yet been activated. Are you attempting to install a oneway (dial-up return) or a twoway (satellite return)? When I had my twoway system installed this past summer (I was using oneway before), the installer of the system made certain that everything was working properly before leaving (with the twoway system professional installation is required by law).

Shadow

The only thing I can say is that I have done it in the past in 2K with versions prior to 0.41 in the 4.0.0 series with no bad consequences. None of the drivers in any of the versions are certified by Microsoft to work properly. BUT, I have never had the error message which you cited in your first post.

Have you called the installer? While it is unlikely that it is a hardware problem, it might be, with either the receiver or the transmitter. Some of the errors which you receive suggest that 2K is not recognizing the device as a satellite receiver/transmitter device.

Shadow

I know exactly the screen you are talking about but I was scared to click OK. It says if you do your computer may shut down or become unstable. I did not want to risk that.
Do you think it would be ok to say OK?


I have a two way system and you are right I have not activated the account yet. I can not get that far. It was professionally installed and when he got everything wired and set up he left. He handed me the CD and said here you go - install this and you are good to go.

I am pretty well fed up with Direct Way tech support. They tell me there are 5 levels of tech support. If I have to go to all 5 levels it will take 10 days at least and I havent even signed on to the system yet.