Computer problems (crashes) can have a wide variety of causes. But there are
some typical symptoms:

1.) The computer freezes, the mouse pointer suddenly stops moving, etc. No
blue screen, no error messages.

-> This is usually caused by a defective memory chip, CPU or main board.
Could also be power related (see below)

2.) All other "soft" problems: Blue screens, crashes during saving, loading,
....

-> Check the system log file
You can find it under Start->Programs->Administrative Tools->Event viewer
Look for any red dots. Look for malfunction of the AIC... device (SCSI
adapter),
hard drive etc. This gives clear indication for SCSI related problems.

-> Also check for: loose connections of the SCSI chain (external ZIP, CDRW
and other devices)
Is the SCSI terminator plugged in (if no other devices are connected)?
You can buy diagnostic plugs for a few $ that help diagnose SCSI problems.
In my experience most computer problems are related to problems with SCSI.

-> Another (but rare) problem is with NT and networking. If the network does
not
respond promptly, NT sometimes hangs for 20 or 30 seconds. Just disconnect
the
network for a test and see if the problem disappears.

3.) Power related: System does not start, when you press the switch, does
not boot every time, etc

-> check the power (voltages) of the PC power supply (in and out). They have
to be within tight tolerances.

Hope this helps to get you started,

Kolja

________________________________
Kolja A. Wawrowsky
Research Associate III
Confocal Microscopy Core Facility
Cedars-Sinai Research Institute
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Davis-6065
110 George Burns Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jack Valentijn" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2001 12:38 AM
Subject: Leica TCS SP computer crashes


> Dear confocal people,
>
> About six weeks ago the computer controlling our Leica TCS SP started
> crashing randomly during data acquisition and analysis with the Leica
> Confocal Software. There is no particular sequence of events which leads
to
> these crashes, and nothing has been changed in the computer's
configuration
> which could explain the sudden instability of the system. The Leica
service
> engineer is as puzzled as we are and claims that no other comparable
system
> in Europe has similar problems.
> Has anybody out there had similar problems and found a solution for it?
Any
> suggestions will be appreciated.
>
>
> Jack A. Valentijn, PhD
> Assistant Professor & Director
> Center for Cell Imaging
> Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Histology
> Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
> University of Utrecht
> Yalelaan 2
> 3508 TD Utrecht
> The Netherlands
>
> Tel. +31 30 253 4308
> Fax +31 30 253 5862
>