10. Software Lockup

Occasionally analysis software will lock (i.e. stop responding to input). It is important that these problems are handled properly in order to avoid corrupting the file systems on the computer. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE COMPUTER BE POWERED OFF WITHOUT FOLLOWING THE PROPER SHUTDOWN PROCEDURES. It is rarely necessary to power down the computer. Most problems are due to a loss of communication between the hardware and software of the system. If you experience a software problem you can attempt to correct it by following these steps until the problem is corrected. These remedies are presented in order of increasing desperation and should be attempted in this order.

1. If only one program stops responding, you may be able to continue by using the Reset Analysis routine. (Initialize Reset Analyses). Select Hard Reset and click OK. A terminal window will open up and you will be asked to confirm the hard reset. Respond affirmatively. After several minutes the offending program should disappear and the terminal window will close. You should now be able to restart the program and continue normally.

2. If the program still will not run use the System Reset routine (Initialize System Reset). A terminal window will open and you will be asked for confirmation respond affirmatively. After several minutes the offending program should disappear and the terminal window will close. You should now be able to restart the program and continue normally.

3. If it is possible close all windows on the screen except for the main menu. Under the INITIALIZE panel select the END OF MENU item. Answer YES when asked if you want to end the menu. Wait at least 60 seconds. Click on the root (background) and select EPMA MENU from the list that appears.

Eventually the menu will appear again. If you are still having problems go to the next step

4. This procedure may possibly shift the stage slightly and require that analysis points be checked and possibly reset. Therefore it should only be used as a last resort. Close the EPMA menu (Initialise End of Menu). When all the EPMA software has closed, go to the back of the console and flip down a white toggle switch marked OPER PWR. You will hear a "thunk". Wait approximately 10 seconds and turn the power back on. You should hear musical notes at this point. Wait at least one minute, Click on the root (background) and select EPMA MENU from the list that appears.

Eventually the menu will appear again. If you still can't run the software properly it is best to consult with lab personnel