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Author Topic: Hardware Configuration display causes system failure  (Read 5931 times)

chandero

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Hardware Configuration display causes system failure
« on: January 14, 2010, 07:50:12 PM »

I am using AHP version 3.228 with a CM15A interface. Recently I have experienced a  few issues that are driving me nuts!
If I click on the menu item Tools .. Hardware Configuration the display screen opens and about 5 seconds later an error is thrown that shuts down the AHP. Is is the standard Win XP message box Program has encountered a problem and needs to close. The details are AppName: activehm.exe AppVer: 3.0.0.228 ModName: ahp.dll
Any ideas an how to fix. I already uninstalled and reinstalled the driver for the CM15A.

In addition, some of my modules do not obey or respond to commands. I have an appliance module (AM466) that does not respond to an ON or Off signal. If I plug it into an outlet shared by the CM15A it gets the commands. I have a 220v cross over (?) filter and this module used to work until I moved it to another outlet in the kitchen )same circuit). Any ideas on what to try?

Thank you for any help.
If I do not get these minor issues solved there may be some X10 items for sale on eBay and I am off to Ace hardware to pick up some Intermatic timers.  :-\

Bob Blaney
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Brian H

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Re: Hardware Configuration display causes system failure
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2010, 06:18:30 AM »

For the unresponsive modules.
There could be a signal problem to them.
Do you have any phase couplers or repeaters?
Have you checked for signal suckers or noise makers?
A few threads with helpful data:
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=fia4somvt646m1f9ar60hogk94&topic=7951.0
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=l2v2t8pnj3cr5fgm3ej6i3igm3&topic=19252.msg107493#new
http://jvde.us/x10_troubleshooting.htm
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Main_Page
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Geewiz

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Re: Hardware Configuration display causes system failure
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2010, 07:46:22 PM »

I am using AHP version 3.228 with a CM15A interface. Recently I have experienced a  few issues that are driving me nuts!
If I click on the menu item Tools .. Hardware Configuration the display screen opens and about 5 seconds later an error is thrown that shuts down the AHP. Is is the standard Win XP message box Program has encountered a problem and needs to close. The details are AppName: activehm.exe AppVer: 3.0.0.228 ModName: ahp.dll
Any ideas an how to fix. I already uninstalled and reinstalled the driver for the CM15A.

This could be cause by an infinite number of issues.  The first thing I would do is check other hardware drivers....ESPECIALLY video card drivers.  Make sure you have the latest.  I've seen some wierd stuff happen due to a slightly older driver.
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Tuicemen

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Re: Hardware Configuration display causes system failure
« Reply #3 on: January 15, 2010, 08:01:58 PM »

Doesn't anyone do  a search before they post?  ::) :' >*<
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chandero

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Re: Hardware Configuration display causes system failure
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2010, 07:08:15 AM »

I have searched the forum for months looking at various posts that would hopefully apply to what I am seeing. The X10 issues I ran into began about five months ago and I tried many solutions already posted. I uninstalled software, changed modules, changed house codes, tried other outlets, etc. I had never run into the program failure that all of a sudden started. So I tried a post of my own to see if others had the same issue.

Take this as constructive criticism - I have used the X10 system since 2000 in two homes. Very simple setup, turn lights off and on and drive a coffee pot. My experience on using the forums is the topics tend to be very specific to using a certain type of module to do XYZ. There are many helpful people on here including yourself.
However, most posts that offer solutions seem to say almost the same thing. "Many things can cause your problem", :try reinstalling the software", "use a CM15 instead of a CM11", etc. etc.

I have been in information technology for forty years. I design and develop computer applications and make sure they work to user specifications. If the users are not happy the software gets fixed, I do not tell them to change methods.
The AHP software is very poorly written. It does not provide very much help in diagnosis. There are no diagnosis tools available. Even as stated on the forums if you upgrade to the latest edition it has major issues that many have said cannot be solved and you need to roll back ot the prior version (I did that).
The bottom line if the X10 company just wants to sell gadgets and gizmos. They do not provide much, if any support. If there are alternatives the forum does not speak to that.

I have decided that all this is way too much trouble and can be solved by purchasing two or three digital timers. Remember, I have used X10 since 2000 and was happy for many years until recently. So... off the entire package goes to eBay and maybe someone else can use the stuff.

Thank you for all help provided. None of this is the fault of the forum posters, it all falls back to a very poorly run company.
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Tuicemen

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Re: Hardware Configuration display causes system failure
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2010, 08:53:41 AM »

chandero
Your thread s title is almost exactly the same as another stating same issue.
A post to that thread wouls have save users from posting exactly the same info.
Some of which you have already tried.

A standard windows error message most times But not always means a missing/corrupt dll or other file like a XML file.
A uninstall of programs doesn't mean windows gets rid of all information(as I'm sure you Know)
 After 10 years of use I would have thought that you wouldn't have given up so easily.
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beelocks

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Re: Hardware Configuration display causes system failure
« Reply #6 on: January 16, 2010, 12:15:55 PM »

If it was working and now it isn't, then there must be a change somewhere.
If it works when close coupled in the same outlet on the same circuit, then most likely it's a noise issue (especially if it was working before).
If software was working and now crashes then there is a change or a corruption.

Following the OP's theory, if a Windows computer suddenly crashes (for no apparent reason) it should be tossed out and replaced with a Mac or a Linus based system.

It looks very much like a software corruption to me. The AHP software does not uninstall cleanly and easily, but a thorough removal and reinstallation of AHP would possibly solve the software crashing issue.

Each and every X10 set-up will be as individual as the user. There are many issues that can affect an X10 system and without a thorough inspection I don't think anyone here can say "yes, it's definitely THAT" - A suggestion of "it could be THIS, THAT or THE OTHER" is the best you're going to get.

Diagnostic tools are available that will assist in tracking down X10 issues - a simple search will reveal them. Add the word VOLP into your search and you'll hit the best of them immediately.
Diagnostic tools for computers are also available and I would think that someone who develops computer applications (and has been in information technology) would have a better grasp than many other here on how to diagnose computer crashing issues.

My car has an engine fault light on the dashboard - should I trade it and get a new one?  rofl

However, if simple timers are all you need then it's probably not worth the effort of trying to obtain a working and reliable X10 system.

Please let us know when you have your modules on Ebay so that we can all fight over them :)
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eagle

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Re: Hardware Configuration display causes system failure
« Reply #7 on: January 16, 2010, 12:42:38 PM »

I understand your frustration chandero.  I am not going to try and dissuade you from giving up if that is what you want to do.

Most of the time, there is a logical answer to one's problem(s).  Beelocks has given some good analogies and some possibilities already.  AHP is just like any other program.  It was designed for a baseline generalized platform.  It may or may not work for you based on your setup.  Each desktop or laptop is configured differently.  Each is unique enough from the next one that it may have things in it that would prevent the program from working properly.  That coupled with your own house's unique electricals, construction, and electronics could complicate matters even more.  Yikes! 

But most everyone here has found a way to overcome those problems with the help of the experts here and the patience from and effort of those who are seeking help.

So, if you are willing to stick it out a little longer, folks here can probably guide you to that aha moment when you discover exactly what is causing issues with your setup.

BTW, you may want to look at this thread:  http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=17656.msg109458#msg109458

It has similar symptoms and a fix to what you are experiencing.

Good luck.

r,
eagle
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dave w

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Re: Hardware Configuration display causes system failure
« Reply #8 on: January 16, 2010, 03:46:40 PM »

Doesn't anyone do  a search before they post?  ::) :' >*<

 rofl

Doesn't seem like it, as all I do is repeat myself.

But I frequent Candlepower forum because I have a LED flashlight fetish. I have asked questions there only to find my question had been answered previously, I just did not do a good search.

So I keep repeating myself here.

I get more irritated at answering questions that are clearly addressed in the instructions. i.e. any of the xxxxEyes motion sensors using two sucessive unit codes.
« Last Edit: January 16, 2010, 03:55:17 PM by dave w »
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chandero

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Re: Hardware Configuration display causes system failure
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2010, 07:12:54 PM »


However, if simple timers are all you need then it's probably not worth the effort of trying to obtain a working and reliable X10 system.

Please let us know when you have your modules on Ebay so that we can all fight over them :)

I have listed the X10 controller and modules on eBay as auctions.
Please use this link to see my CM15A for sale.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250581323459&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
You can then click on See Other Items.

Maybe you need some record albums also, look around.
Thank you for all the help in the past.
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