The microfilm machine has recently been freezing during use. Updates to the computer have improved the software performance, but the machine is still freezing after about 70 images are cued up in the image tray.

The vendor has suggested that we advise researcher to save scans every dozen or so images for the time being. They are exploring if the issue might be related to insufficient RAM on the computer. Additionally, they shared, “We're checking with others to see if they have similar issues with ViewScan III and will pass along anything that they give us.”

What to do if the software freezes:

Hold down ctrl+alt+delete on the keyboard. Choose the shut down computer option.

When the computer restarts, re-open the software. You will receive a message offering recovery of the images that were in the image tray before the computer was shut down.

Ask the researcher to save the recovered images to the computer or their flash drive, and then empty the image tray before taking new cropped images.

What to do if you open the software and the screen is entirely gray static:

Shut down the computer fully.

Unplug and replug all cables connecting the machine to the computer.

Restart the computer.

Restart the machine by pressing the tip of a closed pen into the inset button on the side of the machine. Hold for five seconds. Repeat.

Reopen the software.

Overall, if the machine is not behaving as it should:

Let the Access Services Coordinator (or another Research Services department member in their absence) know.

First Troubleshooting Step

Check if any of the PC’s drivers need to be updated.

Open the Dell Command | Update application and check for updates.

Run any required updates (particularly any related to BIOS). Admin log in is required.

Restart the computer.

Second Troubleshooting Step

If this does not resolve the issue, contact the vendor.

Put Morgan

pmorgan7@sbcglobal.net