Running Ascent/MAS VB on Microsoft Windows XP

The information provided is for help with Commtest Instruments products:

• Ascent®/MAS VB, vb instrument

QUESTION

Can I run Ascent/MAS VB on Microsoft Windows XP?

ANSWER

MAS VB and Ascent 7.30 or earlier will work on Windows XP; however, the current version of the InterBase database engine has some known issues with Windows XP.

While we do not officially support XP yet for MAS VB and Ascent 7.30, versions 7.40 and later have been tested on the Windows XP operating system and perform normally. Customers using Windows XP should read the following items.

For all Versions of Ascent/MAS VB

Do not use the Switch User facility on Windows XP. The Ascent/MAS VB and InterBase programs will fail when this feature is used. The only way for the software to function normally is to do a full logoff then log back in as a new (different) user. For more information on Fast User Switching read this article from Microsoft.

Keep Commtest informed of any other issues you encounter while using Ascent/MAS VB on these operating systems. Check the Commtest website for up to date information on official support for Windows XP.

For users of Ascent/MAS VB 7.30 or Earlier

The main reported problem with InterBase on Windows XP is that it can take up to 30 seconds for a connection to the database to be opened or closed. This is caused by a new facility in Windows XP (and Windows ME) called System Restore. The instructions below will re-locate your database and greatly improve system performance.

To work around the System Restore problem, save your database file (.gdb file) in a folder within your 'My Documents' folder, rather than the default location (in Program Files).

For example:

• Start Ascent/MAS VB.
• Backup your database (File>Database>Backup).
• Click the toolbar Open button then click Change to select a new database.
• Click Create to create a new database. At this point, browse to a folder within your My Documents folder and save the database there. Navigate to My Documents by clicking the drop down box at the top of the screen.
• Ascent/MAS VB will prompt you for a database backup to restore from. Ensure the newest is used. The original .gdb file will still remain in the original position for you to manage (delete or save after the change).

If you upgrade to the newer versions of Ascent/MAS VB the database remains in the original location.

FAQ ID: 11632 Last Reviewed: 21/09/2005