Settler software nightmare

[loops]

I'm trying to find out if anyone else has had serious trouble with Settler's FieldMaster & Field-mate software.
They released Version 4 about July and has casused me untold grief. Both times while on the phone with support when I try to perform the upgrade the end result is it fried my operating system. First time it torched my millenium, cause unrepairable damage to a file system 32, which is for drivers.
They told me to upgrade to XP, cost of repairs & upgrade over $500. After 3 months of trying to get field mate to work yesterday support had me try one more time and once again fried the system 32 file, this time in XP.
They claim this has never happened to anyone else ever! Has anyone else ever had something like this happen?

[danm]

You know the feild master has given me no trouble yet. I wonder if it's the palm pilot? did you try someone elses?
The new version of agexpert is giving me some gliches on printing cash flow. I had to download new drivers & last night I was told that I would have to eventually upgrade to XP since 98 upgrades on done as of tommorow from Microsoft.
I would keep on them & keep us updated.Since FCC is backing them they have the money to figure it out.You notice you can export info to FCC now? Betcha their will be no problems with that program!
Good luck

[loops]

I spent 4 hours on phone with them, still can't fix. I wouldn't even want to know how much their screw up has cost me! Tommorrow I'm taking the shooting match directly to Settler, computer,palm etc.
In my opinion, Settler was a much better co. BEFORE Fcc bought them. I never used to have any troubles before that, and the people were really good to deal with. Now with FCC all they can do is say "I don't know" in BOTH official languages!

[wauchope]

this sounds like you have a virus

[wilagro]

danm: Good news...Microsoft has extended W98 support to July of '05 I believe.

[loops]

Sorry, but I've got the latest greatest spyware & antivirus software, nothing like that's going on.
A programmer from settler last night was sure the problem was in my data file some field maps were blank and that was the sole problem. They fixed the data file, e-mailed it back and told me problem solved and it would work for sure. IT Did'nt!!!!
Then they had me remove field-mate which cause such a sever lock-up in XP(and xp seldom, if ever crashes) that no reset procedure would work, finally had to pull the plug for 2 min. At that point i refused to try anything further because they are not to be held responsible for any damages to computer!
My trip to Settler has been delayed due to 2 hours of freezing rain, will have to wait till next week.
OH JOY!

[settler]

Without knowing the full details of this situation, its sounds like bringing your system in for AgExpert staff to look at is a good idea.

AgExpert has thousands of Field-Master and Field-Mate programs being successfully used so we know that the software works. Operating systems and hardware configurations can be very touchy as there really are no 2 system setups and total PC file configurations that are the same. Nonetheless, our job is to support the use of AgExpert software and ensure that we provide a problem resolution when problems occur. And we will continue to assist to that end in this situation as well.

Regarding corporate AgExpert, I advise that FCC's involvement has not inhibited the (previous Settler) staff's ablity to continue providing the great support we have always provided.

New versions of software and ever changing operating system sometimes challenge even the best support and product groups, but this has been an ongoing challenge to our business since beginning in 1983.

Rob Schmeichel
General Manager, AgExpert
(10 years Settler/AgExpert employee)

[loops]

Wow, I was hoping to hook something on my fishing expediton...looks like I got a big one! LOL
Which operating system do you feel it works on as I have 98, Millenium and XP?
Call back times used to be between 5-15 minutes. Now they seem to average 15-40 minutes.(except when they know I'm really pissed!)
So... inquiring minds want to know, when I bring in a fully working computer, do you guarantee it will work after the settler techs try once More. If not, I want to return the software for a full refund. I can't afford anymore repair bills due to sub-par software.
If you think I'm being harsh, go look at my file to see what i've had to put up with!(you know who I am) If I don't get satifaction very soon... you ain't seen nothing yet!

[MCSA4]

A friend of mine pointed me to this sight because of concerns raised by the comments therein. I am a certified Microsoft and Comptia technician and have been for over ten years. I would like to clarify some misleading facts that raised some unnecessary concerns.
1. Other than some very malicious viruses, software does not "fry" an operating system. In fact what eventually gets fried is the hardware. Computers are comprised of many many electrical components - power surges including sudden power outages and lightning fry a computer. In fact, small "jolts" of static (which you can't feel)can fry a component - which is why technicians must be diligent in using proper anti-static techniques.
2. Having the latest greatest spyware and anti-virus does not mean much unless used properly. When was the last time you manually ran a scan your system?
3. Upgrading to Windows XP was a good thing - money well spent. ME was the absoulte worse operating system to hit the market - I will not work on computers that have it.
4. Microsoft extended support for Windows 98 and Millenium until June 2006 ONLY to allow people more time to upgrade their systems. Do not expect them to work well with new programs using the latest technology. They are going by way of the dinosaur - so for those of you thinking that this means you don't need to upgrade, that is not true.
5. Most support desk call backs are usually hours and sometimes days depending on the complexity of the problem. If they are getting back to you in less than hour, you are extremely fortunate.
6. Seems to me like you may be having some potential hardware problems. Only proper troubleshooting techniques will get to the bottom of the problem. Get a GOOD certified technician to run proper diagnostics on your computer and palm and work with the computer to see what could be the cause. Just because someone works in a computer place does not mean they are necessarily certified in hardware - A certification is a hardware certification. Patience is the key because some problems are simply not quickly fixed.
7. NO ONE has all the answers to computer problems - different manufactures use different quality of hardware and there are some pretty sub-standard systems out there which is too bad considering the investment one makes. Hardware and software work together and if the hardware is sub-standard, the software will not perform well either.
8. You are fortunate that you are able to bring your computer in to them - very very few support desks would allow that. They would simply refund your software and you'd be on your own.

I know that computer problems can be very frustrating, but it's only by working with the technicians to solve the problem will it ever get resolved. Over the phone support means you are their eyes and it is imperative to provide a much information as you can and answer their questions are clearly as possible. If you had called me and said that this software fried your operating system, I too would have replied "I don't know".

Hopefully I have clarified some things and I would encourage you to focus your energies on helping to get your problem fixed instead of raging a war (your comment: you ain't seen nothing yet).

I hope that the computer problem is successfully resolved.

Tom Sawyer
B.A., A , Network , MCP, MCSA

[loops]

Hi Tom,
Glad to have your comments, someone with your knowledge has to be a good thing.
I did use the terms fry & torch as a very loose term to convey what happened without getting very technical. What actually happened is each time I try to install the hardware, the computer locks up and no unlock procedure I know of works.(I could get sidetracked and discuss the stability of the windows operating system but...) As a last resort, I've had to pull the plug and pray. Both times after getting computer powered up I get an error message that the system has had a major error in C:Windowssystem32 . I inverably try to have this error fixed by pro's but the end result has been the operating system must be removed and re-installed. Or quite simply fried.
As for my spyware and anti-virus, both are run autoscheduled tasks- once a week, new updates are downloaded, installed and then a FULL system scan, not just the quickie scan.
yes, I agree the upgrade was good but as I purchase a new computer every 3 years with the latest operating system, I felt it was over the top not to get at least 3 years from the latest operating system.(If millenium was THAT bad that their own techs won't service the system perhaps we should recieve an auto- upgrade?)
As for call back times- I've purchased support from them at a cost of around $200/per year including taxes. I expect good service when I'm paying for it. It's also the only software company where I have felt the need for that level of support. After 6 years you'd think I'd know how to run it.
One question on Certification, I was on the microsoft website, checking all my software. I can't find my Settler software there so I assume it either hasn't been submitted to microsoft for testing or wasn't approved for use with their operating systems. Do you know anything about this? (ps- I did also read the disclaimer there claiming that even if software is approved no one will
guarrentee it not to cause problems, it's just that I feel it's less likely to be a problem if it has been certified by microsoft)
I don't mean to brag, but when I walk into the computer store where I go, I deal directly with the owner and as for the quality it's the best he has to offer.
As for my declaring war, i'm getting the feeling of a snow job. I've relayed everything as accurate as possible but..
when I ask them about what may cause the problems with the system 32 files I was told several times that file is for drivers only and they do not install anything into that file so it can't be anything to do with their program.
I know for a fact that field master installs at least 3 files -
C:windowssytem 32comct332.ocx
qpstr32.dll
qparry32.dll
When I relize I'm being lead astray, it makes me wonder why? After all, they are trying to help me!
Anyhow I do appreciate your comments, as they caused me to go through my checklist once more.
Wish me Luck!
ps- just had to brag, just got my marks back on friday, a 2.00 grade on my computer repair and upgrade course!
It didn't make me a genius but rather prevents me from being stupid.