EDITING .INI File (e.g. adding COM ports for DirectSOFT)? . . . See FAQ0008 & FAQ0204
COMMUNICATION Problems? . . . See FAQ0013
INSTALLATION Problems? . . . See FAQ0016
PRINTING Problems? . . . See FAQ0018
DOCUMENTATION Problems? . . . See FAQ0040

FAQ0001 (see also DS Data FAQ0002)
06-May-2002
Q: Using both DirectSOFT Programming and DS Data simultaneously, why does my PC lock-up?
A: You are probably using a common link. Instead, create two different links.

FAQ0002
21-May-2002
Q: Can I import rung comments in DirectSOFT?
A: Yes, but only in v4.0. Earlier versions do not support this.

FAQ0003 
21-May-2002
Q: How can I prevent my rung comments from getting corrupted?
A: Upgrade to at least DirectSOFT v3.0c Build 80 (many comment issues were fixed). DirectSOFT v4.0 supports export comments. Therefore exporting comments often would provide you with a safety guard in a text format. Also, DirectSOFT v4.0 provides ability to do backups of project. Also, it is better to work with the project directly on the hard drive and not a server.

FAQ0004
21-May-2002
Q: What causes "Error, invalid path values .DTA"?
A: The .DTA files are for Data View in DirectSOFT. If you copied your project to a different folder, but you didn't copy the .DTA files as well, you will get this error.

FAQ0005 (see also ECOM FAQ0002)
28-May-2002
Q: What causes "Task code error response" with extended E353 error?
A: Error is from PLC and means "timeout in the background communications." Error is due to backplane comm problem (ECOM, DCM, etc.)

FAQ0006
28-May-2002
Q: What causes "Error filter error reading internal op codes importing TISoft to DS" error?
A: This is a bug that was fixed with DirectSOFT v3.0c Build71 + patch.

FAQ0007
29-May-2002
Q: What files are effected by a save?
A: For details, see file DSP save and load chart2.PDF. The following is a summary of the file extensions:

File --> Save Project --> to Disk (Ctrl+S):

• PRJ - Ladder program
• VD - V-memory data
• VF - V-memory editor format
• TLS - PLC parameters, I/O configuration, pause bits
• ESD - Element documentation (nickname, wiring info, description)
• ESX - Index for element documentation
• LDA - Maps rung comments to rung numbers
• LCD - Ladder comment data
• LCX - Ladder comment index
• LDO - Online only, maps rung comments to rung numbers (temporary until saved offline to LDA)
• SCD - Stage comment data
• SCX - Stage comment index
• WSP - DirectSOFT window layout
• RD - 305 R-memory data
• RF - 305 R-memory data editor format
• PRT - Print layout config
• DV - DV1000 setup
• PID - PID documentation
• INF - Project information

In DirectSOFT v5.0 there is an additional file effected:

• XML - Docking-pane screen coordinates

Write-to-Disk (Ctrl+F12) button:

• PRJ - Ladder program

In DirectSOFT v5.0 there is an additional file effected:

• XML - Docking-pane screen coordinates

FAQ0008
09-Jul-2008
Q: What things can be setup using the DS500.INI (DS300.INI / DS400.INI) file?
A: The following parameters can be added (or adjusted) in the DS500.INI (DS300.INI / DS400.INI) file.
To see how to pull up the .INI file for editing, refer to DirectSOFT FAQ0204.

• COMxEnable: Enable, disable, add or delete serial COM port resources for links.
• ModemEnable: Enable or disable serial modem resource.
• EthernetEnable: Enable or disable Ethernet resources for links.
• Autosense: Enable or disable the autosensing of links on startup. (Once links have been created, they are validated each time you start DSLaunch).
• Dump: Causes link to output serial connection debug information to a file for troubleshooting links. This feature is used in conjunction with DBWin32 logger (details given in DirectSOFT FAQ0013 under DUMP section.
• PROGRAM COLORS: Modify default program colors. The parameter numbers and colors are not defined in a user-friendly manner. Therefore this should only be used to fix a problem (e.g. see DirectSOFT FAQ0020, FAQ0043).
• UDPPortNumEnable: Enable or disable UDP port numbering parameter for links.
• PROJECT PATH: Modify default project path.
• LadderPalette: Enable or disable ladder logic palette.
• UseLargeBtns: Modify toolbar button size.
• BACKUP PATH: Modify default backup project path.
• RTSxDelay: Modify serial RTS timing control.
• OnTheWeb: Enable, disable the DSLaunch's "DirectSOFT on the Web" feature
• INFLOOPTIMEOUT: Set DirectSOFT's internal loop timeout value as a protection against infinite loops that can cause crashes. This number is the maximum number of loops allowed to do an internal operation in DirectSOFT. Under normal conditions, this number will never be reached. But in cases where there could be very large databases, this number may need to be increased to allow DirectSOFT more loops to complete a certain operation.

NOTES:
(1) - Only use this to fix a problem (e.g. DirectSOFT FAQ0020, FAQ0043). The parameter and color numbers are not defined in a user-friendly manner.
(2) - Became available with DirectSOFT v3.0c Build 54 (01-Sep-2000)
(3) - Became available with DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 18 (09-Dec-2002)
(4) - Only available in DirectSOFT v4.0. Not available in DirectSOFT v5.0.
(5) - Only modify this if you have received the "Infinite Loop Timeout" message. This parameter became available with DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 20 (27-Jun-2003).

FAQ0009
07-Jun-2002
Q: Getting CSMain.exe error when doing a Find for an element in Ladder view.
A: Upgrade to at least v3.0c Build71 +patch or v4.0.

FAQ0010
10-Jun-2002
Q: In DirectSOFT under Add Link get double listings (two COM1's, two COM2's, two Ethernets etc.).
A: One of three things has probably happened:

• Installed DirectSOFT two times under itself or . . . 
• Installed DirectSOFT v3.0c B71 patch (Devasync.DLL file) in the wrong folder (and thus has two copies of it). Should only be in the BIN folder underneath DirectSOFT folder.
• Upgrade of DirectSOFT failed or was interrupted or aborted.

The bottom line is that you have multiple copies of the Devasync.DLL and Devether.DLL files and you only need one. To fix search your hard drive and delete all copies of these two files except the ones in the DirectSOFT4\Bin or DirectSOFT32\Bin folders.

FAQ0011 (see also DS Data FAQ0053)
17-Jun-2002
Q: Trying to get USB adapter to work, getting "Comm Error - Cannot access comm port. The port may not be present or another application might be using it."
A: Make sure that there are not any other devices (like internal modems) using the COM port that the USB adapter driver is trying to use. Also, it is recommended that you upgrade DirectSOFT to at least v4.0 Build 18, or v3.0 Build 80. Or make sure you use a USB that has been approved and tested by Host Engineering for use with DirectSOFT. Also, it is recommended that you:

1. Install USB device driver first.
2. Connect the USB device secondly.

 This list is updated as we go:

• Automation Direct USB-RS232 (Win98, WinME, Win2K, WinXP).
• Belkin F5U103 USB-to-Serial adapter (Win98, WinME, WinNT, Win2K, WinXP).
• Belkin F5U105 USB-to-Serial adapter (customer using and it worked).
• Belkin F5U109 PDA adapter (Win98, WinME, WinNT, Win2K, WinXP).
• Belkin F5U409-CU (works but incompatible with Toshiba 5005 laptop).
• Keyspan USA-19QW (at least DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 16 or DirectSOFT v3.0 Build 80 required; WinXP).
• Digi AccelePort USB 2 two-port adapter (Win98, WinME).
• Xircom PGSDB9 USB-to-Serial adapter (Win98, WinME).
• Prolific (customer using on WinXP and it worked).
• Targus (DOES NOT WORK!)
• Quatech (DOES NOT WORK!)

3. Finally, your USB adapter may be wanting to use a COM port that you do not have enabled for DirectSOFT. For example, some want to use COM port #5. By default, DirectSOFT does not have this COM port enabled in the .INI file.
   
   - To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
   - To edit the COM resources in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

FAQ0012
17-Jun-2002
Q: Using Targus USB converter, WinXP, Toshiba Satellite 2405 S201, getting, "Error connecting to PLC"
A: Host has not tested the Targus USB converter and it is therefore we cannot recommend it. However, upgrading your DirectSOFT to the latest Build is always recommended because Host continuously attempts to improve communications with the wide variety of USB drivers now being sold. (see DirectSOFT FAQ0011 for list of compatible USBs).

FAQ0013 (see also DS Data FAQ0045; similar to ECOM FAQ0024; similar to EZ Ethernet FAQ0005)
18-Jun-2008
Q: Need general help on communications from PC to PLC and establishing a link.
A: First of all, always make sure you are using the latest version of DirectSOFT possible.

Secondly, if you are using an ECOM and have WinXP on your PC with a firewall (particularly with SP2), then you must do one of the following:

     (1)  Turn the firewall off, or
     (2) Create an exception for CSMAIN.EXE application (located in the BIN folder under your DirectSOFT folder), or
     (3) Create an exception for port #0x7070 (28784) for both TCP and UDP protocols, which is the port number that all of our Ethernet devices use for communication.

Thirdly, you can control which communications resources on your PC you want to let DirectSOFT use by entries in the DirectSOFT initialization file (DS500.INI):

COMMUNICATIONS RESOURCES

You must edit DirectSOFT's DS500.INI file to change communication resources.
(To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204)

There are 3 parameters that can be modified regarding communication resources:
     (1) COMxEnable - To edit this resource in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.
     (2) ModemEnable - To edit this resource in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.
     (3) EthernetEnable - To edit this resource in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

NOTE: In some extremely rare cases with DirectSOFT versions older than v4.0, to totally disable Ethernet resources you not only have to do the above, but also you may need to rename the files Devether.DLL and Protoecm.DLL to Devether.OLD and Protoecm.OLD. Don't forget to rename them back after troubleshooting!

STARTUP

1. Using the resources enabled in the .INI file, DirectSOFT's CommServer tries to find PLCs.
2. If it finds some, it creates DirectSOFT links to them.
3. If it finds none, then it comes up without creating links.
4. As it attempts to use communication resources on your PC then one of the following happens:

1. DirectSOFT comes up normally. Yay!
    
2. "Error connecting to PLC!" or "No response from PLC!"

• This means DirectSOFT found the resource on your PC OK, but it had trouble connecting to the PLC.
• Check cabling or other physical things outside the PC.
• If you are using a DL105, they tend to be a bit more sensitive to flakey cables and electrical noise. Try a new cable, especially if you can use the same setup and talk to other DL PLCs (e.g. DL205).
• On a DL305 system make sure the power supply is capable of supplying enough power for the DCU. Try external power.
• Could be Microsoft ActiveSync is using COM port.

3. "Error: cannot access comm port. The port may not be present or another app may be using it"

• This means DirectSOFT can't gain access to the COM port because something else is using it.
• Check to see if anything else is using COM port:
  
  i)    RSLogix
  ii)   PDA Software (Palm Pilot, Pocket PC, etc.)
  iii)  GPS Software
  iv)  Digital Camera Software
  v)   IR (infrared) Drivers
  vi)  Microsoft ActiveSync
  vii) Palm OS HotSync
   
• Sometimes if upgrading operating systems (e.g. Win2K to WinXP) the COM ports somehow get dysfunctional. May have to disable all COM ports in the BIOS and then reinstall the upgrade, then re-enable them in the BIOS.
• If using a USB-to-Serial converter or a USB Port Replicator, its driver may not act like a regular COM port. (DirectSOFT "thinks" it is talking to a regular COM port). If this is the case there is no immediate fix. Host Engineering periodically updates DirectSOFT attempting to compensate for these kinds of driver problems.
• If using a USB-to-Serial converter, sometimes it is very important that you load the driver first, before connecting the device itself. In fact, in some cases, if this is done in the wrong order it takes special steps to fix the problem. See the website of the manufacturer of your converter for details. See DirectSOFT FAQ0011.
• Try disabling all resources in the .INI file.

4. "Transport protocol error"

This means you are using Ethernet as a link and it timed out and is commonly due to one or more of the following issues:

• Bad cabling; check all cables to make sure they are OK. (e.g. Are they susceptible to noise due to bad shielding, etc?)
• Using wrong cable (crossover instead of straight-through, or vise versa). Make sure that the Link light is ON; this means that the cable electrical connection is good.
• The cable is running through a very electrically noisy environment.
• ECOM not seated properly. Make sure it is.
• If your PC has 2 (or more) NICs (Network Interface Cards), then make sure that you try one of these:
       - Reprioritize your NICs:
            If you have WinXP:
                 (1)  Start -->  Control Panel.
                 (2)  Double-click on the "Network Connections" icon.
                 (3)  On the menu at the top, select Advanced --> Advanced Settings...
                 (4)  On the "Adapters and Bindings" tab, in the top window, select the connection you are using.
                 (5)  Use the green arrows at the right to move this connection to the top of the list.
                 (6)  Press <OK> and close Network Connections window.
                 (7)  You may have to reboot your PC.
            If you have WinVista:
                 (1)  Start -->  Control Panel.
                 (2)  Double-click on the "Network & Sharing Center" icon.
                 (3)  At the left of this window, click on "Manage network connections"
                 (4)  Press the <ALT> key to make a menu appear at the top of this window.
                 (5)  On the menu at the top, select Advanced --> Advanced Settings...
                 (6)  On the "Adapters and Bindings" tab, in the top window, select the connection you are using.
                 (7)  Use the green arrows at the right to move this connection to the top of the list.
                 (8)  Press <OK> and close Network Connections window.
                 (9)  You may have to reboot your PC.
       - Uninstall or disable one NIC
       - Make sure that the NICs don't have common protocols enabled (i.e. IPX and TCP/IP). In other words, you might enable IPX on one NIC and TCP/IP on the other NIC, but not on both simultaneously (see DirectSOFT FAQ0183 for installing protocols).
• There are multiple LAN connections in your Network Connections. Disable all but the one you are planning on using.
• There are "Bridged" LAN connections in your Network Connections. Unbridge them by setting them simply to "Disabled."
• There are WAN connections enabled. Disable them.
• Using an H0-ECOM/ECOM100 and the PLC firmware is not up to date. Make sure it is.
• Using an H0-ECOM/ECOM100 and a D0-06LCD display but it is not up to date. Make sure the LCD has a date code of 032A or later.
• Using an H2-ECOM/ECOM100 and you have it installed in Slot 0 (the slot adjacent to the CPU). Install it in a different slot.
• Using an H4-ECOM/ECOM100 and it has bent pins on the ECOM and/or the CPU. Check for bent pins.
• The ECOM, CPU or the backplane is bad.
• Extremely busy network traffic. Isolate the network.
• Busy network or PLC sluggishness. Under the Link's Advanced Settings (Link Editor, Port Tab), try increasing the Timeout and Retry values. (e.g. Try going to a DOS command prompt window and using the "ping" command to ping the ECOM's IP address. If Ping works, note the response times. In the link's Advanced Settings (Link Editor, Port Tab), increase the Timeout value to at least 2 or 3 times that response value.)

5. "PLC is not in terminal mode!..."

• The mode switch on the PLC is in the RUN or STOP position. Switch it to the TERM position.

6. "Unable to open Online Program"

• The mode switch on the PLC is in the RUN or STOP position. Switch it to the TERM position.

7. "CSMAIN.EXE error" or DirectSOFT locks up or mouse hangs up.

• This means that DirectSOFT's CommServer has accessed a resource on your PC that has a conflict or doesn't exist.
• First try upgrading to at least DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 22. We believe we have fixed the last of these types of failures in this build! (If you have v3.0 there are some improvements in Build 80, however, it could still have some problems since we have stopped development on v3.0).
• If you have DS Data simultaneously using the same link as DirectSOFT then instead make separate links (i.e. one link for DS Data and one link for DirectSOFT).
• Try disabling all resources in the .INI file.
• Make sure TCP/IP protocol is loaded.
• If using v4.0 Build 16 or earlier, or v3.0 Build 71 or earlier, you may need to:
       (1) Upgrade to later version;
       (2) Make sure IPX protocol is loaded (see DirectSOFT FAQ0183 for installing protocols) for the NIC you are using.
• Could be Microsoft ActiveSync is using COM port.

8. "Error opening connection to Ethernet device"

• This is usually caused by having 2 (or more) NIC (Network Interface Cards). Thus try one of these:
       - Reprioritize your NICs:
            If you have WinXP:
                 (1)  Start -->  Control Panel.
                 (2)  Double-click on the "Network Connections" icon.
                 (3)  On the menu at the top, select Advanced --> Advanced Settings...
                 (4)  On the "Adapters and Bindings" tab, in the top window, select the connection you are using.
                 (5)  Use the green arrows at the right to move this connection to the top of the list.
                 (6)  Press <OK> and close Network Connections window.
                 (7)  You may have to reboot your PC.
            If you have WinVista:
                 (1)  Start -->  Control Panel.
                 (2)  Double-click on the "Network & Sharing Center" icon.
                 (3)  At the left of this window, click on "Manage network connections"
                 (4)  Press the <ALT> key to make a menu appear at the top of this window.
                 (5)  On the menu at the top, select Advanced --> Advanced Settings...
                 (6)  On the "Adapters and Bindings" tab, in the top window, select the connection you are using.
                 (7)  Use the green arrows at the right to move this connection to the top of the list.
                 (8)  Press <OK> and close Network Connections window.
                 (9)  You may have to reboot your PC.
       - Uninstall or disable one NIC
       - Make sure that the NICs don't have common protocols enabled (i.e. IPX and TCP/IP). In other words, you might enable IPX on one NIC and TCP/IP on the other NIC, but not on both simultaneously (see DirectSOFT FAQ0183 for installing protocols).

9. "Comm error reading program from PLC"

• The mode switch on the PLC is in the RUN or STOP position. Switch it to the TERM position.
• This error means that DirectSOFT received an incorrect response from the PLC, so the physical connection is probably OK; however, it is possible that the port of the PLC itself is defective.
• If you are using a USB-to-Serial converter it could be there is an incompatibility between your PC and the converter. (e.g. we know of an incompatibility between the Belkin F5U409-CU converter and the Toshiba 5005 laptop).
• Make sure you are not running two copies of DirectSOFT simultaneously (like v3.0 and v4.0). Also, along these lines, if you do install two versions, this is OK as long as they are in different folders and are not run at the same time.
• We have found that RSLogix (Allen-Bradley) software interferes with the PC's communcations over serial ports (e.g. COM1). So if doing a serial link and you get this error, it could be due to this software. Make sure that this software is not running in the background, or that it does not run in the Terminate Stay Ready (TSR) fashion.
• Increase the link's Retries and Timeout values; especially if using a modem link.
• If using a modem link, make sure that both the Compression and Error Correction are turned off.

10. "Knowledge base mismatch"

• Message means the CPU picked for the link is not supported in the installed version of DirectSOFT.

11. "Error attempting to access unlocked device"

• This is caused when trying to reconnect to a PLC in which DirectSOFT did not disconnect from previously in a clean manner. Solution is normally to either try again, or power cycle the PLC.
• To prevent this from happening in the future, either:
  - Use the PLC --> Disconnect from DirectSOFT before unplugging the cable to the PLC.
  - Close DirectSOFT before unplugging the cable to the PLC.

12. Goes offline by itself after using the link.

• The only thing that we have seen that cures this strange behavior is to uninstall DirectSOFT and then reinstall.

13. Sometimes gets a PLC password prompt; but the PLC doesn't have a password!

• This is caused by data errors in the communication. The problem is electrical noise either due to an excessively noisy environment, or a bad cable (e.g. shielding going bad).

14. "Comm error unlocking PLC"

• The first thing DirectSOFT tries to do when connecting is to unlock the PLC. This is to see if the PLC sends back a warning that there is a password. If you get this message instead of a password prompt, it means that something went amiss when DirectSOFT attempted to unlock. The PLC sent back an invalid response or didn't send a reply at all. For solutions try the things listed under "Transport protocol error" above.

15. "Support for the PLC type specified in the link is not installed"

• This simply means what it says, and is usually caused by one of the following:
  - Unknown PLC specified in the link, therefore check if the CPU specified in the link matches your hardware.
  - PLC is not supported with the version of DirectSOFT you are using.
  - DirectSOFT cannot find the knowledge base DLL. This is usually an installation problem. You may need to uninstall and reinstall making sure you are the Administrator of your PC.
  - PLC responding to link is sending an invalid identifier. This may be a PLC problem. You might try power cycling the PLC.

MODEM LINKS

Modem links must be configured manually. Here is a checklist for getting a modem connection working:

• Are you using the correct cabling?
• Are the port settings the same for the modem as they are for the PC comm port (baud, parity, data bits, etc.)?
• Make sure PC modem data compression is turned off.
• Make sure PC modem error correction is turned off.
• May need to set the modem link Retries to maximum.
• May need to set the modem link Timeout value to maximum.

USB-TO-SERIAL

These devices have drivers with them that should make them act like regular COM ports. (See DirectSOFT FAQ0011 for approved USB-to-Serial devices tested by Host Engineering). However there have been a few vendors that don't do this with their drivers. DirectSOFT "thinks" it is talking to a COM port, Ethernet NIC, or modem. It doesn't know a USB-to-serial device.

The order of installation, however, seems to be important:

1. Install USB device driver first.
2. Connect the USB device secondly.

AUTOSENSE

Once links have been created for DirectSOFT, it validates these each time you start it. You can stop this from happening by editing the .INI file and changing AutoSense:
- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit Autosense parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

DUMP (for troubleshooting SERIAL and MODEM links)

When you can't figure why things won't work exactly right, you can use this debug function with a little help from Automation Direct, or Host Engineering. This parameter is in the .INI file.
- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit Dump parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

After making this change you should start the debug window logger:

1. Start --> Programs --> DirectSOFT --> DirectSOFT Program Tools --> DBWin32 Logger
2. Start DirectSOFT.
3. DirectSOFT will ask you if you want to enable the debug mode. Answer <YES>.
4. Now DirectSOFT will dump information into the open debug window.
5. Save this data into a text file and send to Automation Direct or Host Engineering.

FAQ0014
24-Jun-2002
Q: Mouse scroll wheel doesn't work in DirectSOFT, but works in other applications.
A: The first thing to try is to update to at least DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 24. If that doesn't work then you may need to download the mouse control software for your mouse. For example, download and install Microsoft Intellipoint for Microsoft mice, and Logitech MouseMan software for Logitech mice, etc.

FAQ0015
25-Jun-2002
Q: Using DirectSOFT v3.0c Build 71 + patch; why is there no option to export program to CSV file.
A: This is not supported in v3.0c, must have v4.0.

FAQ0016
25-Aug-2009
Q: Having DirectSOFT installation problems.
A: Primary things to check before consulting the errors listed below:

1. Consult DirectSOFT FAQ0140 to make sure that Windows operating system you are using supports the version of DirectSOFT you are attempting to install.
2. If you have to log on to your PC (i.e. WinNT, Win2K, WinXP), make sure you are logged in with Administrator privileges.
3. A wide variety of problems can be solved on Win95, Win98 and WinME PCs by installing DirectSOFT in Safe Mode.

Below are various installation errors that have been encountered and their solutions.

• (1) Entered the keycode and it appears to install but it stops on the last screen. If you try to close it, it says, "Setup is not complete."
  This could be due to you trying to install DirectSOFT on a Windows system that is not supported. For example installing DirectSOFT v4.0 on Win95. On Win95 it will probably install but by default it will try to go ahead and install the CTRIO Workbench and ERM Workbench. These will sometimes not install properly because they will definitely not run on Win95. You may try the "custom" installation and then choose not to install the Workbenches. However, getting DirectSOFT to run on Win95 may be a problem as it is not guaranteed to work on this OS.
   
• (2) Entered the keycode and it unpacks, but nothing else happens; or it returns to the Showcase screen.
  This is a Windows system problem regarding InstallShield that we believe is related to your PC's Temp folder. This sometimes happens after your PC has recently crashed instead of being shutdown. Or if a previous install of a software package crashes. You might try:
  
  Making sure there are no other applications running.
  -  Close all applications, reboot your PC and try again.
  
  If this doesn't work, try deleting the files and folders under the TEMP folder (particularly any folders beginning with "pft" and ending in "~tmp":
  1.  Close all applications that are currently running.
  2.  Right-click on "My Computer" icon and pick "Properties."
  3.  Pick the "Advanced" tab.
  4.  Click the <Environment Variables...> button.
  5.  In the top window you can see the pathname of the TEMP variable. (You may have to press the <Edit> button to see the whole path).
  6.  <Cancel> out of all these windows.
  7.  Use Windows Explorer and browse to this TEMP folder.
  8.  Delete folders and files in this TEMP folder.
  9.  Reboot your PC and try install again.
  
  If this doesn't work, then:
  1.  Make sure you have the latest system updates for your version of Windows.
  2.  Reboot PC and try install again.
  
  If this doesn't work, then:
  1.  Create a temporary folder on your hard drive.
  2.  Copy the entire installation CD to this folder.
  3.  Run the install from there by browsing out to the folder and double-clicking on the SETUP.EXE.
  
  If this doesn't work, then:
  -  You may have a defective CD; contact AutomationDirect or the vendor you purchased it from and talk to a tech.
   
• (3) "There is not enough space on drive c: to extract this package. Please free up X MB and click Retry"
  This error can occur when you have plenty of hard drive space left, but just not enough space in your Temp folder left (according to its size allocation) to install. 2 suggested fixes:
  
       - Delete all or most of the files in c:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Temp folder.
       - Create a folder on the hard drive and copy then entire installation CD to that folder and run the installation from there.
   
• (4) "Error 112 - Contact software vendor"
  This error is an InstallShield error. It occurs when you do not have Administrator privileges (WinNT, Win2K, WinXP). Generally speaking it is a system problem. InstallShield website (http://www.installshield.com) lists Error 112 as a decompression problem. With regards to DirectSOFT it means for some reason the system can't open the DATA1.CAB or DATA2.CAB, etc. file(s). InstallShield website gives some suggestions on what to do to fix this conflict: (see Error112InstallErrors.MHT).
   
• (5) "Win16 modem config not compatible with Win32 modem config"
  This has occurred because you are upgrading from v2.0 to v3.0. The installation cannot automatically reconfigure the Modem Links created in v2.0. Thus, the upgrade installation outputs the old Modem Link information (phone numbers, etc.) into the MODEM.TXT file so you can use the information there to recreate your Modem Links for v3.0 manually.
   
• (6) "Ctl3d32.dll which is not the correct version. This version of ctl3d32.dll is designed only for Win32 or Win95 systems."
  If you are trying to install v4.0 Build 18 or earlier onto Win95 or WinNT, DirectSOFT's install engine puts this version of the CTL3D32.DLL file on your system. This is great if you actually have Win95 PC. However, if you have a WinNT PC this could cause a problem. This has been corrected in v4.0 Build 20 and greater. To fix this you can either download the latest Build of DirectSOFT v4.0 or replace the incorrect CTL3D32.DLL with the correct one. There are three versions of the file:
  
  CTL3D32.DLL     26 KB     5/18/1997 8:54am   (Win95 version)
  CTL3D32.DLL     44 KB     5/19-Nov98 8:01pm   (Win98 version)
  CTL3D32.DLL     27 KB     5/30/1997 10:02pm (WinNT version)
  
  If you have Win95 or Win98 this file is located in your Windows\System folder. If you have WinNT it is in WinNT\System32 folder. Whichever one you have there is the wrong one. You can download all three here, then extract them and rename and use only one of them. Only one version of this file should exist on your system, so hunt down the others using your Search and either rename them or eliminate them altogether.
  
  The above zipped file (CTL3D32.ZIP) contains 3 files:
  
  CTL3D32_95.DLL (for Win95)
  CTL3D32_98.DLL (for Win98)
  CTL3D32_NT.DLL (for WinNT)
  
  You must rename the one you use to CTL3D32.DLL.
   
• (7) "Can't run 16-bit program." with "Can't find file <pathname> or one of its components. Check to insure the path and filename and that all required libraries are available."
  With this error dialog notice there is an <Ignore> button. Try that first. If that doesn't work, notice in the "Can't find file..." message, the "Documents and Settings" path was shortened to "docume~1" but the "local settings" folder name is NOT shortened to "local~1." This is why it doesn't work. This is evidently a bug in WinNT, Win2K and WinXP, where a login is required on the PC. To fix:
  1.  Create some temporary folders (e.g. c:\temp).
  2.  Right-mouse on the "My Computer" icon.
  3.  Select "Properties."
  4.  Select "Advanced" tab.
  5.  Press the <Environment Variables> button.
  6.  Write down the TEMP and TMP variables' pathnames (if you intend on restoring them later after this procedure).
  7.  Select TEMP variable from the top list.
  8.  Press <Edit> button.
  9.  Change pathname to something very simple (e.g. c:\temp).
  10. Select TMP variable from the top list.
  11. Press <Edit> button.
  12. Change pathname to something very simple (e.g. c:\temp).
  13. Attempt to install DirectSOFT.
  14. Restore the TEMP and TMP variable settings to those you wrote down if you want to.
   
• (8) "Can't run 16-bit Windows program." with "This program or one of its components is compressed. Use the MS-DOS Expand command to copy the file from the Windows Setup disks."
  
  Here are a few of things to try:
  
  SUGGESTION #1 - This suggestion goes on the idea that your system has a problem with handling long filenames:
  1.  Copy the entire contents of the installation CD to a temporary folder (c:\temp).
  2.  Browse to the temporary folder (c:\temp).
  3.  Right-click on Setup.EXE and select "Properties."
  4.  Click on the "Compatibility" tab.
  5.  Check the "Run this program in compatibility mode for:"
  6.  From the pull-down menu select some other Windows OS than the one you are using.
  7.  Click the <OK> button.
  
  NOTE: After copying files from a CD to a hard drive sometimes the Windows OS will write-protect all the files. So, if you have trouble performing the above steps because it says the file is write-protected, then you will have to turn the "Read-only" attribute off. You do this in the same manner as above except that the setting is on the "General" tab.
  
  8.  Try to install by double-clicking on the Setup.EXE.
  
  Repeat the above steps for other Windows OS selections in the pull-down menu.
  
  SUGGESTION#2 - This suggestion, like the one above, goes on the idea that your system has a problem with handling long filenames:
  NOTE: This involves editing your registry. You may want to get your PC specialist to do this for you! You can cause unrecoverable damage by editing the wrong things in the registry!
  
  1.  Go to the registry:  Start --> Run...; then type regedit and press the <OK> button.
  2.  Go to Edit --> Find... and type in NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation to search for.
  3.  This value is usually found at:  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\FileSystem or something close to that.
  4.  The value of the above parameter (NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation) should be zero.
  5.  If it is not, double-click on the parameter and type a zero there.
  6.  Exit the registry.
  7.  Reboot your PC.
  8.  Try to install DirectSOFT.
  
  SUGGESTION #3 - This suggestion goes on the idea that the error reported is indeed accurately describing your system problem. Believe it or not this is rare in this case!:
  1.  Create a temporary folder (e.g. c:\test)
  2.  Go to DOS Command window (Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> Command Prompt).
  3.  Type in:    expand c:\windows\*.* c:\test
  4.  Press <ENTER>.
  
  This command will attempt to expand any unexpanded files from the Windows folder and copy them to the folder c:\test. After it does all the files you will get a message that will say something like:
  
        "Total increase:  261 files, 37185096 bytes expanded to 37185096 bytes, 0% increase"
  
  Regardless of what the other numbers are, if the increase is "0%" then this means that no unexpanded files exited in the folder tested. If this is the case then delete all the files in your c:\test folder and repeat the above steps for c:\windows\system and c:\windows\system32 folders. You would use the command:
  
            expand c:\windows\system\*.* c:\test
            expand c:\windows\system32\*.* c:\test
  
  If you get some other increase besides "0%" then this means that some of the files in the windows folder tested needed to be expanded. Therefore, the ones that it expanded you will need to copy from the c:\test folder back into the windows folder that you tested.
   
• (9) Error with GPID-VDD.DLL file.
  This seems to be a Win2K system error/problem. Make sure your Win2K has the latest updates. A simple work-around is to just press the <Ignore> button and DirectSOFT should install properly.
   
• (10) "Congrats you have found a new keycode!" - but can't find the DSP.LOG file.
  You probably got this message after upgrading to v4.0 Build 16. This is a known bug. It was fixed in v3.0 Build 80 and v4.0 Build 18. To get your new Product Key, you will have to contact Automation Direct or the distributor that you purchased it from and have proof of the purchase of your upgrade package. Sorry for the inconvenience!
   
• (11) "Unable to load instctr.dll" error.
     Suggested solutions:
  - You are trying to install CTRIO Workbench v2.x onto a Win95 PC. It is not compatible with Win95.
  - You are trying to install CTRIO Workbench v1.x onto a PC that has DirectSOFT v4.x. It is not compatible with that version.
  - You are trying to install CTRIO Workbench onto a Win98 PC that has a system problem. First try installing in the Safe Mode. If this doesn't work you may have to reinstall Win98.
   
• (12) ERM Workbench won't run.
  You will encounter problems if you installed ERM Workbench on Win95. It will probably install without error, but it will not run properly.
   
• (13) "Hlvdd - Hardlock virtual device cannot find /// Fast Hardlock driver error."
  "Hardlock is a software protection hardware dongle device driver. You will probably have to uninstall Hardlock; or resolve the issue with the software that utilizes it.
   
• (14) "Error occurred during move data process:-115."
  Regarding this error, the Microsoft Knowledgebase says, "The directories into which files are copied do not have Change or Modify NTFS permissions for the account under which the setup is run. Or the directories have a Read-Only attribute set." Therefore it could be:
  - Your Login permissions do not allow you access to this folder.
  - The folder and/or the files there are Write Protected.
  - Other applications are using the folders/files.
   
• (15) Trying to upgrade, but install says it doesn't see the previously installed version.
  The upgrade program first looks for the DSP3x.EXE or DSP4x.EXE file. Then it looks inside the actual .EXE file it finds for support information. If it fails either of these, it will report that it can't find the previously installed version. The only time we've seen this is when the actual downloaded upgrade program was corrupt. So, if you downloaded it, try it again.
   
• (16) "Uninstaller setup failed to initialize" and then a crash with message "InstallShield engine has encountered a problem and needs to close." (similar to DS Data FAQ0085)
  This means that InstallShield was unable to create the UnDSP.ISU uninstall log file for some reason. This error is just a warning and shouldn't interfere with completing the installation. Possible fixes:
       - Just press the <OK> button and ignore the message.
       - Make sure you have Administrator rights on your PC.
       - Uninstall and then delete all the .ISU files associated with DirectSOFT and then try again:
            Files to delete:
            1)  UnDSP.ISU
            2)  UnDSD.ISU
            3)  UnCTRIO.ISU
            4)  UnERM.ISU
   
• (17) "The Win16 SubSystem was unable to Enter Protected Mode..."
  This is an NTVDM (WinNT Virtual DOS Machine) subsystem error. Try the following link for a fix:
  http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;314106
   
• (18) "16-bit MS-DOS SubSystem error."
  This is a bug that is most of the time caused by one of the five things listed below. CAUTION: You may want to get your in-house System Administrator to do this for you! If one of these five things do not fix the problem, then please refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base Articles #324767, 314452, 305521 & 314106 for further ideas.
  
  - Your PC has a virus.
      a) Do a thorough virus scan of your PC.
  
  - Autoexec.NT file needed.
       a) Copy the AUTOEXEC.NT file from the c:\Windows\Repair folder (or Windows installation CD) into the folder listed in the error message itself (e.g. c:\Windows\System32).
  
  - Config.NT file needed:
       a) Copy the CONFIG.NT file from the c:\Windows\Repair folder (or Windows installation CD)  into the folder listed in the error message itself (e.g. c:\Windows\System32).
  
  - Corrupted registry entry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDrivers\VDD.
       a) Find the above using Regedit.
       b) On Edit menu, click Delete.
       c) On Edit menu, point to New, and then click Multistring Value.
       d) Type VDD in the Value Name box, then press <ENTER>.
       e) Exit Regedit.
  
  - Command.COM file is damaged or wrong version.
       a) Verify that the proper version of Command.COM file is installed in the Systemroot\System32 folder. Should have:
            Size: 50620
            Date: 08-23-2001
            Time: 4:00 A.M.
   
• (19) "InstallShield error" naming _INS5176._MP as a file it cannot create or find.
  We found this error to be associated with the CISSI.EXE worm virus. Once this worm was cleaned from the PC (as recommended on the Symantec website), then DirectSOFT installed normally.
   
• (20) "Setup has detected that unInstallShield is in use. Please close unInstallShield and restart setup. Error 432."
  This error occurs when InstallShield tries to delete UNINST.EXE from the Windows folder so that it can install the latest version. One or more of the following should fix the problem.
  - Make sure you have Administrator rights.
  - Make sure no other applications (including anti-virus software), installations or processes are running in the background.
  - Verify that there are not more than one instances of InstallShield running by looking on the Processes Tab of the Task Manager. The process is called _INS5576._MP.
  - Verify that there are no instances of IsUninst.EXE running by looking in the Processes Tab of the Task Manager. The process is called IsUninst.EXE.
  - Delete all instances of the file IsUninst.EXE in the Windows folder (c:\Windows or c:\WINNT).
  - Copy the entire contents of the installation CD to a local folder and run the installation from there.
   
• (21) "Error -5009:0x8002801D... Contact software vendor..."
  This error is a Windows system error coming from InstallShield. It means "Library not registered" and may occur when you do not have Administrator privileges (WinNT, Win2K, WinXP). If Admin rights is not the issue, then the offending file named in the error message may need to be manually registered. If so, you may want to contact your IT personnel for help in doing so. Basically you can try going to the Start --> Run... and entering:
  
   regsvr32 <filename>
   
• (22) "Error -5009: 0x8002802B..."
  This is an InstallShield error. To fix, rename the following folder:
  
  c:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Professional\RunTime
  
  ...to something like:
  
  c:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Professional\RunTimeOLD
  
  ...and retry the install. If this works, then it is OK to delete the RunTimeOLD folder altogether.
   
• (23) "Error -5006: 0x80004005..."
  This is an InstallShield error. To fix:
  - Goto Start --> Control Panel --> Add or Remove Programs --> Add New Programs --> CD or Floppy.
  - Browse to the installation CD and run the setup file.

FAQ0017
22-Oct-2007
Q: Why are there instructions listed in the DirectSOFT Help file that do not show any support for the DL CPUs? (e.g. COS, ACOS, ATAN).
A: Because Koyo (the maker of the DL PLCs) sells a larger PLC with a superset of the instructions listed for the AutomationDirect PLCs and DirectSOFT supports those CPUs as well. But these PLCs are sold to a very specific market in Japan and are not available otherwise.

FAQ0018
29-Jan-2010
Q: Trying to print from DirectSOFT and having various problems.
A: Various printing issues are listed below:

• (1) Sometimes when I come back to the printer options my "Use default" printer is no longer selected and the <OK> button is greyed.
  This was a bug in v3.0c Build 71 (or less) and v4.0 Build 16 (or less) for mainly Win2K PCs. To fix upgrade to a later version. A temporary work-around:
  1.  Deselect "Use default" and select printer.
  2.  Do not reselect "Use default" and it will always use that printer.
   
• (2) Is it possible to get a printout of what is displayed in the Documentation Editor?
  Yes; use Export Documentation and then print the resultant file.
   
• (3) Cannot print to a network printer.
  This is a known bug in earlier versions. Must upgrade to at least v3.0c Build 80 or v4.0 Build 18. Even though it was fixed in v4.0 Build 18, it was not reported in the ReadMe_P.HTM file until v4.0 Build 20.
   
• (4) Cross Reference printout shows counters that are not even available for the PLC I am using (e.g. CTA200 is shown when my PLC's range is only CT0-177).
  You program probably contains documentation items that are not in your PLC's range (e.g. a cut/paste from a DL450 program to a DL130 program). Thus, documentation can exist in ranges that are invalid for that PLC. Also, the selection of what documentation to print has nothing to do with the validity of the program. The bottom line is this is actually a feature, not a bug.
   
• (5) Is it possible to print out Cross Reference (Xref) on the Ladders printout?
  No, not yet. But we are considering putting this feature in later versions of DirectSOFT. Perhaps v5.0?
   
• (6) Get "Can't read from memory..." when trying to print
  Sometimes the print layout file gets corrupted for various reasons. So the first thing to try is to delete the PRNTSERV.RST located in the folder c:\DirectSOFT4\Program\Bin.
   
• (7) When I do a Print Preview get "DSP4x.EXE" error and "Unable to save workspace. Disk is write protected or file is read-only!"
  This is caused by the Project files (mainly the .PRN and .WSP files) being write-protected. If you copied the project from another PC, a write-protected disk or a CD-ROM this can occur. To fix:
  1.  Close DirectSOFT.
  2.  Use Windows Explorer and browse to the location of your project.
  3.  Click on the first file of the project.
  4.  Hold the <Shift> key down and click on the last file of the project. (This will select the full range of your project files).
  5.  Right-mouse click on the group and select Properties.
  6.  Under Attributes, uncheck the Read-Only box.
  7.  Click Apply, or OK button.
   
• (8) Using "compressed" print and some of the Ladders lines are missing.
  Normally when you use compressed printing there is a loss of data in the printout. However, make sure that you are using the latest printer driver on your PC and Windows operating system.
   
• (9) When I try to print it appears to lockup.
  This is usually caused by an outdated print driver. Make sure you have the latest driver for your printer. (You can usually browse to your printer's manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers from there). Also, you might want to test it using Print Preview in DirectSOFT because DirectSOFT uses the same printer driver when generating the graphics for the Print Preview. Of course, if it works, then there might be something wrong with your printer, or the port.
   
• (10) Get "File Write Error" when trying to print
  Sometimes the printer configuration file gets corrupted for various reasons. So the first thing to try is go to your project's folder and delete your <ProjectName>.PRT file.

FAQ0019
28-May-2002
Q: Importing CSV file causes DirectSOFT to crash.
A: We work very hard to keep all reported crashes from happening. If a crash happens with an import, the first thing to do is to upgrade to the latest Build for your version. So far this has fixed every case to date.

FAQ0020
28-May-2002
Q: Pressing the Default button for color options (View, Color Setup) does not restore the colors to their defaults.
A: This is a bug in v3.0c Build71 (or less), v4.0 Build16 (or less). To fix, upgrade to later versions. Temporary workaround is to:

1. Either set the colors manually back to the defaults in DirectSOFT (View, Color Setup) using the color matrix buttons:
   
   ATTRIBUTE NAME COLOR (right, down)
   Normal Background 1,1
   Uncompiled Background 2,3
   Unsaved to Disk Background 1,4
   Unsaved to PLC Background 3,2
   Disabled Background 3,3
   Selected Background 2,1
   Status Background 3,1
   Status Foreground 4,1
   Comment 6,4
   Description 6,2
   Wiring Info 4,5
   Nickname 5,1
   Element 6,5
   Token 6,5
    
2. Or, you must set the colors back manually in the .INI file as shown below.
   - To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
   - To edit the PROGRAM COLORS parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.
   
   [PROGRAM COLORS]
   0=0
   1=0
   2=0
   3=128
   4=8388736
   5=8421504
   6=8453888
   7=8421376
   8=16512
   9=16711680
   10=16777215
   11=65408
   12=12632256
   13=8454143
   14=16711680
   15=16776960
   16=12582912
   17=16777088
   18=0
   19=0
   20=0
   21=0
   22=0
   23=0
   24=0

FAQ0021
03-Jun-2002
Q: Help file is hard to use.
A: Host is continuing to update and improve the help file, but the manual is always up-to-date.

FAQ0022
15-Nov-2002
Q: Having trouble connecting to Port 1 of DL250. Port 2 works fine.
A: Port 1 is K-seq protocol only. Next, make sure the link properties are 9600 bps, 8 data bits, odd parity. Also don't rule out the possibility that the port on the DL250 could be bad, or that the cable is bad.

FAQ0023
12-Nov-2007
Q: Why are stages shown out of numerical sequence in Stage View?
A: The order is determined by a very complex algorithm and cannot be changed. However, we are considering options for future DirectSOFT releases.

FAQ0024
09-Dec-2002
Q: Need to scroll through the program that advances the screen to the next stage. Currently have to scroll down until it is found.
A: Should use Stage View. This allows one to navigate through Stages easily.

FAQ0025
19-Nov-2007
Q: How can I copy the links from one DirectSOFT installation to another?
A: The links in DirectSOFT are stored in the CommServ.RST file located in the Bin folder located under DirectSOFT. All you have to do is copy this file.

FAQ0026
15-Jan-2003
Q: What is the earliest version of DirectSOFT that supports Exporting Documentation?
A: DirectSOFT Programming v3.0.

FAQ0027
16-Jan-2003
Q: When you enable the Dump function in the DS500.INI file, where does it place the dump file?
A: After editing this parameter in the DS500.INI file you must start the Dbwin32.EXE program. Then in that window you can save the dump to any filename you like.
- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit the Dump parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

FAQ0028
17-Jan-2003
Q: Can DirectSOFT program an SA-21 (0.5K-words version of D3-330P)?
A: Yes.

FAQ0029
17-Jan-2003
Q: Saving or opening a project gets an error. "Couldn't open new database. Reopened failed." But can still get program to come up.
A: Check the Projects Path in the DS500.INI file and make sure it is pointing to a folder that you have access to.
- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit the PROJECT PATH parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

FAQ0030
21-Jan-2003
Q: What is the meaning of all the files in a project?
A: See DSP save and load chart2.pdf document.
Summary:

CSV - Comma separated variable
CWB - Counter I/O configuration
DTA - Data view
DV - DV1000 setup
ERM - Ethernet remote master config
ESD - Element documentation (nickname, wiring info, description)
ESX - Index for element documentation
INF - Project information
LCD - Ladder comment data
LCX - Ladder comment index
LDA - Maps rung comments to rung #'s
LDO - Online only, maps rung comments to rung #'s (temporarily until saved offline to LDA file)
PID - PID documentation
PRJ - Ladder program
PRT - Print layout config
RD - 305 R-memory data
RF - 305 R-memory data editor format
SCD - Stage comments
SCX - Index for stage comments
TLS - PLC parameters, I/O configuration, pause bits
TXT - Text file
VD - V-memory data
VF - V-memory editor format
WSP - DirectSOFT window layout

In DirectSOFT v5.0 there is an additional file in the project:

XML - Docking-pane screen coordinates

FAQ0031
21-Jan-2003
Q: Is the 330S in DirectSOFT the same as a 330P?
A: Yes.

FAQ0032
21-Jan-2003
Q: Can source code of DirectSOFT be obtained?
A: The source code of DirectSOFT is not for sale.

FAQ0033
21-Jan-2003
Q: Does Host customize DirectSOFT for customers?
A: Customizing DirectSOFT is not something Host has the resources to devote to at this time (January 2003).

FAQ0034
24-Jan-2003
Q: Why do the messages in DirectSOFT come up in German?
A: You have Siemens Step7 software installed on your PC. First try renaming the MFC42LOC.DLL file to *.OLD and reboot. If that doesn't work you may have to uninstall both Step7 and DirectSOFT and then just reinstall DirectSOFT.

FAQ0035
10-Sept-2002
Q: Are there any plans to have Ladders view wrap around instead of scrolling?
A: Host Engineering does not have any plans to change the scrolling Ladders to a wrap-around view.

FAQ0036
10-Dec-2007
Q: What version of firmware in the DL-PLC is required for DirectSOFT v5.x IBoxes to function?
A: IBoxes are supported only in DL05, DL06, DL250-1, DL260 & DL450 CPUs:

FAQ0037 (similar to FAQ0013; see also DS Data FAQ0046)
03-Feb-2003
Q: First time starting DirectSOFT v4.0, crashes and gets CSMain.exe error.
A: The first thing to check is to make sure that IPX protocol is loaded for the NIC that is installed (see DirectSOFT FAQ0183 for installing protocols). Part of this problem was remedied in v4.0 Build 18 so upgrading may very well fix the problem. ReadMe_P.htm file says: "3. CommServer -- Fixed CommServer crash when IPX not installed -- we hope!" However, we know there are still some other issues centered around IPX protocol that we are currently debugging.

FAQ0038
16-Jul-2002
Q: Does DirectSOFT support USB converters that work, not as COM devices, but rather show up as an Ethernet device?
A: No. The type of USBs that DirectSOFT supports are those that show up as COM devices. Ethernet-to-USB will not work because in order to talk to Ethernet, DirectSOFT assumes that you have an ECOM. Thus if you make an Ethernet link, DirectSOFT wants to talk to an ECOM not a serial device. Thus when the Ethernet-to-USB converter converts the Ethernet signals to USB, then the serial device will not understand the ECOM protocol. See DirectSOFT FAQ0011 for compatible USBs.

FAQ0039
04-Feb-2002
Q: Will DirectSOFT export a Ladder file to Tisoft .VPU format?
A: No.

FAQ0040
18-Jun-2008
Q: Having various problems with documentation files (comments, etc.); can this be fixed?
A: There are known problems that can occur when documentation files get corrupted. When corruption has occurred it can cause quite a variety of unpredictable symptoms. Some of the more common:

• Documentation files (ESD, LCD, LDA, SCD) are huge!
• Strange looking characters.
• DirectSOFT locks up.
• Strange behavior when editing documentation (e.g. change one thing and two things change)
• Won't accept comment entries.
• Partial or incorrect printouts.
• Partial or incorrect documentation export file (.CSV or .TXT).
• "DSP4x.EXE - Application Error"
• "Error opening documentation"
• "Can't paste - We are sorry for the inconvenience"
• "Buffer overrun detected! C:\DirectSoft\Bin\esmain.exe"
• "Infinite Loop Timeout. Documentation Database may be corrupted. Or you may want to increase Infinite Loop Timeout setting." - This message is most likely caused by database corruption, but you could get it if you have an unusually large documentation database. To change the "Infinite Loop Timeout" setting you must edit the DSx00.INI file (see FAQ0008 & FAQ0204).

Corruption can happen over time due to system/software crashes, power loss, etc. To facilitate recovery, Host strongly recommends that you utilize the Backup Project feature (which originated in v4.0) to help minimize any rework. In times past some of these documentation corruptions have caused DirectSOFT to crash. Crashing behavior in all known cases to date have been remedied in later Builds of DirectSOFT. Therefore the first thing to do is to upgrade to the latest version. 

If the documentation is corrupt, sometimes it can be salvaged. There are 3 file critical to documentation:

ESX - This file is the database Index for the Element Documentation.
LCX - This file is the database Index for the Ladder Comments.
SCX - This file is the database Index for the Stage Comments.

If these files don't exist, don't worry, DirectSOFT will create them, building backward from the documentation files themselves:

ESD - This file is the database for Element Documentation.
LCD - This file is the database for Ladder Comments.
LDA - Maps Ladder Comments to Rung Numbers.
SCD - This file is the database for Stage Comments.

First, backup the project (if possible). Or print out the documentation. In DirectSOFT v4.0 there is a new Backup feature that allows you to create backups of your projects that are time stamped.

ELEMENT DOCUMENTATION ERRORS

1. Try Deleting the ESX file.
2. Open DirectSOFT and pull up the project.
3. Export the Documentation to TXT or CSV file.
4. Edit the TXT or CSV file and correct any mistakes.
5. Save the TXT or CSV file.
6. Import the documentation from the new TXT or CSV file, choosing the “Delete Existing” option.
7. Save the new project.

NOTE: If this doesn't work, you may have to repeat it, deleting not only the ESX file again, but also deleting the ESD file between Step 3 and Step 4 as well.

LADDERS COMMENT ERRORS

NOTE: If Ladders Comments are corrupted in DirectSOFT v3.0 there is no solution! To prevent the loss of Ladders Documentation in DirectSOFT v3.0 you should print it out often.

1. Delete the LCX file.
2. Open DirectSOFT and pull up the project.
3. Export the Program to TXT or CSV file, choosing the “All” option.
4. Edit the TXT or CSV file and correct any mistakes.
5. Save the TXT or CSV file.
6. Import the Program from the new TXT or CSV file, choosing the “Delete Existing” option.
7. Save the new project. 

NOTE: If this doesn't work, you may have to repeat it, deleting not just the LCX file again, but also deleting the LDA, LCD and LDO files between Step 3 and Step 4 as well.

STAGE COMMENT ERRORS

NOTE: If Stage Comments are corrupted in DirectSOFT v3.0 there is no solution! To prevent the loss of Ladders Documentation in DirectSOFT v3.0 you should print it out often.

1. Delete the SCX file.
2. Open DirectSOFT and pull up the project.
3. Export the Program to TXT or CSV file, choosing the “All” option.
4. Edit the TXT or CSV file and correct any mistakes.
5. Save the TXT or CSV file.
6. Import the Program from the new TXT or CSV file, choosing the “Delete Existing” option.
7. Save the new project. 

NOTE: If this doesn't work, you may have to repeat it, deleting not only the SCX file again, but also the SCD file between Step 3 and Step 4 as well.

FAQ0041 (see also ECOM FAQ0010)
04-Feb-2003
Q: Is it possible to run 2 NICs on 1 PC to 2 separate ECOMs?
A: Yes. But the only way Host has seen this work is if one NIC has IPX-only protocol loaded (and not TCP/IP), and the other NIC has TCP/IP-only protocol loaded (and not IPX). DirectSOFT has no other way to choose between which NIC to use. see DirectSOFT FAQ0183 for installing protocols.

FAQ0042
07-Jul-2002
Q: Used the "Save As..." function and lost documentation!
A: This was a known bug. If you used "Save As..." and then used the same filename for the project documentation would inadvertently get deleted! This was fixed in DirectSOFT v3.0 Build 62. However, the newer Build 71 and Build 71 patch reintroduced the bug because the code (contained in prgrm30.dll) that gets replaced is actually old Build 59 code (3.0.059). Problem completely eradicated in v3.0c Build 80 and any version of v4.0.

FAQ0043
19-Jun-2002
Q: Is there a color setup for monochrome monitors?
A: Monochrome color selection button (View --> Color options...) has been added to v4.0 Build 18. For earlier versions you: 

1. Either set the colors manually in DirectSOFT (View, Color Setup) using the color matrix buttons:
   
   ATTRIBUTE NAME COLOR (right, down)
   Normal Background 1,1
   Uncompiled Background 3,3
   Unsaved to Disk Background 3,3
   Unsaved to PLC Background 3,3
   Disabled Background 3,3
   Selected Background 4,5
   Status Background 6,5
   Status Foreground 1,1
   Comment 6,5
   Description 6,5
   Wiring Info 6,5
   Nickname 6,5
   Element 6,5
   Token 6,5
   
   
2. Or, set the colors manually in the .INI file as shown below.
   - To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
   - To edit the PROGRAM COLORS parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.
   
   [PROGRAM COLORS]
   0=0
   1=0
   2=0
   3=0
   4=0
   5=0
   6=8453888
   7=0
   8=16512
   9=16711680
   10=16777215
   11=12632256
   12=12632256
   13=12632256
   14=8421504
   15=0
   16=16777215
   17=12632256
   18=0
   19=0
   20=0
   21=0
   22=0
   23=0
   24=0

FAQ0044
04-Feb-2003
Q: Using DirectSOFT v2.0 Build 23, trying to communicate to DL250, get "Unknown PLC type" and then "Attempted access of unlocked device."
A: Support was added for the DL250 to DirectSOFT v2.1. Since this is no longer available, you should upgrade all the way to at least v2.4a. It's free and can be downloaded from Host website. See DirectSOFT FAQ0059 for a table showing which versions of DirectSOFT support which DL CPU.

FAQ0045
20-Dec-2007
Q: In the DL06, when Aliases are turned ON, why does the RX/WX instruction show V1200 as CTA200, but the LD instruction doesn't?
A: This has to do with the fundamental function of the addressing parameter of RX/WX instruction versus the LD instruction. The RX/WX parameter is the remote PLC's address, whereas the parameter of the LD instruction is the local PLC's address. Thus, with Aliases turned ON we chose to use the Aliases of the "biggest" DL-PLC that Automation Direct sells (DL450) for the naming of the RX/WX parameter. Examples:

In DL06 with Alias turned OFF:
     LD     V1200          ; No Alias names are displayed for any instruction.
     RX     V1200          ; No Alias names are displayed for any instruction.

In DL06 with Alias turned ON:
     LD     V1200          ; Not displayed as CTA200 because in DL06 counters only go to CTA177.
     RX     CTA200       ; The Alias for DL450's V1200 is used. DL450's counters go up to CTA377.

If, however, you use a smaller V-memory location in the DL06 we get:

In DL06 with Alias turned OFF:
     LD     V1177          ; No Alias names are displayed for any instruction.
     RX     V1177          ; No Alias names are displayed for any instruction.

In DL06 with Alias turned ON:
     LD     CTA177       ; V1177 = CTA177 in DL06.
     RX     CTA177       ; V1177 = CTA177 in DL450 as well.

To turn Aliasing ON or OFF:
     (1)  From DirectSOFT menu:  View --> Options...
     (2)  Select the Global tab.
     (3)  Check or Uncheck "Display Aliases".
     (4)  Press <OK>.

FAQ0046
04-Feb-2003
Q: Can you create an Ethernet link offline?
A: Yes.

For DS Launch:

1. Right-click on Comm Links.
2. Select "Add link..."
3. When the Link Wizard comes up, press the <Link Editor...> button.

If inside DirectSOFT:

1. Choose PLC --> Connect.
2. Press the <Add...> button.
3. When the Link Wizard comes up, press the <Link Editor...> button.

FAQ0047
04-Jan-2008
Q: When configuring a serial link using DirectSOFT, what does the "Radio Link" selection on the Port tab do?
A: This was added in DirectSOFT v4 Build 23 (25-May-2004) so that DirectSOFT could assert the DTR line for the CR-HN series radio modems Automation Direct sells.

FAQ0048 (see also ECOM FAQ0042; DL Plus FAQ0009; DNLoader FAQ0010; DSData FAQ0005; EZ Ethernet FAQ0008; HA-TADP FAQ0002; Lookout Direct FAQ0014; NetEdit FAQ0005; SDK FAQ0020)
31-Jan-2008
Q: Why doesn't the ECOM use subnet mask or gateway address like the ECOM100?
A: Since the ECOM doesn't do "master"-type communications, it doesn't use the subnet mask or gateway address. Whatever talks to the ECOM will be using IPX or UDP/IP, and the ECOM simply swaps the destination and source addresses in the telegram and responds in this way, not "caring" about the subnet or gateway. However, the ECOM100 acts more like a conventional TCP/IP device. The ECOM100 has the capability to be a master and has a full-blown TCP stack inside. Thus, if it is to transmit to an IP address not on its subnet, it will, of course, transmit to its configured gateway address instead.

FAQ0049
09-Feb-2003
Q: How do I upgrade to the latest version of DirectSOFT?
A: If you have DirectSOFT v4.0, or earlier versions, then you will have to order the upgrade from Automation Direct:

Automation Direct
3505 Hutchinson Road
Cumming, GA 30040
800-633-0405
http://www.automationdirect.com

If you already have DirectSOFT v5, then you can download maintenance upgrades by:

1. Go to http://www.hosteng.com . 
2. In the left column, under “Products” click “Software.” 
3. Click on “DirectSOFT” 
4. On the menu at the top, click on “Service Pack.”  

FAQ0050
19-Nov-2002
Q: Can I copy contacts from one rung to another?
A: This feature is not in the current versions of DirectSOFT (v3.0 Build 80; v4.0 Build 18) and there are no plans to add this to these versions. However, this feature will be included in v5.0 of DirectSOFT (no date as to release). Also, to get around this issue now, it is possible to Export the Program to a text file, then use the copy and paste of your favorite text editor to copy contacts from rung to rung. Then use the Import Program to get them back into DirectSOFT project.

FAQ0051
28-Aug-2002
Q: It would be nice to have the optional lines already added to the DS400.INI (or DS300.INI, DS500.INI) file, yet commented out, so one doesn't have to try to remember what to type in, or what heading to put them under, especially since these are not always documented.
A: Added the following to DS400.INI (& DS500.INI) file in DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 18 (to activate them, you simply remove the ";"):

[Comm Server]
;AutoSense=0 (To turn OFF autosensing of Comm Links during Comm Server startup.)

[devasync.dll]
;Dump=1 (To enable a dump of Serial Port debugging information.)

[devether.dll]
;UDPPortNumEnable=1 (To enable display of the UDP Port Number.)

- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit the above parameters in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

FAQ0052
10-Dec-2002
Q: Can I open the same project with two instances of DirectSOFT on two different PCs?
A: No. If you do, then unpredictable results can happen. (e.g. comment files can be corrupted!). DirectSOFT doesn't comprehend other instances of itself wanting to use the same project file. It is only one client per project at a time. However, we are considering putting a mult-client feature in v5.0.

FAQ0053
12-Feb-2003
Q: Does DirectSOFT have problems opening up projects that are read-only?
A: Yes. DirectSOFT needs to open up the files as read/write.

FAQ0054
13-Dec-2002
Q: There is no information in the v4.0 Build 16 help file regarding the setup of the second comm port of the DL06 or the DL260.
A: This was added to Build 18. Read_Me.htm file says, "29. Setup Secondary Comm Port Dialogs now show correct Help files based on PLC type."

FAQ0055
12-Feb-2003
Q: How can I change the default project folder that DirectSOFT uses?
A: You must edit the PATH parameter in DirectSOFT's DS500.INI file. After changing this parameter, then when you use "Save" or "Save As..." or "Open," etc., this will be the default folder.

- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit the PATH parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

FAQ0056
18-Feb-2003
Q: If customer has an OEM-created DirectSOFT v2.0, can he update to v2.4 from website?
A: Yes.

FAQ0057
18-Feb-2003
Q: When trying to download and make diskettes for DirectSOFT v2.4a from website, get "Not enough space on disk."
A: You must first download the file on the website to your hard drive, then execute it (double-click), then choose "Make disks" from menu.

FAQ0058
19-Feb-2003
Q: What is the difference between the Demo version of DirectSOFT and the regular version?
A: Depending on which version of DirectSOFT demo you are talking about:

The DirectSOFT v3.x and v4.x DEMO version:

1. Can view any size Ladder program.
2. Can Save Online / Monitor Status on a 10 Ladder-word program (maximum) in the PLC.
3. Can Monitor Status on a maximum of 4 items in Data View.
4. Can have 4 Data Views maximum.
5. Can have only 1 Comm Link active at a time.
6. Can have only 1 Ladder (Stage, Mnemonic, XRef/Usage) View open at a time.
7. Cannot Save to Disk.
8. Displays a "Nag Dialog" encouraging customers to purchase the full version.
9. Cannot use the DRUM instruction that is available in some CPUs (because of the 10-word maximum of #1 above).

The DirectSOFT5 DEMO version (called DS100):

1. Cannot view any Ladder logic Online or open a Project with Ladder logic larger than 100 Ladder-words.
2. Can Save Online / Monitor Status on a 100 Ladder-word program (maximum) in the PLC.
3. If you create a Ladder logic program larger than 100 words, it will allow you to save it to disk, but you cannot re-open this project (see #1 above).

FAQ0059
07-Jan-2009
Q: Trying to load a project but getting "DirectSOFT recognizes the document <filename> but features or support level is not installed."
A: This error usually means one of the following two things:

• You are using a version of DirectSOFT to try to read a project file that was written for a PLC that is not supported in your version. (e.g. if the project was for a DL260 in v4.0 and you tried to use v2.4 to read it). See table below:

(1)  Partially compatible. The restriction is that the 250-1 local expansion I/O cannot be seen in DirectSOFT.

• Your project is corrupt to the point that DirectSOFT cannot read the PLC Type field in the project header - If this is the case you might try using File --> Export --> Program... and then closing DirectSOFT, reopening, and then using File --> Import --> Program... to see if the corruption gets cleared up.

FAQ0060
04-Mar-2003
Q: Can I use the RTS/CTS Flow Control setting in the Link Wizard to talk from DirectSOFT to DL PLC?
A: No. The reason is that the PLC port does not listen to its CTS line for incoming data. It only uses the Flow Control RTS/CTS lines when it wants to send data. So, if you choose RTS/CTS Flow Control in DirectSOFT, then when DirectSOFT wants to talk to the PLC, it will set the RTS line, which, if wired correctly, would tell the PLC it wants to send data. However, because the PLC is not listening to that line, it would never send DirectSOFT the CTS, so DirectSOFT would time out.

This begs the question, "Why is the Flow Control option selectable in DirectSOFT?" The answer is that if you used a Serial Link to say, COM1, and had an external modem, for example, the modem would be listening to the RTS line and would respond properly. But the PLC port does not function in this manner.

This also begs the question, "Why is Flow Control configurable on the PLC Port?" The answer is that it was specifically designed for sending data to the F2-UNICON and FA-ISONET devices.

FAQ0061
28-Feb-2003
Q: While a Ladders program is pulled up, can I switch to a different CPU?
A: Yes. Use PLC --> Disconnect; move the communication cable (if necessary); then use PLC --> Connect. However, keep in mind that a program has a CPU type associated with it. This is very necessary for programming due to the different ranges of the PLCs as well as their different functions. (You can display what CPU type is associated with the program by using File --> Properties). For example, there are many more functions available for a DL06 than there are for a DL240.

FAQ0062
06-Mar-2003
Q: After making a link to TI335 using an Automation Direct DCU, it is seen as a "stage CPU" and repeatedly gets "Knowledge base mismatch - cannot connect" error.
A: This is a known problem with a TI335. Here are some things to try:

• Power up the TI335 in Program Mode.
• Make sure dipswitch #6 is set to ON.
• Check Hex/ASCII mode setting in the link.
• A DCU is not really necessary. Instead you can connect directly with a cable.

FAQ0063 (see also ECOM FAQ0013)
06-Mar-2003
Q: Connecting to DL PLC with ECOM and getting "????" as the CPU type; or just getting communications errors.
A: Check the following:

• If using H4-ECOM, check for bent pins on ECOM or CPU; or possible bad ECOM, CPU or base.
• If using H2-ECOM make sure ECOM is not in slot 0.
• If using H2-ECOM and DL260, you must have at least DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 18 for the "????" to not be displayed.
• If using H2-ECOM and DL250-1 and DirectSOFT v3.0, must have at least Build 80 for the "????" to not be displayed.
• If using H0-ECOM make sure the PLC firmware is up-to-date.
• If using H0-ECOM and a D0-06LCD, make sure it has a date code of 032A or later.

FAQ0064
04-Feb-2008
Q: How can I disable/enable the "DirectSOFT on the Web" feature in DSLaunch?
A:  By default, the "DirectSOFT on the Web" feature is enabled in DSLaunch.

• To DISABLE:  Right-click on the "DirectSOFT on the Web" icon in DSLaunch and select "Hide".
• To ENABLE:  You must edit the DS500.INI file (for editing this file see DirectSOFT FAQ0204), and set the OnTheWeb parameter back to 1:
  
  [DSLaunch]
  OnTheWeb=1

FAQ0065 (similar to DS Data FAQ0009; see also DS Data FAQ0034; ECOM FAQ0014)
07-Mar-2003
Q: How can I speed up the data throughput of my ECOM?
A: Consider the following:

1. Give the ECOM an isolated network if possible, as network traffic can effect data through-put.
2. ECOMs do at least 1 comm cycle of approximately 128 bytes per PLC scan, but in faster CPUs (e.g. DL260, DL05, DL06) it can do as many as 3. So using a faster PLC CPU will help. 
3. Since the ECOM comm cycle is PLC scan dependent, then anything you can do to make the PLC scan faster will help. 
4. Make sure no other applications or devices are talking to the same PLC via the same ECOM or serial port (e.g. like having DirectSOFT doing status while DS Data is running, or PLC doing/responding to RX/WX from other PLC). There is only so much bandwidth between the serial port/ECOM and the CPU itself.

FAQ0066 (see also ECOM FAQ0016; DS Data FAQ0089)
20-Mar-2008
Q: How can I make a link with DirectSOFT (or DS Data) to a single ECOM/ECOM100 or multiple ECOMs/ECOM100s over the Internet?
A: There are a number of ways to accomplish this due to the versatile ways in which Internet connectivity is established.

Method #1 (Direct Connect): Requires the remote ECOM/ECOM100(s) to have a registered Internet IP address.
Method #2 (Indirect Connect): Requires access to the remote gateway/router which must be configured to translate TCP port #s.
Method #3 (ISP VPN): Requires the ISP (Internet Service Provider) set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Method #4 (VPN Software): Requires the use of some form of VPN software (e.g. PC Anywhere, LogMeIn, etc.).

NOTE: Host Engineering, Inc has a single ECOM on the Internet that you can practice with. Its IP Address is 12.69.41.166.

Method #1 (Direct Connect)

Multiple ECOM/ECOM100 Instructions: In this method if connecting to multiple ECOM/ECOM100s, it is assumed that each ECOM/ECOM100 has its own registered Internet IP address and therefore to connect to each of them only requires that you make separate links to each one.

DirectSOFT Link Configuration to connect to PLC1:
     1.  Build link in DirectSOFT.
          a.  On PLC tab select:
                    PLC Family - Direct LOGIC 205 Series
                    PLC Type - 250

          b.  On the Port tab select:
                    Devices - Ethernet
                    Transport - Winsock
                    Transport Protocol - UDP/IP
                    Node Address - IP Address 12.69.41.166 (Registered Internet IP Address of Host's ECOM)
                    Advanced Settings - Timeout (Increase?)
 
               NOTE: To determine how much the "Timeout" setting should be increased:
                               1.  Go to the DOS Command Prompt (Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> Command Prompt)
                               2.  Type in:    ping 12.69.41.166
                               3.  Make note of the "Maximum" time as listed and increase this number by at least 50%.
                               4.  Enter this number as the "Timeout" setting.

                    UDP Port Number (if it is displayed) - 28,784 (this is the default; must always be this number)

          c.  On the Protocol tab select:
                    Protocols - ECOM

          d.  Click <Auto>. Should beep for success.

          e.  Enter a name for the link and click <Accept>.

Method #2 (Indirect Connect)

Multiple ECOM/ECOM100 Instructions: In this method if connecting to multiple ECOM/ECOM100s, they are assumed to be located behind the gateway/router on an internal network with internal IP addresses assigned to them. Therefore, the DirectSOFT (or DS Data) links to each of them must use the same IP address of the gateway/router (because from the Internet, that is all it can see). Thus, the only way to differentiate between the multiple ECOM/ECOM100s on the other side of the gateway is by DirectSOFT (or DS Data) using different TCP port #s for each. In order to accomplish this 2 things must be done: (1) DirectSOFT (or DS Data) must have this feature turned ON by editing the .INI file, and (2) the remote gateway/router must be configured to translate the TCP port #s to different IP addresses behind its firewall.

DirectSOFT Link Configuration to connect to PLC4:
     1.  Edit .INI file and set UDPPortNumEnable=1
          - To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
          - To edit the UDPPortNumEnable parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

     2.  Build link in DirectSOFT.
          a.  On PLC tab select:
                    PLC Family - Direct LOGIC 205 Series
                    PLC Type - 250

          b.  On the Port tab select:
                    Devices - Ethernet
                    Transport - Winsock
                    Transport Protocol - UDP/IP
                    Node Address - IP Address 12.69.41.166 (Registered Internet IP Address of Gateway/Router)
                    Advanced Settings - Timeout (Increase?)
 
               NOTE: To determine how much the "Timeout" setting should be increased:
                               1.  Go to the DOS Command Prompt (Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> Command Prompt
                               2.  Type in:    ping 12.69.41.166
                               3.  Make note of the "Maximum" time as listed and increase this number by at least 50%.
                               4.  Enter this number as the "Timeout" setting.

                    UDP Port Number - 28,787 (can be any free configurable Port # on your particular Gateway/Router)

          c.  On the Protocol tab select:
                    Protocols - ECOM

          d.  Click <Auto>. Should beep for success.

          e.  Enter a name for the link and click <Accept>.

Gateway Configuration Table:

PLC	DirectSOFT Link Node Address (Gateway)	DirectSOFT Link Port #	Nontranslated ECOM Node Address	ECOM Port # (cannot be changed)
PLC1	12.69.41.166	28,784 (0x7070)	192.168.20.1	28,784 (0x7070)
PLC2	12.69.41.166	28,285 (0x7071)	192.168.20.2	28,784 (0x7070)
PLC3	12.69.41.166	28,786 (0x7072)	192.168.20.3	28,784 (0x7070)
PLC4	12.69.41.166	28,787 (0x7073)	192.168.20.4	28,784 (0x7070)

Method #3 (ISP VPN)

This method requires that you work with your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and have them set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for you so you can connect to the remote network where the ECOM/ECOM100s are located. There are quite a variety of ways in which your ISP can do this for you. Some may require you use their own software to do it. But in most cases once the VPN is established, the connection to the ECOM/ECOM100s on the remote network is exactly like Method #1 (Direct Connect) above.

Multiple ECOM/ECOM100 Instructions: Once VPN connection is established it is assumed that each ECOM/ECOM100 has its own IP address on the remote network and therefore to connect to each of them only requires that you make separate links to each one.

Method #4 (VPN Software)

This method requires the use of some form of VPN software (e.g. PC Anywhere, LogMeIn, etc.). The ECOM/ECOM100 cannot be accessed directly with this method but instead the VPN software allows you to control a PC (with DirectSOFT (or DS Data) installed) at the remote site that is on the same  network as the ECOM/ECOM100s. Thus, after the connection using the VPN software is established, the connection to the ECOM/ECOM100s on the remote network is exactly like Method #1 (Direct Connect) above.

Multiple ECOM/ECOM100 Instructions: Once VPN connection is established it is assumed that each ECOM/ECOM100 has its own IP address on the remote network and therefore to connect to each of them only requires that you make separate links to each one.

FAQ0067 (see also ECOM100 FAQ0059)
22-Sep-2009
Q: When using the IBox ECEMAIL (IB-711), getting various error codes:
A:  These error codes are defined in the description of SMTP protocol called RFC 821. Here are some of the specific codes we have seen and their solutions. Otherwise, you can download RFC 821 here, or download this PDF with some sample solutions, or look up the error codes on the Internet to find other solutions:

• Error Code 550 - This reply means "Requested actions not taken, mailbox unavailable" This response can be caused by quite a few situations (see the PDF file above). However one of the most common is that the PLC date that is being read by the ECEMAIL (IB-711) IBox, is set to a date/time that is too old for your e-mail server's SPAM filter. In other words, the date in the PLC is too early (usually by several years) than the current date, and thus the SPAM filter rejects it outright as SPAM.
   
• Error Code 554 - This reply means "Message does not conform to standards." The most common cause of this is if you are using MDaemon v9.5.2 and have earlier ECOM100 firmware. The problem is caused by a combination of the ECOM100 leaving the DATE field empty and the default settings of MDaemon v9.5.2 requiring that this field have a legitimate date entered. Following is the behavior of later versions of ECOM100 firmware to fix this problem:
  
  These versions provide a fixed DATE field of 01/01/2000 00:00:00 (i.e. January 1, 2000, 0hrs 0mins 0secs). Some e-mail servers may interpret this DATE as 12/31/1999 00:00:00 (i.e. December 31, 1999, 0hrs 0min 0secs):
       H0-ECOM100     v4.0.167 thru 4.0.173
       H2-ECOM100     v4.0.1237 thru 4.0.1299
       H4-ECOM100     v4.0.1237 thru 4.0.1299
  
  These version provide the PLC date setting in the DATE field:
       H0-ECOM100     v4.0.210 (or later)
       H2-ECOM100     v4.0.1397 (or later)
       H4-ECOM100     v4.0.1397 (or later)
   
• Error Code 573 - This is not a legal reply code.
       "5yz" means "Permanent negative completion reply"
       "x7z" has no meaning at all (i.e. an illegal response from your mail server)
       "xy3" has no meaning either since the "7" has no meaning.
  
       Thus only the manual (or the source code) of your e-mail sever could tell you the meaning behind a "573" response.

FAQ0068
04-Jun-2002
Q: There is nothing in the manual nor the help file that indicates the maximum size of the documentation fields.
A: DirectSOFT v4.0 software has this added to the help file:

1. Click the Help button.
2. Click the Index button.
3. On the Index tab, type, "Import Documentation"
4. Click the Display button.
5. Click on the "CSV File Format" hotlink.

Here you will see that the size of the documentation fields are listed as:

• Element type and ID:  valid element name, based on specific PLC.
• Nicknames:  0-16 characters
• Wiring Info:  0-16 characters
• Description:  0-144 characters

Automation Direct is currently adding this information to the manual.

FAQ0069
07-Jun-2002
Q: Import Documentation rejects using a Nickname of "S0".
A: That is true. S0 is a valid Element Name and means "Stage Bit 0." Therefore it is not possible to assign a valid Element Name as a Nickname.

FAQ0070
07-Jun-2002
Q: Import Documentation imports Nickname "UB" as "-----".
A: That is true. "UB" is a valide Nickname and means "Unassigned Bit." This is a type of unassigned Nicknames that DirectSOFT will allow you to create. This means that you can have Nicknames that do not have corresponding Elements assigned to them. Normally in the Documentation Editor, these show up as "-----" under the Element Type. When these are Exported, however, instead of getting the "-----" in the text file, you will see things like "UB" or "UW."

These have certain meanings based on the following list. If generating documentation outside of DirectSOFT (like in an Excel CSV file), use these types based on the following list. They will show up in your Documentation Editor with "-----" under the Element Type:

• UB - Unassigned Bit
• UBY - Unassigned Byte (useful only for R-memory in DL305)
• UW - Unassigned Word
• UDW - Unassigned Double-Word (nothing yet is a double-word natively in any DL PLC)
• UU - Unassigned Unknown (used for uninitialized types, should never be used)

In summary, DirectSOFT exemplifies the following behavior:

1. The Export of Unassigned Nicknames show up in the resultant text file as the above types.
2. The Import of the above Element Types, will show up in the DirectSOFT Documentation Editor with "-----" under the Element Type column.

FAQ0071
12-Jun-2002
Q: The PID View window doesn't show Autotune.
A: This is a known display bug with DirectSOFT v4.0 in Builds less than Build 20. You can either download the latest Build or simply resize the PID View window and Autotune will appear.

FAQ0072
25-Jun-2002
Q: I have two copies of the DS400.INI file, one in the Windows directory and one under the DirectSOFT4 folder. Which one do I modify if I want to change the startup characteristics of DirectSOFT?
A: The one in your Windows directory is the one utilized by DirectSOFT. This extra copy of the DS400.INI file has been removed from later versions of DirectSOFT. However, the easiest thing to do to make sure you are modifying the correct one is to edit the .INI file from the Windows Start menu (see DirectSOFT FAQ0204).

FAQ0073 (see also DS Data FAQ0092)
10-Nov-2008
Q: How can I change the number of COM ports that DirectSOFT / DS Data makes available for me to use?
A: By default older versions of DirectSOFT and DS Data had COM1, COM2, COM3 and COM4 ports available by default. However, due to the fact that most PCs these days only have COM1 and COM2, DirectSOFT and DS Data have been changed so that COM3 and COM4 are now disabled by default. This change was made for DirectSOFT and DS Data v4.0 Build 18. However, it is possible to enable and disable PC COM ports up to COM199. In order to change your COM port configuration you must edit DirectSOFT's DS500.INI file:

- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit the COMxEnable parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

FAQ0074
06-Feb-2008
Q: Is it possible to turn OFF the automatic tracking of the Ladders cursor by XRef in DirectSOFT5?
A: This tracking feature was added to DirectSOFT v5.0, but the ability to turn this tracking OFF/ON wasn't added until DirectSOFT v5.1. To turn this feature OFF (or back ON) in DirectSOFT v5.1 or later, there are 2 ways:

• In the XRef window itself, there is a button that looks like this: . Pressing this button IN or OUT switches the tracking ON/OFF.
• In the View --> Options... menu, under the XRef tab, there is a selection "Follow Ladder Cursor" that you can check or uncheck that turns the tracking ON/OFF. Remember, when making selections here, to pay attention to the top line of "Apply options to:" where you have to check "All Open Views" and/or "New Views".

FAQ0075
25-Jun-2002
Q: Where can I get the DBWin32 program for helping troubleshoot DirectSOFT links while the Dump feature is turned on?
A: This program is now installed with all versions of DirectSOFT v4.0 or later. However, if you don't have it, it can be downloaded here: http://www.hosteng.com/SW-Products/SP_Demo_Utilites.htm#Utilities

FAQ0076
18-Jul-2002
Q: Accessing the help in DirectSOFT and received the error: "Cannot find the Progrun.hlp file. Do you want to try to find this file yourself?"
A: This is a known bug in DirectSOFT v4.0 in Builds less than (<) Build 20. As far as we know it only occurs in the following manner:

1. Click the Help button.
2. Click the Contents button.
3. Select "Document a project."
4. Select "Assign Nicknames."
5. Select "Export/Import - Adding unassigned nicknames to element documentation."

To fix you can use the following work-around or simply download the latest Build.

1. Click the Help button.
2. Click the Index button.
3. Type "Import Documentation."
4. Click the Display button.
5. Select "Import/Export - Adding unassigned nicknames to element documentation."

FAQ0077
24-Jul-2002
Q: At the PLC Password prompt, the mouse cursor remains an hourglass and I am unable to click on the OK button.
A: This is a known bug in DirectSOFT.  This was fixed in DirectSOFT v3.0 Build 80 and v4.0 Build 18, so upgrading to at least these builds is advised. A work-around is simply to press the <ENTER> key on the keyboard.

FAQ0078
06-Feb-2008
Q: Get "Unrecognized Tagname" error when Kepware imports Element Documentation.
A: This can be caused by a bug in DirectSOFT v5.0 and v5.1. It was fixed in DirectSOFT v5.2. Basically, if the XRef has never been opened for your project, then the XRef database will never be up-to-date with the program. Solutions:

• Upgrade your DirectSOFT to at least v5.2
• Open the XRef view (View --> Cross Reference View) before doing the Export --> Element Documentation in the KEPDirect Server Format.

FAQ0079
06-Aug-2002
Q: When Merging two programs how are duplicate Nicknames and Element Types handled?
A: When you invoke the Merge function, DirectSOFT asks you which program should be given authority in such cases as duplicates.

FAQ0080
06-Aug-2002
Q: Trying to open or import a project and get error "PLC type is not supported by any installed knowledge base," or "Unknown file format unable to import program," or "Can't load knowledge base."
A: You can get these errors for about four reasons. Below are the ways and possible solutions:

• You were attempting to open a project file and the project was written for a CPU that is not supported in your version of DirectSOFT. Therefore make sure your version supports the CPU that the project you are attempting to open was written for.
• You were attempting to open a project file and DirectSOFT cannot read the CPU type from the file. This is usually fatal in that the project you are trying to open is corrupt. Unless you have a backup copy of this file, it is probably lost! Backup! Backup! Backup!
• You were attempting to import a Series One Plus program, but the DirectSOFT you are using is v3.0 Build 58. This was a known bug in this Build. To fix, simply download the free upgrade from our website.
• You were attempting to import a Series One program (NOT SUPPORTED) instead of a Series One PLUS (i.e. CPU 105, 106). DirectSOFT does not support the Series Ones; only the Series One Pluses. A possible solution here is:
  (a)  Open the ladder program with the GE LogicMaster Programming software.
  (b)  Change the CPU type to 105 or 106.
  (c)  Resave the file. Since the difference between Series One and Series One Plus is memory, this shouldn't alter the program.
  (d)  Try the Import function again in DirectSOFT.

FAQ0081 (see also DSData FAQ0016)
13-Feb-2008
Q: Upon starting DSData or DirectSOFT, get "Critical error 1004 invalid INI file."
A: The "INI file" is a reference pointing to the initialization file for DSData and DirectSOFT (i.e. DS400.INI or DS500.INI files). This error means one of two things (See 1. & 2. below):

1. Can't find the .INI file.

• To make sure it can find the file use Start --> Run and type in "DS400.INI" (or "DS500.INI")
  
  
  
  Press the <OK> button. This should pull up the .INI file in a default text editor (e.g. NotePad). If you get an error here then first try reboot the PC and try again. If it still doesn't work uninstall DSData (or DirectSOFT) and reinstall.

2. The .INI file is invalid.

• Pull up the .INI file using Start --> Run and type in "DS400.INI" (or "DS500.INI")
  
  
  
  Press the <OK> button. Look for "strange" or missing lines in the file. If there are any, it is best to delete the file entirely and then uninstall DSData (or DirectSOFT) and reinstall. You could try to edit it yourself and eliminate the problems in the file, but this would be at your own risk.

If none of the above works use the Search function on your PC and find all occurrences of the .INI file; delete them; uninstall DSData (or DirectSOFT) and reinstall.

NOTE: On a Win2K Server, the .INI file must be in the Administrator's WinNT folder.

FAQ0082
28-Mar-2002
Q: Attempting Open/Close Project and get "DSP4x.exe" error and "Unable to save workspace. Disk is write protected or file is read-only!" error.
A: This is caused by the project files (mainly the .PRN and .WSP files) being write-protected. If you copied the project from another computer, a write-protected disk or possibly a CD-ROM this can occur. To fix:

1. Close DirectSOFT.
2. Use Windows Explorer and browse to the location of your project.
3. Click on the first file of the project.
4. Hold the <Shift> key down and click on the last file of the project. (This will select the full range of your project files.)
5. Right-mouse click on the group and select Properties.
6. Under Attributes, uncheck the Read-Only box.
7. Click Apply, or OK button.

FAQ0083
21-Oct-2002
Q: Using Win2K PC with DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 18. If I create a Data View and save it to my server (e.g. mapped drive K:\), then reopen it, make a change, and try to save it again, I get "Access to K:\<pathname> was denied" error.
A: This is a know problem with MFC/Win2K. This means there is a bug with MFC (Microsoft Foundation Classes) Win2K. MFC is a large library of C++ classes developed by Microsoft. For Windows-based applications written in C++, MFC provides an enormous head start. One of the hardest parts of developing C++ programs (like DirectSOFT) is designing a logical hierarchy of classes. With MFC, this work has already been done. MFC is bundled with the C++ compiler that Host uses to write DirectSOFT. Thus this "toolkit" though extremely useful, is not perfect. In this case the problem is with this "toolkit" and not with DirectSOFT.

To work around: Instead of using "Save" . . . use "Save As..."

FAQ0084
01-Apr-2003
Q: Can the colors of the PID graph be changed?
A: No.

FAQ0085
01-Apr-2003
Q: After upgrading from v3.0 to v4.0, is it OK to delete the v3.0 Projects folder?
A: Yes, but it is important to insure that you have copied your old v3.0 projects (that you want to keep) to your v4.0 projects folder. This can be done manually if need be. However, the upgrade process will ask you if you want to do this, and it will do it for you. It simply does a blind copy of the old v3.0 projects folder to the v4.0 projects folder. Thus no files are lost (e.g. documentation). All documentation is therefore kept with your project.

FAQ0086 (see also CTRIO FAQ0025; ERM FAQ0015)
02-Apr-2003
Q: In DirectSOFT (PLC --> Tools) there are listings for CTRIO Workbench and ERM Workbench that I don't need. How do I get rid of them?
A: We believe this could be caused by using Windows Uninstall instead of the Workbenches' uninstalls; or perhaps storing these software packages underneath non-default folders. Regardless, these menu options are setup in the Windows Registry. To remove them manually it is required that changes be made directly to the Registry. This is not recommended for the normal user! And on some PC's the Administrator does not permit it. However, if you dare:

1. From the desktop, Start --> Run...
2. Type in regedit and press the <OK> button.
3. Open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder.
4. Open SOFTWARE folder.
5. Open Host Engineering, Inc. folder.
6. Click on the HAPTools folder.

Now in the right window you will see five string values:

• (Default)    REG_SZ    (value not set)
• a                REG_SZ    CTRIO Workbench 2;;CTRIO configuration utility;;C:\HAPTools\CTRIOwb2.EXE
• b                REG_SZ    ERM Workbench;;Ethernet Remote Master Workbench configuration utility;;C:\HAPTools\ERMWB.EXE
• InstallList    REG_SZ    ab
• NextInstall  REG_SZ    c

To remove them completely right-click on a, b, InstallList and NextInstall one at a time and delete them. The only string value that should remain is (Default).

If you are plagued by multiple menu selections, then just make the registry entries look exactly like the above.

FAQ0087 (see also CTRIO FAQ0026; ERM FAQ0016)
02-Apr-2003
Q: Just selecting PLC --> Tools inside DirectSOFT causes my PC to lock up.
A: We have found this to sometimes happen in versions earlier than v4.0 Build 18, when you have installed CTRIO Workbench and/or ERM Workbench under a different folder other than from c:\HAPTools. To fix:

1. Uninstall CTRIO Workbench & ERM Workbench (Start --> Programs --> AutomationDirect Tools --> Uninstall).
2. Reinstall CTRIO Workbench & ERM Workbench with the default folder (c:\HAPTools). To do this run the DirectSOFT install, but select the <Custom> install button and uncheck everything except CTRIO Workbench & ERM Workbench. In other words, you probably don't need (or want) to reinstall DirectSOFT, but merely the Workbenches.

FAQ0088 (see also DS Data FAQ0042)
10-Apr-2003
Q: What is DBWin32 application?
A: It is a debugging tool used to troubleshoot and log vital information for applications like DS Data and DirectSOFT Programming.

With DS Data it can be utilized in two ways:

• FOR LOGGING ITEMS: After starting DS Data, DBWin32 can be invoked by pressing the "Launch Logger" button and is commonly used to record data for particular Items that you may want to log. By clicking on the empty box beside the particular Item you are interested in and causing an "L" to appear, the transactions for that Item will be recorded in the DBWin32 window. Then the file can be saved for review later.
• FOR TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS: More detailed troubleshooting information can be obtained, however, closing down DS Data, then editing the .INI file and enabling the Dump parameter:
  - To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
  - To edit the Dump parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.
  
  After enabling the Dump parameter, start DBWin32 (Start --> Programs --> DirectSOFT --> DirectSOFT Program Tools --> DBWin32 Logger). Lastly start DS Data. Now the window will fill with messages. You can then save this data to a text file and send it to Automation Direct or Host Engineering for help in troubleshooting.

With DirectSOFT Programming it can be utilized for troubleshooting only. Follow the same procedure as above except, of course, start DirectSOFT Programming instead of DS Data. When you start the applications (e.g. DS Data, DirectSOFT Programming) you may be asked if you are sure you want to dump information in the logger. Just answer "Yes."

FAQ0089
15-Aug-2002
Q: My original DirectSOFT was PC-PGM-105. Will installing the v4.0 Upgrade gain me the ability to program the new DL06?
A:  No. The PC-PGM-105 allows you to only program the DL05 and the DL105, and upgrading to v4.0 will not buy you the ability to program a new DL06. To get DL06 programmability you must purchase at least the PC-PGM-BRICK package.

FAQ0090
15-Aug-2002
Q: Why does my DL06 link show up as a 250(-1) in DirectSOFT?
A:  Earlier versions of the DL06 had DL250-1 firmware. Upgrading the DL06 firmware will solve this. Firmware and firmware upgrade tools can be downloaded from the Automation Direct website: http://support.automationdirect.com/firmware/index.html. If that link doesn't work:

1. Go to http://www.automationdirect.com.
2. Click on Tech Support.
3. Select "Software/Firware Downloads" from the pull-down menu.
4. Select Firmware.

Now you can download the Koyo support tool for upgrading the DL PLCs, as well as the specific DL06 firmware file.

FAQ0091 (see also DS Data FAQ0047)
16-Aug-2002
Q: I have DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 16, and in DS Launch, all the versions show as v4.0.016 except for one; DSData.exe shows up as v4.0.012.
A:  This is a bug in v4.0 Build 16. To fix, upgrade to at least v4.0 Build 18.

FAQ0092
19-Aug-2002
Q: When I tried to delete an unused link in DS Launch I get a CSMAIN.EXE error.
A:  This is probably caused by a corrupt COMMSERV.RST file. This is the file that stores all the links. Unfortunately there is no way to repair this file. Therefore the only solution is the delete it and re-create all your links again. It is stored in the c:\directsoft4\bin folder.

FAQ0093
19-Aug-2002
Q: How can I tell if I have v3.0 Build 71 patch installed?
A:  Follow these instructions:

1. In DS Launch, double-click on Versions (this will pull up the Versions Browser).
2. Select "DirectSOFT32 - Communications Server" under "Applications."
3. Select "Async Device Handler" under "Modules."

The version of DEVASYNC.DLL should be v3.0.073.

FAQ0094
19-Aug-2002
Q: Purchased PC-PGM-305 software. If I go to PLC --> Diagnostics --> Scan Time, why is the Setup button grayed out?
A:  This function is only supported in some CPUs (e.g. DL405). None of the DL305s support this function.

FAQ0095
18-Mar-2008
Q: Why does the FILTER (IB-422) and FILTERB (IB-402) Filtered Value never seem to reach the Raw Data value?
A: This is due to the math of FILTER (BCD) and FILTERB (Binary) being integer math (no fractions) and the fact that the filter equation is:

New = Old + ((Raw - Old) / FD)

   where:

      New is New Filtered Value
      Old is Old Filtered Value
      Raw is Raw Data
      FD is the Filter Divisor

Thus, if the Raw Data value remains unchanged for a long period of time, this inaccuracy in using integer math causes the Filtered Value to stop short of the Raw Data value by 1/2 of the Filter Divisor (due to our use of rounding) as can be seen in the above formula. For example, if you have a Raw Data value that swings between 0 and 4095, but you have a Filter Divisor of 20, and the Raw Data value remains unchanged for a long period of time at the value of 4095, then the Filtered Value will only reach a value of 4085. Likewise, at the low end, if Raw Data remained at zero (0), then Filtered Value would only reach 10.

This effect can be lessened by the use of Real (Floating Point) math. In other words, one could convert the Raw Data and Filtered Values from BCD (or Binary) to Real; do the math and then convert them back to BCD (or Binary). Of course to do this you could no longer use FILTER (IB-422) and FILTERB (IB-402) IBoxes. Mnemonically, the program for a filter using Real numbers might look like this:

STRN        T0
TMRF       T0 K100               ; Fast Timer0 is used with a setting of 1 second

STR           T0                         ; Calculation is done every second.
LDR          V2010                   ; V2010 is the Raw Data to be filtered
SUBR       V2000                   ; V2000 is the Filtered Value 
DIVR        R20                       ; In this example, FD is equal to 20.
ADDR      V2000
OUTD      V2000

We have plans of making another IBox that would filter using Real (perhaps called FILTERR) in a future release of DirectSOFT5.

FAQ0096  
07-Nov-2008
Q: Even after uninstalling DirectSOFT, I still have the InstallShield Update Manager / Software Updates program on my PC. How can I remove it?
A: DirectSOFT uses InstallShield to install itself on your PC. As an added bonus, InstallShield installs an Update Manager / Software Update program in order to keep you informed of updates made to DirectSOFT. Since many other programs in the market use InstallShield to install themselves on your PC, uninstalling DirectSOFT does not uninstall this Update Manager / Software Update tool. If you are confident that no other programs on your PC use this update tool, then you can uninstall it by downloading the following .ZIP file, unzipping it to its .EXE file and doubleclick on it to run it. Then just follow the instructions. This uninstall program was taken from InstallShield's website here: http://consumerdocs.installshield.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=Q111006&sliceId=1

ZIP file: SoftwareManagerUninstall.ZIP

FAQ0097
05-Sep-2002
Q: On WinME my DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 16 Backup failed and some of the original documentation files are missing!
A:  This is caused by having trailing spaces in your project file name (e.g. ProjectName<space>.prj instead of ProjectName.prj) and the fact that WinME was being used. WinME is particularly affected by this because it cannot create directories (which DirectSOFT v4.0 Backup attempts to do) with a trailing space in the name. Other OSs (e.g. WinXP, Win2K) do not have this problem. But if you have a ProjectName that has a trailing space in it and you are using WinME, your original documentation files can be corrupted or deleted if a Backup is attempted! This problem is remedied in DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 18 or greater. We fixed this by adding a trailing $ to any ProjectName with a trailing space. To upgrade go here: http://www.hosteng.com/SW-Products/DirectSOFT32/DirectSOFT32.htm#Service.

FAQ0098
09-Dec-2008
Q: Working with DirectSOFT and get "DSP5x - The parameter is incorrect"?
A: This error message is not from DirectSOFT but rather from the install & update service that DirectSOFT used. This service used to be called InstallShield, but then Macrovision and currently Acresso. Searching their knowledgebase for this error, here are some things that have helped others resolve this:

• Make sure DirectSOFT is not installed on a network drive, or that you are using DirectSOFT to open projects on network drives.
• Make sure there are not too many characters in the pathname. In other words, don't install DirectSOFT too deep in the folder structure.
• Simplify the pathname where DirectSOFT is installed, avoiding special characters like extra periods within the file and folder names.
• Make sure there are no other applications associated with the file types (file extensions) that DirectSOFT projects use.
• As a last resort, you may have to reload the WinXP SP2 operating system. It seems to be related to user profiles.

FAQ0099
15-May-2003
Q: Is there a version of DirectSOFT that will run on a MAC PC?
A: No, and Host Engineering has no plans of creating one in the future. However, you might try a PC Emulator for the MAC PC. It is possible that this could work, however, we can offer no support if it doesn't.

FAQ0100
21-May-2003
Q: Under View --> Options, Ladders tab, deselected 3D Tokens, but if the project is closed, DirectSOFT doesn't remember the setting.
A: To get DirectSOFT to remember the settings you must check the "New Views" under the "Apply options to:" parameter:

FAQ0101
27-May-2003
Q: Is DirectSOFT available in German?
A: No. Koyo makes DirectSOFT available in Japanese, but no other foreign language is supported at this time.

FAQ0102
09-Sep-2002
Q: What is the minimum requirement for PC to run DirectSOFT?
A: None. The general rule is that if it runs Windows, then DirectSOFT should work on it. But performance is another issue. We recommend:

Operating System: Win98, WinME, WinNT, Win2K or WinXP
CPU: Pentium III Class / 500MHz or greater
RAM: 64Mbytes
HardDisk: 20MBytes
PLC Connectivity: RS-232 serial port, USB port with USB-to-Serial adapter, 10Base-T or 10-100 Ethernet NIC

This is the recommended system configuration for what we consider to be a good performing PC with DirectSOFT. As with any Windows application, a faster processor, more RAM, etc. will definitely improve the performance. While you can definitely run DirectSOFT on PCs with less capability, you run the risk of resource bottlenecks that can cause serious performance problems and in some cases, even system crashes. Fast CPUs and RAM are cheap, engineering time and system downtime aren't, plan accordingly!

FAQ0103
11-Sep-2002
Q: Is it possible to convert a TI305 program to DL340 program?
A: Yes.

1. Import the VPU file (TI305 program). File --> Import --> Program...
2. Select Tisoft (*.vpu) as the Files of type:
3. Click on VPU file and click the Open button.
4. Change the PLC to DL340. PLC --> Offline Setup...
5. Select the PLC Type as 340 and press the OK button.

FAQ0104
09-Dec-2008
Q: Can DirectSOFT be used across a network with projects stored on a remote server (i.e. a network drive)?
A: DirectSOFT is not designed to work this way since it has to have dynamic access to the files. If the files are not local, then access to them could temporarily (or permanently) disappear and DirectSOFT will not be able to access them on-the-fly. So, the best way to do this is:

1. Install DirectSOFT on your local PC.
2. Copy the project files from the network drive (or remote server) down to your local PC using Windows Explorer.
3. Work with the files locally on your PC.
4. When you are finished working, copy the project files from your local PC back up to the network drive (or remote server).

FAQ0105
13-Sep-2002
Q: Can you have the Usage view and Ladder view open simultaneously?
A: Yes, unless you have the Demo version. Otherwise Xref has two views, Xref and Usage, and all can be open simultaneously.

FAQ0106
19-Sep-2002
Q: Can the DL105 be put into RUN mode without DirectSOFT?
A: No.

FAQ0107
20-Sep-2002
Q: Can the regular DirectSOFT package be installed over top of the Demo version?
A: No. It is best to uninstall the Demo version before installing the regular packages of DirectSOFT.

FAQ0108
24-Sep-2002
Q: When using the Import function and selecting "delete existing," DirectSOFT still reported that there were conflicts between the imported file and the existing documentation database.
A: This is a software bug and was corrected by v4.0 Build18.

FAQ0109
04-May-2009
Q: Installing DirectSOFT and get "Error 13001: Product Not Registered with FLEXnet Connect", or "Error 13003: Product Version Not Registered with the Update Service."
A: This error comes from the fact that we have stopped using FLEXnet as a license manager. Ignore this error because it will not interfere with the operation of DirectSOFT, nor change its functionality. It occurs in DirectSOFT v5.0 to v5.3 at the end of an installation because that is when the Installer goes out and tries to confirm the license via the FLEXnet server.

FAQ0110
30-Sep-2002
Q: In DirectSOFT v3.0c the PID usable range was V36000-37777, but in v4.0 the range is limited to V36000-36777.
A: True. The range stated in v3.0c is wrong. The correct range is in v4.0.

FAQ0111
14-Aug-2003
Q: How big can a single rung in DirectSOFT be?
A: A rung in DirectSOFT is a height/width matrix. The matrix cannot exceed a size of 8192 cells. One cell in the matrix contains a coil, contact or empty space. General guidelines:

1. Maximum number of parallel output coils (rung height) = 250.
2. Maximum number of series contacts (rung width) = 250.
3. The product of rung height and rung width cannot exceed 8192.

Thus if you had 250 parallel output coils, you could only have 32 series contact columns (250 x 32 = 8000).
Likewise, if you had 250 contacts in series (32 contact columns), then you could only have 32 parallel output coils (250 x 32 = 8000).

These are good guidelines but not exactly correct. But being that the sizes are enormous we seriously doubt you will really need to know exactly how it is calculated. DirectSOFT will complain if there are any violations.

FAQ0112
24-Sep-2003
Q: When trying to Autotune a PID loop, the message "Cannot place PV 5% below SP - SP is too low" is unclear.
A: We changed the message to be much more descriptive in DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 22:

Before v4.0 Build 22:

After v4.0 Build 22:

FAQ0113
24-Sep-2003
Q: I configured my PID loop to use the Auto Transfer for my analog output card, but, my analog output card is not working properly.
A: Most of the time this is because having configured the Auto Transfer for that analog output card, you are also trying to use the pointer method of output to the same card. Therefore, we added the following warning message in DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 22 to help circumvent this from happening:

In later versions of DirectSOFT (i.e. > v4.0 Build 22) the above text will also include the following additional text, "In other words, if you select auto transfer to/from I/O, do not setup the analog in the ladder code. If you setup the analog in the ladder code, do not select auto transfer to/from I/O."

FAQ0114
04-Nov-2002
Q: When trying to save a project I get "Filter error writing PLC type."
A: This is more than likely a self-inflicted "wound" in that the folder name for an open project must've been changed and then a Save As... was attempted.

FAQ0115
30-Sep-2003
Q: When trying to Configure I/O keep getting "Error reading from disk."
A: This could be caused by:

1. Having copied project files from a server drive or a floppy directly to a new location.
2. Write-protected project files.
3. Real system hard drive problems.

However, the probable solution is just to Export the project and then Import it back. Or, sometimes deleting the TLS file, opening the project, and then resaving it works.

FAQ0116
01-Nov-2003
Q: Can I make a DirectSOFT link over a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to an ECOM?
A:  This should work. However the NetEdit tool nor the DirectSOFT Link Wizard will help because they utilize broadcasts; and VPNs will block broadcasts. So the only link-aiding tool you will have is the Ping command from a Command Prompt. If the VPN is set up such that you can Ping the remote ECOM, this should work. You may have to adjust the timeout values for the link, however.

FAQ0117
03-Nov-2003
Q: PC crashed while transferring a project to the PLC. Now when I open the project all I get is the comment for the first rung of ladder logic but nothing else.
A:  Whatever caused your PC to crash probably corrupted the project file. If DirectSOFT isn't locked up then you can try a File --> Export and then a File --> Import to see if this clears up the project. Otherwise you will either have to start from a previous backup copy (hopefully!) or start all over from scratch (yikes!). Unfortunately this is the nature of a PC crash and there is no way to UN-corrupt your project file.

FAQ0118
09-Jul-2003
Q: Why does DirectSOFT beep at me after opening an offline project for Koyo Kostac S-series, PZ1 and going into the Edit mode?
A:  This was a bug in DirectSOFT related to the options on the toolbar. To fix download the latest version of DirectSOFT, Build 22 or greater.

FAQ0119
30-Sep-2009
Q: Using Cut (or Copy) and Paste with Ladder Comments and getting: "Unable to write comments for rung xxx".
A:  DirectSOFT's Cut and Copy do not place the data into the Windows clipboard, but rather the data is written to temporary files (CLIPPGM.LBD & CLIPPGM.LBX) that is pointed to by the PROJECT PATH parameter in the .INI file (DS400.INI for v4.0; DS500.INI for v5.x). Thus, problems are centered around this fact. Generally this error is caused by one of the following:

• The ladder comment files are corrupt. See DirectSOFT FAQ0040 above for solutions to this.
• The PROJECT PATH parameter in the .INI file is corrupted or naming a folder that does not exist. You must edit DirectSOFT's DS500.INI file and verify it is correct:
  
  - To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
  - To edit the PROJECT PATH parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.
   
• You do not have write permission for the folder listed in the PROJECT PATH parameter. Have your administrator give you write permission.
• Some or all of the project files are write-protected (e.g. they've been copied from a CD). Disable the write-protection for these files.
• The PROJECT PATH parameter is set to a remote file server folder. Change this to a local drive folder on your PC.

FAQ0120
21-Nov-2003
Q: Every time I open a project, it tries to connect online to my PLC, which may or may not be connected. How can I prevent this from happening?
A:  This happens because the project was saved while connected to the PLC (i.e. it is an ONLINE PROJECT). If you don't want this to happen, then before you save the project, use PLC --> Disconnect.

FAQ0121
21-Nov-2003
Q: Every time I open DirectSOFT it wants to create a new project by default and I have to close it. Is there a way for it to open up and not do this?
A:  This happens because you did not open DirectSOFT with an existing project, so it "thinks" you must want to create a new one. If all you want to do is open up existing projects then the easiest thing to do is use DS Launch (Start --> Programs --> DirectSOFT32 --> DS Launch). From here DS Launch remembers the projects you had opened previously and all you have to do is double-click on the correct project under the Projects icon and DirectSOFT will open up with this project instead of trying to create a new one.

FAQ0122
21-Nov-2003
Q: In Ladder View the Syntax Check button is grayed out and I can't use it. Why?
A:  This is because the link you are using is configured for DirectNet protocol, and DirectNet protocol does not allow this.

With DirectNet protocol:

With K-sequence protocol:

If you will edit the link and change the protocol to K-sequence then the Syntax Check button will work (PLC --> Link Setup... --> Edit... --> Protocol). Or better yet, if you are using an ECOM then pick the ECOM protocol because the ECOM will then use DirectNet when it can and K-sequence when it needs to:

FAQ0123
21-Nov-2003
Q: When viewing status in Ladders and attempting to use the Change Value button to change a bit (X, Y, C, etc.), the Write-to-PLC button is grayed out. Why?
A:  This is because the link you are using is configured for DirectNet protocol, and DirectNet protocol will not allow bit writes.

With DirectNet protocol:

With K-sequence protocol:

If you will edit the link and change the protocol to K-sequence then the Write-to-PLC button on the Change Value dialog will work (PLC --> Link Setup... --> Edit... --> Protocol). Or better yet, if you are using an ECOM then pick the ECOM protocol because the ECOM will then use DirectNet when it can and K-sequence when it needs to:

FAQ0124
08-Dec-2003
Q: Can V-memory bits have their own Nicknames, Wiring Information and Descriptions?
A:  Yes. A V-memory address (e.g. V2000) can have its own documentation as a word; but each of its 16 bits (designated by by B2000.x; where x is the bit number) can also have their own documentation. Park the cursor on the B bit in ladders view and then go to Tools --> Documentation Editor... to edit them.

FAQ0125 (see also DS Data FAQ0069)
26-Sep-2002
Q: When configuring a link, on the Port tab, Advanced Settings, what does "Application Timeout" VS "Timeout" mean?
A:  Refer to the diagram. "Application Timeout" is the time the client will wait on the link CommServer for a response. "Timeout" is the time the CommServer will wait for a response from the PLC.

FAQ0126
09-Dec-2003
Q: When trying to open a project, I get "Error 1006: Module load failure = 126 in module c:\DirectSOFT32\Knowbase\KB430M.DLL."
A:  The number "126" in this message is a Global Windows System Error number. Therefore this error is some kind of Windows system problem. In general "Error 1006" is telling you it couldn't open the file named and the reason is the Windows System Error, so the first thing to do is to make sure that the file being named is actually there. We have also seen other variants of this error that report different a Windows System Error number and different files. Here are some we've seen:

• Module load failure = 126 in module c:\DirectSOFT32\Knowbase\KB430M.DLL
• Module load failure = 126 in module c:\DirectSOFT32\Bin\DEVETHER.DLL
• Module load failure = 31 in module c:\DirectSOFT4\KnowBase\KB340L.DLL
• Module load failure = 31 in module c:.DLL
• Module load failure = 31 in module c:\DirectSOFT4\Program\Bin\PRGRM40.DLL

The number "31" is designated by Microsoft as  ERROR_GEN_FAILURE.
The number "126" is designated by Microsoft as ERROR_MOD_NOT_FOUND.

The first thing to check is to see if there are any files in your DirectSOFT Projects folder that have the extension of DLL. If there is, delete them.

Secondly, we have found that doing the following steps has made any and all of the rest of the variants of this error disappear even though we admit we don't know specifically why.

1. Uninstall DirectSOFT.
2. Defrag the hard drive.
3. Delete the files in the c:\windows\temp folder (this step may not be necessary; some have had success without doing it).
4. Increase Virtual Memory size to at least twice the size of your physical memory.
5. Reinstall DirectSOFT.

FAQ0127 (see also DNLoader FAQ0001)
09-Jan-2004
Q: Is there a software utility that can be used to upload/download programs without using DirectSOFT?
A:  Yes. Host Engineering has created a free program called DNLoader that does just that. You would use it to read the program and (optionally) the retentive V-memory from a DL PLC and save this data in a file. This file cannot be read by DirectSOFT. You can then use DNLoader to write the contents of this file to another DL PLC of the same type. It supports serial or Ethernet connections and also supports PLC Passwords. It is the ideal tool for an OEM or System Integrator. You can download your copy from our website under the Support --> Utilities section.

FAQ0128
22-Sep-2009
Q: When a Data View is Exported to a .CSV or .TXT file, it is always empty (blank)!
A:  This is a bug in DirectSOFT v5.3 and earlier, but fortunately there is a work-around. This only happens if the Data View you are trying to Export is not docked (i.e. it is floating) to the main DirectSOFT application frame. Thus, grab the Data View and drag over to the main DirectSOFT application frame until the docking graphic appears and release it there. Then the Data View Export should work just fine. See example pics below:

Notice the Data Views (Data1, Data2), though grouped together, are still undocked from the main DirectSOFT application frame:

Notice now the Data Views (Data1, Data2), still grouped together, are now docked to the main DirectSOFT application frame:

This bug will be fixed in the next release of DirectSOFT5.

FAQ0129 (see also DS Data FAQ0070; ECOM FAQ0030; NetEdit FAQ0009)
03-Nov-2002
Q: Does the ECOM work with DHCP? Or does the PC's NIC have to have a static IP address in order to communicate with an ECOM?
A: The ECOM does not support DHCP addressing, (ECOM100s support DHCP). The ECOM must have a static IP address. However, the PC that is talking to the ECOM does not have to have a static IP address. Things to consider:

• If the NIC's IP address is not static, it may change to a different IP address without warning (e.g. reboot of the PC or when the IP address expires).
• A change of the NIC's IP address may have no effect at all (e.g. if you are only using the NIC for a simple link for DirectSOFT programming).
• A change of the NIC's IP address may result in a timeout or retry of some transaction with the ECOM (e.g. if the ECOM is doing RX/WX operations back to the PC).

FAQ0130
13-Aug-2002
Q: Can I install DirectSOFT on a LAN Server and then have multiple PC's run it from there?
A: No. You will need to install the software on each PC that will be using it. It cannot be run remotely over a LAN system (see DirectSOFT License Agreement).

FAQ0131
13-Aug-2002
Q: Is there an annual maintenance agreement for DirectSOFT?
A: No, but there are free upgrades from time to time. The general rules are:

• If the DirectSOFT you are interested in has the Version number increased (e.g. v3.0 to v4.0), then this upgrade will cost money.
• If the DirectSOFT you are interested in adds additional CPU support (e.g. PC-PGM-105 to PC-PGM-BRICK), then this upgrade will cost money.
• If the DirectSOFT you are interested in has only the Build number increased (e.g. v4.0 Build 18 to v4.0 Build 22), then this upgrade is free and can be downloaded from the Host website.

FAQ0132 (see also CTRIO FAQ0045; DL Plus FAQ0010; DNLoader FAQ0011; DS Data FAQ0102; EBC FAQ0083; ECOM FAQ0084; EDRV FAQ0084; ERM FAQ0058; EZ Ethernet FAQ0010; General FAQ0004; HA-TADP FAQ0008; Lookout Direct FAQ0015; NetEdit FAQ0037; PBC FAQ0014; PSCM FAQ0003; SDK FAQ0022; SERIO FAQ0004; WinPLC FAQ0038)
31-Dec-2009
Q: What is the export classification of your products (e.g. ECCN)
A: None of our products have an ECCN. Automation Direct sells our products and they export EAR99 NLR (No License Required). ECCN is Export Controlled Classification Number and none of our products are controlled.

FAQ0133
16-Feb-2004
Q: Is there a quick reference as to which PLC instructions work on which PLCs?
A: Yes. You can access a matrix in DirectSOFT by going to Help --> PLC/Instruction Set Matrix, or a PDF version of this matrix can be downloaded for printing here.

FAQ0134 (see also DL Plus FAQ0002)
15-Oct-2002
Q: DL Plus v3.0 installed on PC; loaded DirectSOFT v4.0. Now when clicking on DL Plus object to add it, then Lookout (NI v3) crashes.
A: Cannot run DirectSOFT v4.0 and DL Plus v3.0 simultaneously. They use two different CommServers and this will cause a conflict.

FAQ0135 (see also DL Plus FAQ0003; Lookout Direct FAQ0006)
15-Oct-2002
Q: My DL Plus and Lookout Direct do not support the DL06, DL250-1 nor the DL260 CPUs. If, however, I install DirectSOFT v4.0 (which supports these CPUs) will my DL Plus and Lookout Direct now be able to talk to them?
A: Here are the general "rules:"

• If your Lookout Direct/DL Plus came only with v3.x of DSCOMM.CBX then they would use only the v3.x CommServer which does not support the DL06, DL250-1 nor DL260 CPUs. By default the DSCOMM.CBX file is stored in c:\DirectSOFT32\bin folder.
• If your Lookout Direct/DL Plus came only with v4.x of DSCOMM4.CBX then they would use only the v4.x CommServer which supports the DL06, DL250-1 and DL260 CPUs. By default the DSCOMM4.CBX file is stored in c:\DirectSOFT4\bin folder.

However:

• If you start up DirectSOFT v4.0 (which loads the v4.x CommServer), and then Lookout Direct v3.8 is started (which wants to use v3.x CommServer), then Lookout Direct will talk to the DL06, DL250-1 and DL260 by using the already-loaded v4.x CommServer. In other words, it will not try to load its preferred v3.x CommServer because it "knows" a CommServer is already loaded.
• If, however, you start up Lookout Direct v3.8 first (which loads the v3.x CommServer), then it will not talk to the DL06, DL250-1 nor DL260 because the v3.x CommServer gets loaded first.

FAQ0136
10-Oct-2002
Q: DirectSOFT project has been stored on a file server. However, if the project is open and the file server happens to reboot, the project gets deleted!
A: This is caused by a bug check procedure by DirectSOFT. We have fixed this in DirectSOFT v3.0c Build 80 and v4.0 Build 16. However, the files, instead of getting deleted, could still become corrupted because the file server should never be rebooted while files are opened on it.

FAQ0137
14-Oct-2002
Q: If I use PLC --> Clear PLC Memory... --> Clear All the C-bits in my DL250 or DL260 do not get cleared.
A: This was fixed in DirectSOFT v3.0 Build 18 and v4.0 Build 18.

FAQ0138
12-Sep-2002
Q: My Cross Reference table is corrupt. How can I fix it?
A: The best and easiest way is to force DirectSOFT to rebuild it for you:

1. Bring up the Xref View (View --> Cross Reference View).
2. Select View --> Options.
3. Scroll tabs to XRefDB tab.
4. Unselect the Auto Rebuild and press <OK> button.
5. Go back to Ladder View.
6. Make a dummy change to the program and Accept it (press <F8>).
7. Switch back to the Xref View.
8. Select Edit --> Rebuild Xref.
9. Select View --> Options.
10. Scroll tabs to XRefDB tab.
11. Select the Auto Rebuild and press <OK> button.

FAQ0139
12-Sep-2002
Q: What are the main advantages of upgrading my DirectSOFT from v3.0 to v4.0?
A: The main reasons:

1. V4.0 supports the new DL06, DL250-1 and DL260 CPUs.
2. V4.0 allows you to Export Ladders and Comments into a text file.
3. V4.0 has an added Project Backup feature.
4. V4.0 has improved CommServer performance.

FAQ0140
02-Nov-2009
Q: Which versions of DirectSOFT work with which versions of Windows?
A: See chart below:

NOTES:
(1) - Have not tested officially but probably will work.
(2) - Have not tested officially, but we have reports of customers running successfully.

FAQ0141
15-Oct-2002
Q: Getting error message: "Permanent project <filename> will be overwritten! Continue?"
A: You are trying to use the New Project dialog to open an existing project name. You probably pressed the <Browse> button in this dialog and selected the name of an existing project. You need to do one of the following:

• Use Projects Browse on the DS Launch window, or...
• Use the File --> Open Project in DirectSOFT.

FAQ0142
15-Oct-2002
Q: Will DirectSOFT support a PCMCIA COM port card?
A: It is up to this device's drivers to make the PCMCIA COM port card look and act exactly like a regular PC COM port. If it does a sufficient job, then DirectSOFT would not be able to distinguish it from a regular PC COM port. But since we have improved DirectSOFT's CommServer it is best to use the very latest version of DirectSOFT as possible.

FAQ0143
09-Oct-2002
Q: Will DirectSOFT damage other .PRJ files that are used by other programs (e.g. Exor Uniop HMI)?
A: No, it will just simply not be able to open them.

FAQ0144
09-Oct-2002
Q: Can't use Cut/Paste in DS Launch description window.
A: Cut/Paste is not supported in this window. It is merely for information only, and not for editing.

FAQ0145
18-Oct-2002
Q: When doing a compare in DirectSOFT why does it not do 100% of the files?
A: DirectSOFT compares binary files, not text files. When it finds a difference, it tries to do some intelligent work to see what is different (e.g. extra rung, extra contact, etc.) Doing this for every possible difference could take a huge amount of time because it is possible for the entire program to be different. So a solution (if you are using v4.0) would be to do a File --> Export to a text file and then use your favorite text comparison utility.

FAQ0146
21-Oct-2002
Q: When using the DL05 with MC (Memory Cartridge), calendar function is not highlighted.
A: Must have at least DirectSOFT v3.0 Build 33 for this to be supported.

FAQ0147
22-Oct-2002
Q: DirectSOFT seems to freeze briefly sometimes on WinXP.
A: This happens with other applications on WinXP as well. If you go to http://www.computing.net website and search for "freeze" on WinXP you will find several problems and issues and some work-arounds. Some think it is USB device code and/or device drivers for WinXP. We know this does not solve the problem, but we don't know what else to do. DirectSOFT works well on Win2K and Win98, but WinXP is really different. But if anyone reading this hears of any systemic issues with WinXP, then please let us know!

FAQ0148
22-Oct-2002
Q: If you use the Save As... for the Data View DirectSOFT saves the file to the different filename but it doesn't change the title bar.
A: Known bug fixed in v4.0 Build 18.

FAQ0149
06-Jan-2010
Q: Does DirectSOFT write to non-volatile (Flash ROM) when using Data View, Change Value and Memory Editor?
A: Not on purpose. In other words, it is not a function of which tool you use (Data View VS Change Value VS Memory Editor), it is rather a function of the protocol (K-sequence VS DirectNET) of the link in DirectSOFT that is being used to write to the memory location. DirectSOFT just performs a "write to memory" operation and is unaware that it goes to RAM and/or to both Flash ROM and RAM.

Automation Direct has a document that helps explain non-volatile memory. You can download a copy of it below:

Non-volatile Memory.PDF

FAQ0150
07-Nov-2002
Q: Can I permanently turn off the Ladder palette?
A: Yes, this capability was added to v4.0 Build 18 and later. To change this you must edit DirectSOFT's DS500.INI file and add or change the LadderPalette parameter:
- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit the LadderPalette parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

FAQ0151
07-Nov-2002
Q: How can I make the icons in DirectSOFT small instead of large?
A: The size is only selectable in DirectSOFT v4.0. We removed this ability in DirectSOFT v5.0. You must edit DirectSOFT's DS400.INI file to add or change the UseLargeBtns parameter:
- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit the UseLargeBtns parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

FAQ0152
17-Sep-2002
Q: Why don't the Toolbar buttons' colors match the color status bars in Ladder View?
A: This was a great suggestion. We updated the arrow button colors to match Ladder edit save/download color status: Cyan = Write to PLC; Light Green = Write to Disk.

FAQ0153
13-Nov-2002
Q: Importing a project and get, "Filter error: Reading Program Size."
A: The only time we've seen this happen is when the import file actually has two programs stored in it. Edit the file and eliminate the unwanted program. Why is there more than one program in the file?

• You had previously used File --> Export using the same filename and selected "Append."
• You had previously used File --> Export using the same filename and selected "Replace" but you had a version of DirectSOFT earlier than v4.0 Build 18. (It was a bug in earlier versions that DirectSOFT would append the file no matter what you picked.)

FAQ0154
14-Nov-2002
Q: What is the maximum length of a project path and filename?
A: This is not a limitation of DirectSOFT but rather a function of the Windows operating system.

FAQ0155 (see also DS Data FAQ0074)
15-Nov-2002
Q: Are there any plans for a DS Data, or DirectSOFT version for Pocket PCs (WinCE)?
A: Not as of 2004; but we are considering it.

FAQ0156
02-Dec-2002
Q: My DL405 PLC seems to hang up in Pause Mode when DirectSOFT is doing a download of the program (Ladders).
A: The only way to get stuck in Pause Mode is by doing a Runtime Edit. When in the Run Mode, the PLC supports Runtime Edit. DirectSOFT will switch to Pause Mode, download the program, then switch back to Run Mode. The PLC does a syntax check before going to Run and this is probably where the "hang up" is occurring. For example, if you had a GTS instruction without the SBR instruction, or a JMP instruction without the SG instruction, etc. the syntax check would fail. You can test this by just trying to go to the Run Mode, or, from DirectSOFT, trying a manual syntax check to see if it fails.

FAQ0157
02-Dec-2002
Q: My Cross Reference table does not show the use of V-memory in the V7000 range (System Memory).
A: By default, older versions of DirectSOFT did not enable the System V-memory range for Cross Reference. You can fix this via 2 ways:

• Upgrade to at least DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 20.
• Go to View --> Options --> XrefDB, and select the System Element classes.

FAQ0158
13-Apr-2004
Q: What happens if I install certain DirectSOFT packages over top of different versions with different levels of DL PLC support?
A: Please refer to the following chart:

(1)  All OEM packages act like their "only" (e.g. -205, -305, etc.) package counterparts.
(2)  Service Packs do not install additional DL PLC support; they only upgrade the installed support levels.
(3)  If you have DirectSOFT v1.0 and/or v2.0 packages they act like the v3.0 packages do in the chart above.

FAQ0159
06-Dec-2002
Q: My Cross Reference table does not show the use of VC-memory.
A: By default, older versions of DirectSOFT excluded mapped and global memory range for Cross Reference. You can fix this via 2 ways:

• Upgrade to at least DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 20.
• Go to View --> Options --> XrefDB, and uncheck all Exclusions.

FAQ0160
09-Dec-2002
Q: How does the Trap Monitor function work?
A: You use Trap Monitor in DL06, DL240, DL250, DL250-1, DL260, DL350, DL445, DL445B, DL450, SU5M, SU6M and SU6H to diagnose problems by showing the contents of the PLC accumulator, stack and element values at specific addresses. The PLC has to be in the Test Mode. Also, it doesn't work with ECOM in DL205 system. The Trap Monitor  function was broken in DirectSOFT v3.0 Build 80 but works in DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 18 or later.

FAQ0161
10-Dec-2002
Q: Will DirectSOFT work with Ethernet-to-Serial converter devices?
A: Probably, but each product is different and each installation is different. There are too many products that would have to be tested in order to give an emphatic "yes" answer to this question; therefore Host Engineering does not make any recommendations. It is the responsibility of the device to make it look and act like a regular serial port; or regular Ethernet NIC.

FAQ0162
10-Dec-2002
Q: Will DirectSOFT run on a 200MHz or slower PC?
A: Yes, but the performance will be less than satisfactory. The minimum requirement we list is a Pentium III Class / 500MHz.

FAQ0163 (see also CTRIO FAQ0051; ERM FAQ0032)
10-Dec-2002
Q: Will DirectSOFT work on Win95 32-bit OS?
A: We have seen this work on a few and not work on others. If it doesn't work we do not know of anything that can be done to make it work. However CTRIO Workbench and ERM Workbench will not even install if the InstallShield engine (used to install DirectSOFT) recognizes that the PC is Win95.

FAQ0164
12-Dec-2002
Q: By default, the DirectSOFT install puts an icon on my Desktop.
A: This behavior was changed in DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 20 (and later) to ask the user if he wants to put the DS Launch icon on the desktop or not instead of doing automatically.

FAQ0165
30-Dec-2002
Q: What is the best way to copy a project to another location?
A: DirectSOFT project files are all named the same filename but with different extensions. Therefore the easiest thing to do is to just browse to the folder where your project is stored using Windows Explorer and select all the files there and Copy them. Then browse to the new location and Paste them there.

FAQ0166
21-Jan-2003
Q: Downloading to DL405 and sometimes get "Processing Op codes" message for a very long time.
A: When this message is displayed DirectSOFT is compiling the instructions into usable opcodes for the PLC. If this happens for a long time then chances are the project is corrupt. Try using File --> Export --> Program..., closing DirectSOFT, reopening DirectSOFT and then File --> Import --> Program... to see if this fixes it.

FAQ0167
20-Jan-2003
Q: Using File --> Export --> Documentation... and getting "Error on line 74 ("C10", "R1-In Line", "", ""), Data error; NickName field "R1-In Line" illegal, field is a valid PLC Type/ID; example: X7 cannot be a nickname for Y4."
A: This is a bug in DirectSOFT. The problem is that the NickName "R1" is being interpreted by DirectSOFT as meaning "a real number(R) with the value of 1." There are two ways to fix this:

• Upgrade to at least DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 20.
• Edit the file that is being imported and change the "R1" to "R 1" (adding a space).

FAQ0168
04-Feb-2003
Q: Sometimes I see the Edit Toolbar turned on but the Edit Mode button is off!
A: This is a bug. DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 20 fixes this.

FAQ0169
07-Feb-2003
Q: In Xref View for my DL06 project some of my valid V-memory addresses show up as CTAs (e.g. V1200 displays as CTA200).
A: This is a bug. DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 20 fixes this.

FAQ0170 (see also DS Data FAQ0084)
19-Nov-2002
Q: I need to make changes to my DS500.INI (or DS400.INI or DS300.INI) file but I can't edit it.
A: This is probably because the file is in the Windows folder and you do not have Admin privileges. We plan on either eliminating the need for this critical file in later versions of DirectSOFT (probably v6.0) and DS Data, or putting it in a folder where Admin privileges are not required to edit it. But for now, you will have to have your Administrator help you out.

FAQ0171
30-Dec-2002
Q: In my DL450 project I am getting "E453 - Missing Timer or Counter at address 7" & "E464 - Missing Circuit at address 12," yet at these addresses those instructions are not present.
A: This is a bug in the DL450 firmware. You need to upgrade the DL450 to firmware v2.00.

FAQ0172
14-Feb-2003
Q: The default Retentive V-memory Range for the DL06 and DL260 is set to only V700-37777.
A: This was a setting that was wrong in DirectSOFT. The default should be V400-37777. This was corrected in DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 20.

FAQ0173
11-Mar-2003
Q: If I merge rungs in Ladders, the Rung Comments don't merge with them; instead the Rung Comments are lost!
A: Unfortunately this consistent with DirectSOFT's v1.0-v4.0 Documentation Editor design. This type of thing, however, is being redesigned for DirectSOFT v5.0 so that when a rung merge occurs, the Rung Comments are also merged.

FAQ0174
01-Apr-2003
Q: If I switch between PID loops in PID View it causes the Auto Transfer I/O to go on and off.
A: This was a bug in DirectSOFT that was fixed in v4.0 Build 20.

FAQ0175
29-Sep-2004
Q: Is DirectSOFT compliant with EN 61131-3 and/or IEC 1131-3 standards?
A: No, and there are no plans for making it so at this time.

FAQ0176 <deleted>

FAQ0177
11-Oct-2004
Q: If using the Memory Editor and make some changes to Counter or Timer values and write them to disk (using the button), how come these values do not get written down to the PLC when I do a File --> Save Project --> to PLC like it does when I edit regular V-memory?
A: Timer/Counter accumulator values are not part of "User V-memory" or "System V-memory" and so they are not written as part of the project when you do the File --> Save Project --> to PLC, regardless of whether they were saved/edited using the Memory Editor, Data View, handheld programmer, etc. Thus, to write these values you simply have to read them from the file with the Memory Editor <Read from Disk> button and then write them manually to the PLC with the <Write to PLC> button.

FAQ0178
13-Oct-2004
Q: When I write my program down to the PLC using the <Write-to-PLC> button, why does it take a much longer time to do this in PROGRAM mode than it does in RUN mode?
A: The DL05, DL06 & DL205 CPUs' firmware is coded to work this way. RUN mode is considered more critical. Basically, RUN-mode writes go directly to RAM as a single big chunk, then, as a whole are written to the flash memory all at one time. This is very fast and efficient. However, PROGRAM-mode writes go into RAM about 128 bytes at a time. In other words, the CPU gets about 128 bytes then writes the entire area to flash memory, then gets another 128 bytes, writes the entire flash, etc. etc. This is because of the firmware coding in the DL CPU and not DirectSOFT. In the DL405 family, both modes will take an equal amount of time to write.

FAQ0179
29-Nov-2004
Q: In the Ladder View the following display problems occur: Timers (TMR) show up as 00206; Counters (CTR) show up as 00111; C-bits (C) show up as 00077.
A: These numbers happen to be the opcodes for these elements. This is probably a symptom of a corrupt knowledgebase file. Possible solutions are:

- Upgrade your DirectSOFT to the latest Build (in hopes that the corrupted file will be overwritten).
- Uninstall and then reinstall DirectSOFT completely.

FAQ0180 (see also DS Data FAQ0087; NetEdit FAQ0012; EBC FAQ0052; ECOM FAQ0040; EDRV FAQ0010; ERM FAQ0034; EZ Ethernet FAQ0026)
27-Apr-2004
Q: Getting various errors when attempting to use NetEdit to see or establish a link to a Host Ethernet device.
A: Here are know errors and their suggested solutions:

CAUTION: You may want to consult your Network Administrator before doing any of the solutions below! He/she may not want you to change your PC's setup at all!

• (1) "Error 10047" - This is an error from Microsoft Winsock. Formally it is known as "WSAEAFNOSUPPORT" and is described as, "Address family not supported by protocol family. An address incompatible with the requested protocol was used. All sockets are created with an associated address family (that is, AF_INET for Internet Protocols) and a generic protocol type (that is, SOCK_STREAM). This error is returned if an incorrect protocol is explicitly requested in the socket call, or if an address of the wrong family is used for a socket, for example, in sendto."
  
  Possible causes:
  (1)  IPX protocol is not installed for your NIC.
  (2)  TCP/IP protocol not installed for your NIC.
         (see DirectSOFT FAQ0183 for installing protocols)
   
• (2) "Error 10051" - This is an error from Microsoft Winsock. Formally it is known as "WSAENETUNREACH" and is described as, "Network is unreachable. A socket operation was attempted to an unreachable network. This usually means the local software knows no route to reach the remote host. Very similar to Error 10065 WSAEHOSTUNREACH only this is usually related to IPX protocol."
  
  Possible causes:
  (1)  NIC is disabled.
  (2)  IPX protocol is not installed for your NIC (see DirectSOFT FAQ0183 for installing protocols).
   
• (3) "Error 10061" - This is an error from Microsoft Winsock. Formally it is known as "WSAECONNREFUSED" and is described as, "Connection refused. No connection could be made because the target computer actively refused it. This usually results from trying to connect to a service that is inactive on the foreign host---that is, one with no server application running."
  
  Possible causes:
  (1) You have a firewall software installed and enabled (e.g. ZoneAlarm).
       (a)  Uninstall it, or...
       (b)  Disable it, or...
       (c)  Poke a hole in it by making exceptions for the NetEdit3.EXE application or for TCP Port # 0x7070 (28784 decimal).
   
• (4) "Error 10065" - This is an error from Microsft Winsock. Formally it is known as "WSAEHOSTUNREACH" and is described as, "No route to host. A socket operation was attempted to an unreachable host. Very similar to Error 10051 WSAENETUNREACH only this is usually related to TCP/IP protocol."
  
  Possible causes:
  (1)  NIC is disabled.
  (2)  TCP/IP protocol is not installed for your NIC.
  (3)  Your NIC and the Host Ethernet device are on different subnets:
       (a)  Change your NIC's TCP/IP address to put it on the same subnet as the Host Ethernet device, or...
       (b)  Change your Host Ethernet device's TCP/IP address to put it on the same subnet as the NIC, or...
       (c)  Change the subnet mask in your network configuration settings.
   

• (5) "Error reading configuration values from device."
  First of all, there was a bug in versions of NetEdit previous to v3.1, that when you pressed the Query Network button this error could pop up. If this is the case then you just need to download a later copy (at least v3.1) of NetEdit from our website. If this is not the case then notoriously, this error is caused by one of the following:

  1. Is the EBC/ECOM/EDRV/ERM/EZ Ethernet  powered up properly? If not, make sure it is.
  2. Is the LINK GD (link good) light on? This indicates that the cabling is good.
  3. While using NetEdit, does the ACTIVE light blink when changing protocols from IPX to UDP/IP? This indicates that the EBC/ECOM/EDRV/ERM/EZ Ethernet  is seeing Ethernet packets.
  4. Is the IPX protocol loaded for the NIC you are using and enabled? (see DirectSOFT FAQ0183 for installing protocols). There are fewer things to mess up with IPX, so it is the better protocol to use when trying to diagnose the problem.
  5. Is there just one NIC in the PC? If not, then it is possible that the packets are going out one or both NICs but being received by the “wrong” NIC as seen from NetEdit.
  6. Is there just one LAN connection loaded for the NIC? Multiple LAN connections (e.g. WAN network driver) can cause similar problems as with two NICs.
  7. Is the Network Number for the IPX protocol set to 00000000? If not, it must be, or it will not talk.
  8. Is the NIC running at 10Mpbs? (disconnect NIC cable; reboot PC; reconnect NIC cable). If it is trying to run at 100Mbps, it will not talk.
  9. Do you have "802.1p QoS packet tagging" enabled? If so, disable it (Device Manager, Network Adapter, Properties, Advanced). This adds information to the IPX and TCP/IP packets that is not understood by NetEdit.
  10. Is there firewall software loaded (e.g. ZoneAlarm)? This can interfere with the IPX and the TCP/IP protocol packets. We have to disable this software to get ours to talk properly.
  11. Is the network hardware verified? (cabling / hub / EBC/ECOM/EDRV/ERM/EZ Ethernet / NIC)?

  If none of these things fix the problem, then it is possible that the EBC/ECOM/EDRV/ERM/EZ Ethernet device is defective and you may need to send it in for repair.
   

• (6) Nothing shows up in the list, or not all devices show up in the list, or list shows incomplete data.
  NetEdit sends out a broadcast and waits 600 ms for devices to respond. If the devices take longer than this to respond they will be missing from the list. After the responses are gathered, NetEdit makes a list and then polls each device in the list to get detailed data, but waits only 250ms for response from each device. If the device takes longer than this to respond some of its data may be missing. This is not a problem on a normal wired network, but can be a problem on a wireless network where responses can inadvertently be long and inconsistent. Also, since a broadcast is used if the devices are on the other side of a LAN or WAN, these network devices by default will usually block broadcast packets. However, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot ping the devices (TCP/IP protocol) and/or use DirectSOFT to link to them (e.g. by manually entering the IP address). In general, however, problems like this can also be caused by the things listed in bullet (5) above.
   
• (7) The "C" column indicates an asterisk (*), but there are no conflicts with addresses on the network.
  An asterisk in the "C" column means NetEdit "sees" an address conflict on the network. First, make sure that no IP addresses are the same between the devices that NetEdit sees on the network and the devices NetEdit doesn't see on the network (i.e. PCs, servers, etc.). Second, make sure none of the IDs of any of the devices in NetEdit are the same. If there are no conflicts, this could be caused by an older version of NetEdit. Therefore make sure you have at least NetEdit3 v3.6c or later.

FAQ0181 (see also ECOM 0028; EBC FAQ0033, ERM FAQ0020, EDRV FAQ0007, EZ Ethernet FAQ0017; DS Data FAQ0088; SDK FAQ0012; NetEdit FAQ0013)
20-Nov-2003
Q: What Ethernet protocols are used by your products?
A: Refer to chart below:

(1)  Not an industry standard. However, protocol is available for 3rd-party development upon request.
(2)  Not really a distinct protocol. This setting is used to intelligently pick K-sequence or DirectNet as needed by the hardware/software.
(3)  Used when doing ECOM-to-ECOM via RX/WX instructions with RX/WX Node Map configured in sending ECOM.
(4)  Used when doing ECOM-to-PC (Report-by-Exception) via RX/WX instructions (Address 90 only) with ECOM's dipswitch 7 set ON.
(5)  Used when doing ECOM-to-ECOM via RX/WX instructions without RX/WX Node Map configured in sending ECOM.
(6)  RX/WX Node Map must be configured in ECOM.
(7)  ERM can talk to one slave with UDP/IP and another with IPX simultaneously.
(8)  Planned for Dec2004-Feb2005.
(9)  Requires K-sequence protocol spec (request from Automation Direct)
(10)  Uses K-sequence to perform "Test CPU Access!" function.
(11)  Uses this protocol to perform "Show Base Contents..." function.
(12)  The older HA-EDRV2 cannot talk Modbus TCP.

FAQ0182
13-Jan-2005
Q: When attempting to open a project get, "Cannot open DirectSOFT program because it was created with a newer version of DirectSOFT than the one that is currently running."
A: Since we have not changed the format of DirectSOFT projects from day one, then this error message is probably due to a corrupt project. Thus, to fix, hopefully you have a backup copy! Or can re-upload it from the PLC itself. If this is not the case, then we might be able to edit it manually and get it back (slim chance!). Therefore you can e-mail the project that won't open to support@hosteng.com and we'll give it a try, but the chances are slim because the file is encrypted thus making manual changes nearly impossible.

FAQ0183 (see also DS Data FAQ0093; EBC FAQ0057; ECOM FAQ0043; EDRIVE FAQ0012; ERM FAQ0037; EZ Ethernet FAQ0027; NetEdit FAQ0017)
29-Apr-2005
Q: How can I install IPX protocol for my NIC?
A:  You can find instructions on how to do this for your particular operating system by going to Start --> Help & Support and searching for "Install NWLink." Below are the instructions from Microsoft for doing this on a WinXP PC. The instructions are similar for other operating systems (e.g. WinNT, Win98, WinME, Win2K).

To install NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol
(1)  Open Network Connections:
       (a)  Click Start --> Settings --> Control Panel.
       (b)  Double-click Network Connections.
     NOTE:  You must be a member of the Administrators group to install protocols. Also, when IPX is installed it is installed for all your connections. If you don't want it installed for a certain connection, then right-click that connection, click Properties and, on either the General or Networking tab, clear the NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol check box.
(2)  Right-click a local area connection, then click Properties.
(3)  On the General tab, click Install.
(4)  In the Select Network Component Type dialog box, click Protocol, and then click Add.
(5)  In the Select Network Protocol dialog box, click NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol, and then click OK.

IMPORTANT: The IPX/SPX protocol is not available on Windows XP 64-Bit Edition. 

FAQ0184
23-May-2005
Q: What CPUs support the Trap Monitor function?
A:  The following DL PLCs support the Trap Monitor function:

DL06
DL240
DL250(-1)
DL260
DL350
DL445
DL445B
DL450
SU5M
SU6M
SU6H

Trap monitor doesn't work with ECOM in DL205 system and it is broken in DirectSOFT v3.0 Build 80 but works in DirectSOFT v4.0 Build 18 or later.

FAQ0185
17-Apr-2009
Q: When trying to open a project, get "Error 1003 Invalid API version in module c:\DirectSOFT32\Program\Bin\Prgrm30.DLL."
A:  Variants of this error for other versions of DirectSOFT include:
     "...\DirectSOFT4\Program\Bin\Prgrm40.DLL"
     "...\DirectSOFT5\Program\Bin\Prgrm50.DLL"

This error occurs if incompatible versions of DirectSOFT executable files (e.g. EXE, DLL, etc.) have somehow been mixed together. Possible causes of this:

• The most common cause is, when the installation was executing, you were prompted regarding certain locked DLLs and asked if you wanted to Skip, Postpone or Cancel and you chose something besides Postpone.
• Mixture of Demo DirectSOFT and regular DirectSOFT.
• Installation of DirectSOFT in the c:\Program Files folder instead of the c:\DirectSOFT folder.
• Corrupt Windows system file.

Things to try:

• Uninstall all versions of DirectSOFT from your PC using DirectSOFT's Uninstall program (not Windows') and delete their folders. Reboot your PC, then reinstall DirectSOFT using the default folder selections. If you have Win98, you may want to try to reinstall in Safe Mode.
• If the uninstall doesn't execute, simply delete the folders, reboot your PC, then reinstall using the default folder selections.
• If you answered the locked DLL prompt with something other than Postpone, then after uninstalling, try the installation again and this time make sure you answer Postpone to the locked DLL questions. Then reboot the PC to complete the installation.
• If the issue is due to corrupt Windows OS file, then the only solution would be to do a radical reinstall of Windows OS, or repair, or restoration point, etc.

If none of this helps and you don't want to do a Windows OS reinstall, then verify that all DirectSOFT modules are the same version (e.g. 5.2.10). To do this:

1. Start DSLaunch.
2. In the left pane, under "Utilities" double-click on the "Version" icon to execute the Versions utility. This will pull up the "DirectSOFT 5 - Version Browser" window.
3. In the top left pane, click once on "DirectSOFT - Programming".
4. In the top right information box, note the Version number (e.g. v5.2.10, or whatever).

This is the main DirectSOFT executable file's version. All other modules installed should have this exact same version. In this Version Browser program, each Application in the upper pane may have several Modules in the lower pane. Thus, to view each version of each module requires that you first select an Application, and then subsequently select each Module listed in the lower pane, noting the Version each time. Keep doing this until you have gone through them all.

In all likelihood, you will discover one or more of the modules with a different version than the DirectSOFT - Programming one. Note this one and report it to us. This will help in fixing the problem.

FAQ0186
12-Aug-2005
Q: Why does my program take longer to upload in DirectSOFT when my PLC is in PROGRAM mode but is rather quick in RUN mode?
A:  The short answer is probably because your link is using DirectNET protocol.

The long answer: The speed at which DirectSOFT is able to load a program is dependant upon whether it can find out the program size. Thus for small programs, if the size is at first known, then DirectSOFT only has to read the program based on its length. If DirectSOFT can't find out the size, then it must read the entire program memory length. There are 4 scenarios and their explanations:

FAQ0187
18-Aug-2005
Q: If I download my project with DirectSOFT v3.0 my ISG instruction works on the PROGRAM-to-RUN transition; but if I download the same project using DirectSOFT v4.0 the ISG instruction does not work.
A:  This is due to 2 things: (1) a bug in DirectSOFT v3.0 and, (2) the Retentive Range setting in your project. To explain:

1. "A bug in DirectSOFT v3.0" - DirectSOFT v3.0's CommServer does not write the Retentive Ranges settings down to the PLC during a Save Project --> to PLC.
2. "Retentive Range setting" - Your project evidently has the Retentive Range set to preserve the "S" range (see PLC --> Setup --> Retentive Ranges...). This setting will override the ISG. In other words, if you have ISG S0, and you have S0=0 in Retentive Range, then the ISG will come up with S0=0 and therefore not work. Whereas if using DirectSOFT v3.0 to download the program this Retentive Range does not get overwritten and thus works.

SOLUTION:  Change the Retentive Range setting in your project to NOT preserve the "S" range.

FAQ0188
02-Mar-2004
Q: Why don't my PID loops get downloaded into the PLC when I do File --> Write Program --> to PLC?
A: This is because the PID loops themselves are just values in the System V-memory of the PLC and are not part of the program. In order to transfer PID loops you must therefore use File --> Save Project --> to PLC. This will write the PID values down into the PLC's System V-memory.

FAQ0189 (see also ECOM FAQ0049; DS Data FAQ0095)
07-Sep-2005
Q: What kind of security measures can be taken for an ECOM/ECOM100 connected to the Internet?
A:  There are no security measures built into the ECOM/ECOM100 to help with this. The Koyo PLCs have password protection (the DL205 family even has HMI level passwords), but once the PLC is unlocked, it is unlocked for anybody to access. Probably the best and easiest thing is to have your IT (Internet Technology) people set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) so that only certain predetermined PCs can have access to the ECOM/ECOM100's network.

FAQ0190
07-Sep-2005
Q: If a customer has an OEM-created version of DirectSOFT, can he download Service Packs and upgrade?
A:  Yes. This upgrading will not alter or destroy the customization that the OEM configured for him.

FAQ0191 (similar to DNLoader FAQ0006)
04-Feb-2005
Q: DirectSOFT doesn't appear to store the Watchdog timer settings in the project .PRJ file, or write it back to the PLC.
A:  This is true. It is also true for DNLoader. Using DirectSOFT the value can be stored and written manually, but it is not stored in project file.

FAQ0192
28-Oct-2005
Q: Can you assign a Nickname to a K (constant) value?
A:  There was an earlier version of DirectSOFT where this was accidentally allowed. However, this is not only not a good practice, but it is not allowed in later versions of DirectSOFT.

FAQ0193
22-Apr-2004
Q: Using DS Launch and double-clicking on a project or a link gives, "Error 0 - DSP4x.EXE" or "Error 0 - DSP5x.EXE."
A:  More than likely this is caused by an installation problem, or a problem at boot. Thus, first try rebooting the PC to see if that fixes it. If not, reinstall DirectSOFT.

FAQ0194
11-Jan-2006
Q: Can the .CSV file export format from DirectSOFT (for EZ Touch) be used for the C-more panels?
A:  Yes. This EZ Touch formatted .CSV can be imported to C-more by typing the entire filename (including the .CSV file extension).

FAQ0195
25-Jul-2006
Q: How can I turn off Automatic Updates in Windows?
A:  First of all, you must be logged in as Administrator. The procedure is basically the same for WinXP, Win2K and WinME. You simply go to Start --> Settings --> Control Panel and click on the Automatic Updates icon and then select the option you want.

FAQ0196
06-Apr-2006
Q: Problems/errors encountered when starting up DirectSOFT v5.0 as a Windows Limited User or Power User.
A: All of these problems, of course, will go away if you are Administrator of your PC. This is the simplest solution. If that is not possible the following errors may occur:

• (1) "Error! DirectSOFT recognizes the document <filename.PRJ>, but the required features or support levels are not installed."
• (2) "Error! ReadRegisteredUser Info - Unable to open file"
• (3) The Family & Type panes are blank in DirectSOFT's New Project dialog.

If the above errors are encountered try one or more of the following as possible solutions:

• Share DirectSOFT5 folder:
  (1)  Login as Administrator.
  (2)  Start Windows Explorer.
  (3)  Right-click on DirectSOFT5 folder and choose Properties.
  (4)  Select the Sharing tab.
  (5)  Under Network sharing and security, select "Share this folder on the network" and "Allow network users to change my files"
  (6)  Press OK button.
  (7)  Logout.
   
• Set Security for DirectSOFT folder:
  (1)  Login as Administrator.
  (2)  Start Windows Explorer.
  (3)  Right-click on DirectSOFT5 folder and choose Security
  (4)  In Group or User Name box select Users
  (5)  Under the Permissions for Users check all of the Allow boxes
  (6)  Press Apply button and then OK button.
  (7)  Logout.

FAQ0197 (see also NetEdit FAQ0026; ECOM FAQ0082)
29-Aug-2006
Q: When using NetEdit v3.6b (or earlier), the ECOM/ECOM100 won't pass the CPU Test, but I can still make and use a link from DirectSOFT.
A: This was caused by NetEdit v3.6b (and earlier) using a slightly different method to test for CPU than DirectSOFT. This was fixed in:

NetEdit 3.6c (and later)

FAQ0198
26-Feb-2007
Q: Can the font for Data View be changed?
A: No, this font is hard-coded.

FAQ0199
09-Mar-2007
Q: Why is it when I try to print the XRef view I start getting a printout that is hundreds of pages long?
A: What is probably getting printed is not just the XRef, but also the Usage data. The Usage data will cover all of the PLC's memory. Thus to get only the XRef in the printout simply uncheck Usage under the File --> Print...:

FAQ0200
09-Mar-2007
Q: How can I change the default backup folder that DirectSOFT uses?
A: You must edit DirectSOFT's DS500.INI file and change the BACKUP PATH parameter:
- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit the BACKUP PATH parameter in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

FAQ0201
20-Feb-2007
Q: If dots (periods; ".") are used in the project filename, sometimes 2 projects are created.
A: This is a bug in the way in which DirectSOFT handles the filenames. We have scheduled to fix this one in DirectSOFT v5.2. Until then do not use dots (periods) in the project filename, but instead use something like an underscore ("_").

FAQ0202
20-Feb-2007
Q: Will the MATHBIN (IB-501), MATHBCD (IB-521) or MATHR (IB-541) IBoxes support the "^" as a "raised-to" exponent function?
A: No. This is because this functionality is not supported by the DL PLCs. Remember that IBoxes are not something new, but are actually Ladder macros. Therefore since behind the IBox graphic is simply Ladder Logic, then IBox functionality depends on the Instruction Set of the DL PLC. To do this kind of math would require a BASIC Coprocessor.

FAQ0203
30-Mar-2007
Q: How can I turn off Program Updates for DirectSOFT v5.x?
A:  First of all, you must be logged in as Administrator. The procedure is basically the same for WinXP, Win2K and WinME. You simply go to Start --> Settings --> Control Panel and click on the Program Updates icon and then select the option you want.

FAQ0204
13-Nov-2007
Q: How can I edit my DS300.INI or DS400.INI or DS500.INI file?
A:  Pick the group of instructions below that best applies to your PC:

If you have WinVista, skip to the heading WinVista below, if not read information under the heading WinXP & Earlier.

WinXP & Earlier:

• If you have DirectSOFT v3, then you will have to find this file manually and edit it. The easiest way to do this is:
  (1)  Close DirectSOFT and DSLaunch.
  (2)  Use the Windows Start button:  Start --> Run...
  (3)  Type in ds300.ini and press <OK>. This will open it in NotePad text editor.
  (4)  Make your edits; save the file and exit.
  (5)  Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).
   
• If you have DirectSOFT v4 or v5, then the easiest way to edit this file is:
  (1)  Close DirectSOFT.
  (2)  Start DSLaunch.
  (3)  In the left column under "Utilities", double-click DS400.ini (or DS500.ini). This will open it in NotePad text editor.
  (4)  Make your edits; save the file and exit.
  (5)  Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).

WinVista:

WinVista has some extra protection features, so the above procedures may or may not work depending on its settings. WinVista has a feature called UAC (User Access Control) that is, by default, turned ON. However, it is possible to turn this feature OFF, and this dramatically affects the editing of the .INI file. To modify the UAC setting:
     (1)  Use the Windows Start button: Start --> Control Panel.
     (2)  Click on "User Accounts".
     (3)  Click on "Turn UAC ON/OFF".

This will tell you if this feature is ON or OFF. Depending on this setting go to the proper heading below (UAC=ON or UAC=OFF).

(UAC=ON):

With UAC=ON, the security measures of WinVista creates a "virtual store copy" of your .INI file and redirects DirectSOFT to use this copy instead of the one that is normally stored in the c:\Windows folder.

• If you have DirectSOFT v3, v4, v5.0 or v5.1 then you will have to find this file manually and edit it:
  (1)  Close DirectSOFT and DSLaunch.
  (2)  Use Windows Explorer to browse to:
  
       c:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Windows\
  
  (3)  Find the DS300.INI (or DS400.INI or DS500.INI) and open it with NotePad.
  (4)  Make your edits; save the file and exit.
  (5)  Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).
   
• If you have DirectSOFT v5.2:
  (1)  Close DirectSOFT.
  (2)  Start DSLaunch.
  (3)  In the left column under "Utilities", double-click DS500.ini. This will open the correct file in NotePad text editor.
  (4)  Make your edits; save the file and exit.
  (5)  Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).

(UAC=OFF):

• Regardless of the version of DirectSOFT, this procedure has to be used:
  (1)  Close DirectSOFT and DSLaunch.
  (2)  Use the Windows Start button:  Start --> Run...
  (3)  Type in ds300.ini (or ds400.ini or ds500.ini) and press <OK>. This will open it in NotePad text editor.
  (4)  Make your edits; save the file and exit.
  (5)  Restart DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT).

FAQ0205
02-Apr-2007
Q: If background colors in ladders are changed to something dark, and the foreground to something light, then the XRef (cross-reference) display becomes unreadable because its foreground colors do not change.
A:  This was a bug in all versions of DirectSOFT from v5.0 and earlier. It is fixed in DirectSOFT v5.1 and later.

FAQ0206
02-Apr-2007
Q: Double-clicking on DS500.INI (or DS400.INI) entry in DSLaunch does not edit the proper .INI file if using WinVista.
A:  Yes, the security measures of WinVista present this problem. When you double-click on this entry in DSLaunch, a DS500.BAT (or DS400.BAT) file is executed in the c:\Windows folder that calls up the DS500.INI (or DS400.INI) file in NotePad text editor. Unfortunately this doesn't work if using WinVista because the actual .INI file is stored in:

c:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Windows\

DirectSOFT v4.0 & v5.x

To remedy this, you can:

• Edit the correct file manually using the one in the above folder, or...
• Download one of the following .BAT files (ZIPPED up) and replace the one in your Windows folder.

Once you have replaced your existing DS500.BAT (or DS400.BAT) file with the new one then when you double-click on the .INI entry in DSLaunch, the .BAT file will pull up the correct .INI file for your system. It will work for WinXP (and earlier versions of Windows) as well as WinVista.

For DirectSOFT v4.0, download this one: DS400.ZIP
For DirectSOFT v5.x, download this one: DS500.ZIP 

DirectSOFT v3.0

For DirectSOFT v3.0 it requires one more step than the above. Not only do you have to download the following .BAT file and replace the one in your Windows folder, but you have to manually edit the DS300.INI file and add the line:

DS300.ini=0,C:\WINDOWS\DS300.BAT

...underneath the [UTILITIES] heading, then Save and Exit.

NOTE: Remember! The DS300.INI file you have to manually edit to add the above line (if you have WinVista) is the one located in:

c:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Windows\

Once you have replaced your existing DS300.BAT file with the new one and have manually edited the VirtualStore version of your DS300.INI file, then the DS300.INI option will show up in DSLaunch under Utilities, and when you thereafter double-click on it, the .BAT file will pull up the correct .INI file for your system automatically.

For DirectSOFT v3.0, download this one: DS300.ZIP 

FAQ0207 (see also ECOM FAQ0087)
03-Apr-2007
Q: Is it possible for the ECOM100 to ping?
A: No. Currently the ECOM100 cannot initiate an ICMP protocol ping. It will answer pings directed to it, but it cannot initiate them. We are, however, thinking about creating an IBox and an ECOM100 firmware upgrade that would support this.

FAQ0208 (see also ECOM FAQ0088)
04-Apr-2007
Q: I'm confused about Modbus TCP addressing/mapping and also how to determine which Modbus Function Code (FC) is being used by the ECOM100 (client/master or server/slave).
A: The Modbus TCP addressing/mapping scheme that had to be utilized by the ECOM100 is a bit complicated. However, you can download the following .PDF file which basically has 2 pages; one describing the use of the ECOM100 as a Modbus TCP Master (Client) and one describing the use of the ECOM100 as a Modbus TCP Slave (Server).

ECOM100 Server Client Mapping.PDF file.

FAQ0209
16-Apr-2007
Q: What is the limitation of the size of the equation I can enter in the MATHBCD, MATHBIN and MATHR IBoxes?
A: Each of these MATH IBoxes have a limitation of 506 characters in the equation.

FAQ0210
07-May-2007
Q: What is the bookmark feature in DirectSOFT v5.x?
A: Unfortunately, this feature is not documented in any Help file, or in any manual. It is a feature that is included in DirectSOFT v5.0 and later. This feature allows you to bookmark a rung in Ladder logic that you can use later. How to use:

1. Place the cursor on the rung you want to bookmark.
2. Hold the <CTRL> key and press the mouse button. This causes a bookmark to get recorded in the Output Window.
3. Double-clicking on the entry in the Output Window will now cause DirectSOFT to go to that rung and display.

Multiple bookmarks can be entered. But unfortunately you cannot delete single entries. But to delete all entries, you merely have to close the Output Window.

FAQ0211
22-May-2007
Q: Can DirectSOFT be used with a project stored on a mapped drive (or network drive)?
A: Yes, but follow these guidelines:

• Do not open the project directly on the mapped/network drive by browsing there with DirectSOFT.
• Instead, copy (or move) all the project files from the mapped/network drive to a local folder on your PC.
• Work on the files locally until finished.
• Copy (or move) all the project files from the local folder on your PC to the mapped/network drive.

Observing these guidelines will prevent bizarre errors that can occur due to things like:

• Someone else trying to open up the files on the mapped/network drive simultaneously while you have them open.
• Your PC suddenly losing touch with the network so that DirectSOFT can't make occasional writes to the files while you work on them.

FAQ0212
04-Aug-2009
Q: Attempt to start DirectSOFT (selecting from menu, or double-clicking on icon) and nothing happens (no error messages).
A: We have discovered this is the symptom of a possible 3 problems on your PC (i.e. all 3 problems have this exact same symptom). This symptom is caused by either (1) a permissions issue, or, (2) a security issue, or, (3) an actual crash.

(1)  Permissions Issue: If it is this issue, then it simply means that at your current login level on WinXP, you do not have permission from your Admin to run DirectSOFT. Thus try:

• Right-click on the DSLaunch (or DirectSOFT) icon, select Run As, and change the setting from "Current user" to "The following user".

(2)  Security Issue: If it is this issue, then it means that the security settings on your WinXP session will not allow the execution of the DirectSOFT program. Thus try one of these:

• If you are not the Admin of your PC, then have the Admin make sure you have R/W access to the DirectSOFT folder.
• Change the Data Execution Prevention (DEP) setting. To do this:
  (1)  Start --> Control Panel.
  (2)  Double-click on the System icon.
  (3)  Click on the Advanced tab.
  (4)  Under the Performance section, click on the <Settings> button.
  (5)  Click on the Data Execution Prevention tab.
  (6)  In order to check to see if there are exceptions in the window, you must first select the "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select:"
  (7)  After you select "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select:" then make sure none of the programs associated with DirectSOFT are in the window. Use the <Remove> button to remove them from the list. Yes! This is weird, but we have found that if these programs are listed here they will not work (exactly opposite of what you might think). Make sure the following items are not in the list:
       - App/Module version browser utility
       - DBWin32
       - DirectSOFT 5 - Launch Application
       - Element documentation database server
       - PLC communications server
       - PLC programming and documentation application
       - TODO: <File description>
       - viewer
  (8)  After removing these DirectSOFT-related .EXEs from the list, then reselect the "Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only"
  (9)  When you <OK> out of this, you will have to reboot your PC.

(3)  Actual Crash: If this is the issue, then this is a WinXP system problem that we have not yet figured out. The problem is that the NTDLL.DLL file is crashing before it even calls our program. We are currently working on figuring this out, but until then, here are some suggestions:

• Using MSCONFIG some customers have been able to turn OFF all startup programs, get DirectSOFT running, then turn the startup programs back ON a few at a time (testing after each reboot), until everything is back ON. Strange, yes, but it has worked!
• Reinstall the Windows OS. (This has worked 100% of the time so far; though it is certainly not the most desirable option!).
• Use a different PC altogether (The odds have it that more than one of your PCs will not have this issue simultaneously).
• Perform a Windows System Repair (This is possible on some PCs because the manufacturer sends a repair CD with the PC).
• Perform older and older Windows Restore Points. (This can sometimes be done, going back in time, until a point is reached that it works).

In this Actual Crash issue, if you are interested in helping us solve this issue, you can use the program called "Dependency Walker" that can be downloaded from the Internet to log what happens on your PC when the error occurs, and then e-mail that log file to us (support@hosteng.com). There is a feature in "Dependency Walker" called "explicit dependency" or "dynamic dependency" or "runtime dependency" that allows you to do a log when you execute the DSLaunch. This is the one you need to use. These logs may help us in solving the issue. So far, these logs have only indicated that NTDLL.DLL is crashing but we don't know why. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

FAQ0213
07-Jun-2007
Q: When in Edit mode, typing in "OUT" always pulls up the instruction used with bits; how do you pull up the OUT associated with V-memory?
A: There are 2 OUT instructions (bitwise & wordwise).

• To pull up the bitwise OUT, type in OUT and press <ENTER>.
• To pull up the wordwise OUT, press <F7> button and then type in OUT and press <ENTER>.

Another way to do this is:

• To pull up the bitwise OUT, type in OUT and press <ENTER> (same as above).
• To pull up the wordwise OUT, type in OUT and press <ENTER>, then press the slash key "/". This will toggle between the different OUTs.

FAQ0214
18-Jun-2007
Q: Monitoring a counter (e.g. CT0) in ladder logic, why does DirectSOFT v5.x display only 1 value in status, whereas DirectSOFT v4.0 displays 2?
A: It is because you have a constant (K) as the counter's preset and DirectSOFT v5.x "knows" it is not necessary to display the 2nd number.

When doing Status for a counter the 2 values that are displayed in DirectSOFT v4.0 are:

1. The counter's accumulated value.
2. The counter's preset value.

It is not always necessary to display them both. The preset of a counter can either be a constant (K) or a variable (V-memory). If it is a constant (K), then really the 2nd number displayed in Status is superfluous even though DirectSOFT v4.0 just goes ahead and displays them both all the time. DirectSOFT v5.x "knows" whether you have entered a constant (K) or variable (V-memory) for the preset. If you have entered a constant (K), then there is no need to display the 2nd value; if you have entered a variable (V-memory) then it is necessary to display the 2nd value.

FAQ0215
03-Jul-2007
Q: What are the SETB, RSTB and OUTB instructions?
A: These instructions are actual PLC instructions that set a bit, reset a bit and output a bit respectively. However, you will not see these instructions displayed in DirectSOFT, but only with a handheld programmer. DirectSOFT displays these instructions as simple SET, RST and OUT instructions.

FAQ0216
11-Jul-2007
Q: While installing DirectSOFT, get, "InstallShield is trying to install or uninstall a file that is currently being used by another program. Locked file : c:\windows\system32\msvcr71.DLL"
A: This file is Microsoft Visual C Runtime Dynamic Link Library and it is a very commonly used DLL by many programs. Exactly as the message says, the file is being used by another program. When doing an installation it is always best to shutdown all other programs beforehand. However, since you have already gotten this message, it is best to click the <Postpone> button and let the install finish, and then reboot the PC. If you see any other strange behavior after this, then uninstall DirectSOFT, reboot PC, and reinstall and try again.

FAQ0217
27-Aug-2007
Q: Having trouble creating links using serial radios. Is there a way to control the RTS signalling?
A: It is possible to control the time in which the RTS signal is delayed when using hardware handshaking for a serial link. To enable and use these functions, lines must be added to the DS500.INI (DS300.INI, DS400.INI) file and the RTSxDelay parameters added:
- To pull up the .INI file for editing, see DirectSOFT FAQ0204.
- To edit the RTSxDelay parameters in the .INI file, see DirectSOFT FAQ0008.

Example:
RTSOnDelay=5
RTSOffDelay=2

By default, these settings are 1 ms. In the above example the "RTS on delay" is set to 5 ms (i.e. turn RTS ON, wait 5 ms, then start sending), and the "RTS off delay" is set to 2 ms (i.e. send, wait for last character to be out of Xmit buffer, wait 2 ms, then turn RTS OFF).

FAQ0218 (deleted)

FAQ0219
01-Oct-2007
Q: When using the <Write-to-PLC> button, get "Error writing memory to PLC!".
A: This is a very general error. Depending on the protocol that is being used it can mean several different and specific things. To see the specific error information, in DirectSOFT goto PLC --> Link Setup... Here you may see more specific error information that can be further researched in the PLC manual. For example, we have seen the following error listed there:

• "Task code error response" with "Extended error = 104":  According to the PLC manual this is a R/W error to the EEPROM. In this case check the jumper of the EEPROM to see if it is in the "protect" position.

FAQ0220 (see also DL-Plus FAQ0008; Lookout Direct FAQ0013)
02-Nov-2007
Q: Trying to run LookoutDirect, DirectSOFT and DL-Plus, and getting "Hostxx.DLL could not be found" error.
A: This is probably due to incompatible CommServer (Csmain.EXE) versions and Hostxx.DLL versions. The Hostxx.DLL is our extension of Microsoft Foundation Class Library (MFCxx.DLL) and is used by most of our software products. Hostxx.DLL is located in the DirectSOFTxx\Bin folder and is shared by DirectSOFT programming, LookoutDirect and DL-Plus.

• These use Host42.DLL (ship with Csmain.EXE v4.x)
  - DirectSOFT v4.x
  - LookoutDirect v4.x
  - DL-Plus v4.x
   
• These use Host71.DLL (ship with Csmain.EXE v5.0)
  - DirectSOFT v5.0
   
• These use Host71a.DLL (ship with Csmain.EXE v5.1+)
  - DirectSOFT v5.1 and later
  - LookoutDirect v5.x
  - DL-Plus v5.x

When any of the above applications are started, they load their version of the CommServer (Csmain.EXE). If another of the above applications is then started, it does not reload its version of the CommServer, but tries to use the one already running. This could result in incompatibilities if caution is not taken as to the order in which the applications are started up. In other words, if you run an app that uses an earlier version of Csmain.EXE, and then load one that uses a later version of Csmain.EXE, the latter app may try to use more advanced functions that the former Csmain.EXE cannot perform.

Thus if you are going to run multiple versions, you should run the latest one first.

Furthermore, the latest versions of DL-Plus and LookoutDirect can be downloaded from our website and you can use your older v4.x keycode to install them.

FAQ0221
04-Sep-2008
Q: Changes made to the Toolbar in DirectSOFT v5.x are not being saved; the default Toolbar is always displayed.
A: This is probably because you are using WinVista and you have the UAC (User Access Control) turned ON. Since the Toobar information is stored in the registry, WinVista's UAC is blocking this from happening. The only work-around is to temporarily turn the UAC OFF. You can turn it back ON after making the Toolbar changes if you like. To turn UAC ON/OFF:

     (1)  Use the Windows Start button: Start --> Control Panel.
     (2)  Click on "User Accounts".
     (3)  Click on "Turn UAC ON/OFF".

FAQ0222
09-Sep-2009
Q: After entering an IBox in DirectSOFT5, get error: "Can't generate a macro mnemonic list at offset..."
A: This error is caused by a program (e.g. LookoutDirect, DirectSOFT4, etc.) starting and running the older version 4 DirectSOFT CommServer (Csmain.EXE) and then trying to use DirectSOFT5 after that. In other words, one of these programs has been started first, and loads the older version 4 CommServer into PC memory, then DirectSOFT5 is started and it sees a CommServer is already loaded into PC memory and therefore tries to use it. For the most part DirectSOFT5 can utilize this older CommServer, but there are some things that are added to DirectSOFT5 that use new features and therefore require the newer version 5 CommServer. Thus the solution is:

     (1)  Close all programs.
     (2)  Even if you are going to run something like LookoutDirect or DirectSOFT4 simultaneously on your PC, start DirectSOFT5 first.

These older programs, though they come with version 4 of the CommServer, can fully utilize version 5 of the CommServer with no issues. In other words, version 5 of the CommServer is backward compatible with them.