Support Home > Frequently Asked Questions > TSS V3.2 and Earlier

Troubleshooting Skills Series V3.2 and Earlier

Using the Programs

  1. Can I move the software from one computer to another?
  2. Can the faults be retried once completed?
  3. Can I change my user name once it is created?

Updates and Upgrades

  1. I already own a previous version of the Troubleshooting Skills Series software. Should I upgrade to Version 4.0?
  2. Is there a special upgrade price to upgrade from previous versions (2.5, 3.0, or 3.2) of the software?

Technical Support

  1. I had to use the System Restore feature to fix my operating system and now my Troubleshooting Skills software does not work correctly. What should I do?.
  2. Does any of the Troubleshooting Skills software run on Mac computers?
  3. Do Versions 3.2, 3.0, and 2.5 of the Troubleshooting Skills Series software run on Windows Vista or Windows 7?
  4. My Windows operating system is in a language other than English. After installing the software for the first time, and trying to attempt a fault in the simulator, the program informs me that I have completed all the faults (which I have not) and then asks me if I wish to repeat the fault.
  5. When I attempt to install the Demo I get the following error message: "[filename] is not a valid win32 application".
  6. I have installed one of the Troubleshooting Skills programs but I keep getting a 16-bit subsystem error message when I try to run the program.
  7. I have installed the Troubleshooting Skills software, but when I try running a program I get the following message: "Cannot find Shell.dll".
  8. When I try to activate the Troubleshooting Skills software I get the following message: "Invalid Code". What do I do now?
  9. When installing the any of the Troubleshooting Skills programs I get an error message relating to "INSTMSIA.EXE".
  10. I have installed the programs but when I run them I get the message: "Your display setting is set to Large or your display resolution is not compatible with this program, the display setting must be normal or small, and resolution must have a 4:3 ratio".



Using the Programs

1. Can I move the software from one computer to another? back to top

Once the software is installed on a computer it cannot be moved to another computer without the assistance of Simutech Multimedia. However, you can download the program onto one computer and then copy it to another computer BEFORE it is installed and activated. It needs to be installed and activated on the computer you plan on using it on.


2. Can the faults be retried once completed? back to top

Yes, you can retry the faults once they are completed. Guided and Practice faults can be tried an unlimited number of times.

You can also retry the Skill Test faults, once they are all successfully completed. When you wish to retry a Skill Test fault, the program will randomly select faults for you.


3. Can I change my user name once it is created? back to top

Unfortunately, there is no way to change the user name once it has been created in the program without losing your progress and results. The only way to change your user name is to completely uninstall and reinstall the software. This will delete any progress you have completed.



Updates and Upgrades

1. I already own a previous version of the Troubleshooting Skills Series software. Should I upgrade to Version 4.0? back to top

Version 4 of the Troubleshooting Skills Series software has been completely redesigned and rebuilt. Most users who have upgraded have found it to be very worthwhile.

Some of the key new enhancements include:

  • Compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7.
  • More faults included in all programs.
  • Enhanced content sections.
  • Improved simulation capabilities.
  • Enhanced evaluation system.
For more information please see the new V4 features.



2. Is there a special upgrade price to upgrade from previous versions (2.5, 3.0, or 3.2) of the software? back to top

We have provided a special upgrade offer for customers using Version 2.5, Version 3.0, or Version 3.2 who wish to upgrade to Version 4.0.

Find out more about our special upgrade pricing.



Technical Support

1. I had to use the System Restore feature to fix my operating system and now my Troubleshooting Skills software does not work correctly. What should I do? back to top

When you restore your operating system to a previous restore point, it is possible that your progress data was erased. You will need to completely uninstall and then reinstall the software.


2. Does any of the Troubleshooting Skills software run on Mac computers? back to top

The Troubleshooting Skills software will not work natively on a Mac. However, it is possible to run the software on Intel-based Macs running a Windows operating system.

The three ways to run Windows programs on Mac hardware:

  1. Parallels: http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/
  2. Fusion: http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/
  3. Bootcamp: http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/bootcamp.html
All of these require an Intel-based Mac, which basically covers Macs purchased after mid 2006.

There are currently no plans to make the programs compatible natively with Mac computers.


3. Do Versions 3.2, 3.0, and 2.5 of the Troubleshooting Skills Series software run on Windows Vista or Windows 7? back to top

Version 3.2 of the Troubleshooting Skills Series software will run on the Windows Vista 32-bit operating system. However, it will not run on the Windows Vista 64-bit or the Windows 7 operating systems.

One way to run the software on a computer with Windows 7 is to run the software under Virtual XP mode. Note that this option is only available with Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate. The following link provides more information about Virtual XP: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/default.aspx.

Version 3.0 and earlier does not run on either Windows Vista or Windows 7. These versions can run on Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP operating systems.

Version 4 of the Troubleshooting Skills Series, released in September 2009, is compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7. Click here for more information about the Version 4 programs.


4. My Windows operating system is in a language other than English. After installing the software for the first time, and trying to attempt a fault in the simulator, the program informs me that I have completed all the faults (which I have not) and then asks me if I wish to repeat the fault.

When I click the Repeat the Fault button the following error message appears:

"Error: requestMessageIndex in C:\Program Files\Simutech\TBT\ feedback.sbk
Request message level start-not found.
Please contact Simutech Multimedia Inc. with the above information.
This information has also been written to
C:\Documents and Settings\Administration\local settings\temp\ simutechErrorLog.txt"
back to top

This error occurs when the Windows operating system is in a language other than English.

For Versions 3.2 and earlier the only solution for this problem is to install the program(s) on a computer with an English version of Windows.

Version 4 of the Troubleshooting Skills Series, released in September 2009, works properly on all language versions of Windows. Click here for more information about the Version 4 programs.


5. When I attempt to install the Demo I get the following error message: "[filename] is not a valid win32 application". back to top

Any demos released before September 2009 are no longer supported. Please view the Demos & Downloads page for the most recent program demos.


6. I have installed one of the Troubleshooting Skills programs but I keep getting a 16-bit subsystem error message when I try to run the program.
back to top

If you are using Windows XP and receive an error message similar to the following, this means that one of the files on your computer is either missing or damaged.

"16 bit Window Subsystem C:\WINDOWS\System32\AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application."

One solution that normally works is to restore the AUTOEXEC.NT file from the C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR directory to the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32. To restore this file complete the following steps:

  1. Double click on My Computer.
  2. Double click on your C: drive.
  3. Double click on the Windows folder.
  4. Double click on the Repair folder.
  5. Copy the autoexec.nt file. To copy the file, right click on the file. A pop-up menu will appear. Select Copy.
  6. Go back to the Windows folder and find the System32 folder.
  7. Double click on the System32 folder to open it.
  8. Right click on an empty part of the window within the System32 folder. A pop-up menu will appear. Select Paste. The autoexec.nt file should appear in the folder.
  9. Right click on the autoexec.nt file. A pop-up menu will appear. Select Properties.
  10. Check the Read Only box under Attributes, and click Apply.
For more information about this error, please refer to this Microsoft article:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767&Product=winxp

If this does not resolve the problem, please contact Simutech Multimedia for assistance.


7. I have installed the Troubleshooting Skills software, but when I try running a program I get the following message: "Cannot find Shell.dll".
back to top

This means that the shell.dll file is missing from a specific directory. To replace the file please follow these instructions.

  1. Double click on My Computer.
  2. Double click on your C: drive.
  3. Double click on the Windows folder.
  4. Double click on the System folder.
  5. Copy the file shell.dll file. To copy the file, right click on the file. A pop-up menu will appear. Select Copy.
  6. Go back to the Windows folder and find the System32 folder.
  7. Double click on the System32 folder to open it.
  8. Right click on an empty part of the window within the System32 folder. A pop-up menu will appear. Select Paste. The shell.dll file should appear in the folder.
  9. Right click on the shell.dll file. A pop-up menu will appear. Select Properties.
  10. Check the Read Only box under Attributes, and click Apply.

8. When I try to activate the Troubleshooting Skills software I get the following message: "Invalid Code". What do I do now? back to top

If you choose On-line activation, the computer must be connected to the Internet when you activate the program.

If the computer is connected to the Internet and you still get the “Invalid Code” message when trying to activate the program, try temporarily turning off your firewall.

If the software will not activate, select Internet Browser as the option for activating the program and follow the instructions.

If you are still unable to activate the software, please contact Simutech Multimedia for assistance.


9. When installing the any of the Troubleshooting Skills programs I get an error message relating to "INSTMSIA.EXE". back to top

This means that the version of Microsoft's Installer (MSI) agent on your computer is out of date. Please use the link below to download and install the MSI. You should have no problem installing the Troubleshooting Skills programs after installing the new MSI. Please note that this problem only occurs with Windows 98 or Millennium edition.

To download the Windows Installer file for Windows 98 or Millennium edition, visit the following Microsoft website:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/WindowsInstaller/Install/2.0/W9XMe/EN-US/InstMsiA.exe

Once you have installed the Microsoft Installer, restart your computer and install the Troubleshooting Skills software.


10. I have installed the programs but when I run them I get the message: "Your display setting is set to Large or your display resolution is not compatible with this program, the display setting must be normal or small, and resolution must have a 4:3 ratio". back to top

The Troubleshooting Skills programs require the display to be set in a normal resolution (a resolution that has a ratio of 4x3 such as 800x600, 1024x768 or 1280x1024) as well as a normal font size. On some computers the display resolution is set to a wide screen value that is not a ratio of 4x3 which may also trigger this message. In order to prevent this message from showing and to allow the programs to run, make sure the font size is set to small or normal AND the display resolution is set to a value with a ratio of 4x3 (such as the value listed above).

To check the font size:

If you are using Windows XP:

  1. Right click on the desktop and select "Properties".
  2. Click the Settings tab.
  3. Click the Advanced button.
  4. Make sure the DPI setting is set to "Normal size (96 DPI)".
If you are using Windows Vista:
  1. From the control panel (Classic View) double click the "Personalization" icon.
  2. On the left side of the window click the "Adjust font size (DPI)" link.
  3. Make sure the setting is set to Default scale (96DPI).

Simutech Store

Troubleshooting Skills Series V4

Advanced Troubleshooting

Program Editions
The Troubleshooting Skills Series V4 is available in 4 editions:
Student, Expert, Business, and Enterprise

Troubleshooting techniques Learn which edition is right for you
Effective Training Tools
Simutech's Electrical Troubleshooting programs are designed to be highly effective learning tools and have been awarded top honors for their educational and training value.

Electrical control circuit Find out why the Troubleshooting Skills Series is such an effective learning tool
Simulation Features
The Troubleshooting Skills Series makes extensive use of detailed electrical simulations.

Simulation troubleshooting Learn about the features that make these simulations so realistic
Troubleshooting Resources
  • Articles on Electrical Troubleshooting
  • Tips on using the Troubleshooting programs
  • Downloadable information on the Troubleshooting Skills Series

Electrical control circuit training All these and more are available on the Troubleshooting Resource page
Customer Testimonials
"It [Troubleshooting - Motor Controls] is one of the best educational software I have used...I especially like the tracking system...All in all a truly exceptional product."

"Having completed this series myself, this is one of the best tools I've ever seen. It's an extremely realistic way to learn and refine your troubleshooting skills without the expense, mistakes, and pressure from the employer. I would recommend this software for everyone and anyone, both novice and advanced."

"It had some challenging faults that actually helped me improve my troubleshooting skills which I have since been able to apply on my current job as an industrial electrician. For learning and value it was excellent."

"Let me first say how great your program is. A great way to hone my troubleshooting skills. Some people will get up in the morning and have a coffee and play a game of solitaire on the computer. Myself, even though I have finished all three programs, I still try to solve one or two in the morning with my coffee. Just waiting for a new series to be released."

"I love the TMC program. It really helps my students improve their troubleshooting skills...TMC does a great job at teaching troubleshooting fundamentals. When my students are troubleshooting my electrically live motor control trainers, I have to be on my toes so they don't injure themselves. With TMC I don't have to worry if they get ZAPPED and I can have over a dozen of them troubleshooting at the same time. I can't do that with my real trainers."

"I think that you're onto a good thing here. Programs like yours definitely help sharpen my skills in a discipline that I feel is as much art as it is science. I thank you for the obvious effort you've put into these programs."

"Having 15 years experience in dual trade of Electrician and Instrument Tech in various industries, I can say that there is nothing else like your software out there in the market or educational sector."

"The software is working out great and I've seen the difference in the few people I've already run through the programs. The more practice I can get these new troubleshooters, the better."

"My thanks to all who had a hand in developing this series of programs and filling a gap which sadly still exists today in the untaught and poorly learnt art of troubleshooting and fault finding."

"I am using my program and I am enjoying it immensely already. I've been showing the demo portion to my shipmates and several are definitely interested in getting the program as well. Thanks again!"

"I am very impressed with this software."

"Here's a little bit of feedback on your Troubleshooting Software. First off, the guys here love the programs. A couple of them even use it on their lunch time!"

"I really enjoy this program and find it very educational."

"My congratulations and thanks to you and the team for the software and programming involved in producing these training packages. They are brilliant. Easy to use, well explained, very educational, highly entertaining, challenging and also slightly addictive."

"My first and lasting impression of your e-learning software is that it's outstanding. It's fun, realistic, and informative. I believe it's a real world approach to training without the injuries, equipment damage, and costs that could result from initial OJT."

Motor control circuit Find out what others are saying
© 2010 Simutech Multimedia Inc. All Rights Reserved.