Message
Re: [colorvision_group] The Spyder2Express software is a nightmare
2007-02-22 by CDTobie@aol.com
In a message dated 2/22/07 5:01:16 AM, mainsoft@... writes:
I recently purchased Spyder2Express and I must say that is the worst
software experience I have made since long. First, I must say that
I'm not the only one with the problems described below. A look at teh
DPReview forum will demonstrate this
(http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?
forum=1004&thread=21651889&page=1).
Yes, I've always found that forum to be the best source of trashtalking and venting on a wide number of topics... Not too good for actual technical info though...
The package came with Spyder2Express 2.2.2 (although the label on the
CD says 1.x).
The label has a number that works with any version, so no worries there...
This version immediately demonstrated bugs: error
messages about the sensor not being recognized. Error 6
(SpyderUSB.cpp 167). An error occured while taking a reading. Make
sure the sensor is properly attached. Well, guess what, teh sensor
*is* properly attached and recognized by Windows.
I went to the download site and discovered a version named 2.3.3.
Unfortunately, this installation package was never tested because it
crashes during the installation. Go figure.
Your assumption that it was never tested since it crashes on your machine is flawed: it was tested, but not, obviously, on YOUR machine... most users have had no such issue.
Someone on a forum told me about version 2.3.4 but this version
obviously had a short lifetime because it quickly disappeared from
the Colovision sites.
You'll now find 2.3.5 on the website, but it contains a different Spyder driver from previous versions, so you would be advised to speak to support about the best way to eliminate existing installed components from your system before installing. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to totally remove an installed driver under Windows without doing things Microsoft doesn't want you to do, so its important to get assistance if you have a system that is showing problems, before upgrading.
Back to version 2.3. Please note that the results and the code that
you obtain vary depending on from which site (US or European) you
download. The same version number doesn't guarantee that you'll get
the same code. Worse, I have two packages downloaded from the
european site and both labeled 2.3 (the latest being dated 02-20-
2007) that are not identical.
Version 2.3 still has the error 6 problem (meanwhile I have been told
that this error can be ignored)
Its a cosmetic issue, fixed in more recent versions, but yes, it has no affect other than popping up an unnecessary warning.
but now I have a new one: error 2
(SpyderUSB.cpp 127). File not found. The software claims that "no
sensor is attached" although it is and properly recognized by the
system.
Again, support is the place to get this issue dealt with...
Please also note that depending on whether you are working on the US
site or the European site, you don't deserve the same information and
do not have access to the same files. This is a stangre policy.
That US and European sites and support are not identical is pretty much universal, as you will find with Epson drivers, etc...
So I'm now stuck. Uninstalling, purging the registry from everything
that is left over by the uninstaller, removing all instances of the
Spyder2 device in the device manager and re-installing version 2.3
doesn't help.
As a software developer,
As a software developer you've gone ahead, blazed your own trail, and gotten in trouble. What you needed to do was contact support, like any other user, and get the right answers, instead of banging your head against the wall. Thousands of users are happy with this product, so don't assume your issue is universal; the fact that you are a developer and have unusual stuff on your machine could well be a factor in your problems here.
So if anyone from Colorvision *who is really in charge* can give me
explanations about this mess, I'd be grateful (the support is telling
me that a new version will be released within the next few days but
this was already about 10 days ago).
I'm in charge, but I don't find this to be the right place to cover your support issue. The update you note is already released, but I don't recommend that you repeat your previous 'blaze your own trail' method of installing it, or you will continue to waste time with driver issues. Start a support ticket at ONE website, either Europe and the US, and they will cover the process with you.
C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Unit
Datacolor Inc.
CDTobie@...
www.colorvision.com
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