BSOD on computer with critical software

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#3383430 13-Jun-2025 05:01

Daynger:

SepticSceptic:

And will be the OPs fault re the BSOD.

"So you got the PSU fixed, and there is now ANOTHER fault?

Are you incompetent or what?"

Yeah, im waiting for the blame game.

If it was me I’d be having a pretty straightforward conversation with the client at this point and making sure they knew it’s all best effort with no responsibility. I’d be recommending in writing to stop further work and upgrade the system as it is obsolete and no longer supported

There’s a reasonable chance you’re not getting paid for what you’ve done so far so I wouldn’t be putting anymore time into it without getting documented agreement of a way forward.

These sorts of sites are impossible at the best of times and this isn’t the best of times. Been there, done that, no one ends up happy.

acsylaa

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#3383458 13-Jun-2025 07:57

Daynger:

Insight.

I might be able to do a fresh HDD, new software and pull the database from the panel, but i dont know the version numbers or anything.

Im not super familiar with insight.

Ohhh that is OLD, im picking it will be a concept 3000 or a 4000 controller hanging off of that, and that was EOL in 2021, and should have been replaced.

before you get too silly i would image the disk and make a backup of the following folders.

Check C:\Program Files\Inner Range\Insight\ or C:\Insight\ for config files and DBs, i think the DB was like a .irx or sormthing.

Also look in allt he Downloads folders for the Installation packages just in case you have to rebuild it and pull all that off to one side.

I cant remember how it was lisenced, but i think from memory it was a dongle? as the newer Insight is a Lisence Key tied to your hardware.

Make sure you have that dongle as well as you will need that.

The other option would be to get in touch withyour Security company that maintains the system as they Should have a copy of the DB and the Software on hand, you could also try Atlas Gentech or CSD in AU and you might be lucky if they can help rebuild and get the DB and get you a copy of the old software.

I have just had a look through all my files for a copy of Insight but i cant see anything, i could ask one of the guys at the office to see if they have a copy stashed some where if you get stuck.

acsylaa

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#3383459 13-Jun-2025 08:05

Daynger:

acsylaa:

What Access Control System was it running? not Cardax or Gallagher By chance?

Insight.

I might be able to do a fresh HDD, new software and pull the database from the panel, but i dont know the version numbers or anything.

Im not super familiar with insight.

I would just be careful with that one, as its Australian made software and they are all backwards, they usually use the term Download to panel! and also there is a setting in there some where where the panel or the software has the option to prefer either changes from the software or the panel so yeah be careful, because if you download to panel and it was set for prefer changes from software, well you would just wipe the entire panel.

trig42

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#3383498 13-Jun-2025 09:53

You can't hear the HDD making funny noises?

Does it spin up OK when you turn on the power? No clunks or weird noises?

It may be that when the PSU died, it corrupted that bit of the disk the reg file is sitting on.

Connect the HDD to another computer.

Backup the Insight folders if you can read them.

Attempt a CHKDSK /r on the disk.

See if that fixes the reg not being able to be read.

Recommend strongly that the system is upgraded and backed up.

gzt

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#3383624 13-Jun-2025 12:23

There are often .bak files available in the same directory as the registry files. That used to be the go to. In any case, the simple things need to be done first like chkdsk, scanreg, and preferably a backup before switching the thing on and messing with it.

Daynger

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#3383737 13-Jun-2025 18:11

Thanks for the tips.

I can hear the HDD making not so great noises.

Ill pull the drive tomorrow and see if i can read it in my PC, see if i can salvage anything.

I have accounts and contacts at Atlas Gentech for finding software versions etc and still have the dongle to run it too.

Samsung

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Daynger

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#3384873 16-Jun-2025 20:47

Good news!

I can read the drive on my PC, i have pulled the entire folder for the access system on to my drive and everything else i can see related to it. This means i can see the software version so can get a new download if i need it from Altas.

Is it worth trying to save this existing disk? Or just buy a new small disc and finding a copy of XP to install?

I have never done a fresh windows install before but it cant be that hard can it?

Its a Samsung HD502HJ HDD.

Thanks for the help so far.

SomeoneSomewhere

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#3384880 16-Jun-2025 21:18

If the HDD is making odd noises or SMART looks bad, definitely replace. If it's not, a new SSD is cheap enough (assuming SATA) that I would replace it anyway. And it'll make the install faster. Also, this means you still have the original drive if it turns out you didn't copy everything you need. I would still take an image of the entire drive in case it fails unexpectedly.

When you go to install Windows, have only the install media (CD/DVD/USB) and the drive you plan to install onto connected to the PC, no other storage devices. Windows is notorious for doing dumb things like overwriting disks you didn't want it to, or installing a boot sector onto another disk so you need both disks present to boot. Especially old versions.

You'll want to find the product key. I have no clue what the process for trying to activate a copy of XP is like in 2025...

elpenguino

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#3384881 16-Jun-2025 21:22

SomeoneSomewhere:

You'll want to find the product key. I have no clue what the process for trying to activate a copy of XP is like in 2025...

Microsoft turned their servers off a while ago (Windows 7 too). There is a 3rd party tool / service available and you can (probably) find it and activate with enough googling.

Most of the posters in this thread are just like chimpanzees on MDMA, full of feelings of bonhomie, joy, and optimism. Fred99 8/4/21

Daynger

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#3385356 18-Jun-2025 19:18

Well, bad news.

Talked to the access control supplier today and its all bad news. The panel and softwares are EOL as of nearly 15 years ago.

Software wont work with my panel without the original install CDs.

Looks like the PC rebuild if off for now.

But there may be a back door through some installer software, which i can get from the Atlas Gentech portal.

Handle9

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#3385357 18-Jun-2025 19:21

Daynger:

Well, bad news.

Talked to the access control supplier today and its all bad news. The panel and softwares are EOL as of nearly 15 years ago.

Software wont work with my panel without the original install CDs.

Looks like the PC rebuild if off for now.

But there may be a back door through some installer software, which i can get from the Atlas Gentech portal.

Looks like good news to me. It’ll force the owner to actually do some something to maintain their installation.

Samsung

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Daynger

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#3385362 18-Jun-2025 20:06

Handle9:

Looks like good news to me. It’ll force the owner to actually do some something to maintain their installation.

Have just emailed the bad news about them having to think really hard about an upgrade real soon.

So possibly good for me.

acsylaa

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#3385363 18-Jun-2025 20:11

Daynger:

Well, bad news.

Talked to the access control supplier today and its all bad news. The panel and softwares are EOL as of nearly 15 years ago.

Software wont work with my panel without the original install CDs.

Looks like the PC rebuild if off for now.

But there may be a back door through some installer software, which i can get from the Atlas Gentech portal.

Do you know what version it was? I managed to locate what looks to be insight Pro version 3.4.1.

How many Doors are on the System? how many users do you have? where is the System located?

This would be a perfect Time to upgrade to a Gallagher new site bundle plus kit if there are only 8 doors or less as you get free Software maintenance.

In doing this you would have so many more features and actually be in the year 2025 and be able to use a mobile phone to unlock doors!

I dont mind Ripping and replacing the older systems and migrating all in to one as that is the Fun part working out all that older stuff!

If you want to have a chat about it send me a DM and i can also get you the Insight Pro 3.4.1 if needed, if its a different version i might be able to do some more digging and locate an older version.

This was a recent Project. Older Gallagher 3000 system (still working Strong), with a Tecom alarm system, ist just recently been merged in to one system across all sites, Main office has 20-25 Doors, and 6-7 satellite sites with 4-6 doors each. Will be upgrading them to 9.3 MR1 when its fully released.

Before Pic Main Office

Mid way through

After

Handle9

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#3385364 18-Jun-2025 20:11

Daynger:

Handle9:

Looks like good news to me. It’ll force the owner to actually do some something to maintain their installation.

Have just emailed the bad news about them having to think really hard about an upgrade real soon.

So possibly good for me.

At least your backside is covered if it gets silly. Unfortunately in my experience these types of clients will blame everyone but themselves if you give them the opportunity.

Daynger

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#3385863 21-Jun-2025 12:51

acsylaa:

Do you know what version it was? I managed to locate what looks to be insight Pro version 3.4.1.

How many Doors are on the System? how many users do you have? where is the System located?

This would be a perfect Time to upgrade to a Gallagher new site bundle plus kit if there are only 8 doors or less as you get free Software maintenance.

In doing this you would have so many more features and actually be in the year 2025 and be able to use a mobile phone to unlock doors!

I dont mind Ripping and replacing the older systems and migrating all in to one as that is the Fun part working out all that older stuff!

If you want to have a chat about it send me a DM and i can also get you the Insight Pro 3.4.1 if needed, if its a different version i might be able to do some more digging and locate an older version.

This was a recent Project. Older Gallagher 3000 system (still working Strong), with a Tecom alarm system, ist just recently been merged in to one system across all sites, Main office has 20-25 Doors, and 6-7 satellite sites with 4-6 doors each. Will be upgrading them to 9.3 MR1 when its fully released.

Before Pic Main Office

Mid way through

After

Looks like it was a 4.3 or something.

It is a lift and about 4 doors so only a small system.

Lots of users though, as noone has kept a very good handle on cards and remotes, there were i believe near 400 tags/remotes and its only a building with maybe 55 apartments, its out of control.

I can do it with a Tecom baby system easily enough.

Thanks though.

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