posted
I hope SignWarehouse.com is not an advertiser on this site, 'cause I have a complaint. I purchased a software package called SignPal Expert from them - it's suposed to be a cut-rate version of Flexi. They tell me that it is made by Flexi. Anyway, this software locks up my computer about 6 - 8 times daily. I have a BIG Dell computer - it's not memory problems. The only way back in is to re-boot the machine. I have talked to the people at SignWarehouse and they only ignore the problem, never return phone calls, and the tech-service area told me that this was not a known problem so there is nothing they can do. What about customer satisfaction?? What about a refund? What about doing the job right? What about doing the right thing? Anyway, has anyone else had experience with this SignPal software? I also use SignLab and have never had any problems with it in over 2 1/2 years.
posted
I have been using a program called Vinyl Express Master, that is a version of the older Flexi Plus, before Flexi, merged with the Casmate group. Since the merge, the casmate techs must have whipped up a batch of trouble and dropped it on the flexi, stuff. I know casmate is famous for crashing a lot if the demand is to great. BUT... it could be a whole mess of pre- loaded apps., on your Dell, that cause the crash as well. You might try turning off some of the programs that were in the Dell, when you got it to see if your Sign Program works any better. As far as GBC, is concerned, you won't find a better lot of people to work with. I your in a pissin' match with them, well it will be the same with any one who you feel ill toward. You might just take your computer in where you bought it and show them what it does and they might help if they know what their doing. Thas'it, ...................Jack
------------------ Jack Wills Studio Design Works 6255 Brookside Circle Rocklin, CA 95677 crazy@quiknet.com
Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
i believe you are having a conflict with the programs you have loaded on your 'puta... some programs don't play well with others.
i know coreldraw will lock up my computer if i import a file i have exported from casmate. i haven't experienced any lock ups with casmate in the 7 years i have been using it. i must have a shoeshoe up my butt, i guess...
as far as the sign warehouse people go, they have been nothing short of helpful and courteous to us. we recently installed a vinyl express program and were having a problem with the loading of some drivers. mandy proved to be most helpful through our little dilemma.
just my 3.8 cents worth...
have a great one!
------------------ Bruce Bowers DrCAS Signtech
"how great are His signs..." Daniel 4:3
i am a proud supporter of this website!
Posts: 6453 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Doug, I also use Vinyl Express Master on one of my machines and have two other versions of flexi. The vinyl express and one version of flexi locks up if I don't close production manager after cutting and try to do more work. So I just got in the habit of closing PM after every cut. (Unless its a multicolor cut then it will change colors and work fine) I also feel the people at sign warehouse are good people. They've always been there to help. Were there any updates on your cd. I did a reinstall once and didn't install the update which caused a problem or two. Good luck.....
------------------ When good things happen...that must be a sign!! Tony McDonald DBA-Ace Graphics & Printing P.O. Box 91 Camdenton, MO. USA (573) 346-6696 <daddyo@advertisnet.com> <tony@brownbeverage.com>
Posts: 1196 | From: Camdenton, MO. USA | Registered: Oct 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yeah one problem with pre-manufactured machines is all the software they load on 'em before they get shipped out.
Even though Dell machines are customizable, they still have shelves full of duplicate harddrives meaning everyone gets all the pre-loaded stuff.
I'd say there's either a conflict between SignPal and some pre-loaded garbage, or like someone else had mentioned, there might be an update (bug fix) on the SignPal CD that hasnt been installed yet.
If SignWarehouse (GBC) is ignoring your problem, either it's something they have never encountered before and dont know how to handle it, or you are coming on too angry and mean sounding. =) They're a fantastic group of people, must be that southern hospitality I've always heard about. =)
Got a backup of your artwork files?
I suggest you wipe that harddrive clean of everything and do a fresh installation of Windows..
which reminds me... there could also be a conflict between the software and Windows, especially if you are running Windows Millenium or Windows 2000, as I seriously doubt SignPal has been tested and tweaked to run under Windows ME or 2K... or even Win98 or Win98SE for that matter if the software is a few years old.
------------------ Mike Pipes Digital Illusion Custom Graphics Lake Havasu City, AZ http://www.stickerpimp.com
Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
If a tech support guy tells you that others are not having the problem you are describing, it could still be a software problem that is unique to your situation, but more often it is a pretty good clue to troubleshoot on your end. First thing to do is to uninstall the software completely, delete out the folder completely, and reinstall the software from scratch. I had a Gerber problem a while back. Hadn't changed a thing in months, the software just got screwy. Called Tech Support. We reloaded the software and all the problems went away.
If you cannot solve the problem, I would wager that the vendor will give you a return credit. They don't really want people mad at them. Vic G
------------------ Victor Georgiou Bob Loves Signs Inc Danville, CA email blssign@pacbell.net
Posts: 1746 | From: Danville, CA , USA | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
Dana Aaron
unregistered
posted
Ok... I gotta respond to this one too.
I bought my Vinyl Express Master and my VE plotter thru GBC SignWarehouse. I am a computer illiterate, easily frustrated, red head... so I will let you imagine some of the conversations their tech support people have had with me...
I closed up my shop the end of July and packed up everything and moved the first weeknd in August. I haven't done anything with my equipment or program since. I called with a couple questions about my plotter last week and the gal was so helpful. And like Bruce said, they were real great on the phone when he called them about my program.
One thing she told me was that when I get it hooked back up and running again, to make sure that I stick with Windows 98, not up to ME or 2000, that they aren't compatible.
I also found out that if you have ICQ on your computer, there is the chance of it overwriting .dll files and screwing it up. My computer used to lock up frequently, and now I wonder if that was it.
As much as I totally understand your frustration, check on the other things with the computer. I completely agree with the other posts about GBC being real friendly and helpful. They have been great with me.
Plus it's really cool that they are a listed supplier here, so they support this place.
------------------ Dana Aaron new resident of Niagara Falls, NY www.sign-a-saurus.bigstep.com Have you ever imagined a world without hypothetical situations?
posted
I have done a lot of business with GBC over the last few years...some problems I had with their Vinyl Express software were not resolved until I posted some negative letters here on the bullboard then that seemed to wake them up...They eventually upgraded my Vinyl Express and Rip and Cut combo of software to Flexi Sign Pro because the Rip and Cut wouldn't work with the Fargo printer I bought from them...but when I moved to a new location last spring I bought a new Dell computer from Dell, and a new GRC plotter from GBC. After installing everything all my problems as regarding the Fargo printer were back, (it won't print spot colors like it should) their only answer to my problems was "we don't provide tech support for that old software any more, I'll connect you to sales so you can update to Flexi 6"...funny how my Flexi 5.8 outdated itself in the week it took me to move...of course Amiable is of NO help what so ever...but that's nothing new. I have had good response from them on some problems with my first plotter...
------------------ Mark Perkins Performance Signs & Graphics Eunice, Louisiana "The heart of Cajun Country"
posted
It is possible you have a conflict and nobody is responsible. Go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, System and look for some yellow circles with black exclamation points. If you see any of these...you've got your "starting point" and can then trace down your problem. I've never understood why so many people are so quick to blame the poor sign software salesman when a problem arises. This is very, very complicated stuff and sometimes it's just not that easy to find solutions to problems. Your best bet is to do all you can to become familiar with your computer so you can solve these annoying problems yourself. Sometimes a Junior College class at night for six weeks can do wonders.....
------------------ Louis A. Lazarus Milt's Sign Service, Inc. 20 So. Linden Ave. #5B 650-588-0490 fontking1a@aol.com
Posts: 560 | From: El Granada, CA | Registered: Apr 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks for all of your comments. One thing that I did not mention is that I was a computer programmer for 15 years before I went into this business a few years ago. I'm pretty familiar with computers. Also, I have had SignLab 5.0 on this same Dell computer for 2 1/2 years and have never had a problem. The computer was custom built so there is no 'off the shelf' software - it doesn't even have a modem! Anyway - I'll check for conflicts tomorrow. I have been contacted by Signwarehouse and they have assured me that it will be fixed soon. Thanks to everyone....
posted
I just can't help but reply to this one myself either. If you have Signlab why on earth would you even want to bother with this second rate program in the first place? You say you have had Signlab for 2.5 years, I new Signlab was the BEST after I witnessed my first demo 4 years ago. Focus your time and energy on the Signlab it will make you more $$$$.
HOG
------------------
Posts: 28 | From: Toledo,Illinois, usa | Registered: Dec 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm pleased to see GBC came thru for you Doug. We've grown to know and like the owners and staff at this company over the years. They are nice, decent people that really care about their customers.
A note to HOG. Please add a signature text to the end of your posts so that we all know who you are and where you are located. We really wish everyone registering to post here would use their real name as a username, but as long as a signature file is in place, we continue to permit it.
Here's a reminder on how to add a signature to your posts if you are already a registered BB user.
1. Go to the top right area of the BullBaoad and click on "Profile." This is the place to go anytime you need to modify your personal info.
2. Enter your BB Username and Password and click on "Submit Identification."
3. Scroll down to the Signature box and type in the following.
Your Name Company Name Address Phone (optional) email address
That's all there is to it. Basically you are just addressing a letter to yourself.
4. One last step. Please make sure you select Yes to the last 2 questions. *Select yes on the email preference. All emails must be visible.
Thanks to all for your co-operation in making sure your posts are signed with a proper signature.
now there's a name that jared loose some brain cells.... he was a goalie for the black hawks in the sixties and went to st. louis in the expansion draft in '67. the blues had a great goaltender tandem with hall and jacgues plante. old time hockey!
have a great one!
------------------ Bruce Bowers DrCAS Signtech
"how great are His signs..." Daniel 4:3
i am a proud supporter of this website!
Posts: 6453 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey Bruce,.Doggnit! Get down with yer bad self on that killer info about the hockey players. Love the game and coach (youth) bantam/midget levels. Can't do the ice any more(too many head crashes)and the bones are gettin'lazy on me. It's all about 'D' and keeping them suckers on the blue line...........EH! Thas'it Jaque
------------------ Jack Wills Studio Design Works 6255 Brookside Circle Rocklin, CA 95677 writer@quiknet.com
Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic