CastleLink on Windows XP will not Open

[ksb51rl]

Has anybody experienced a successful install (meaning no errors) of CastleLink on Windows XP, even down to creation of the shortcut icon, but not been able to get the program to actually start? It has to be a software conflict somewhere, but I don't know with what. And please, I'm an experienced PC and MM user, and have done all the suggested fixes on Castle's site, so those suggestion while always welcome may not be all that helpful. Thanks a bunch.

[q8-maxx]

your windows must has .NET framework 1.1 installed beofre install castle software

[ksb51rl]

Originally Posted by q8-maxx

your windows must has .NET framework 1.1 installed beofre install castle software

Originally Posted by Castle Creations' FAQ List

For Windows Vista or Windows XP

It seems there are bugs in the .NET 2.0 software that are preventing Castle Link from working properly. If you are using Windows Vista, .NET Framework 2.0 came factory installed on your computer. To use Castle Link it is necessary to have .NET Framework 3.5 on your computer. Click on the following links below and install Microsoft .NET 3.5.

Are you saying I have to load . Net Framework 1.1 and then 3.5, or just 1.1? Because Castle lists 1.1 under "For Windows 98 or Windows 2000" only.

[q8-maxx]

I just have 1.1 and XP. so u just need 1.1 :)

[TexasSP]

Never had to use Net Framework on my XP machine and have the latest version on it as well. I use it on both my XP (desktop) and my vista (laptop) with no issues.

I know on Vista to install it I had to click "run as administrator" to install properly but never had this issue on XP.

May be obvious but have you done a complete uninstall, delete, re-download, the install? If not try running as administrator and see if that helps. Maybe a newer windows update has caused an issue in XP as well?

[ksb51rl]

Good ideas. Maybe I'll have to try some of that. CastleLink has been completely uninstalled, deleted, re-downloaded, and re-installed at least twice.

Oh, I forgot to mention that the excellent (no sarcasm - mad props to them!) CC Tech Support could not find a find a resolution either.

[Dadx2mj]

These kinds of issues can drive a person nuts because we dont know if the issue lies with Castle Link, Win XP , or some other application on the computer running in the back ground. Sounds to me like you have covered the probable issues with Castle Link so maybe start looking at things with the computer itself. Maybe try disabling back ground apps like firewalls or virus protection or any unnecessary services that might be causing conflict running in the background. Another option would be to do a repair operation of Win XP itself.

[pasan]

During the install of Castle Link, did it notify you that .NET 1.1 is missing and ask you if you want it to download and install it? I had an issue where .NET wouldn't download from the Castle Link installer and I had to download and install it separately.

What happens when you double click the icon? Bring up the task manager after you've double clicked the icon and check the processes list to see if the program is actually running or not.

I've got a very minimal copy of Windows XP running on a vm on my Ubuntu laptop, and I had no need to install .NET 3.5. Remember, .NET 3.5 is not a new version of .NET 1.1, it's just a different framework.

[ksb51rl]

Originally Posted by pasan

During the install of Castle Link, did it notify you that .NET 1.1 is missing and ask you if you want it to download and install it? I had an issue where .NET wouldn't download from the Castle Link installer and I had to download and install it separately. There were no errors.

What happens when you double click the icon? Absolutely nothing. Bring up the task manager after you've double clicked the icon and check the processes list to see if the program is actually running or not. I will try that when I get back to that PC, but I'm pretty sure that there will not be an entry for CastleLink in the Task Manager. I don't remember if I investigated that or not.

I've got a very minimal copy of Windows XP running on a vm on my Ubuntu laptop, and I had no need to install .NET 3.5. Remember, .NET 3.5 is not a new version of .NET 1.1, it's just a different framework.

Castle Support had me check for that along with updates 2.0 and 3.0. We tried deleting the updates but my computer wouldn't let me. I uploaded the 3.5, deleted it, tried 1.1 with the updates and still nothing.

Thank you for the continuing help and suggestions.

[Arct1k]

I had this issue on a company laptop - I gave up in the end and ended up re-partioning the HD and reinstalling XP.

Sorry not more positive.

[ksb51rl]

Originally Posted by Arct1k

I had this issue on a company laptop - I gave up in the end and ended up re-partioning the HD and reinstalling XP.

Sorry not more positive.

Thanks. Knowing something CAN'T be done is just as important as knowing it can. Maybe not a positive post, but definitely a helpful one.

[pasan]

It's very difficult to troubleshoot stuff like this without having access to the machine. Knowing windows and how it work's it can be any one of millions of variables which is causing this to happen. Boot up in safe mode and see if you can run the application then. If it works then we know there's a conflict with something loaded into memory during normal start up.

[Thomas Porfert]

ksb51rl,

Sorry to hear you're still having problems with that XP machine. That had both of us scratching our head's and appears to still be causing loss of hair. We had discussed on the phone about trying the link on a different machine, have you had a chance to try that yet? I am mighty curious if it is specific to that machine, or if it's a problem with the Castle Link itself preventing the program from opening.

I don't remember if we tried running the program with the link disconnected, but give it a try just for grins and giggles. Also Pasan's suggestion to try to open it in Safe Mode is a great idea. Unfortunately USB devices are generally disabled in Safe Mode, but the program itself should still open, it just won't be functional. If it does work, then there is something running in the background causing the problems.

I have talked with our engineers and you had them scratching their heads as well. Everything they suggested (except Safe Mode) we had already tried, including shutting down your anti-virus, etc.

Please let me know, I was hoping at the very least we could narrow down the problem, even if we couldn't fix it. Thanks for the additional advice guys!

Thomas Porfert
Castle Tech Support

[ksb51rl]

Originally Posted by Thomas Porfert

ksb51rl,

Sorry to hear you're still having problems with that XP machine. That had both of us scratching our head's and appears to still be causing loss of hair. We had discussed on the phone about trying the link on a different machine, have you had a chance to try that yet?I am mighty curious if it is specific to that machine, or if it's a problem with the Castle Link itself preventing the program from opening. It runs fine on the work PC, so it's machine specific.

I don't remember if we tried running the program with the link disconnected, but give it a try just for grins and giggles. Also Pasan's suggestion to try to open it in Safe Mode is a great idea. Unfortunately USB devices are generally disabled in Safe Mode, but the program itself should still open, it just won't be functional. Right, but just opening on this particular PC would be a step in the right direction. If it does work, then there is something running in the background causing the problems.

I have talked with our engineers and you had them scratching their heads as well. Everything they suggested (except Safe Mode) we had already tried, including shutting down your anti-virus, etc.

Please let me know, I was hoping at the very least we could narrow down the problem, even if we couldn't fix it. Thanks for the additional advice guys!

Thomas Porfert
Castle Tech Support

As I posted earlier, exemplary support from the Castle Crew!