Frustrated with errors

[cpapple123]

I have been writing a program to use as a example for a group of kids I am coaching that may develop into a FLL team. Anyhow we are using the NXT-G software 2.0 that came with the kit. I wrote the program on some of my down time at work on a laptop with the software installed. Created the Pack and go. Then tried to open it on a laptop I am using for the group. Its a WinXP[MCE] machine that was fully formatted and restored using Restore CD's. All was well till now. The Pack and go program had broken My Blocks and some of the regular blocks looked white like they were not connected. At first I though maybe my .rbtx file was corrupt so I went upstairs to my Win7 pc with software installed and open it there. All was good.... Back to my Laptop I tried to make thing work there but each time I fixed a broken block or tried to rebuild the program NXT-G would Lock up or after saving, closing, then re-open more and new blocks and My Blocks broken. OK Maybe the PC is corrupt. Try and format/restore? After all that still no dice. OK so scratch my rbtx file start everything from scratch..... Saving as I go..... Download/test/troubleshoot program on robot. I have a working program.... Come Back after supper.... fire up Laptop Broken blocks... Hacked away.. Started over again. I can now write it in under 30 min download/test program in robot all is working. Create Pack and go. Save Pack and go to USB drive. Close robot program not NXT-G software. Try and re-open. B R O K E N B L O C K S uggg Go upstairs on Win7 PC Open Pack and go all is well Frustrated Laptop would be nice to have working.

Take a look at the file if you feel it could be the root of the problem. I'm using many Variables and some nested MyBlocks.

[hassenplug]

I don't have a lot to say. The file appears to open OK on my PC using WinXP.

It sounds like an issue on your PC. I assume you're installing the same version of the LEGO software, and using the default paths.

I will point out one problem that I've seen. This may or may not affect what you're doing. If you open a program, then edit a MyBlock and save the my block with a new name, strange things happen. When you open the program, and edit the my block, it will edit ONE version (I forget if it's the new, or old one), but when you build/run the program, it will use the OTHER version.

For your information, the .rbtx file is a zip file that contains all the needed files, plus a rbtDistro.ini file that lists the files and the path. You can open it with winzip. Maybe you can use that info to help you debug your issue.

I think I'd try moving one file at a time, but it sounds like that's what you're doing.

Steve

[inxt-generation]

Are you using the Legacy Blocks with this? If they're on one computer but not the other that might be the problem.

[cpapple123]

No Legacy Blocks.

Same Software / default paths

I have tried both coping the Myblocks individually and opening the rbtx that contains all the project files. In either case MyBlocks and regular blocks have issue. It is really pointing to the Laptop but Why? Funny thing is the trouble is not only the MyBlocks but the packaged blocks as well. Some of these appear as whited out like when you drag them off the power beam.

Even when I start from scratch on this laptop save close, then re-open on laptop NXT blocks and my blocks have random issue. The file I attached was built with the troubled laptop saved and Pack and Go. Opened on other pc's fine for me too. Here at work and at home on Desktop but not on the troubled laptop.

Final note of clarity Laptop has drive with restored OS.

Thank for your input

[inxt-generation]

I must admit, I'm at a loss as to why this is happening. I've never heard of it before. There's only one thing left I can think of right now. You could try making a backup of the working PC, and installing it on the bugged one. I have no idea of what else to try. Sorry.

[cpapple123]

Back up of the working pc? I'm not following.

[inxt-generation]

You know, a backup? Where the entire hard drive state is stored in case of disaster? So you can restore your computer onto a new hard drive? Not to be rude, but if you don't know what to look for: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=computer+backup+software

[hassenplug]

I'll take one more swing at this. I would agree with it being an issue on that PC.

I suspect the block are grayed out, because the software can not find some component INSIDE the block. Those libraries should be located in this directory:
C:\Program Files\LEGO Software\LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT\engine\vi.lib

The fact that it sometimes works, suggests it is able to find the files, sometimes.

I would try this:
1) Open NXT-G (the software)
2) Load your program (from what you said, it will have errors)
3) Add a block to the program. What kind of blocks are having errors? Motor blocks? Add one of those.
4) Close the program (Not NXT-G), and don't save it
5) Re-load the program.

Do you still get the error? If not, then once it's pointing to the "correct location" it should continue to work.

A couple other things to try:
A) Look at your computer's path settings. Remove as much as you can. (I'd copy the original somewhere, so you can add it back later)
B) Uninstall NXT-G, and delete all directories it uses. Then reinstall it.

Not sure how much that will help.
Steve

[cpapple123]

Think Its time to quit with this Laptop. Wish I could hand it off to on or the Mindstorm techs to look at. Tried your tests 1-5. Step 5 error befor opening with a message basicly stating can not open file.

Not sure what you meen by "Check computer's path settings"
Google Search brought me to a sting that says "%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel;C:\Pro"

As for the last part I have already did one better. I formated the Hard drive, restored the OS, install all MS Updates long before coming here.

[hassenplug]

Not sure what you meen by "Check computer's path settings"
Google Search brought me to a sting that says "%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel;C:\Pro"

Vague suggestions like that either result in (A) a person who should not be changing those setting, becoming totally confused or (B) a person like you who is able to dig around and find the correct thing.

That path is where software (like the mindstorms software) will look to find things on your computer.

Is that the complete path? It looks like it may have been cut off.

%SystemRoot%\system32;
%SystemRoot%;
%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel;
C:\Pro

I'm not sure that is the cause of your problem, but it must be some setting on the laptop.

Steve