Technical Bulletin #38
Date: June 19, 2003
Subject: Color Byte Undo/redo option is disabled when it should not be.
Description: Background Information:
Many (but not all) computers that have greater than 512MB of memory can cause Color Byte "Undo" to not function at all regardless of operating system is being used. Color Byte™ checks the amount of memory available to it by adding the amount of physical RAM available to the amount of "Virtual" memory available (Virtual memory is space allocated on the hard drive by the operating system. This space on the hard disk will be used by the applications running on the computer if the RAM gets filled up).
Description:
It has been found that if the sum of Virtual memory and RAM exceeds 2 Gigabytes (2 Billion Bytes), that Color Byte running on some computers will determine that there is no memory available. It is suspected that there is a variable being used in Color byte that cannot hold a value over 2GB. If that value overflows, it is likely to be interpreted as a negative value rather than a positive one.
Although there is no fix yet available within the Color Byte application, a work-around has been found which should work for all computers which are having the problem. The work around will not work for any computers that have 2GB or more of RAM. The intent of the procedure listed in the solution is to reduce the virtual memory settings so that the sum of RAM and virtual memory is below 2GB.
The method for implementing the work-around is different depending on the operating system. There is one method for Win 95, 98, ME, and another for Win 2000 and XP. This is because Windows 95, 98 and ME will dynamically allocate Virtual memory whereas Windows 2000 and XP puts a hard-coded minimum value. Both methods are documented in the solution area of this technical note. NOTE that there is some minor procedural variation between ALL the operating systems, so be prepared to adapt a little if the controls have slightly different names than those listed.
Solution: Windows 95, 98, ME procedure:
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If the computer has 2GB of RAM or more, reduce the amount of RAM on the mother board
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Start the computer and go into Windows; close all applications
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Go to START >> Settings >> Control Panel
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In the Control Panel window, double-click on the SYSTEM icon
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When the System Properties window appears, click on the PERFORMANCE tab then click on the "Virtual Memory" button
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In the Virtual Memory dialog box, click on the "Let me specify my own virtual memory settings" option
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In the MINIMUM area, type in 100 and leave the MAXIMUM value at whatever is already set
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Click on OK to apply the settings ( you will probably see a warning at this point, click on YES)
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You will probably be prompted to restart your computer at this time; restart your computer
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Once the computer has restarted, go into Color Byte and verify that the Undo function works correctly.
Windows 2000, XP Procedure:
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If the computer has 2GB of RAM or more, reduce the amount of RAM on the mother board
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Start the computer and go into Windows making sure to log in with ADMINISTRATOR privileges (if you do not know if you have administrator privileges, consult your Windows Help system to find out how to check this)
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Once Windows is open, make sure that no applications are running
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Go to START >> Settings >> Control Panel
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In the Control Panel window, double-click on the SYSTEM icon (if running XP, the System icon will not appear until you click on the "Switch to Classic View" option first)
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In the System Properties dialog box, click on the Advanced tab
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In the Advanced tab, there will be a "Performance" area with a "Settings" or a "Performance Options" button on it. Click that button
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In the "Virtual Memory" area of the Performance Options dialog box, click on the "Change" button
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Reduce the Initial size value to 100 and leave the Maximum value set at whatever is already there
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Click on the SET button ( you will probably see a warning at this point, click on YES)
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You will probably be prompted to restart your computer at this time; restart your computer
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Once the computer has restarted, go into Color Byte and verify that the Undo function works correctly
If you need further assistance in upgrading your printer, please contact DCS technical support at techsupport@directcolorsystems.com or the same via phone at 860-829-2244.
