|
|
|
|
MDC Technical Note Transition To Year 2000 Our software has been sold for over 20 years and has run under many different operating systems. These include MZOS, DOS, Windows 3.1x, Windows 95, and Windows NT. Most of these operating systems handle the transition from 1999 to 2000 with no problems (or do not use the date at all). However, some of the computer systems that have been used in the past are not Y2K compliant. This technical note will explain the problems and possible solutions. This technical note covers all MDC CSM Systems with regards to the year 2000 transition. If you need more specific information about your system, contact an MDC engineer with the serial number of your system. Software Considerations regarding Y2K compatibility of older systems. All programs, except the most recent CSM/Win versions display the last two digits of the date so at the beginning of the next century the date display will change from "12-31-99" to "01-01-00". The CSM/Win program displays a four digit date so at the beginning of the next century the date display will change from "12-31-1999" to "01-01-2000". If full Y2K compliance is required or if four-digit year must be displayed, it is suggested that any DOS based system be upgraded to CSM/Win software (with appropriate hardware). Windows 95 Special Note: Windows 95 has a minor compliance issue that should not affect the operation of the CSM/Win software. However, for full compliance, a fix can be downloaded from the Microsoft web page at: Windows NT 4.0 Special Note: Windows NT (SP3) has a minor compliance issue that should not affect the operation of the CSM/Win software. However, for full compliance, an update to Service Pack 4 (SP4) can be downloaded from the Microsoft web page. Information regarding this can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/year2k/product/user_view68488EN.htm Hardware Considerations regarding Y2K compatibility of older systems: Tests were performed with various computers to monitor their date integrity as the system date changed from "12-31-1999" to "01-01-2000". These tests were performed with the computer power on as well as with the computer power off. The following 5 tests were performed on both current and legacy systems.
RESULTS: The tests performed on the following systems. System problems and possible resolutions are explained here. CSM Systems: The original CSM Systems use the S-100 bus (versions 6, 7, and 8) and do not have a clock. Therefore these systems are not Y2K compliant. However, since time or date is not used in these systems, no action is required.
CSM/16 Systems with RM-1600 Computer: Most CSM/16 systems used the RM-1600 computer. The RM-1600 computer does not keep the date or time in memory after the computer is powered down. It must be entered each time the computer is turned on. If these computers are left on during the transition from 12-31-99 to 01-01-00 no error will occur and the unit will continue to operate properly. CSM/16 Systems with HP Vectra Computer: See CSM/2 Systems below.
CSM/2 Systems: CSM/2 Systems used several computers: IBM PS/2; Pre-Pentium Dell computers; and HP Vectra computers. If these computers are left on during the date transition, the system date changes properly, but after the first reboot, they start up with a date of "01-04-1980". They must be reset manually to "01-01-2000" and will operate correctly thereafter. If the above listed computers are off when the year 2000 transition happens, they will start up with a date of 01-04-1980. They must then be reset manually to "01-01-2000". The computers will operate correctly thereafter.
Late Model CSM/2 and CSM/Win Systems: Late model CSM/2 Systems and CSM/Win Systems use Dell computers. All Dell computers manufactured after January, 1997are fully Y2K compliant. If your Dell computer was manufactured before January, 1997, Dell Computers may offer a BIOS flash upgrade. Contact Dell Computers (800-999-3355) to see if a BIOS flash upgrade is available for your system. If not, Dell offers a patch at this site (fix2000.exe) that can be downloaded for all other Dell computers.
Summary: We suggest that all CSM/16, CSM/2, and pre-Pentium CSM/Win System computers' dates be changed manually after the year 2000 transition. The computer should then be rebooted and the date verified. If full Y2K compliance is required (or if four date digits must be displayed): It is suggested that all CSM/16 Systems and early CSM/2 DOS based system be upgraded to current CSM/Win software and compute to insure full compliance. There are no "fixes" available to bring the CSM/16 Systems up to full Y2K compliance. If your system is using an IBM computer (PS/2 model 30-286), contact the IBM website listed above for possible patches. If this is not available and full Y2K compliance is required, the system will have to be upgraded to current CSM/Win software and computer to insure full compliance All Dell computers can be made fully Y2K compliant either by flash BIOS upgrade or the "fix2000.exe" patch. Contact Dell at the above website for more information. Windows 95 and NT compliance issues can be remedied by accessing the Microsoft website. See Widows Special Notes above. Please refer any questions about your CSM Systems or software to engineers at Materials Development Corporation. |
|
HOME ABOUT REPS NEW PRODUCTS SERVICES CONTACTS TECH TIPS LITERATURE WEB SITE MAP CALCULATORS Copyright 1999-2023 Materials Development Corporation All rights reserved
|