Re-Rite Installation Errors

[TheOwl]

Hey All.

I don't know if many of you use Toshiba Re-Rite (an OCR engine), but I am currently having troubles installing this on one computer. Of course this computer would be our showroom machine and isn't going to get re-imaged for quite some time.

When installing, I get the error "Error retrieving environment" after the installer finishes removing the back up files. After you click OK on the error, everything else seems to go fine until you reboot. Re-Rite won't start up and you can't manually start the service.

I tried uninstalling the software, removing the c:\re-rite6 folder rebooting the PC and installing it again, but I get the same error again. This happens with both 6.2.0.29 and the latest version 6.2.0.43. Everytime I try installing the software, I am logged in with an administrator acount.

Has anyone else had this issue or hopefully, does anyone know who to fix the issue?

[Stirton.M]

Could be another program or service interfering with the installation process. For example, I had noted that the driver install wizard on the KM cds would fail part way through the install if certain anti-virus programs were running...Panda as one in particular. To get by this, I had to temporarily disable panda, or do the drivers manually.

I'd completely uninstall the software, including the folders and edit any possible related entries in the registry. Reboot. Set a recovery point. Then manually kill any unnecessary programs through task manager and shut down any unnecessary services. Basically any software that is running that is not part of the OS. Then try installing the software. Then reboot.

[D_L_P]

Can't say I've seen that exact error but I'll go along with Stirton.M and say it's probably another program or antivirus interfering with the install. 2 common programs I've ran into causing conflicts are paperport and a lot of HP's software (aka bloatware).

I'm just taking a stab in the dark, but maybe "environment" error has to do with TWAIN. I'd try uninstalling any software related to scanning and then try.

[TheOwl]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Re-Rite doesn't contain any TWAIN drivers as such as it is a stand alone service. You can drop files into the software or get the software to poll the machine. I also tried re-installing with all anti-virus disabled.

Funny thing is the I can manipulate the software and set everything up, but as soon as I go to start the service, I got an error saying that the service couldn't be started. I looked at the services running on the PC and couldn't find the e-Bridge Re-Rite service at all.

I think this is going to have to be a re-image job on the PC before I can get everything running again.

[Stirton.M]

That kind of sucks...a lot of work just to get a simple program to work.

Perhaps a VMWARE image of windows within as a temporary work around?

[TheOwl]

Seeing as the PC in question is one of our own, it will only take me about 20 mins to re-image and join it back to the domain. Also had to laugh at the sales guys that use it as they don't have a backup of anything that is on it and have lost 90% of all the licences for software such as Adobe CS3.

Not my problem, but the PC is so I will get that running again and they can pay for new licences out of their budget. lol

As for VMware, I do have an ESXi 3.5 server, but they aren't getting access to that as it is on another network. But if I had my way with the company, then I would have replaced our existing servers and isntalled VMware vSphere for this exact reason. Give the sales guys a simple thin client so they can't stuff that and run regular snapshots of the showroom Virtual Machine.

[Stirton.M]

We used to cater the the sales reps demands, but eventually corporate laid down the law and we had to conform to proper software licensing, so gone are the days of the demands of sales. The PC that is in our demo room is locked down for software installation to only IT and tech staff for specific use of tools to showcase KM tools. Remote desktop is setup for allowing the sales reps access to another computer, also locked down, which contains the graphics programs like CS3 and such.

[Brian.Owens]

If I am understanding correctly it is being installed on one Pc in a domain with servers available? Why not install it on he server and map a driveto the folder? It does also sound to me that it is an issue with windows, and registry errors.
If they don't want to look to a mapped drive set it up to send the editable file to email it drastically reduces administrative responsibility. I know calling Rerite tech support is sometimes an issue. If they don't help call your area sales rep. In the arrears ours is very knowledgeable.
Also, has this also been posted with Toshiba exchange?

[TheOwl]

This was posted with Toshiba AUS and I spoke to one of the developers (as Re-Rite is an Australian made package). I have since re-imaged the PC and everything is now fine. Re-Rite installs and registers, Doc Library will now talk to Re-Rite properly and the usual case of the PC now running alot quicker.

I'm still thinking about a Virtual Environment for the showroom machine though as it is starting to be time to replace the equipment. I could also setup multiple O/S's for the customers that want to see things running from Windows 7 and (dare I say it ) Vista. I could even run a separate domain to ours at work to test with with out the new domain even being seen by our internal IT guys.

Either way, I will think of something to make the showroom PC bullet proof against salesmen. lol