Q0003: How to install the new HTML Help

1. Create a folder under the main PSM folder called 'Help'
2. Unzip the help.zip file into that folder.
3. If PSM32 is running, shut it down and restart it.
4. Press F1 for help.

Q0004: Making your own MDB Files

1. Make sure PSM32 is not running.
2. Copy the MDB file (psm32.mdb or psm32demo.mdb)
3. Restart PSM32, use ^F12 to switch to the new database.

Users should resist the temptation to create an MDB from "scratch" in access, as the PSM program needs at least one marks set and one problem in order to properly function.

Q0006: System Requirements

1. Windows 98, 98se, ME, 2000. 
   Macintosh and older versions of Windows are not supported.
2. Pentium class machine. 
   Pentium II or higher recommended.
3. 32mb of RAM memory. 
   More memory will significantly speed up the performance of the analysis for large problems.
4. 30mb of free disk space. 
   Additional disk space may be required to store problems. 

Q0007: Managing Multiple PSM Data Files.

One of the advantages to PSM is its ability to switch databases. This facility allows for users to have multiple data files and for organizations to have PSM data that is usable by some users and not by others. The facility for setting this up is fairly easy providing that someone with knowledge and rights to administer he network is available.

1. Network administrators may create folders on network file servers with shared permissions (read/write) available to only certain users.
2. The desired MDB is copied to the file share along with a copy of the MDW
3. Then the users with permissions on that file share can use the Switch Database Feature (^F12) to switch to that database.

Q0008: What is the effect of tearing?

Tearing is the process by which "knots" or blocks formed after the partitioning process can be eliminated. A block represents a circular problem, one parameter dependant on the next and so in in a circle. These deadlocks prevent some problems from being easily solved. PSM provides a facility to resolve this conflict, e.g. during the sorting process that is part of the partitioning, only marks with a value of 0 are considered. If therefore, some of the marks in the block formed after partitioning were increased in value and the problem repartitioned the block might shrink. (For more about why this is hard and how it works see tutorial).

The tearing advice window gives out information about the block and which rows are most likely to yield positive results:

So selecting (Double click to change [ ] to [X]) rows and then indicating a level from 1-9 causes the selected rows to have their mark values to changed to selected value.

What does the choice between row and column do? Choosing a column cause the selected rows to be moved down to the bottom of the block, choosing a row causes the selected rows to be moved to the top of the block.

Q0011: Installing on NT/2000

You must be machine administrator to install PSM32 on Windows NT or Windows 2000.

Q0012: Error 429: Cannot Create Object

Please make sure you have downloaded and installed the latest PSM32 Version install. Registered users may (for a nominal cost) get a CD. If the problem persists, please contact support.

Contact technical support if the problem persists.

Q0013: Error 3055: Not a valid file name 

(Thanks to Peter S. Jansky for spotting this one!)
See if the path your PSM program, help or data files is on has:

1) Very long path names (> 50 characters)
    Solution: Shorten Path
2) Punctuation like Period or Hyphen
    Solution: remove punctuation characters from path names
3) Multiple directories with spaces in the name e.g. \blitzkrieg software\psm programs\
    Solution: Shorten Path and remove spaces

Then:
a. delete or redo your shortcuts
b. follow the steps in Q0001, 
c. try PSM again.

Contact customer support if the problem persists.

Q0014: Using PSM on systems with multiple logins.

When using PSM on a system with multiple logins (like on a network or NT machine), remember that each person has their own custom PSM program settings. Therefore, the first time a user uses PSM they should start it with /C /R and set the correct settings. (See FAQ Q0001) There after the registry will remember their individual preferences (such as which database to use). As, always if you have any questions, please contact customer support.

Q0016: How to correct error 3028.

This error occurs when copying the data files from the distribution CD. The issue is that the files as they are copied retain the READONLY attribute as below:

The readonly file attribute of the MDW and MDB file is set. Clearing this attribute on all files in the PSM directories will fix this problem. This can be done two ways:

1. Dropping to the command prompt (DOS Shell) and going to the PSM32 directory and issuing the following command:
attrib -r -a -s -h *.* /s

2. Selecting all of the files in the DATA folder and right mouse clicking on them, then choose Properties from the right mouse menu. Then clear all of the checkboxes under attributes on the general tab of the properties dialog. Press [OK]

Then restart PSM by following the steps in Q0001: How to reset the PSM32 program registry settings

Q0017: How to correct error 3055.

Should you get this error:

This is usually a symptom of one of two things either a bad path to the data file (see Q0001) or a corrupt MDB or MDW file. Should Q0001, not fix the problem, please download and install the file (data.exe, 161 kb). Please make sure that PSM is not running when you do this and overwrite any existing files.

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