Running the TapeStation Software Installation Verification

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent 4200 and 4150 TapeStation systems

Issue

How to Run the software installation verification on 4200 and 4150 TapeStation systems.

Background

The 4150 TapeStation model G2992A and 4200 TapeStation model G2991B can be controlled using:

The laptop purchased from Agilent as part of a bundle with the TapeStation, Agilent part number G2999AA.
A third party PC, which meets the TapeStation software system requirements.

Operation of 4200 TapeStation model G2991A is only supported on the laptop provided by Agilent with the TapeStation that has the part number G2999AA.

Tip: The TapeStation system requirements are detailed in section 2 of the software readme file, which can be found on software download page: Agilent TapeStation software.

When using a third party PC, it is important to check its suitability. The software installation verification evaluates the computer specifications, verifies that all components have been installed correctly, and checks that the computer fulfills the core requirements. The software installation verification consists of the computer specifications and software environment text groups.

If the all software installation verification tests pass, there is high probability the computer can be used to operate the 4150 TapeStation (G2992A) or 4200 TapeStation (G2991B). It remains possible that despite passing all tests, control of the TapeStation instrument is not possible with the third party computer. It may only become clear that the computer is not suitable after connecting it to an instrument.

If some tests fail you, you may be able to correct the retrospective condition to get the test to pass. If the PC cannot be modified so that the test passes, use a different laptop or order the bundled laptop G2999AA that Agilent has successfully tested and fully supports.

Steps to Follow

Turn on the computer. Let the operating system start entirely.
Power on the TapeStation with the instrument lid closed. Let the instrument initialize entirely.
Start the TapeStation controller software and allow the software to detect the instrument.
Select System Diagnostics > Run Tests (Figure 1).

Figure 1. How to run System Diagnostics Tests.
Select Software Installation Verification (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Select Software Installation Verification.
Select the Computer Specifications and Software Environment test groups, if the are not already selected (Figure 3).
Click Start and follow the onscreen instructions closely. The Start button turns into an Abort button once the test suite is started (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Select the tests and start the software installation verification.
After the tests have been completed, test reports can be printed by selecting Report Preview (Figure 4). Test reports can also be printed later by selecting Review Previous Test Results in the System Diagnostics context.