From: Tom Laue <Tom.Laue@unh.edu>
  To  : rasmb@bbri.harvard.edu
  Date: Fri, 24 Jan 1997 08:42:27 -0500

Re: XL-I problems

Dear Eckhard,
The problem is fixable- the message you are getting indicates
that there is a communications failure between the XLI and the computer.
This is definitely something for Beckman to work out, but you might try the
following: take the head off of the machine and look at the row of red
lights on data acquisition board (DAB). The far left light should be
pulsing. If not, that board needs to be reset or replaced. I doubt this is
the problem, though.

The most likely cause of the problem is a change in the computer hardware
or software settings. Have you added (or swapped) any hardware on this
computer recently? Did you install new software of any sort? While the
former may be easy to answer, the latter can lead to a very nasty and
subtle problem. The programs that run Windows and its applications make use
of software modules called DLLs. Often DLLs with the same name are
overwritten when new software is added. In particular, I would be concerned
with any communications software (e.g. PCAnyWhere, LapLink, etc.) that
would possibly alter the DLLs controlling serial communications.

Best of luck- it is a problem that is fixable and, though frustrating,
should be inexpensive to fix. Be sure that no one is allowed to add new
software without your knowledge, and test the machine right after any
changes are made to the computer.

Best wishes,
Tom