However with the variations in computer platforms and software configurations, it is impossible to guarentee everything will operate smoothly every time. Normally a simple phone call to the IMVS Information Services is all that is needed for some assistance.
Below is a few tips for problems that have been encountered before.
My modem will not answer the phone call
Q: I have set my computer for IMVS to call in when new results are ready. I have seen some lights flickering indicating an incoming call every so often, but the modem will not answer.The IMVS program stops with 'UUCICO: Calling imvspath on COMX'
A: Two lights must be lit on the modem for it to answer a call automatically. The first is the 'AA' light which stands for Auto Answer. The second is 'DTR' (sometimes listed as 'TR') which stands for Data Terminal Ready. When the IMVS program loads, it will reset the modem then configure it to answer the phone call. If this step has worked, the 'AA' light will be switched on. The 'TR' light indicates that the IMVS program is loaded and monitoring the modem.
If either of these are not lit, try switching off the modem then back on again. Next close the IMVS program, and reload it. When this is reloaded you should see some of the modem lights flickering as it resets the modem. If the lights do not flicker, check that the cable between the back of the modem and your computer is securely plugged in. If all seems okay, please contain the IMVS Information Services for additional help.
Q: I double-clicked on the 'Dial IMVS' icon and the program started at the bottom of the screen like normal. However it stopped with 'UUCICO: Calling imvspath on COMX' as the title of the program.Where are the downloaded report files ?
A: The IMVS program changes the title to indicate the current status. When it first starts it sends some commands to modem to initialise it and waits for a response back from the modem. If it stops here it probably means that the modem did not respond.
If the 'DTR' light is not lit, first check that the cable between the modem and your computer is securely connected. If this was loose, try switching off the modem then on again, then close and reload the IMVS program and try dialing the IMVS again. If this still fails, please contain the IMVS Information Services for additional help.
Q: I have run the IMVS program that dials into the IMVS, and after it closed I instructed my Medical software to check for new pathology results, but it did not find any.
A: The IMVS program will close without notification whether or not any new files where transferred. If you double click on the program (which is minimised) after loading it, you will find that a black command box is displayed with various messages indicating the current status of the program. It will show when it is calling, when it has transferred files (and the names of those file) as well as a summary of time taken and number of files at the end of the call. If this shows the '0' files were received, then there where no new reports waiting for you.
When files are received, they are stored in the directory specified during the initial installation. If you are not sure where this is, look at the contents of 'imvs.rc', which is stored by default in the C:\IMVS\UUPC directory. It looks like this:mailbox=imvsThe 'home=' line show what directory the downloaded report files will stored in.
name=IMVS UUPC user
home=C:\IMVS\UUPC