TERRIBLE DIAGNOSTIC!!! MicroScope by Micro2000
Chris Clayton
Warning to all!
There is a dishonest company out there that is misrepresenting itself and
it's products. The company is Micro2000 and the product is MicroScope
(ver. 6.15).
MicroScope is a self-booting diagnostic program that is supposed to
identify various hardware problems with PC's. Unfortunately, it DOES NOT
WORK! I received plenty of calls from diagnostic companies after visiting
them at Comdex). All the companies I talked to were willing to send me a
free diagnostic for evaluation in hopes of a purchase and recommendation to
other techs (e.g. Indiana University). If I didn't like it, return it (no
problem). I would not agree to receiving a diagnostic without the company
knowing it was for an evaluation compared to other company's diagnostic.
I made a decision on the diagnostic I liked and decided to return the
other software. Guess which company decided to renege on their agreement?
You guessed it, Micro2000 and their software MicroScope. My company lost
some cash. This company is going to loose their reputation. I decided, if
they could not honor their agreement, I would do my best to spread the
truth about their product.
Here is the problems with the software MicroScope. Among various "high
keystroke" menu options, there was no ability to save reports to anything
other than a 720K floppy and that meant you could not test the floppy
during batch testing Another problem was the improper diagnosis of bad
memory on a video card (already found bad with other software). All of
that was just peanuts to what MicroScope could NOT do….
IT CAN'T FIND MEMORY ERRORS!!!!!
I have some bad SIMM's that I saved to test on each diagnostic. Microscope
was one of the few that could not find the errors. I even let the
diagnostic run all night and it found nothing wrong. AMIDiag found the
errors within 3 seconds. One SIMM had a simple "stuck bit."
Pretty pitiful, heh? It is my recommendation to all techs NOT to get this
software or even associate with Micro2000. Dishonest companies like these
do not deserve to survive!
Thanks for your time,
Chris Clayton
Computer Tech
Frank Thingholm
Why did You select exactly this software if You don't like it
and even had a selection of similar software rights in Your =
hands for trial?
Regards,
Frank
Chris Clayton wrote:
> =
> Warning to all!
> =
> There is a dishonest company out there that is misrepresenting it=
self and
> it's products. The company is Micro2000 and the product is MicroScope
> (ver. 6.15).
> MicroScope is a self-booting diagnostic program that is supposed to
> identify various hardware problems with PC's. Unfortunately, it DOES NO=
T
> WORK! I received plenty of calls from diagnostic companies after visitin=
g
> them at Comdex). All the companies I talked to were willing to send me a=
> free diagnostic for evaluation in hopes of a purchase and recommendation =
to
> other techs (e.g. Indiana University). If I didn't like it, return it (n=
o
> problem). I would not agree to receiving a diagnostic without the compan=
y
> knowing it was for an evaluation compared to other company's diagnostic.
> =
> I made a decision on the diagnostic I liked and decided to return=
the
> other software. Guess which company decided to renege on their agreement=
?
> You guessed it, Micro2000 and their software MicroScope. My company lost=
> some cash. This company is going to loose their reputation. I decided, =
if
> they could not honor their agreement, I would do my best to spread the
> truth about their product.
> =
> Here is the problems with the software MicroScope. Among various=
"high
> keystroke" menu options, there was no ability to save reports to anything=
> other than a 720K floppy and that meant you could not test the floppy
> during batch testing Another problem was the improper diagnosis of bad
> memory on a video card (already found bad with other software). All of
> that was just peanuts to what MicroScope could NOT do=85.
> =
> IT CAN'T FIND MEMORY ERRORS!!!!!
> =
> I have some bad SIMM's that I saved to test on each diagnostic. Microsco=
pe
> was one of the few that could not find the errors. I even let the
> diagnostic run all night and it found nothing wrong. AMIDiag found the
> errors within 3 seconds. One SIMM had a simple "stuck bit."
> =
> Pretty pitiful, heh? It is my recommendation to all techs NOT to get thi=
s
> software or even associate with Micro2000. Dishonest companies like thes=
e
> do not deserve to survive!
> =
> Thanks for your time,
> =
> Chris Clayton
> Computer Tech
-- =
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Frank Thingholm e-mail: ting...@inet.uni-c.dk
EDP Consultant short e-mail: 4045...@sms.tdm.dk
CNA (only "subject" field transferred)
ra...@ix.netcom.com
I agree absolutly. We ordered the software at the company I used to
work for after receiving many phone calls from their sales people. It
turned out the product missed some of the promissed features and was
pretty useless for us. We tryed to return it but no go. So finally
somebody took it home.
"Chris Clayton" <Chris....@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>Warning to all!
> There is a dishonest company out there that is misrepresenting itself and
>it's products. The company is Micro2000 and the product is MicroScope
>(ver. 6.15).
>MicroScope is a self-booting diagnostic program that is supposed to
>identify various hardware problems with PC's. Unfortunately, it DOES NOT
>WORK! I received plenty of calls from diagnostic companies after visiting
>them at Comdex). All the companies I talked to were willing to send me a
>free diagnostic for evaluation in hopes of a purchase and recommendation to
>other techs (e.g. Indiana University). If I didn't like it, return it (no
>problem). I would not agree to receiving a diagnostic without the company
>knowing it was for an evaluation compared to other company's diagnostic.
> I made a decision on the diagnostic I liked and decided to return the
>other software. Guess which company decided to renege on their agreement?
>You guessed it, Micro2000 and their software MicroScope. My company lost
>some cash. This company is going to loose their reputation. I decided, if
>they could not honor their agreement, I would do my best to spread the
>truth about their product.
> Here is the problems with the software MicroScope. Among various "high
>keystroke" menu options, there was no ability to save reports to anything
>other than a 720K floppy and that meant you could not test the floppy
>during batch testing Another problem was the improper diagnosis of bad
>memory on a video card (already found bad with other software). All of
>that was just peanuts to what MicroScope could NOT do….
>IT CAN'T FIND MEMORY ERRORS!!!!!
>I have some bad SIMM's that I saved to test on each diagnostic. Microscope
>was one of the few that could not find the errors. I even let the
>diagnostic run all night and it found nothing wrong. AMIDiag found the
>errors within 3 seconds. One SIMM had a simple "stuck bit."
>Pretty pitiful, heh? It is my recommendation to all techs NOT to get this
>software or even associate with Micro2000. Dishonest companies like these
>do not deserve to survive!
>Thanks for your time,
>Chris Clayton
>Computer Tech
--
Ray Markarian
Netcraft, Inc.
David Cantrell
Chris Clayton wrote:
[ stuff about 'Microscope' not working ]
[ and about not accepting a return ]
That's odd. I've used Microscope several times and it has been 100%
correct 100% of the time - and I reckon that's pretty good. Now,
perhaps you're using a different version, and if they have released a
real stinker, that's not a Good Thing. However, I would urge others
to think long and hard before deciding to ditch the product
completely.
On the 'return' problem, I reckon you probably misunderstood their
rep. If they've broken their contract with you by not accepting a
return, then I'm sure you can seek redress.
--
David Cantrell - http://adams.eimages.co.uk/users/davidc/
When I feed the poor, I am called a hero;
When I ask why the poor are hungry, I am called a communist.
-- Brazilian bishop Dom Helder Camara
ra...@ix.netcom.com
If you want a really good OS independant diagnostics, try PC
Technician offered for $95.00. I used their older version in the late
80's and never left the office without it.
Karl Gottshalk
So which diagnostic did you buy?
Tim Burkhamer
> keystroke" menu options, there was no ability to save reports to anything
> other than a 720K floppy and that meant you could not test the floppy
> during batch testing Another problem was the improper diagnosis of bad
> memory on a video card (already found bad with other software). All of
> that was just peanuts to what MicroScope could NOT do….
>
> IT CAN'T FIND MEMORY ERRORS!!!!!
>
> I have some bad SIMM's that I saved to test on each diagnostic. Microscope
> was one of the few that could not find the errors. I even let the
> diagnostic run all night and it found nothing wrong. AMIDiag found the
> errors within 3 seconds. One SIMM had a simple "stuck bit."
>
> Pretty pitiful, heh? It is my recommendation to all techs NOT to get this
> software or even associate with Micro2000. Dishonest companies like these
> do not deserve to survive!
>
> Thanks for your time,
>
> Chris Clayton
> Computer Tech
software Microscope 2000 it did not prove to be half the diag program it
was claimed to be. I then called their Tech support # and after a very
LONG wait, got someone on the phone (get this) that doesn't use the
program themselves...Hmmmmmmm.?.? Makes you wonder. Anyways we went
through some legalities with them and finally got our reimbursment. 6.5
months.... I will never have A thing to do with this company again,
even if they come out with a miracle program... It is the principal
behind it.
--
+--------------------------------------+
| The Printing Center & $upplie$ |
| "Get a Better Image" |
| Graphic Art Supplies |
| New and Used Equipment |
| http://www.cp.duluth.mn.us/~prtcentr |
+--------------------------------------+
Jeff Kline
ra...@ix.netcom.com wrote:
>If you want a really good OS independant diagnostics, try PC
>Technician offered for $95.00. I used their older version in the late
>80's and never left the office without it.
>"Chris Clayton" <Chris....@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>>Warning to all!
>>Thanks for your time,
>>Chris Clayton
>>Computer Tech
>--
>Ray Markarian
>Netcraft, Inc.
I agree, too
PC Tech is without a doubt, a very classy program for testing. The
only requirement is that you can at least boot up from a floppy. If
that doesn't work even, then you do the simple stuff like checking
power supply and stuff. Finally, you last resort to using one of those
expensive post hardware cards that diagnose what going on and even
then, only if you cannot hear any beeps.
Jeff
Midwest AV sr Technician.
lyns...@connectall.com
"Chris Clayton" <Chris....@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>Warning to all!
> There is a dishonest company out there that is misrepresenting itself and
>it's products. The company is Micro2000 and the product is MicroScope
>(ver. 6.15).
>MicroScope is a self-booting diagnostic program that is supposed to
>identify various hardware problems with PC's. Unfortunately, it DOES NOT
>WORK! I received plenty of calls from diagnostic companies after visiting
>them at Comdex). All the companies I talked to were willing to send me a
>free diagnostic for evaluation in hopes of a purchase and recommendation to
>other techs (e.g. Indiana University). If I didn't like it, return it (no
>problem). I would not agree to receiving a diagnostic without the company
>knowing it was for an evaluation compared to other company's diagnostic.
> ...
This doesn't surprise me. Had similar dealings with this company.
Junk.
The best diagnostic tool is your past experience, common sense, and an
organized "process of elimination system". Most of these $400 + diag
tools simply lead you down the wrong path.
good-luck to all.
LS
Greg Forrester
Tim Burkhamer wrote:
>
> months.... I will never have A thing to do with this company again,
> even if they come out with a miracle program... It is the principal
> behind it.
I agree although I would say it is the LACK of Principle behind it.
--
Regards
Greg Forrester
StatsWare
http://www.iconnex.com/statware/
Chris Clayton
Frank,
I did NOT select this software. The company refuses to RMA the evaluation
I was testing and have billed me for the retail price. The software I use
is AMIDiagnostic and it performs great in many different aspects.
Thanks,
Chris Clayton
Frank Thingholm <ting...@inet.uni-c.dk> wrote in article
<321E00...@inet.uni-c.dk>...
Why did You select exactly this software if You don't like it
and even had a selection of similar software rights in Your
hands for trial?
Regards,
Frank
Chris Clayton wrote:
>
> Warning to all!
>
> There is a dishonest company out there that is misrepresenting
itself and
> it's products. The company is Micro2000 and the product is MicroScope
> (ver. 6.15).
> MicroScope is a self-booting diagnostic program that is supposed to
> identify various hardware problems with PC's. Unfortunately, it DOES
NOT
> WORK! I received plenty of calls from diagnostic companies after
visiting
> them at Comdex). All the companies I talked to were willing to send me a
> free diagnostic for evaluation in hopes of a purchase and recommendation
to
> other techs (e.g. Indiana University). If I didn't like it, return it
(no
> problem). I would not agree to receiving a diagnostic without the
company
> knowing it was for an evaluation compared to other company's diagnostic.
>
--
===============================================================
Frank Thingholm e-mail: ting...@inet.uni-c.dk
EDP Consultant short e-mail: 4045...@sms.tdm.dk
CNA (only "subject" field transferred)
----------
Craig L. Senft
I got the same hardsell from another diagnostic program company. I fell
for it and spent $300 of my companies money for the package. The
standalone diagnostics never really worked, the ones that ran under DOS
were poorer than MSD.exe. The Windows version would GPF and force a
reboot.
They called back a year later with an upgrade offer. I patiently explained
what I thought of their product, the salesman said "Oh yeah, we fixed all
those problems. Well thank, send the fixes. They were priced at $200.
It sure sounds like the same folks.
--
--------------------------------------------------------------
Craig L. Senft "Remember, All products
S&S Enterprises are compatible at the
cse...@primenet.com acronym level"
http://www.primenet.com/~csenft --Mgmt Training Manual
Ed Davis <eda...@fe3.rust.net> wrote in article
<3224dfb2...@oxy.rust.net>...
> I requested info from this company a while back from their web site
> and got a call the next day from a guy pitching their program for $400
> or so. After I told the guy it was for my own personal use, not for a
> company the price dropped to $200 ( after he talked to his manager ).
> Again I said "too much" and he started taking things out of the
> package( loop back plugs etc) to bring the price down. These things
> and statements like "what price are you willing to pay so I can get
> your order right now" scared me right away. Anyway if you must have
> this program you can apparantly get it for far less then starting
> price. (kinda like a Kirby vacuum)
>
> Ed
>
Ed Davis
Tom K
Personally I recommend QA PLUS Diagnostics....
My old computer company that I worked for used it religiously
with testing and burning in the machines....
It checked memory fairly well.... I never had a simm that was
bad pass the diagnostics program.... It alse did diagnostics
on motherboards to video cards to lpt and to com ports...
TK
Randy
ra...@ix.netcom.com wrote:
>> I made a decision on the diagnostic I liked and decided to return the
>>other software. Guess which company decided to renege on their agreement?
>>You guessed it, Micro2000 and their software MicroScope. My company lost
>>some cash. This company is going to loose their reputation. I decided, if
>>they could not honor their agreement, I would do my best to spread the
>>truth about their product.
>>Thanks for your time,
>>Chris Clayton
>>Computer Tech
>--
>Ray Markarian
>Netcraft, Inc.
You didn't mention which product you decided on. I'd be interested to
know.
Regards,
Randy Cummings
cumm...@tccn.com
soz9@mail.idt.net@idt.liberty.net
In <01bb8fcd$57725940$134b...@kiva.net>, "Chris Clayton" <Chris....@worldnet.att.net> writes:
>Warning to all!
>
> There is a dishonest company out there that is misrepresenting itself and
>it's products. The company is Micro2000 and the product is MicroScope
>(ver. 6.15).
>MicroScope is a self-booting diagnostic program that is supposed to
>identify various hardware problems with PC's. Unfortunately, it DOES NOT
>WORK! I received plenty of calls from diagnostic companies after visiting
>them at Comdex). All the companies I talked to were willing to send me a
>free diagnostic for evaluation in hopes of a purchase and recommendation to
>other techs (e.g. Indiana University). If I didn't like it, return it (no
>problem). I would not agree to receiving a diagnostic without the company
>knowing it was for an evaluation compared to other company's diagnostic.
>
>software or even associate with Micro2000. Dishonest companies like these
>do not deserve to survive!
>
>
>Chris Clayton
>Computer Tech
We also fell for the Micro2000 of a free trial -- used it 1 time and found many of
the same problems, and more -- In our case it also misdiagnosed the CPU type
and amount of RAM (tested good). When they refused to make good on their offer,
and tried to force us to pay for a tool that we couldn't use, we boxed it up and
sent it back Registered Mail -- they refused to accept tthe return, but we kept the
product sealed in the box, with the receipt that shows the return within 30 days,
and the company never let out another peep ( 3 yrs now). If they do still try to
get the $, we'll go to court and show that we tried to return it and have never
used it -- saved us $750 as I recall for junk that we would not use.
Go get 'em
Jerry Sladkey
Technical Services Rep.
S.o.Z. . . Digital
Bruce Franklin
On Fri, 23 Aug 1996 18:07:46 GMT, ra...@ix.netcom.com wrote:
>I agree absolutly. We ordered the software at the company I used to
>work for after receiving many phone calls from their sales people. It
>turned out the product missed some of the promissed features and was
>pretty useless for us. We tryed to return it but no go. So finally
>somebody took it home.
>
[SNIP]
They got me some years ago with V5.0 of their worthless program. I
was way too busy at the time (working 18 hours a day) to pursue them
but I'd love to help send them down in flames now.
After V6.0 came out they were calling me every other day and giving
me the hard sell to upgrade. Repeated attempts to get rid of them
failed so I finally told one jerk of salesman where he could put his
program and what he could do with it when he got it there. I ended
the phone call by blasting a freon horn into the headset. They
haven't called me since then.
I can't see how they've stayed in business. They'll have to run out
of people to cheat and lie to.
--
Bruce M. Franklin | The problem is not whether machines think
bru...@access.digex.net | but whether men do.
| --B. F. Skinner
Lamar Morris
Another gotcha with microscope (i've been using it for a couple of years) is that
you can make only 10 copies (from the original) and then you have to send the
original back to the company for replacement, a fact they neglect to tell prospective
buyers. If you run across a bad floppy drive, you can use up those 10 copies fast.
Another gotcha is that even though a copy fails, it still counts it in the 10.
Ed Davis <eda...@fe3.rust.net> wrote in article <3224dfb2...@oxy.rust.net>...
Jeff
so...@mail.idt.net@idt.liberty.net wrote in article
<5076p0$5...@News.IDT.NET>...
Join the club.!!!
My name is Jeff. I work for a consulting firm in FL. We were also
suckered
by Micro2000. I hated their tools and tried to return them the second day
after they arrived.
No luck. That was a year ago. Now we use the same diagnostic tools that
NRI uses. What a difference.!!! In and out in 10 mins and I know IF I
have to swap a part. or whether a component is not seated properly!!!
Jeff
Field Tech