Bruker Instrument Tools not responding

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Krassy Frangova

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Jul 4, 2025, 6:06:09 AM7/4/25
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Hi all,
Has anyone had issues with the Instrument Tools app? It was running smoothly yesterday and I managed to download the spectra I needed, then 15 minutes later it was not responding. I can see the programme as active in the taskbar of my computer, and when I hover over the icon it wil show as a preview, yet there is no window on my screen. I tried to restart the computer and see if this will help - it didn't. Reinstalling the software did not help either. I now have a blank page as an icon (please see the photo). 

I will write to our Bruker representative later today, but thought of asking here first. In the meantime, I will also install the app on a different computer and see if the issue is with my computer and not the app itself. Although both Artax and the remote control work fine. 

On a completely different note - how can I update my profile info here, as I could see it is really outdated. 

Thank you in beforehand. 
Best wishes,

Krassy Frangova

Monumental arts conservator
Bevaringscenter Nord
Vodskov, Denmark
IMG_4574.jpg

Kirsten Travers Moffitt

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Sep 2, 2025, 1:00:46 PM9/2/25
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Unfortunately since upgrading to the Tracer 5g we have also experienced issues with Bruker Instrument Tools. In fact, all of the programs (even Bruker Remote Control and the new Artax) have issues but BIT is the worst. It was freezing up the computer so often I told my colleagues to stop using it. I reached out to our rep who suggested we get a dedicated XRF laptop that is not running any other software and is not connected to anything (internet included). 
We are in the process of doing that with IT and we will see how this goes. 
Extremely frustrating for a brand new (and expensive) instrument. 
Kirsten Moffitt

tracy martens

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Jan 22, 2026, 10:45:32 AMJan 22
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Hi Kirsten,

I'm in the process of purchasing a dedicated laptop for our 5g. Do you mind sharing which laptop you decided to purchase, version of windows you are using and how it's all running for you?

Kirsten Travers

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Jan 22, 2026, 11:17:22 AMJan 22
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Well, our new laptop just recently arrived and I haven't been having much luck so far. BUT I really haven't had the time to work with our IT department to troubleshoot. So I don't think (?) it's the computer - it's possibly a firewall thing I need IT help with, most likely. 

The new computer is a Dell Pro 16 Plus
Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 266V (2.20 GHz)
RAM 16.0 GB
64-bit operating system x64-based processor

The other laptop we were having issues with was also a Dell laptop with a lot of Adobe software installed on it which apparently uses a lot of memory. That laptop was also a touch screen (this one is not) and all of us in the department who got touch screens noticed slower performance overall. 

So we just got the new laptop (no Adobe, no touchscreen) last week. I installed Bruker Remote Control, Bruker Instrument Tools and Artax but right out of the gate, BRC is not recognizing the XRF when it is connected via USB. I have worked a little with IT on it, they asked me to reach out to Bruker...and I did. I tried some of the options they suggested but not all. I just haven't had a moment yet to work this out...we did not have this issue at all with the old laptop. BRC connected immediately with the XRF and worked really well most of the time. It was BIT that constantly crashed. 

Sorry I can't be of more help. You might want to reach out to the scientists at the Mariner's Museum - Brian Kim and Molly McGath. They recently got a new Tracer 5g and have had more luck setting it up. 

I will let you know if there are any developments on my end! Good luck
Kirsten


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