problem on software running on win98SE

I have a convenience store operating 24hrs. my problem is i'm using a POS
system in mysql under windows98, the problem is at around 1am-4am my system
would encounter message on com2 not detected9this is where my receipt printer
is installed) and that would make my monitor to black display and even to
re-start the computer this will not resolved the problem but during the
operation of 5:30am to 12midnight no such problem will occur.
My POS program set-up is controlled by windows98

Please help me on this..where should I make adjustment with my windows to
make my POS runs normally on a 24hrs operation.

Thank you so much!

I think the problem is most likely something to do with your POS and/or
receipt printer software and/or settings, which isn't easily diagnosed from
this distance (need hands-on diagnosis that includes analysis of background
applications that might be involved, selective disabling of this or that to
see if it's involved, etc.)

Windows 98 is generally prone to diminishing reliability over days of
uninterrupted service. I usually advise users to reboot once a day on
general principle. I'm wondering what happens if you restart your system at,
say, 12:30 AM. Does the foul-up still occur in the following hours? Note
that I think the problem will probably still remain, but it's a test that
needs to be done.

Have you asked your POS and receipt-printer vendors for support on this
issue? My first suspicion is that something is attempting to access COM2 on
some scheduled basis. You say this happens some time between 1 and 4 am. Is
it really that random or is it just that you don't notice it immediately?
Perhaps not until the next receipt is printed?

Ask the POS vendor -- is it set up to perform any kinds of housekeeping
chores during those hours? Backups?

I know I'm grasping at straws, here, but like I said, this really calls for
hands-on diagnostics.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"ligaya" wrote in message
...
I have a convenience store operating 24hrs. my problem is i'm using a POS
system in mysql under windows98, the problem is at around 1am-4am my
system
would encounter message on com2 not detected9this is where my receipt
printer
is installed) and that would make my monitor to black display and even to
re-start the computer this will not resolved the problem but during the
operation of 5:30am to 12midnight no such problem will occur.
My POS program set-up is controlled by windows98

Please help me on this..where should I make adjustment with my windows to
make my POS runs normally on a 24hrs operation.

Thank you so much!

Just to grasp at couple more straws - if this is really consistant, is there
something that happens in the store near the modem line or near the modem at
that time on a regular basis. Make sure that the modem line is away from
electrical wiring if possible.

Another thing. Has this always happened? If not, when did it start? What
changed? Was the computer moved? Software added or removed? Hardware added
or removed? Line splitter added to modem line?

PattyL


"ligaya" wrote in message
...
I have a convenience store operating 24hrs. my problem is i'm using a POS
system in mysql under windows98, the problem is at around 1am-4am my
system
would encounter message on com2 not detected9this is where my receipt
printer
is installed) and that would make my monitor to black display and even to
re-start the computer this will not resolved the problem but during the
operation of 5:30am to 12midnight no such problem will occur.
My POS program set-up is controlled by windows98

Please help me on this..where should I make adjustment with my windows to
make my POS runs normally on a 24hrs operation.

Thank you so much!

Your software is probably trying to use COM2 to dial up some sort of
service - perhaps a price updating service or perhaps a financial service to
upload your credit card transactions or similar. Examine the POS software
and find out how to disable the feature that is trying to make the
connection.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"ligaya" wrote in message
...
I have a convenience store operating 24hrs. my problem is i'm using a POS
system in mysql under windows98, the problem is at around 1am-4am my
system
would encounter message on com2 not detected9this is where my receipt
printer
is installed) and that would make my monitor to black display and even to
re-start the computer this will not resolved the problem but during the
operation of 5:30am to 12midnight no such problem will occur.
My POS program set-up is controlled by windows98

Please help me on this..where should I make adjustment with my windows to
make my POS runs normally on a 24hrs operation.

Thank you so much!