No partitions found

[dhaymd]

I got the CD to boot but after I accept the EULA, i get this message: "No partitions found". How do I fix this?

[Kfgoodwin]

Same problem

Same problem

[rakelly43]

Seems to be a common problem. AOSS is a great idea from PCTOOLS, but it would be nice if they supported it. So we who use it could find out why things don't work the way they are supposed to.

[mapg]

Same problem here too.

I think that as we have attached our hard disks to an add-on HD controller and not on the common integrated controller (used to DVD or CD-Roms usually), "Alternate Operating System Scanner" cannot find our partitions.

PC Tools should enable a function to request us the diskette to insert the controller as Windows XP does with F6 at the beginning of the installing.

By other hand, I think that it should not be necessary to insert an USB Memory Stick with the latest database of Spyware Doctor BUT "Alternate Operating System Scanner" should search on the common directory to find these signatures.

I have burned a blank CD-Rom for nothing. Anyway I appreciate a lot the effort of PC Tools to combat Rootkits, namely the most dangerous threat for security today.

Regards,

Mapg

[AChen]

Hi All,

With regards to the problems you are experiencing with AOSS, detailed instructions have been put on the PC Tools website.

Please check out this link for more information: http://www.pctools.com/aoss/download/.


AChen

[mapg]

Is AChen laughing at me or what?

Where is the important info at that page to solve the issue?

Maybe this?
Note: AOSS follows standard Windows drive mapping conventions only. If you have changed your drive mapping in Windows, these changes will NOT be reflected here.

Is this a solution?

Please, do not reply us with so kind of automatic responses. Yes, automatic reponses, like an "automaton" from the "customer service" and reading always the same paper.

Somebody from the programming team or some techie should reply us, instead of so kind of "automaton" thing from "call centers".

[mapg]

The problem is simple:

AOSS cannot find our partitions because has not any hard disk driver to find them AND doesn't ask for anyone (as Windows XP does with F6)

If HDs are attached to an add-on controller and not on the by default HD controller is impossible to find any HD, any partition.

I am providing the real cause of the problem and a representative of "customer" support hump me saying that I should go to a page where there is not any solution.

I requested by email (opening a ticket to speak with Peter, a techie), and a "customer representative" say me...
Thanks for contacting PC Tools Support.

AOSS is an unsupported application.

The software is supplied as is and there are no guarantees on it's performance. However, the PC Tools forum for AOSS includes many tips and we encourage you to use this forum to report any problems with AOSS.... namely this forum where there is not any solution.

I replied them.
I cannot see any tip to solve this, what's more there is not solution to this in the current development status of this product. SO. Please can you forward my problem to your technical team to take note for future releases?

Because this problem cannot be solved from the "customer support team". You will always reply me as an "automaton".

Thank you very much.

So, can you take note for a future release of AOSS?

I find very interesting this piece of software because is very important to check the system without enter in the Operative System.

And about this is an unsupported application,...

Well, this software needs Spyware Doctor to do and to finish its work, so if you provide support to Spyware Doctor to licensed users, why not to this one as well? or else tou should not launch AOSS and won't make you own life difficult.

As you see, it is illogical to reply like: "Sorry. This is an unsupported application".

[banger39]

Well it seems the if you are running any disc protection utilities like GO BACK you will have to disable it first before running the AOSS software. This is what I did and it worked fine on one of my PCs. I used it again on a laptop that does not have the GO BACK running on it and I have encountered the same problem as all of us. So I think that the XP operating system is in some way blocking AOSS from seeing the partition. I have disabled many things from starting (programs and processes system restore ect.) but still I am not able to find the culprit. GOOD LUCK

[mapg]

Sorry, but Windows XP is not started when AOSS software is running or try to run.

The problem has simple solution: AOSS should request the Hard Disk Controller diskette (where drivers are) to recognize your HDs and therefore, your partitions.

The programming of AOSS in the current stage, sincerely, is a proof of innocent and candy programing. A first try, but an incomplete and hurried try.

PC Tools should not compromise its branding with this kind of toys as AOSS is in this first approaching. Hard but true words.

[dhaymd]

You're awesome, mapg! I didn't think it was me, I mean how can you screw up running off a boot disk? And I liked your retort to achen, throwing that EULA in your face, like that's supposed to put you in your place. "Run this new software and really weed out that dirty spyware. But if it doesn't work, well who said it would!?" What kind of mindless a**holes do they think we are? Unless they fix this, I'll be going elsewhere after my subscription expires.

[ratcazza]

Hi

The place that Achen directed you to gives full instructions on how to download the new system. It starts with the Eula page, if you click accept it gives you the full instructions on how to download the system:)

[wkidwell]

hello all,
i thought i was doing everything correctly, and ty all for confirming that. i have seen AOSS run correctly on a friends desktop system, so i have no doubt that the software is genuine. however, when attempting to run it on my new dell laptop (Inspiron 1501) it cannot find the partition. very frustrating, especially when seeing the app actually work as previously mentioned. i think this may be one of those "damage control bandaid" replies that results from having too much on ones plate. especially, if this was a clever side project. tech support on a global scale is very scarey and labor intensive. or maybe it is sloppy code. either way, none of us are going to know, so both are irrelevant. what i do know is, it was free, it works sometimes, and when it does work, its awesome. this just fries my noodle and frustrates me because i want it to work. :(
well, if anyone figures out how to get AOSS to load HD drivers, plz let us know.
this whole OS ontop of OS is really pissing me off (only because im not secure from it :) )

cheers

[c_edge]

Hey all,

It seems that there is a compatibility issue with some systems and AOSS as some PCs are not detecting the partitions. Hopefully this will be resolved shortly.

c_edge

[mapg]

As I told all you, AOSS doesn't find where is the Hard Disks because, in these cases, HDs are NOT attached to the "by-default" HD/DVD/CD controller.

AOSS is programmed to use it, so is certainly a non-professional software in this stage. It's a try because work in just some cases.

Why? Because ... add-on Hard Disk controllers is a very common way to add support for more Hard Disks today. Motherboard manufacturers are implementing them since 4 or 5 years. Because of this, I do mention about this piece of software with the qualifier of: "a non-professional software".

This stuff is a common thing today, namely to launch unfinished software as final releases. Google started to generalize this bad habit with its "beta products" available for everybody. A marketing strategy to get time and mitigate the higher market share of competitors creating expectation. i.e: GMail.

The worst thing about this is that some companies (like PCTools) are imitating this behavior. AOSS should be qualified as beta software and never should be presented to users in this stage above all, running the risk to lose credibility and branding.

Go back to the common way of programming (used for decades) and you will get better and safe business practices.

PCTools' Project Director should take note of this (if A. Chen stops to work as a simple automaton reading a paper in a "Call Center" and forward all this, of course).

[AChen]

Hi mapg,

I have passed this thread on to PC Tool's developers. We appreciate the feedback you have provided.

Will let you know the progress once more information has been given.

Cheers

[AChen]

Hi all,

A new version of AOSS has been released 1.0.0.135.

If you are still experiencing problems, there is a new feature which will allow PC Tools to assist you further. This tool will gather information on your PC which will allow us to troubleshoot the problem.

As soon as you are in the AOSS screen, there is a "Support" button (select drive screen), please click this button as it will generate a report and save it to your USB drive. Once it has been done, you can either submit a ticket to PC Tools or attach the file on the forum.

Thanks,
AChen

[mapg]

AChen,

This time I didn't want to lose another CD because I knew that your tech team was going to fail again, and I was right.

I have recorded a DVD-Ram to check this new try of PC Tools.

Well, no partitions found again.

This time I could read line-by-line the check system content (with your support button) and all what I told you in my previous post is right.

This tool detects the Hard Disk controller in the motherboard, namely a Intel ICH4, where I have all my DVDs readers/recorders BUT does NOT detect the Hard Disk controller "Promise 20276" of my motherboard GA-8INXP

PDC20276 : Ultra ATA/133 RAID ASIC
http://www.promise.com/product/ulataraid133_20276.asp

GigaByte GA-8INXP
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ClassValue=Motherboard&ProductID=1597&ProductName=GA-8INXP

And again I have to inform you about the cause.

The real cause is because this "Programming Toy" does NOT take in consideration that there are "1000's motherboards with embedded Hard Disk Controllers in the Market" with specific drivers.

If Windows XP has to request the driver for this OEM ASIC "Promise 20276" at the beginning of its installing. Why AOSS should be different?

AOSS detects just the by default ASIC. But what happed if an user attached HDs to another controller in the [I repeat it] "1000's motherboards models with Extra-HDs controllers in the Market"

Is this a AOSS a toy or not in this current stage? What an innocent way of programming!!

Who is the intelligent person that is programming this?
Is so difficult to request the specific driver as Windows XP does at the begin (Do you remember?, yes when request further hardware drivers with F6)?

As my Intel ICH4 is found and the drivers are DVDs, try to install the common ASPI drivers. By this way, AOSS never will found anything.

And about the USB driver to send the test file. I cannot send you the support ticket because neither I have a USB Stick nor I will purchase one.

To assume that everybody has one is much supposition at your end. Maybe we have to purchase one to help in what you do not do by yourself.
Of course, I configured the BIOS to active the Promise Controller BEFORE CD boot, so this controller is present and active for AOSS

[AChen]

Hi mapg,

Could you please send the file after clicking the "support". This file is saved on your USB drive.

You can attach the file with your reply. I will then pass this to the developers and will get back to you asap.

Cheers

[gillilandp]

Er, he says quite clearly in his post that he hasn't got a USB stick.

Regards,
Philip Gilliland




And about the USB driver to send the test file. I cannot send you the support ticket because neither I have a USB Stick nor I will purchase one.

To assume that everybody has one is much supposition at your end. Maybe we have to purchase one to help in what you do not do by yourself.

[AChen]

Hi,

Apologies for that. If anyone else is experiencing the same problem, could you please provide more information.

The reason why we need more info, is that, PC Tools have tested AOSS on all test machines and were not able to re-produce the problem you are experiencing. This is why we need more information on why AOSS is not detecting partitions on your computer. It may be related to your computer settings/hardware or a conflict within another program.

The more information you can provide, the developers can then sort this out asap.

Thanks,
AChen

[mapg]

Why a diskette is not a valid method as well?

Is this tool try to be a compatible tool? I think so, namely USB, Iomega ZIP and Diskette should be a must.

Here you can get the Promise PDC20276 Linux drivers, but this is not an universal solution, namely a serious solution. Everybody else is important too.

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/Driver_DownloadFile.aspx?FileType=Driver&FileID=780

Linux kernels would detect all moderns Extra-HDs controllers installed today, maybe the problem is that Linux distro you use is a really Micro-Linux Version. 8 Mb seems too small for your tool.

AOSS should produce a dialog like this (approx) ...
PDC20276: IDE controller on PCI bus 02 dev 00
PDC20276: chipset revision 1
ide: Found promise 20265 in RAID mode.
PDC20276: not 100% native mode: will probe irqs later
PDC20276: simplex device: DMA disabled
ide2: PDC20276 Bus-Master DMA disabled (BIOS)
PDC20276: simplex device: DMA disabled
ide3: PDC20276 Bus-Master DMA disabled (BIOS)
PDC20276: IDE controller on PCI bus 02 dev 08
PDC20276: chipset revision 1
ide: Found promise 20265 in RAID mode.
PDC20276: not 100% native mode: will probe irqs later
PDC20276: simplex device: DMA disabled
ide4: PDC20276 Bus-Master DMA disabled (BIOS)
PDC20276: simplex device: DMA disabled
ide5: PDC20276 Bus-Master DMA disabled (BIOS)
PDC20276: IDE controller on PCI bus 02 dev 10
PDC20276: chipset revision 1
ide: Found promise 20265 in RAID mode.
PDC20276: not 100% native mode: will probe irqs later
PDC20276: simplex device: DMA disabled
ide6: PDC20276 Bus-Master DMA disabled (BIOS)
PDC20276: simplex device: DMA disabled
ide7: PDC20276 Bus-Master DMA disabled (BIOS)
hda: WDC WD1200JB-75CRA0, ATA DISK drive
hdb: no response (status = 0xa1), resetting drive
hdb: no response (status = 0xa1)

[AChen]

Hey,

Thanks for the feedback. At the moment, a USB drive is mandatory, however, I have passed this info on to the developers/management for further analysis.

We can not provide a time frame of when this feature will be implemented.


With AOSS not reading the partitions, if someone has a similar problem, could you please provide more info and attach the log file.


Thanks,
AChen

[mapg]

I am graphic designer (2d and 3d) and developer (HTML, Javascript, PHP and Perl) with more than 30,000 work hours in Internet and several 3d models for TV spot and video-games around the world through (Viewpoint's 3d model database). A very used library in the Hollywood production houses (ILM [George Lucas], Digital Domain [Steven Spielberg], Sony Pictures ImageWork, and so on).

On the other hand, since 1996, I am the editor in chief of a resource with 2 millions users anually, and 8th in the ranking of this business field (3rd in year 2000).

On the flip side, in 2009, our new Portal version will be presented to "The Oscar of Internet" Awards (http://www.webbyawards.com) in the Technology category.

My advise to PC Tools is simple, AOSS never should be presented to public in this stage, at least as final version because you cannot control the branding lose you are having with this hurried application.

The user opinion about your company is your best value. If you damage it, your piece of market could be eaten by others.

I have a render farm (a PC Cluster) with 9 PCs valued at US$18,000, and I always purchase what I need. If I do not need a USB Stick valued at US$12-15 or US$20-30 I won't purchase it, above all if the mistake is done for others than me.

The importance of branding concept is not able to be understood by an employee in the customer deparment. You should understood your own limitations but at least to comment all this issue with your supervisors or chiefs.

I know this issue could provide a rude image about me, I do not take care, simply I wanted to pull PC Tools' ears because they deserved it certainly.

Next time, you should take care, as you should do it (and with urgence) with your next join between Spyware Doctor and your Anti-Virus. It could be a "dramatic big fail" because everybody has installed a "branded" anti-virus and two anti-virus in the same system could be a mouse-cat story. Another iron in the fire to uninstall your software. This is another free advise.

Regards and good luck.

[AChen]

Hi mapg,

Could you please provide the following information from "Partition Information (PROC)" to "System information (dmesg)". The first 7 lines.

[mapg]

I cannot send you that because I haven't a way to do it without a diskette support. Seems that your company is obstinate to do an universal tool with just USB stick support.

Finally, I have no time to write in a paper all these 7 complex lines (plenty os characters) to provide you what you should do by yourself.

My time is very expensive and I pay you (through your products) to avoid waste my time. Isn't true?

Unfortunately, support teams are very used to request and request to fix what they damage, and forget that we are customers, no nursemaids.

Time is money, and my rate card per work hour is valued at US$92.56, so do not ask for my time.

[AChen]

We have run many tests in our labs with AOSS on different types of machines and have not been able to re-produce this problem. (Not being able to detect the drives/partitions to run an AOSS scan)

If anyone else who has this problem can provide this information. It would be very much appreciated.

With the USB/flash drive issue, I have escalated this to the developers and will get back to you regarding this, this feature will need to be considered.