"CONNECT Reader by Sony.msi" doesn´t install under win 2003

[joblack]

... yahoo .. I´ve finally got my Sony Reader ...

The first problem occures. The

"CONNECT Reader by Sony.msi"

doesn´t install under Windows 2003 Server. What a crappy programming (normally win xp programs run without problems under Win 2003).

Does anybody have a crack or an improved version of it (without OS check). If not where can I read sony about complaining about that crappy program.

[HarryT]

With respect, the fact that the software does not install on an operating system other than those stated in the product specification does not make it "crappy software". The operating systems supported by Connect are, I believe, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. This is stated on Sony's web site. The fact that you are attempting to install it on a different operating system is not Sony's "fault", but yours. The product installs on the operating systems that its specification states that it does. Full stop.

To allow it to do anything but that would be sloppy programming because then Sony would be faced with support calls for an operating system on which they had not tested Connect for undesirable side-effects. Only permitting software to install on those operating systems on which it's been properly tested is a sign of a conscientious approach by a software developer.

Do you not have a workstation, rather than a server, on which you could install Connect?

[joblack]

It is crappy programming. You could just pop up a window which says "Sony doesn´t support this operating system officially and doesn´t give support for it. Do you want to proceed anyway." and this legal stuff would be solved.

Some older games have the same problem (we officially only run on win95) - if you patch them they work perfectly.

The XBox 360 Cable Controller has the same problem. Only works under Win XP and Vista - officially. I had to patch the installation procedure to make it runable.

No Workstation - Win 2003 works perfect as a workstation (and is more stable than XP).

Thanks for your answer - anway.

PS: How do Mac and Linux users use the reader ... not at all??

[HarryT]

You don't need Connect to use the Reader; all you need it for is to buy DRM-protected content from the Connect Store.

There are a number of approaches to using the Reader without Connect:

1. Copy books directly to a memory stick or SD card, and put that in the Reader.

2. Use alternate software such as the freeware "libprs500" (I think that's the right name - someone will correct me if I'm wrong). This runs on Windows, Mac OSX and Linux, and can be used to copy files from a PC to the Reader. You'll find download links on the Wiki page.

Hope that's of some help to you. Not trying to "get" at you - I'm sure that if Connect doesn't install on Windows Server 2003 there has to be some underlying reason for that. Is it the latest Connect v1.1 that you're trying to install?

[Nate the great]

You are trying to run it under Windows Server 2003? Of course it won't work! That is an entirely different OS.

[igorsk]

No, it's not "entirely different". It's basically XP with some additional components for server job.
I am running Connect on 2003 just fine. I had to work around the installer check though. Here's what I did:
1) From command prompt or Start-Run, execute "CONNECT Reader Installer.exe" /a. This will extract all the files in the location you choose.
2) Copy the Sony folder from under "program files" in the extracted location into your Program Files directory.
3) If you need to install drivers for Reader, use the ones in Sony\CONNECT Reader\Data\drivers.
4) Make a shortcut to \Sony\CONNECT Reader\Data\bin\CONNECT Reader.exe

[joblack]

Windows 2003 is almost the same, but only a lot of better.

Thanks for the advice, now it runs =) ...

In your face, Sony!! :==)

[HarryT]

Delighted to hear that it works!

[JSWolf]

But if the software install is checking what OS it's being installed on regardless if it may run, is not going to install.

[joblack]

Yeah the update of the Software doesn´t install again.

Btw. the Software is crappy anyway. Slow, in some situations not logical und very unreliable.

But against the argument from HarryT it has no reason why they have inserted this os check .

It actually works .. isn´t it ...

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by joblack

Btw. the Software is crappy anyway. Slow, in some situations not logical und very unreliable.

Having been using the Connect software for long enough, it's not slow, it's not unreliable. I've not seen on bug surface so far. As for not being logical, I think it is logical. But that bit is up to the user.

Anyway, Connect is the only way to purchase ebooks from the connect store and the only way to use collections. And Connect appearing to be slow is because of a few things. When you transfer a book to the reader, Connect is doing so via USB 1.1. Alsoit's doing the work of sorting out font sizes & whatever is needed so the book loads right away, and metadata info all at the same time. So while it may appear slow, it really is not.

[joblack]

Is somebody so kind to send me the newest Connect Software (the one in the program files directory- I can´t extract it myself cause of OS problems) ... should be no problem, because you can download it freely.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by joblack

Is somebody so kind to send me the newest Connect Software (the one in the program files directory- I can´t extract it myself cause of OS problems) ... should be no problem, because you can download it freely.

The link to the current Connect is ...

http://download.sony.com/prs/connect...0Installer.exe

[alex_d]

igorsk forgot to mention that you also have to change the Compatibility setting for "CONNECT Reader.exe" after you've extracted the files. Set it to Windows XP (right-click the exe, Compatibility tab).

thanks, Igorsk. I was trying to use the MS Application Compatibility Toolkit on msiexec, but that didn't quite work. It's pretty funny that the CONNECT store doesn't need any registry settings, but breaks when moved from xp to 2k3. Either it's doing some advanced low-level disk formatting, virus scanning, and port sniffing, or it's programmed by a retard.

btw, the copyright says "Original application software and design by Kinoma (www.kinoma.com)." If you go to their webpage, it turns out to be three guys. Who peddle some video player for palm pilots.

I have nothing against trios of men, but it's pretty clear sony invested as little as it could. And has chosen to continue investing even less despite the Reader turning out a success.


harryt, please do a little less supposing, nay saying, and unjustified justifying

jswolf, connect reader is not a pos because of the amount of bugs it has (it is actually a little polished, and that is it's saving grace), it is a pos cuz of the way it was designed and the number of features it has. Given that it only does precisely three things (copy files, preview files, buy files), it's a lot less intuitive and useful than it could be. I do give it points for trying to reinvent the wheel, tho (no, really, I appreciate creativity).

P.S. joblack, do you still need the files?

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by alex_d

jswolf, connect reader is not a pos because of the amount of bugs it has (it is actually a little polished, and that is it's saving grace), it is a pos cuz of the way it was designed and the number of features it has. Given that it only does precisely three things (copy files, preview files, buy files), it's a lot less intuitive and useful than it could be. I do give it points for trying to reinvent the wheel, tho (no, really, I appreciate creativity).

I don't think Connect is a POS. It was designed to do what it does and it does it well. And I have not found it to ct up even once. The problem here is that you are trying to get it to work where it was not designed to work. Yes as we can see it does work, but maybe they programmed it specifically to only recognize specific versions of Windows? I cannot say what the reasoning is.