How to Troubleshoot a Computronix Ranger Database

Computronix's Ranger program is designed for mobile laptops.

Computronix is a software development company that created a database program called POSSE, which acts as a platform for monitoring, enforcing and automating business policies. Part of the POSSE platform includes a program called Ranger, which business people or inspectors on the go can install on their laptops, in order to access the POSSE platform remotely. Ranger makes it possible for business to continue as usual from remote locations. But when the program malfunctions or seems "off," it's important to troubleshoot the potential defects so that valuable and sensitive information is not lost.

Instructions

1. Check the compatibility of the hardware that Ranger is installed on. Ranger was not designed to be universally compatible with all types of hardware. If the program is not compatible with the hardware, you will be unable to load or activate the database on the remote computer. Review the required hardware specifications, and then test out the program on another type of hardware, to rule out the possibility of the problem being an incompatibility error.

2. Access data that was entered into Ranger on the remote hardware. Select the file that has the information saved, and select the option to view it. Call a co-worker who also uses POSSE Ranger but is not in the field. Ask the co-worker to go through the same steps to open the same data file that you are about to view. Together, look at the file that opens and compare your findings. If the file that you look at has data entered into it, but the same file showing up on your co-worker's end does not, this is symptomatic of a configuration problem on the network between the Ranger program and POSSE.

3. Test out a variety of file formats in the Ranger program. The Ranger program on the POSSE platform allows users to save files in different formats, such as word documents, spreadsheets and even photo files. To make sure the program is running effectively as it should, see whether or not you have any difficulty opening or saving files in different formats. If so, this could mean that the Ranger program that was installed on your computer is defective.

4. Pay attention to any oddities that occur while using Ranger, such as files disappearing, data not being able to be saved, the program shutting down mid-use, connection problems to the remote terminal or issues involving technical things -- such as not being able to check the tick boxes. Report such types of problems to the IT administrator of your company, because it means that either the program or your hardware is malfunctioning.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes database issues come and go. You can get a better grasp on troubleshooting the problems when you write down exactly what the problems are and when they happen. This way, you might be able to notice a trend with the same issue, for more efficient resolution.

References

• Computronix: POSSE Platform
• Computer World Honors Case Study: Creation Of A New Mobile Inspection And Monitoring System