Resolving Issues PSCAD
Resolving Issues PSCAD
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2. ISSUES WHEN LAUNCHING PSCAD .............................................................................................................. 2
2.1 RECEIVING A “ROOT ELEMENT IS MISSING” ERROR MESSAGE ................................................................................................... 2
2.2 THE PSCAD LAUNCH IS PROLONGED .................................................................................................................................. 4
2.3 RECEIVING A “STOP RUNNING THIS SCRIPT?” ERROR MESSAGE ................................................................................................ 5
2.4 RECEIVING AN “UNABLE TO LOCATE THE MASTER LIBRARY FROM THE GIVEN FILE PATH” ERROR MESSAGE ......................................... 6
2.5 RECEIVING A “SCRIPT ERROR” ERROR MESSAGE.................................................................................................................... 8
2.6 RECEIVING AN “MFC100.DLL IS MISSING” ERROR MESSAGE .................................................................................................. 10
2.7 RECEIVING A “THE PROCEDURE ENTRY POINT … DYNAMIC LINK LIBRARY SHELL32.DL” ERROR MESSAGE ....................................... 11
2.8 RECEIVING A “THE PROCEDURE ENTRY POINT …COULD NOT BE LOCATED IN THE DYNAMIC LINK LIBRARY ZSLIB2.DLL” ERROR MESSAGE 12
2.9 PSCAD CRASHES UPON STARTUP ..................................................................................................................................... 13
2.10 THE PSCAD BETA EDITION CRASHES UPON STARTUP .......................................................................................................... 14
2.11 PSCAD V4.6.0 OR V4.6.1 64-BIT DOES NOT LAUNCH ......................................................................................................... 15
2.12 RECEIVING A “THE COMPUTER MUST BE TRUSTED FOR DELEGATION…” ERROR MESSAGE ............................................................. 16
2.13 HOW TO LAUNCH PSCAD WITHOUT WINDOWS ADMINISTRATOR PRIVILEGES........................................................................... 17
2.14 RECEIVING A “THE APPLICATION WAS UNABLE TO START CORRECTLY (0XC00007B)” ERROR MESSAGE .......................................... 18
2.15 RECEIVING AN “ENTRY POINT NOT FOUND” ERROR MESSAGE ............................................................................................... 19
3. ISSUES WHEN LICENSING PSCAD – LEGACY LOCK-BASED .......................................................................... 20
3.1 LICENSE CANNOT BE ACTIVATED ....................................................................................................................................... 20
3.2 ERRORS WITHIN THE PSCADLMGR.TXT FILE......................................................................................................................... 21
3.3 ERRORS WITHIN THE LMGRD-LOG.TXT FILE ......................................................................................................................... 23
3.4 ERRORS WITHIN THE GET INFO UTILITY .............................................................................................................................. 24
3.5 RECEIVING A "CLIENT HAS LOCALHOST AND REMOTEHOST IPS" ERROR MESSAGE....................................................................... 27
3.6 RECEIVING A "FAILURE: UNABLE TO UPDATE THE LICENCE DB FILE" ERROR MESSAGE ............................................................... 28
3.7 UNABLE TO LICENSE PERIODICALLY ................................................................................................................................... 29
3.8 PSCAD CLIENT CANNOT CONTACT THE SERVER .................................................................................................................. 30
3.9 LICENSING IS ACTIVATED, BUT PSCAD CLAIMS LICENSING IS EXPIRED ...................................................................................... 31
3.10 RECEIVING A “NO LICENSES FOUND ON THE SELECTED LICENSE HOST” ERROR MESSAGE .............................................................. 32
3.11 LICENSE CANNOT BE ACTIVATED ON WINDOWS 10............................................................................................................... 33
3.12 RECEIVING A “(193) APPLICATION IS NOT VALID WIN32 APPLICATION” ERROR MESSAGE ........................................................... 34
3.13 LICENSING IS ACTIVATED SUCCESSFULLY FOR TWO INSTANCES OF PSCAD, BUT THE FIRST INSTANCE LATER BECOMES DE-ACTIVATED ..... 35
3.14 LICENSING FAILS WHEN USING THE STANDALONE LICENSE MANAGER ....................................................................................... 36
3.15 UNABLE TO START OR RESTART THE LICENSE MANAGER........................................................................................................ 37
3.16 RECEIVING AN “UNABLE TO READ LICENSE DATABASE FILE” ERROR MESSAGE ............................................................................ 38
3.17 LICENSING ISSUES ON WINDOWS 10 ENTERPRISE OR WINDOWS 10 EDUCATIONAL EDITION ........................................................ 39
3.18 UNABLE TO ACTIVATE A LICENSE FROM THE SERVER ............................................................................................................. 41
4. ISSUES WHEN LICENSING PSCAD – CERTIFICATE-BASED ............................................................................ 42
4.1 ADVANCED LICENSING RESULTS IN “PROXY AUTHENTICATION REQUIRED (407)” ...................................................................... 42
4.2 RECEIVING AN "UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE LICENSE CERTIFICATE" ERROR ..................................................................................... 44
4.3 RECEIVING AN "UNABLE TO DETERMINE LOGIN STATUS" ERROR MESSAGE ................................................................................ 49
4.4 PSCAD CLIENT CANNOT CONTACT THE SERVER .................................................................................................................. 50
4.5 RECEIVING A “COMMUNICATION WITH THE SERVER FAILED. (417) EXPECTATION FAILED” ERROR MESSAGE ................................... 52
4.6 RECEIVING “USER <> IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR <PSCAD 461 X64>” ERROR MESSAGE .............................................................. 55
4.7 RECEIVING “FAILED TO CONTACT THE SERVER” ERROR MESSAGE ............................................................................................ 56
4.8 RECEIVING “YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE AND LOGGED INTO YOUR ACCOUNT” ERROR MESSAGE ....................................................... 57
4.9 CERTIFICATE LICENSING IS RANDOMLY RELEASED.................................................................................................................. 58
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
Resolving PSCAD Issues
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
Resolving PSCAD Issues
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
Resolving PSCAD Issues
8.7 RECEIVING A “SINGULARITY (A ZERO DIAGONAL) ENCOUNTERED” RUNTIME ERROR MESSAGE .................................................... 191
8.8 UNABLE TO RUN ANY PSCAD CASES - THE REGIONAL LANGUAGE ISSUE ................................................................................ 192
9. ISSUES WITH MYCENTRE ........................................................................................................................ 197
9.1 PROBLEM WITH THE FREE DOWNLOAD ............................................................................................................................ 197
9.2 THE MYCENTRE REGISTRATION HALTS ............................................................................................................................ 198
9.3 ISSUES WITH LOGGING IN TO MYCENTRE ......................................................................................................................... 199
9.4 AN ERROR IS DISPLAYED WHEN DOWNLOADING FROM THE “DOWNLOADS” TAB ..................................................................... 200
9.5 REGISTRATION IN MYCENTRE FREEZES DURING THE RECAPTCHA PROCESS ............................................................................. 201
9.6 RECEIVING ERRORS RELATED TO THE RECAPTCHA FIELD, USERNAME AND E-MAIL ADDRESS WHEN REGISTERING A MYCENTRE USER
ACCOUNT ............................................................................................................................................................................... 202
10. ISSUES WITH DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS ........................................................................................................... 203
10.1 RECEIVING A “GETINFO32.EXE – SYSTEM ERROR” MESSAGE (GET INFO TOOL) ...................................................................... 203
10.2 RECEIVING AN “UNABLE TO PROCEED” ERROR MESSAGE WHEN USING THE LICENSE UPDATE UTILITY ........................................... 205
11. RESOLVING FORTRAN CODING ISSUES .................................................................................................... 206
11.1 RECEIVING AN “UNABLE TO GENERATE A SIMULATION EXECUTABLE” ERROR MESSAGE.............................................................. 206
APPENDIX A USING THE FORTRAN MEDIC UTILITY ..................................................................................................... 207
A.1 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................................. 207
A.2 RUNNING THE FORTRAN MEDIC UTILITY .......................................................................................................................... 207
A.3 GENERATING THE LOG FILE ........................................................................................................................................... 207
A.4 FIXING ISSUES USING THE UTILITY ................................................................................................................................... 207
A.5 ERRORS LISTED IN THE UTILITY ....................................................................................................................................... 208
A.6 FUNCTIONS LISTED IN THE UTILITY .................................................................................................................................. 219
APPENDIX B USING THE GET INFO UTILITY ................................................................................................................. 220
B.1 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................................. 220
B.2 RUNNING THE GET INFO UTILITY .................................................................................................................................... 220
B.3 USING THE UTILITY TO DETECT LICENSING ........................................................................................................................ 220
APPENDIX C LOCK-BASED LEGACY LICENSING - LICENSE MANAGER REQUIREMENTS................................................. 221
APPENDIX D CERTIFICATE LICENSING – REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 222
APPENDIX E HOW TO DISPLAY A HIDDEN FOLDER ..................................................................................................... 223
APPENDIX F FILE CREATION DURING A SIMULATION ................................................................................................. 224
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
Resolving PSCAD Issues
1. Introduction
1.1 Overview
This manual presents known issues and solutions related to PSCAD and associated software. It is
intended to be a continuously developing diagnostic tool as the software evolves.
The information in this manual is applicable to PSCAD X4, which includes version 4.3.0 and later,
and covers the following categories:
Launching PSCAD (Section 2)
Licensing PSCAD – Legacy Lock-based Licensing (Section 3)
Licensing PSCAD – Certificate-based Licensing (Section 4)
Licensing PSCAD – Legacy Lockless Licensing (Section 5)
Using PSCAD (Section 6)
Compiling Cases in PSCAD (Section 7)
Running Cases in PSCAD (Section 8)
Using MyCentre (Section 9)
Issues with Diagnostic tools (Section 10)
Resolving FORTRAN coding issues (Section 11)
Using the Fortran Medic utility – Appendix A
Using the Get Info utility – Appendix B
Requirements for the License Manager (legacy lock-based licensing) – Appendix C
Requirements for connecting to our HTTP license server (certificate licensing) – Appendix D
Instructions for displaying hidden folders – Appendix E
Listing of files created when a PSCAD project is run – Appendix F
For issues related to installing PSCAD, refer instead to the manual “Resolving Installation Errors”,
which may be downloaded from here:
https://hvdc.ca/knowledge-base/read,article/218/resolving-installation-issues-
manual/v:
For all issues related to installing and using MyUpdater, refer to the manual “Update Client
(MyUpdater) – Common Issues”, which may be found at the following link:
https://hvdc.ca/knowledge-base/read,article/217/update-client-myupdater-issues/v:
This document is updated as new issues occur. If you encounter any issues that are not covered
herein, please forward the details to our Support Desk ([email protected]).
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When launching PSCAD, the following error message displays:
PSCAD
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Solution 2
Fix this using the Fortran Medic utility:
Run the utility as per Appendix A.
Once the utility has retrieved the information, scroll down to the following message:
Right-click on the “Workspace file” message and select the option to delete this file.
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When PSCAD is launched, it may take up to several minutes before the application is ready for user
input. Specifically, when PSCAD is launched, the PSCAD splash window remains displayed for an
extended time, during which the application is neither licensed nor usable.
System
PSCAD v4.5.1 to v4.5.3
All Windows platforms
Using either the “elevated” or “non-elevated” launch links in the Windows Start menu.
Cause
The PSCAD Start Page cannot load, and is delaying the start of the application.
Solution 1
Update to PSCAD v4.5.4 or later.
Solution 2
Fix this using the Fortran Medic utility:
Run the utility as per Appendix A.
Once the utility has retrieved the information, scroll down to the following error message:
Conflicts
PSCAD will not display the latest Start Page.
Right-click on the error message and select the option to repair it.
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When PSCAD is launched, the following error message displays:
System
PSCAD v4.5.1 to v4.5.3
All Windows platforms
Cause
The PSCAD Start Page cannot load, and is delaying the start of the application.
Solution 1
Update to PSCAD v4.5.4 or later.
Solution 2
Fix this using the Fortran Medic utility:
Run the utility as per Appendix A.
Once the utility has retrieved the information, scroll down to the following error message:
Conflicts
PSCAD will not display the latest Start Page.
Right-click on the error message and select the option to repair it.
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
2.4 Receiving an “Unable to locate the master library from the given file path”
Error Message
Problem
When launching PSCAD, a message similar to the following is displayed:
Unable to locate the master library from the given file path:
C:PSCADProjects\Project1\Project1.o
Check the specified folder path.
Cause
An incorrect file type (for example, .o) was entered into a field reserved only for library files
(.pslx). See location of this library file field, below.
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Solution
(1) If PSCAD crashed: Delete your PSCAD user profile to restore the master library, as follows:
Run the Fortran Medic utility (per Appendix A1).
Once the utility has finished retrieving information, scroll down to the PSCAD version
number, and note the path for the “Workspace file”.
Open a browser to this file path, and delete the user_profile.xml file.
Proceed to Step (3) below.
(2) If PSCAD did not crash: Restore the master library in the PSCAD application as follows:
Display the Master Library field:
Delete the text text in this field, and enter the following: $(HomeDir)\master.pslx
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When launching PSCAD, a message similar to the following is displayed:
Script Error
Line: 6
Char: 31
Error: ___________null________“module”
Code: 0
URL: https://mycentre.hvdc.ca/static/js/angular/angular-
resource.min.js
Cause
The PSCAD “Start” page, which has links to YouTube, is being blocked. Possible causes are firewalls
and anti-virus. These blocks might be applied locally on the user’s computer, or more broadly
across the network of an organization or even a country.
Note
The Start page is a tab in PSCAD containing the same information and help videos that are
available in MyCentre (https://mycentre.hvdc.ca/).
Solution 1
Turn off the software that is blocking the start page (firewall or anti-virus).
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Solution 2
Disable the Start Page so that it does not attempt to load upon launching PSCAD, as follows:
Launch PSCAD.
Display the Application Options dialog box:
In the Workspace page, select “No action” from the “Start Page” drop-down button:
The Start Page will not attempt to display upon PSCAD startup.
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When PSCAD is launched, the following error message is displayed:
Cause
This message displays because the Visual C++ 2010 SP1 Redistributables is missing.
Solution
Use the Fortran Medic utility to install the Visual C++ 2010 SP1 Redistributables, as follows:
Run the latest Fortran Medic utility as per Appendix A.2.
For a Windows 32-bit machine: Select Help | Install Visual C++ 2010 SP1
Redistributables (x86).
For a Windows 64-bit machine: Select Help | Install Visual C++ 2010 SP1
Redistributables (x64).
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
2.7 Receiving a “The procedure entry point … dynamic link library SHELL32.dl”
Error Message
Problem
When PSCAD v4.6.0 or later is launched, an error message similar to the following is displayed:
pscad.exe – Entry Point Not Found
OK
Cause
This message displays because the user is trying to run PSCAD on an unsupported operating
system (Windows XP).
Solution
PSCAD v4.6.0 and later is not supported on Windows XP. This software is officially supported on
Windows Vista and Windows 7, but has also been shown to work on Windows 8.
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
2.8 Receiving a “The procedure entry point …could not be located in the
dynamic link library ZSlib2.dll” Error Message
Problem
When PSCAD is launched, an error message similar to the following is displayed:
Cause
A problem has developed with the PSCAD program files.
Solution
a. Delete the PSCAD program folder and all subfolders and files. These will typically be located
in a path similar to the following:
C:\Program Files (x86)\PSCADx
b. Re-install or repair PSCAD. This will re-install all the required files.
For Additional Information
See Appendix A.5, Item 10.
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
PSCAD crashes upon startup.
System
Most or all versions of PSCAD.
Cause
The corporate security package, Digital Guardian, can cause PSCAD to crash after .NET 4.6.1 is
installed.
Solution
Whitelist PSCAD in the corporate security package.
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When launching the PSCAD Beta Edition from MyUpdater, the launch fails:
The following error message displays in the MyUpdater messages tab:
Process terminated with error: E0434352
Runtime Error!
Program: C…
R6030
- CRT not initialized
System
PSCAD Beta Edition on Windows 7 SP1.
Cause 1
This problem is most often caused by certain security software programs. It is also possible to get
this error when another program uses code injection techniques to trap certain DLL library calls.
Some intrusive security programs use this technique. In versions of Visual C++ before Visual
Studio 2015, it is possible to use a statically-linked CRT library to address the issue, but this is not
recommended for reasons of security and application updates.
Solutions 1
1. Disable your security software and see if this resolves the issue.
2. Your security software may have specific instructions for mitigating this issue. Check your
security software vendor's website for details.
3. Check for updated versions of your security software, or try different security software.
4. Re-install the Visual C++ Redistributables, then reboot your machine, and then try
launching the Beta Edition again.
5. Try this installation on a different machine.
Cause 2
You may have corrupt Windows files.
Solutions 2
Have your IT staff perform an sfc scan according to the following instructions:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833
If the above step fails to fix the problem, try repairing Windows.
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When launching PSCAD v4.6.0 or v4.6.1, the launch fails.
Note
PSCAD 32-bit does run.
Cause
There is a problem with the .NET framework installation.
Solution
Resolve the .NET Framework software installation (e.g. re-install fresh, or install the patches/updates).
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When launching PSCAD, the launch fails, and the following messages are displayed:
Application.ThreadException
Type: System.Exception
Invoking Type: CredentialManagerLib.UCredentialManager
Method: Void initialize
Cause: The requested operation cannot be completed. The computer must be trusted for delegation and the
current user account must be configured to allow delegation.
Cause
“Mandatory profiles” are being used on the machine.
Mandatory profiles, which are essentially read-only profiles, do not support certain cryptographic
functions which are essential to the applications.
Specifically, these functions are essential for the following tasks:
To create a new user key;
To use functions which are used by PSCAD and the MyUpdater to cache and store the user’s
MyCentre credentials, which are required by the following:
By the MyUpdater utility to log into the user’s MyCentre account to retrieve the list of
available products, and
By PSCAD to log into the user’s MyCentre account to obtain a new PSCAD license
certificate.
Currently, this also appears to be an issue even if the client would like to use the legacy
lock-based License Manager with PSCAD.
The latest Fortran Medic tool indicates if a user’s profile is mandatory. Refer to Appendix A.5,
Item 29.
Applicable to
Will likely impact the following:
PSCAD v4.5.4 to v4.6.2 and the Free Edition
Enerplot, FACE, Initializer, Update Client (MyUpdater)
Solutions
Allow users to use non-mandatory profiles.
Note
PSCAD 4.6.2 is designed to not require local admin rights, and should be useable by
normal users, however, this is also dependent on certain Windows 10 Group Policy
settings.
Allow the PSCAD users to log in to local (non-domain) accounts on the machines hosting
PSCAD.
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Objective
For some facilities, users are not provided Windows Administrator privileges, and therefore must be
able to launch PSCAD with Windows Users privileges.
Solution (1)
Pin a non-elevated PSCAD shortcut to the Windows Taskbar, Windows Start menu, or to the
desktop. For example, for PSCAD v4.6.2:
Open a Windows file browser to here:
C:\Program Files (x86)\PSCAD46\bin\win64
Right-click on “pscad.exe” file and select “Properties”. Review the properties, and ensure
that this link is non-elevated.
Right-click on “pscad.exe”, and select the required action:
“Pin to Taskbar”, or
“Pin to Start Menu”, or
“Send to”…”Desktop”
Solution (3)
If the Solutions (1) and (2) do not work, one suggestion is to use the Microsoft Application
Compatibility Toolkit to create a custom security DB, and apply the DB to the PSCAD application.
This should then force the application to run in the context of the person trying to launch the
application.
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When launching PSCAD, the following error displays:
System
This was detected when trying to launch PSCAD v4.6.2 with the following setup:
Windows 7 SP1 Operating System
Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable (x64) (14.0.24215.1)
Cause
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributables is corrupted.
Solution
Re-install Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributables.
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When launching PSCAD, the following error displays:
Cause
The PSCAD installation became corrupted because PSCAD v4.6.1 was installed first, and then
PSCAD v4.6.0 was allowed to be installed.
Solution
Uninstall all versions of PSCAD v4.6.*, then install v4.6.1.
Note
It is possible to install multiple versions within the same branch on a machine, for
example, v4.6.0 and v4.6.1.
Normally, a version within a branch (i.e. “patch”) will overwrite the previous version.
To circumvent this, install the latest version first (e.g. v4.6.1), ensuring to save the files to
a new program folder when prompted (e.g. “PSCAD v461”) rather than to the default
folder (“PSCAD46”). Next, install the earlier version (e.g. v4.6.0), ensuring to save the
files to another new program folder when prompted (e.g. “PSCAD v460”).
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
Problem
When the “Workspace Settings” dialog box is configured, and the “Activate” button is selected…
Possible causes:
-The license has not been installed.
-The security lock device is unplugged.
-No License Certificate is installed.
Cause
There are many possible causes for a licensing issue.
Solution
Proceed as follows to resolve the licensing issue:
If the license is installed on the machine running PSCAD, view the causes and solutions in
Sections 3.2 and 3.4.
If the license is installed on a Server, view the causes and solutions in Sections 3.2, 3.3
and 3.4.
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
3.2 Errors within the PscadLmgr.txt File
When there is a licensing issue, the log file “PscadLmgr.txt” may be used to help identify the cause.
The PscadLmgr.txt file is located on the machine that is running PSCAD, as follows:
On Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\License
Manager\PscadLmgr.txt
On Windows Vista and Windows 7:
C:\Users\All Users\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\License Manager\PscadLmgr.txt
C:\Users\YOUR-USER-ID\AppData\Local\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\License Manager\PscadLmgr.txt
(if the appdata folder is hidden, it may be displayed as per Appendix L)
C:\Program Data\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\License Manager\PscadLmgr.txt
The following table lists some of the common error messages listed in the log file, as well as their possible causes and solutions.
Error Cause Solution
3. Checking for lock on USB User is remotely logging in to machine Remotely logging in to the machine running PSCAD is not
USB Error: all licenses are in use, running PSCAD. enabled in this version; you must be directly logged into the
status = 0 machine. This includes running PSCAD on a virtual machine,
running PSCAD in Windows XP compatibility mode on
Windows 7, and logging in via virtual private network.
Remotely logging in is enabled in higher versions (e.g.
v4.5).
4. ERROR: Detected a second instance of On a machine with a valid trial license, this Ensure only one instance of PSCAD is running
< pscad.exe > error occurs if a second instance of PSCAD is NOTES
run.
1. This limitation is applicable when trying to license a
A trial license permits only one instance. second instance with either Trial or USB-based licensing
2. This limitation is not applicable when trying to license a
second instance with Certificate Licensing; a second
instance of PSCAD using Certificate Licensing may be run
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
5. ERROR: Invalid semaphore value An unexpected second instance of PSCAD was Ensure only one instance of PSCAD is running
ERROR: Refused to renew license [No.] being licensed. NOTES
for [machine name] for <PSCAD X4 This would occur for licensing that is only 1. This limitation is applicable when trying to license a
Professional>. License not active. programmed to allow a single instance of second instance with either a lockless trial license or
PSCAD, either because the license is a legacy with lock-based licensing with only one PSCAD seat.
lock-based license with one PSCAD seat, or it
is a legacy trial license. 2. This limitation is not applicable when trying to license a
second instance with Certificate Licensing; a second
instance of PSCAD using Certificate Licensing may be
run.
6. To be determined PSCAD v4.5.0 (64-bit) was launched, and an There are three options:
Educational License is being used. 1. Use the Educational License with PSCAD v4.5.0 (32-bit).
The 64-bit version may only be licensed using 2. Use the Educational License with the 64-bit version of
a Professional License. PSCAD v4.5.2 or later; the 64-bit version of PSCAD is
enabled for later versions.
3. If available, switch to a Professional License and use
PSCAD v4.5.0.
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
3.3 Errors within the Lmgrd-log.txt File
When there is a licensing issue, the log file “Lmgrd-log.txt” may be used to help identify the cause.
The Lmgrd-log.txt file is located on the machine hosting the License Manager, as follows:
On Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\License Manager\Lmgrd-
log.txt
On Windows Vista and Windows 7:
C:\Users\All Users\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\License Manager\Lmgrd-log.txt
C:\Users\YOUR-USER-ID\AppData\Local\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\License Manager\Lmgrd-log.txt
(if the appdata folder is hidden, it may be displayed as per Appendix L)
C:\Program Data\Manitoba
The following table lists some of the common error messages listed in the log file, as well as their possible causes and solutions.
Error Cause Solution
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3.4 Errors within the Get Info Utility
When there is a licensing issue, the “Get Info” utility may be used to help identify the cause. The Get Info Utility may be run as per Appendix B,
Section B.2.
The following table lists some of the common error messages displayed in the Get Info utility, as well as their possible causes
and solutions.
Message Possible Impact Solution
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Lock Info (from active LM on localhost) The USB lock does not appear to have ever been Send your Get Info log file to [email protected]
customer ID: xxxxx (expected) programmed, and licensing will not work. (location of log file will be listed within the utility).
We will review your file and forward the solution to
customer ID: xxxxx (Licence DB) you.
actual date: Wed Mar 18 08:22:39 2015
ERROR: the Licence Manager appears to be
unresponsive.
[The above License Manager error only appears if it
is running]
Licence Host Ping Echo and Ping Reply are not enabled on the Enable Ping Echo and Ping Reply on the server
LM registry: <*.*.*.* 2053> server; they must be enabled to allow licensing. (see Appendix C).
LM hostname: *.*.*.*
ping LM host: IcmpSendEcho failed: IP request
timed out
LM port: 2053
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3.5 Receiving a "Client has localhost and remotehost IPs" Error Message
Problem
The license cannot be activated, and the following error message displays in the log file:
ERROR: Client [machine name] <[some IP address]>, <127.0.0.1> is not on
same net as LM < [some IP address]>. Client has localhost and remotehost
IPs
Cause
This is a bug in earlier versions of License Manager (v1. 28, v1.29).
Solution
Update your License Manager to v1.30 or later.
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3.6 Receiving a "FAILURE: unable to update the licence DB file" Error Message
Problem
When using the License Update Utility to license PSCAD, the following message displays in the
utility:
Unable to save license database file
File: C:\Users\Public\Documents\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\LicenseManager\lmgr-hvdc
Error: 'C:\Users\Public\Documents\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\LicenseManager\lmgr-hvdc' Cannot find
part of the path.
FAILURE: unable to update the licence DB file
This issue occurs when the following requirements are both met:
The License Update Utility used is v1.36.0.0 (comes bundled with PSCAD v4.6.0)
A PSCAD license has not been installed previously on this machine.
Cause
The License Update Utility released with v4.6.0 fails on a new license installation because the
expected folder for the license database file does not exist, and the utility fails to create it.
Solution (1)
Create the following folder:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\License Manager
Retry the license installation using the License Update Utility.
Solution (2)
Use a later version of the License Update Utility to license PSCAD (v1.36.2.0 or later):
Shut down all instances of PSCAD.
Ensure that the license.txt file is saved to your machine.
Download the latest License Update Utility from the following link:
http://updater.pscad.com/utilities/LicenseUpdate.zip
Extract the files to a local folder, and launch the “LicenseUpdate.exe” file.
From the “Actions” menu, select “Enter license keys”.
When prompted, browse to and select the “license.txt” file, and select “Open”.
The license will be installed. Close the utility.
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Problem
Sometimes a PSCAD license cannot be activated (lock-based). On those occasions, the
lmgrd-log.txt file indicates that a USB lock is not detected:
USB Error: unable to find a Sentinel lock
Cause
This issue can occur when running PSCAD on a laptop, and sometimes using a docking station:
If your laptop is in a docking station, your USB ports are remapped to the docking station
USB ports. If you install the Sentinel drivers while your laptop is docked, the USB key will
only be detected when your laptop is docked. If you install the Sentinel drivers while your
laptop is not docked, the USB key will only be detected when your laptop is not docked.
Note
This is a third party Sentinel driver issue, not a PSCAD or License Manager issue.
Solution
The work-around is to always run PSCAD with your laptop in the same manner (docked or
undocked). If you need to re-install the Sentinel Drivers, software and instructions may be found in
the manual posted here:
https://hvdc.ca/knowledge-base/read,article/360/sentinel-drivers-installation/v:
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Problem
PSCAD cannot ping the Server, nor activate a license from the Server.
Cause 1
This issue can occur if the QuickHeal Antivirus is installed, and blocking the licensing.
Solution 1
Uninstall QuickHeal Antivirus.
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Problem
Immediately following a license activation, the license is returned, and the following errors display:
See Appendix A.5, Item 22 to see the corresponding Fortran Medic error.
Cause
This licensing issue is due to an incompatible computer setting: The computer is set to use a
calendar that is incompatible with PSCAD legacy licensing, for example the Arabic Regional and
Language settings. As a result, the PSCAD licensing perceives an issue with the date, and denies
licensing.
System
This issue affects PSCAD v4.5.4, v4.5.5, and v4.6.0, and has been fixed in later versions.
Solution 1
Switch to PSCAD v4.6.1 or later, as the licensing appears to work when the computer is set to the
Arabic Regional Language settings.
Solution 2
Or, continue to use PSCAD v4.6.0, but switch your computer to the English language, so that the
computer will use the Gregorian calendar (from the Windows Start button, display the Control
Panel, browse to “Language and Region”, and change the setting to ”English”).
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3.10 Receiving a “No licenses found on the selected license host” Error Message
Problem
When a license host IP address or name is entered into the PSCAD System Settings dialog box, the
following errors display:
Cause 1
The license is not correctly installed on the host machine: The license file and/or USB lock are
missing.
Solution 1
Redirect PSCAD to use the license from a different host machine, or
Correctly set up the licensing on the host machine. Instructions may be found in the manual posted
here:
https://hvdc.ca/knowledge-base/read,article/304/installing-and-activating-a-lock-based-license/v:
Cause 2
This issue occurs when an incompatible version of OpenVPN client is used to access the license
server on Windows 10.
Solution 2
Ensure that a Windows 10 compatible version of OpenVPN client is used to access the license
server.
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Problem
When the “Workspace Settings” dialog box is configured, and the “Activate” button is selected…
Possible causes:
-The license has not been installed.
-The security lock device is unplugged.
-No License Certificate is installed.
Cause
On a machine running Windows 10, the PSCAD USB lock can not be detected using an earlier
version of Sentinel USB Drivers (v7.5.8).
Solution
Uninstall current Sentinel Drivers.
Install Sentinel Driver 7.5.9 from the following link (or find a later version):
http://updater.pscad.com/utilities/USBDrivers_7.5.9.zip
Log out then log back in to your machine to apply the change.
Retry licensing PSCAD.
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Problem
When attempting to start the License Manager, either manually or automatically upon restarting a
computer, the following error displays, and the License Manager fails to start:
Cause
This issue occurs when one or both of the following conditions is true:
In addition to the standard “Program Files” folders on your system drive (e.g. “C:\Program
Files\” and “C:\Program Files (x86)\”), there is another folder or file named 'Program' (e.g.
“C:\Program for Calculating Taxes\”), and/or
In addition to the standard “Common Files” folders in your “Program Files” folders (e.g.
“C:\Program Files\Common Files” and “C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files”), there is
another folder or file containing the word “Common” (e.g. “C:\Program Files (x86)\Common
Tasks at Work\”).
When the Windows Service Control Manager (Services.exe) tries to start the Server service, the
program verifies the following paths:
SystemDrive\Program
SystemDrive\Program Files\Common
If the Program or Common paths exist as folders or files, the Service Control Manager cannot
locate the required folders, and the error message will display.
For more details, please refer to the following article from Microsoft®.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/812486
Solution
Rename, move, or delete the offending files or folders.
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3.13 Licensing is activated successfully for two instances of PSCAD, but the first
instance later becomes de-activated
Problem
One instance of PSCAD is opened and licensed. When a second instance of PSCAD is opened,
licensing is also successful, however, licensing on the first instance becomes de-activated.
The following error message displays in the PscadLmgr.txt file:
ERROR: Detected another active Single-User Single Machine licence on this machine. Licencing halted.
Note that the License Manager is not running, PSCAD is self-licensing.
Cause
When using self-licensing, only one instance of PSCAD may be run.
Solution
If your license is a mult-user license with more than one PSCAD seat (e.g. “n” seats), then you
may run up to “n” instances of PSCAD as long as the standalone License Manager is installed and
running. Instructions for setting up the latest License Manager may be found here.
Or, if your license only has a single PSCAD seat, you may only run a single instance of PSCAD.
For both above solutions, if you convert your license from “lock-based” to “certificate”, there would
be no limit to the number of instances of PSCAD that may be run on a machine. A document
posted here provides a comparison of lock-based and certificate licensing. To proceed with this
conversion, please contact our Sales Desk ([email protected]).
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Problem
When trying to activate a license being managed by the standalone License Manager, licensing
fails, and the following error is listed in the lmgrd-log.txt file:
ERROR: Cannot run multiple instances of Lmgrd-hvdc.exe
Cause
A process on the machine is running, which is causing a conflict with the License Manager.
Solution
Try closing all instances of the following processes from the Windows “Task Manager” if any are
open:
The License Manager (named “lmgrd-hvdc”, listed in the “Services” tab of the
Task Manager)
Windows browsers
Get Info utility
Enter License Key utility
Notepad
Setup Tool
Restart the License Manager from the Windows Start menu (“Restart License Manager Service”).
Retry the licensing.
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Problem
When trying to start or restart the License Manager from the Windows Start menu (“Start License
Manager Service”, Restart License Manager Service”), the following error is displayed:
Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate
permissions to access the item.
Cause
Anti-virus software might be quarantining the license manager service, which prevents it from
being started or restarted.
Specifically, an anti-virus software named Cylance has been shown to have quaranteed the license
manager service in this manner.
Solution
If possible, white-list the license manager service in the anti-virus software.
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Problem
When using the License Update tool to install a license database file, the following message
displays in the tool, and the new license file will not install:
Database appears to be corrupted. Computed crc: ******** Actual crc: 00000000
Unable to read license database file
Cause
A license database file that is pre-existing on this machine is corrupted. The new license file cannot
be installed until the pre-existing license database file is removed.
Solution (1)
Use License Update tool v1.43.1 and later. The latest one is posted to the following link:
http://updater.pscad.com/utilities/LicenseUpdate.zip
Download the files from the above link, extract the files to a temporary folder, then run the
extracted LicenseUpdate.exe file. From the “Actions” menu, select “Enter license keys”, then
browse to the license text file. This tool will over-write the corrupted file with the new license
database file.
Solution (2)
For License Update tool v1.36 and later:
Launch the License Update Tool.
From the “Actions” menu, select “Delete license databases”, and the pre-existing files will be
deleted.
From the “Actions” menu, select “Enter license keys”, then browse to the license text file.
The license database file will be installed.
Solution (3)
For License Update tool 1.28 and later:
Manually delete the license database files ("lmgr-hvdc”) from the following two locations as
applicable:
C:\Windows
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Problem
When running on Windows 10 Enterprise Edition, neither PSCAD nor the License Manager can use
lock-based licensing when using Sentinel System Driver 7.5.9 while Crendential Guard is running.
Cause
Windows 10 Enterprise with CredentialGuard/SecurityGuard enabled will block the loading of the
Sentinel System Driver (version 7.5.9 and earlier), blocking all licensing by the License Manager,
and by PSCAD when using self-licensing.
Evidence
1. In Windows Settings | Devices | Connected Devices, the following should be displayed:
2. In the Windows Device Manager, if you browse to the USB devices section, the following
should be displayed, which indicates a Sentinel driver issue:
3. When PSCAD is launched, you should not be able to acquire a lock-based license.
4. When the Fortran Medic tool is run (Appendix A.2), if the tool detects that Credential Guard
is running, a warning is displayed as shown in Appendix A.5 Item 28.
Affected PSCAD Versions
All versions
Affected Windows Platforms
Windows 10 Enterprise Edition: affected
Windows 10 Educational Edition: affected
Windows 10 Professional Edition: not affected
Windows 10 Home Edition: not affected
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Solution (1)
Update your Sentinel Driver to v7.6.0, as this version can run on Windows 10 Enterprise regardless
whether Credential Guard is installed:
1. Download the updated Sentinel Driver installer from the following link:
http://updater.pscad.com/utilities/USBDrivers_7.6.0.zip
2. Open the ZIP file, and extract the three files to a temporary folder.
3. Launch the installation in one of the following two methods:
Double-click the “Install.bat” file to begin the installation, or
Open a Command Prompt with Windows administrator privileges (from the Windows
Start menu, browse to and right-click on “Command Prompt”, and select “Run as
administrator”) and type in the following:
Solution (2)
Continue to use Sentinel Driver 7.5.9 on Windows 10 Enterprise, but remove Credential Guard.
Note
Lock-based licensing does not work at all when Sentinel System Driver 7.5.8 is used on
Windows 10 Enterprise Edition.
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Problem
PSCAD clients are unable to activate a license over the network from the Server.
Cause
ICMP Echo, required for communication between the server and client machines, is being blocked
by anti-virus (e.g. McAfee).
Solution (1)
Configure the firewall to allow Echo Requests. For example, to enable this in Windows Firewall, the
following are the general steps:
Launch the Windows Firewall, and select Advanced settings
Select Inbound Rules, enable Echo Request - ICMPv4-In
Select Outbound Rules, enable Echo Request – ICMPv4-Out
Solution (2)
Move the License Manager and USB lock and license database file to a machine on which the anti-
virus is not running.
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Problem
When attempting to acquire a license certificate, you encounter the following error:
Proxy Authentication Error (407)
Solution 1
Have your IT remove the proxy authentication requirement for pscad.com.
Attempt to activate a certificate.
Note
Refer to Appendix D for certificate licensing requirements.
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Solution 2
Determine the HTTP Proxy address, port and settings.
Launch PSCAD and go PSCAD | Options | Advanced Licensing.
Modify the Proxy Server (HTTP) settings as required, then select OK.
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Problem 1
If the time or date on your computer is incorrect, the following message will display when trying to
license software:
Solution 1
1. Determine the correct time zone, date and time in either of the following two manners:
a. Use the “worldtimeserver” website as follows:
Go to the following website:
http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_UTC.aspx
The time zone, date and time in your region will be displayed. For example:
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If your computer time is different from the global time by more than three minutes, you
will see the following error in the conflicts section:
Your system clock is not synchronized to global network time.
Right-clicking on the error will display instructions on setting the correct time, date and
time zone. An example is shown in the following screenshot; more detailed instructions are
below, in Steps (2) and (3):
Your system clock must be correctly set in order to use the MyUpdater utility or
certificate-based licensing.
Currently, your system clock is off by about 00:28:03 (HH:MM:SS).
As of right now,
- The incorrect local time is: ***
- The expected local time is: ***
Your system clock may be corrected as follows:
1. Open the Windows Control Panel and browse to the ‘Date and Time” settings.
2. Ensure that the correct time zone is specified.
3. Set your system clock ahead by 28 minutes.
4. On the Medic, select Actions | Start to re-check your system time.
5. Make further adjustment to your system clock as necessary.
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2. Configure the correct time zone, date and time on your computer as follows:
a. From your Windows Start menu, browse to: Control Panel | Clock, Language and Region |
Date and Time, then select “Change time zone”.
b. Select the correct time zone from the drop-down menu (as determined in Step (1)), then
select “OK”.
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d. Select the correct date and time (as determined in Step 1), then select “OK”:
3. Retry licensing the software. If the issue persists, repeat Steps (1) and (2) to further refine and
correct the time.
Note
Refer to Appendix D for certificate licensing requirements.
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Problem 2
When the user attempts to activate a license certificate for the Free Edition, the request is refused,
and the following information is displayed in a dialog box:
Cause 1
The Windows operating system, Vista, is not compatible with PSCAD. This is determined as per the
PscadLmgr.txt file, in which the following data is displayed:
Advanced Licence Manager <version (date)> starting on Windows Vista (6.00.6000)
…
ERROR: Error processing request.
ERROR: Exception:
ERROR: Cause: License does not support this Windows version.
Solution 1
Update operating system to Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) or to Windows 7.
Cause 2
The user does not have access to the license in their MyCentre account.
Solution 2
Contact [email protected] to request access.
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Problem
When logging in to PSCAD using your MyCentre login credentials, the following error message
displays:
And the PscadLmgr.txt file reveals an error message similar to the following:
Hostname contains non-English characters. User: USERNAME, Host: HOSTNAME
Error: Login failed. Cannot convert UnknownType object to System.String
Cause
The machine host name contains non-English characters.
Solution
Switch the machine name to one which is composed of English characters.
Note
Refer to Appendix D for certificate licensing requirements.
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Problem
PSCAD cannot ping the Server, nor activate a license from the Server.
Cause
You are not able to access off-site websites, or our License Server, without all outgoing traffic
going through your mandatory corporate proxy server. Therefore, PSCAD is not able to access our
License Server.
And, if you run our ProxyDetector utility, it will attempt to reach our License Server via your default
proxy server. An error similar to the following may display:
Exception:
Cause: The HTTP request was forbidden with client authentication scheme
'Anonymous'.
Type: System.ServiceModel.Security.MessageSecurityException
Method: Void
HandleReturnMessage(System.Runtime.Remoting.Messaging.IMessage,
System.Runtime.Remoting.Messaging.IMessage)
TargetSite: Void
HandleReturnMessage(System.Runtime.Remoting.Messaging.IMessage,
System.Runtime.Remoting.Messaging.IMessage)
WebException:
Cause: The remote server returned an error: (403) Forbidden.
Method: System.Net.WebResponse GetResponse()
Status: ProtocolError
Server:
ResponseUri: http://licensing.pscad.com/Licensing/PingService
ResponseCode: Forbidden (403)
Background
In order to secure web traffic, IT personnel or applications will install one or more certificates
generated by trusted certificate authorities on web-facing servers.
When web clients, such as PSCAD or the ProxyDetector want to communicate with, or through, a
server, they request a list of certificates stored on the server, then verify the certificate chain of
trust and open up a secure communications channel with the desired endpoint.
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It appears that the primary cause of the error that you are encountering is that a server between
the ProxyDetector and our License Server is trusting too many certificate authorities, and as a
result, sends only a truncated (partial) list of certificates to our web client, such as PSCAD or the
ProxyDetector, which then cannot verify the chain of trust. This is a known Windows issue, as
described in the following link:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2801679 SSL/TLS communication problems after
you install KB 931125
This error may be due to a server on your site, most likely your proxy server.
Solution
The following are possible workarounds:
1. Have your IT administrator of the proxy server review the certificate authorities trusted for
client authentication and remove those certificates that do not really need to be trusted.
2. Have your IT department remove the proxy requirements for all web traffic destined for:
http://licensing.pscad.com:80/Licensing/NormalService
http://licensing.pscad.com:80/Licensing/FreeService
http://licensing.pscad.com:80/Licensing/PingService
This would allow the licensing web traffic to completely bypass the proxy server.
3. Take your laptop offsite or home, and acquire a license certificate. As the acquired
certificate expires in 28 days, you would need to do this at least once every 28 days or less.
Note
Refer to Appendix D for certificate licensing requirements.
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Problem
When trying to activate certificate licensing using correct MyCentre login credentials, the following
error message is displayed:
When the Retry button is pressed, the Login dialog box displays, and the user enters correct
MyCentre login credentials. However, the following error then displays:
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Solution 1
Bypass the proxy server in your network, to allow the certificate licensing to work.
Solution 2
Launch PSCAD, and display the Application Options dialog box (from the PSCAD Start
menu, select “Options”):
Close PSCAD.
Launch PSCAD, and see if it becomes licensed.
Note
Refer to Appendix D for certificate licensing requirements.
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4.6 Receiving “User <> is not authorized for <PSCAD 461 x64>” Error Message
Problem
The user is unable to run authorized software via MyUpdater. The following messages display in
MyUpdater:
Error: Unable to get session info from Update Server on
UpdateServer.pscad.com:80
Cause: User<> is not authorized for <PSCAD 461 x64>
Unable to upload file(s)
Unable to start session. Unable to import a blank SessionCookie.
Attempting to renew your <PSCAD 461 x64> license
Unable to extend PSCAD 461 x64 license…
Cause: User <> is not authorized for <PSCAD 461 x64>
Attempting to start <PSCAD 461 x64>
Launching <Pscad.exe>
Using elevated privileges.
Cause
This MyUpdater user is not logged in. Therefore, any MyCentre products for which the user is authorized may be
launched from MyUpdater, but may not be installed or updated.
Solution
Log in to MyUpdater (select “Log in” from the “Account” tab).
Note
Refer to Appendix D for certificate licensing requirements.
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Problem
When attempting to log in to PSCAD using MyCentre login credentials, the following error message
is displayed:
Cause
Communication to our certificate licensing server is being blocked by the user’s anti-virus and/or firewall
software.
Solution
Ensure that the requirements as listed in Appendix D are met.
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4.8 Receiving “You need to be online and logged into your account” Error
Message
Problem
When attempting to update software using MyUpdater, the following error message is displayed:
Cause
Communication to our certificate licensing server is being blocked by something in the user’s network, for
example a proxy server.
Solution 1
Bypass the proxy server in your network, to allow communication between MyUpdater and our
sofware server.
Solution 2
Contact our support desk to see whether there is an alternative method of software installation.
Ensure to include your MyCentre user account name or certificate number, and a description of the
issue.
Note
Refer to Appendix D for certificate licensing requirements.
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Problem
Certificate licensing is suddenly released for no reason a few minutes after activation. When
licensing is re-activated, the same issue occurs.
Possible Cause
The computer sometimes loses track of where the Common Documents folder is, which is required
for licensing:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\Licensing\Licenses
Solution
Ask your IT staff to help to ensure this path is always available.
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Problem
The following error displays when trying to log in to PSCAD:
http://licensing.pscad.com:80/Licensing
Please try again. If still unable to contact the server, then please
locate and e-mail the PscadLmgr.txt file to PSCAD support.
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Cause
In the PSCAD application, the license server addresses are set incorrectly. Therefore,
PSCADattempts to contact the license server using the wrong addresses, thus communication fails.
The Fortran Medic can detect if these addresses are set incorrectly. For more information, refer to
Appendix A.5, Item 25.
Solution
Fix the setting in PSCAD as follows:
Launch PSCAD.
Display the Application Options dialog (you do not need to be logged in to display this):
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Ensure that the two Server fields are set to the correct addresses as shown in the
screenshot below:
Note
You may simply copy/paste the following text in these fields:
First field:
http://licensing.pscad.com:80/Licensing/$(ServicePath)Service
Second field:
net.tcp://licensing.pscad.com:443/Licensing/$(ServicePath)Service
Select “OK” to save the changes and exit the Application Options:
A certificate should now be activated on your machine. This certificate will be valid for a
period of 28 days, or refreshed to a new 28 day period whenever PSCAD is launched with
online connection.
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Problem
When trying to activate a certificate license, licensing fails, and the following error displays:
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Furthermore, our Certificate Licensing Connection Tester does not detect any issue with the
connection.
Furthermore, our latest Fortran Medic tool does not detect an incorrect URL setting in PSCAD for
our certificate license server (see Appendix A.5, Item 25).
Cause
Protection software is blocking this connection. Specifically, the K7Ultimate Anti-virus has been
known to block connection and cause these errors.
Solution
Disable the anti-virus software to activate the certificate, then re-able the software, or
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Problem
When trying to activate a certificate license, licensing fails, and the following error displays:
Cause 1
The user does not have permission to create a required file for certificate licensing in the Common
Documents folder. If the file cannot created, then certificate licensing will not work.
For example, normally, a user with Windows “user” privileges would be able to create files in this
folder. However, a network group policy overrides this, and specifies that users must have
Windows “administrator” privileges to create files in this folder.
Solution 1
Change the group policy to allow a “user” to be able to create a file in the Common Documents
folder.
or
Provide administrator privileges to the user, so the user may create a file in the Common
Documents folder.
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Cause 2
If the following messages are listed in the PscadLmgr.txt file (this log file may be displayed as
instructed in Section 3.2):
Attempting to contact server using HTTP...
Connecting...
Endpoint = http://licensing.pscad.com:80/Licensing/NormalService
Active binding: WSHttpBinding
Succeeded
Processing request...
License is already owned by this user.
Saving certificate to C:\Users\Public\Documents\Manitoba HVDC Research
Centre\Licensing\Licenses
ERROR: Unable to save certificate.
ERROR: Cause: This implementation is not part of the Windows Platform FIPS
validated cryptographic algorithms
Or
Use only FIPS compliant algorithms
Status: <Registry value not found>
Conflicts
This computer is not configured to support a required algorithm
Or
Use only FIPS compliant algorithms
Value: 5
Status: <Registry value is invalid>
Conflicts
This computer is not configured to support a required algorithm
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Right-click on the error message, and the following dialog box will display:
As a result:
- The MyUpdater will not be able to display your authorized products
- PSCAD will not be able to use certificate licensing
unless you select to allow non-FIPS-compliant algorithms.
To resolve this issue, this utility needs to create/update the following registry
value:
Select “OK” to allow the Fortran Medic utility to make the change to your computer.
Retry activating a PSCAD certificate license.
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Problem
When trying to activate a certificate license, licensing fails, and the following messages display in
the PscadLmgr.txt file (see Section 3.2 to display this text file):
Processing request…
License is already owned by this user.
Saving received certificate to C:\Users\Public\Documents\Manitoba HVDC Research Centre\Licensing\Licenses
ERROR: Unable to save certificate
ERROR: Access is denied
Failed to obtain a license certificate
Cause
PSCAD is launched with “user” privileges. However, the customer’s group policy is set to only
permit “administrators” to create files in the Common Documents folder. The group policy does not
permit a “user” to create files in the Common Documents folder.
Solution
Launch PSCAD with administrator privileges so that the file may be created:
Close all instances of PSCAD.
Launch PSCAD as an administrator – Right-click on PSCAD v46 link, and select “Run as
administrator” from the menu:
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Problem
When trying to log in and activate a certificate license in the PSCAD application, the following
message displays:
Remember Me
Communication with the server failed. (407) Proxy authentication is required.
Please review your licensing proxy settings, and then try again. If still unable to
contact the server, then please locate and e-mail the PscadLmgr.txt file to PSCAD
support.
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ErrorCode: 10060
ERROR: SocketErrorCode: TimedOut
ERROR: NativeErrorCode: 10060
…
ERROR: Tcp code = 10060
ERROR: Failed to contact server
Aborting...
When the Certificate Licensing Connection Tester Utility is run (Section 3 of the Migrating to
Certificate Licensing manual), messages similar to the following are generated:
Certificate Licensing Connectivity - Test Summary
000 settings were able to configure the local client.
000 settings were able to connect to the server.
Connectivity and Operation - Analysis
Network ping appears to be blocked.
Unable to contact the server without using a proxy.
Licensing is not able to contact the server.
Cause
The user’s network is blocking communication to both of our server IP addresses:
http://licensing.pscad.com:80/Licensing (preferred)
net.tcp://licensing.pscad.com:443/Licensing (fallback)
In order to activate certificate licensing, PSCAD must be able to reach one of the above addresses.
Solutions
1. Preferred solution: Ask your IT staff to allow access to one of the above IP addresses, so
that you can activate the license through your company’s network.
2. Alternative solution: Move your laptop to a different network (e.g. home), and try to
activate the certificate from there. If licensing works, configure PSCAD to “retain” the
license (see screenshots below), then return the machine to your work network and
continue to use this certificate.
Note
If you are sharing this license certificate with other users, this is not the preferred solution,
because the license certificate will not be available for other users, but will remain
activated on your machine.
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5.1 Receiving an "Unable to obtain a license with the current license settings"
Error Message
Problem
When trying to activate a license, the following error message displays:
Possible causes:
-The license has not been installed.
-The security lock device is unplugged.
-no License Certificate is installed.
When you click on “OK” on the above dialog box, the following error message then displays:
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Cause 1
If the following error message is listed in the PscadLmgr.txt file (this log file may be displayed as
instructed in Section 3.2):
Trial Licence Manager V1.34 starting on Windows 7
Found 1 licence for <Educational v4/x4>
ERROR: Damage after Normal block (#196) at <0x00000000:000>
Installed trial licence for < Educational v4/x4 >. Expires on Mon Jun 01 07:59:59 2015
…then in a Lockless Trial License (i.e. v4.2.0 to v4.5.3), licensing is halted because an incorrect
time setting on the computer has been detected – the clock has been set back.
Solution 1
Set the clock to the correct time, and forward the following to our Support Desk
([email protected]):
A brief description of the issue
Your PscadLmgr.txt file
The trial.txt file that was provided by our Sales Desk
You will receive a fix lock utility to run to fix your license.
Cause 2
If the following error message is listed in the PscadLmgr.txt file (this log file may be displayed as
instructed in Section 3.2):
Machine1 requesting Professional X4
=================================================
Trial License Manager V1.34 starting on Windows 7
Rejected 1 licence: Cause: Trial licence for <Professional 4> expired on Sat Apr 01 23:59:59 2006
ERROR: No valid trial licenses detected
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Cause 3
If the following messages are listed in the PscadLmgr.txt file (this log file may be displayed as
instructed in Section 3.2):
ERROR: Invalid semaphore value
ERROR: Refused to renew license [No.] for [machine name] for <PSCAD X4
Professional>. License not active.
…an unexpected second instance of PSCAD was being licensed. This would occur for licensing that
is only programmed to allow a single instance of PSCAD, either because the license is a legacy
lock-based license with one PSCAD seat, or it is a legacy lockless trial license).
Solution 4
Ensure only one instance of PSCAD is running.
Notes
1. This limitation is applicable when trying to license a second instance with either a
lockless trial license or with lock-based licensing with only one PSCAD seat.
2. This limitation is not applicable when trying to license a second instance with Certificate
Licensing; a second instance of PSCAD using Certificate Licensing may be run.
Cause 5
On some systems, PSCAD v4.4.1 is able to ping the server, but cannot obtain a license. This issue
was resolved in later versions of PSCAD.
Solution 5
Run the latest License Manager version and update your PSCAD software (send your request to our
Sales Desk, [email protected]. Ensure to notify them of your PSCAD license number).
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Problem
When trying to activate a license, the following messages display in the lmgrd-log.txt file:
ERROR: System [IP ADDRESS] using an invalid communication protocol: < GNUTELLA
CONNECT/0.4
Cause
The use of GNUTELLA may block or interfere with PSCAD communications with the License Manager
Solution
The following are two options to resolve this:
Uninstall GNUTELLA, and do not use this software on y our network.
Or, set the GNUTELLA port to something other than 2053
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Problem
When attempting to install a lockless trial license for PSCAD v4.2.1, the following message
displays:
Cause
The lockless trial licensing requires the Windows ProductID value from the registry.
PSCAD 4.2.1 only looks at the 32-bit registry section for the ProductID value. However, 64-bit
versions of Windows store the Windows ProductID in the 64-bit section of the registry, which is not
accessible to PSCAD 4.2.1, and therefore the trial installation fails.
Affected Software
PSCAD 4.2.1 running on any 64-bit version of Windows, such as Windows Vista (x64) or Windows 7
(x64).
Note
PSCAD X4 is not affected by this issue.
Solution
The ProductID registry key value should be copied from the 64-bit section of the registry to the 32-
bit section of the registry.
The recommended method to perform this is through the Fortran Medic tool, as follows:
Download and run the latest Fortran Medic tool as per Appendix A.2.
When the tool has completed its review of your setup, browse down to “Machine Info”,
right-click on the error message, and select the option to repair the error.
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The other method for copy ingthis registry key is to perform this manually (not recommended).
Here are the steps:
Note
Your organization’s IT policy might prohibit this solution, as it involves modification to the
Windows Registry Editor. Your IT staff may need to assist with this solution.
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Copy all of the text from the Value Data field, then select Cancel. Paste this data
somewhere temporary (e.g. in a text file).
Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion.
In the right pane, right-click, select New, then select String Value:
Note
If the following error displays, this type of action has been blocked by IT policy. Please
obtain assistance from your IT staff.
This will create a new registry key called New Value #1 (or something similar).
Right-click on the new registry key, select Rename, then rename this to ProductID.
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Double-left-click on the new ProductID key, and Edit String will display. In the Value data
field, paste in the text that you copied in Step 6, then select OK.
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Problem
When trying to activate a trial for PSCAD v4.2.1, the following error message displays:
Cause
This error indicates that something on the machine was updated after the PSCAD trial request file
was generated.
Note
For a lockless trial, no updates must be performed to the machine.
Solution
Regnerate the trial request file, and submit to the sales desk ([email protected]).
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Problem
PSCAD crashes when the “Associations” tab is selected in the “System Settings” dialog.
System
PSCAD v4.5.1
Cause
PSCAD v4.5.1 crashes due to a missing file: “external_tools.xml”.
Solution 1
Use the Fortran Medic utility to repair the problem:
a. Download the latest “FortranMedic” from our website:
http://updater.pscad.com/utilities/FortranMedic.zip
b. In the downloaded .zip file, run the FortranMedic.exe file.
c. Click on the “Actions” menu and select “Start”.
d. After the utility is done retrieving information:
Scroll down to: Installed PSCAD versions | PSCAD 4.5.1.
Locate the error in red text related to the missing file: “external_tools.xml”.
Right-click on the error, and from the displayed menu, select the option to restore this file.
Solution 2
Obtain the file “external_tools.xml” from our Support Desk, and save it to the following location on
Windows Vista and Windows 7:
C:\Users\YourUserID\AppData\Local\Manitoba HVDC Research
Centre\PSCAD
(if the appdata folder is hidden, it may be displayed as per Appendix L)
Solution 3
Update your software to v4.5.2 or later (contact our Sales Desk at [email protected]).
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Problem
The Component Wizard pane is not displaying correctly:
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Note
The correct layout for the Component Wizard is as follows:
System
PSCAD v4.5.2 and v4.5.3 x64, on platform with Windows 7
(6.01.7601 Service Pack 1)
Note
This problem does not exist using Windows 7 x86 platform.
Cause
An issue with Internet Explorer 11.
Solution
Update to PSCAD v4.5.5 or later, or
Uninstall all Internet Explorer versions, then install and use Internet Explorer 9.
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6.3 Receiving a “The PSCAD automated email system has failed to send your
request” Message
Problem
When the “Submit” button is selected in the PSCAD application…
…the following four messages are displayed, and the support request is not e-mailed:
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System
This occurs in PSCAD v4.5 on a select number of machines.
Cause
The cause is unknown, but is likely related to machine settings.
Solution
Consult with your IT personnel to determine what machine settings are preventing PSCAD from
sending an e-mail using your e-mail tool and your e-mail server.
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Problem
When PSCAD is launched, the following error message is displayed in the canvas:
Unable to display start page. Detected version of Internet Explorer is not supported.
Required: Version 7 or better
Detected: Version 7
Applicable Software
This is applicable to licensed versions of PSCAD (Educational, Professional, Trial), for versions
4.5.1, 4.5.2, and 4.5.3.
Solution 1
This has been fixed in later versions; update your software to v4.5.4 or later.
Solution 2
Use the Fortran Medic utility to resolve this issue as follows:
Download the latest “FortranMedic” from our website:
http://updater.pscad.com/utilities/FortranMedic.zip
The PSCAD Start Page in the PSCAD application should be available for display.
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6.5 Copying a Control will Switch its Value to the Default Setting
Problem
When a control is copied, the value of the original control switches to the default setting.
For example, if the following controls are copied…
Solution
Update to v4.5.4 or later; this is a bug that was present in earlier versions of PSCAD.
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Problem
When PSCAD is opened, the following error message displays in the canvas:
Unable to connect to
MyCentre server.
Applicable Software
This is applicable for versions 4.5.1, 4.5.2, and 4.5.3. It is less likely to appear when running
v4.5.4
Cause
This message is displayed in the following situations:
If you do not have internet connection, or
If your internet is too slow, or
If MyCentre is down
Solution (1)
Update your software to v4.5.4.
Version 4.5.4 has slightly better handling for this. Version 4.5.3 tries to connect once, whereas
version 4.5.4 will try to connect several times before giving up and displaying this message.
Solution (2)
Press the F5 key to prompt the start page to try loading again.
Solution (3)
Disable the Start Page, PSCAD will not attempt to contact the server, and the error will not display:
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6.7 Receiving a “Revocation information for the security certificate for this site
is not available” Error Message
Problem
When PSCAD is run, the following error message is displayed:
Revocation information for the security certificate for this site is not
available. Do you want to proceed?
Cause
This message displays when PSCAD attempts to obtain information from our server to display in
the Start Page, and may be caused by an incorrect setting in your Windows Internet Properties.
Solution
Change your LAN settings to “Automatically detect settings”, as shown below:
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Problem
When a support question is submitted through the PSCAD application…
Cause
The Microsoft Outlook application displays the above message when it is invoked by another
application, and if it detects that a virus scanner is not installed or is not current.
Solution 1
Select the “Allow” button once the progress bar is 100% complete. The e-mail will be sent.
Solution 2
Install or update your virus scanner in order to prevent this message from displaying again.
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Problem
A PSCAD pane is not displayed in the PSCAD application, even though it is selected for display in
the View | Panes drop-down menu:
Solution 1
The pane is docked, or minimized as a tab along the outer edge of the application.
Display the pane by left-clicking on the tab. Left-clicking outside the application will cause this pane
to revert back to the docked position.
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Solution 2
The pane is hidden behind another pane. Resize the top pane to reveal the pane underneath:
Solution 3
If the above solutions do not resolve the issue, the PSCAD docked windows may be reset to the
default state. This is performed by deleting the Workspace key in the registry for the particular
version of PSCAD that you are using.
Note
Windows Administrator Privileges are required for this.
Launch the Windows Registry Editor with Windows Administrator privileges (from the
Windows Start menu, browse to and right-click on regedit.exe, and select the option to “Run
as administrator” when prompted).
In the Registry Editor, browse as follows:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER | Software | Manitoba HVDC Research Centre |
PSCAD | [your version of PSCAD] | Workspace
Delete the entire “Workspace” folder as listed in the above path. For example, this is the
path for deleting the Workspace folder in v4.6.0:
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Problem
When PSCAD is run, no results are displayed in the graphs.
Solution
There is an issue with one or more of the components in your network.
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Problem
User is unsure how to debug his Fortran files.
Solution
Refer to the PSCAD Help system, available as follows:
Launch PSCAD.
Display the Help system from the PSCAD Start menu:
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Problem
PSCAD is launched and licensed, but the following error message displays:
Server Busy
Cause
The Server Busy message appeared when PSCAD was running on Windows in a non-
fully-trusted mode. A code change in PSCAD 4.6.1 resolved the issue.Solution (1)
Update to PSCAD v4.6.1 latest build (Build 146), released February 10, 2017.
Solution (2)
Retain your current version of PSCAD, but select “Retry” to continue.
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Problem
The “Open Examples” menu option does not automatically display the folder containing the
examples. Instead, it opens a previously-used folder.
Cause
To be determined.
Solution
Display the available examples as shown below. The examples may then be selected and loaded
into PSCAD.
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Problem
When trying to load a project file from a file path containing Unicode, for example Kanji characters,
the project cannot open, and returns an error similar to the following:
C:\...<SOME KANJI CHARS>\…
Cause
Unicode is not supported in PSCAD.
Solution
Ensure that PSCAD project folders and case names do not contain Unicode.
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Problem
In the PSCAD Appliation Options dialog, Matlab is not detected, and may therefore not be selected:
Cause (1)
Matlab is not fully installed.
The Fortran Medic utility may be used to check whether this software is fully installed. Launch the
Medic utility as per Appendix A.2, and view the Matlab installation section. If Matlab is installed, the
installed version will be listed, along with the required files, similar to the following:
Solution (1)
Fully install Matlab.
Cause (2)
An incompatible version of Matlab is installed. For example, PSCAD v4.5 and earlier are 32-bit
applications, and will not detect a 64-bit version of Matlab.
Solution (2)
Install a compatible version of Matlab.
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Cause (3)
The default configuration file has been changed, and is pointing to a wrong path.
Solution (3)
Reset the configuration file to the default setting:
$(HomeDir)\matlab_versions.xml)
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Problem
When PSCAD is launched, the following messages display:
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Cause
This message is related to viewing the Start Page in the PSCAD application. It may not be viewed
because the user’s network is somehow not allowing the certificate issuer, GeoTrust SSL CA – G3.
Solution (1)
Select “Yes” in the above view, and proceed to use PSCAD.
Solution (2)
If you do not want to display the Start Page at all, this may be de-activated as follows:
• Disable the Start Page from displaying:
• Modify the name of the “index.html” file, which will help to disable the Start Page. The following
is an example, showing that I added “_disable” to this filename:
C:\Program Files (x86)\PSCAD[version]\Forms\startpage\index_disable.html
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Problem
The tools in the menus are not active (they are greyed out). See the following image for an
example:
Cause 1
PSCAD is not licensed.
Solution 1
License PSCAD.
Cause 2
PSCAD is licensed, however, a project is not loaded and selected (highlighted) in the Workspace.
For example, in the following view, the software is licensed and a project is loaded into the
Workspace (“vdiv (Single Phase Voltage Divider”). However, this project has not been selected,
instead the Master Library is selected, and therefore, the menu tools are not active.
Solution 2
Left-click on the project to select it.
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Problem
When using the tools in PSCAD v4.6.2 in a normal manner, the following error displays, and PSCAD
crashes:
If MyUpdater is being used to launch PSCAD, a MyUpdater error displays when trying to launch
PSCAD v4.6.2:
Process terminated with error: C000041D
Cause
An older, incompatible version of Microsoft® Visual C++ 2015 Redistributables is installed.
Solution
Update to the latest Microsoft® Visual C++ 2015 Redistributables (currently at Update 3) as
follows:
Open a web browser to here:
https://www.visualstudio.com/vs/older-downloads/
Scroll down to the very bottom of the above webpage, select the Visual Studio C++
2015 Redistributable Update 3 (x64), and download and install it:
Select the Visual Studio C++ 2015 Redistributable Update 3 (x86) edition, and download
and install it:
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Problem
When attempting to launch PSCAD, the following error displays, and PSCAD crashes:
Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: APPCRASH
Application Name: Pscad.exe
Application Version: 4.6.0.0
Application Timestamp: 557af343
Fault Module Name: KERNELBASE.dll
Fault Module Version: 6.1.7601.23714
Fault Module Timestamp: 58bf8a2e
Cause
The executable file for launching PSCAD is being blocked by protection software. For example, it
may be blocked by a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tool.
Solution
Ensure that the protection software is configured to allow PSCAD to be launched. For example, for
PSCAD v4.6, the following files must not be blocked by the protection software:
For PSCAD 64-bit:
C:\Program Files (x86)\PSCAD46\bin\win64\pscad.exe
For PSCAD 32-bit:
C:\Program Files (x86)\PSCAD46\bin\win\pscad.exe
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Problem
When compiling a case, an error message similar to the following displays:
Cause 1
Simulations are crashed in the background.
Solution 1
Reboot your computer.
Cause 2
A program called “Cygwin” is installed on this machine, and the GFortran compiler is being used to
run the case. Cygwin has a GNU compiler that interferes with GFortran, which comes bundled with
PSCAD.
Solution 2
Uninstall Cygwin from this machine, or
Run PSCAD on a machine on which Cygwin is not installed.
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Cause 3
If the Build messages are similar to the following…
Fatal Error: Can’t open module file ‘xxx.xx’ for
reading at (1): No such file or directory
gfortran.exe: Internal error: Aborted (program f951)
make: ***[user_source_1.o] Error 1
Unable to generate a simulation executable for
namespace ‘xxx”
Make failed to generate a simulation executable for
namespace ‘xxx. Binary file was not found.
…then the error is due to a to a conflict in Fortran compilers. This project is compiling with
GFortran, but it is calling an object or library that was precompiled with Intel Fortran.
Solution 3
The following are possible solutions:
Install Intel Fortran Compiler, and compile the project using Intel instead of GFortran.
Obtain the original source code for this item, then recompile the item using GFortran.
Request that the developer of this item re-compile it using GFortran.
Cause 4
If the Build messages are similar to the following...
Creating EMTDC executable...
‘\\<some network drive path>.gf42
CMD.EXE was started with the above path as the current directory.
UNC paths are not supported. Defaulting to Windows directory.
C:\Windows>call
C:\Program~2\GFortran…gf42vars.bat
Make: <name.mak>: No such file or directory
Cause 5
See Section 7.5, Problem 2.
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Problem
When compiling a case, an error similar to the following is displayed in the Build Messages:
*.obj : error LNK20## : unresolved external symbol _xxx
Cause 1
The case is dependent on an object or library that has not yet been declared in PSCAD.
Solution 1
Ensure that the object or library is saved to your machine.
Link the object or library in PSCAD. Instructions may be found on the following webpage:
https://hvdc.ca/knowledge-base/read,article/478/linking-objects-and-libraries-into-pscad/v:
Cause 2
PSCAD is not configured to run with the selected compiler; there is an issue with the environment
variables.
Solution 2
Run the Fortran Medic utility and send in the generated log file (see Appendix A.3).
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Problem
When compiling a case, the Fortran compiler that was specified within PSCAD is not detected, and
the following error message is displayed:
Cause 1
The Fortran compiler has not yet been installed.
Solution 1
Install the Fortran compiler, then log out and log back in on your computer to apply the changes.
Cause 2
There is an issue with the Windows operating system.
Solution 2
Defragment the Windows operating system.
Cause 3
PSCAD and GFortran compiler v4.2.1 were initially both installed, and were used to run a project.
However, the GFortran compiler v4.2.1 was later uninstalled.
Solution 3
There are two options:
Re-install the GFortran compiler v4.2.1, then log out and log back in on your computer to
apply the changes. See the manual posted here:
https://hvdc.ca/knowledge-base/read,article/357/installing-the-gfortran-compiler/v:
Or, install GFortran compiler v4.6.2, log out and log back in on your computer, and select
GFortran 4.6 in the Application Options (from the PSCAD Start button, select the Options
link, select the Dependencies page, then select the compiler.
Note
This option is applicable if you are running PSCAD v4.6.0 or later, or the Free Edition.
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Problem 1
When compiling a PSCAD case, the following error message displays:
Cause 1-1
This error can occur if a previous simulation is still active in the background, either because it
crashed or stopped responding for some reason.
Solution 1-1
To resolve this, reboot your computer to force it to shut down the previous simulation. Then retry
the simulation.
In the future, you can check the processes running on your computer and manually end the
process if required. For example if your project is called HVSIM and it crashes, you may be left with
an orphaned simulation called HVSIM.exe that is still running.
Cause 1-2
PSCAD was able to compile the emtdc executable, but was not able to launch/start it due to: Error
#5
Solution 1-2
Error 5 = Access denied. The following are possible reasons for why access is denied:
Firewall or anti-virus is preventing the launching of the EMTDC executable. Refer to
Appendix F for information on the creation of executable files during a simulation.
Machine is otherwise locked down by IT. Refer to Appendix F for information on the
creation of executable files during a simulation.
User did not launch PSCAD with elevated privileges on a Windows Vista/7 operating
system.
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Problem 2
When running a PSCAD case, the following messages display:
Cause 2-1
This issue may be due to the anti-virus or a firewall being set too aggressively. Refer to Appendix F
for information on the creation of executable files during a simulation.
Solution 2-1
Turn off all anti-virus programs and firewalls and see if that fixes your problem. If it fixes the
problem, then PSCAD should be put on the anti-virus and/or firewall exceptions list.
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Problem
When compiling a case, compiling messages similar to the following display:
Will execute: call C:\Program Files\GFortran\4.2.1\bin\gf42vars.bat
Will execute: make -f vdiv.mak
Will execute:
C:\Users\Public\DOCUME~1\PSCAD44\examples\tutorial\VDIV~1.GF4\vdiv.bat
Creating EMTDC executable...
C:\Users\Public\Documents\PSCAD44\examples\tutorial\vdiv.gf42>call
C:\PROGRA~1\GFortran\428484~1.1\bin\gf42vars.bat
cygwin warning:
MS-DOS style path detected: C:\Users\ YOUR-USER-
ID\AppData\Local\Temp\make44882.sh
Preferred POSIX equivalent is: /cygdrive/c/Users/ YOUR-USER-
ID/AppData/Local/Temp/make44882.sh
CYGWIN environment variable option "nodosfilewarning" turns off this warning.
Consult the user's guide for more details about POSIX paths:
http://cygwin.com/cygwin-ug-net/using.html#using-pathnames
Compiling Main.f
cygwin warning:
MS-DOS style path detected: C:\Users\ YOUR-USER-
ID\AppData\Local\Temp\make44883.sh
Preferred POSIX equivalent is: /cygdrive/c/Users/ YOUR-USER-
ID/AppData/Local/Temp/make44883.sh
CYGWIN environment variable option "nodosfilewarning" turns off this warning.
Consult the user's guide for more details about POSIX paths:
http://cygwin.com/cygwin-ug-net/using.html#using-pathnames
gfortran.exe: Main.f: Invalid argument
gfortran.exe: no input files
make: *** [Main.o] Error 1
Cause
Another product (compiler) is interfering with the operation of GFortran. The following compilers
have been seen to interfere with GFortran:
Cygwin
QNX
Solution (1)
Uninstall GFortran, and use an Intel FORTRAN compiler instead.
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Solution (2)
If the offending compiler is not required on this computer, simply uninstall it.
Solution (3)
If the offending compiler is required on this computer, locate and change the compiler program
folder names temporarily, for using PSCAD, then switch the names back to use the offending
compiler.
For example, the following changes were made on one customer’s machine to retain the QNX
software on the machine, but prevent it from interfering when running a PSCAD case:
Open a Windows browser to here: C:\Program Files (x86)\QNX Software Systems\
Change the name of this folder:
From: QNX Software Systems
To: QNX Software Systems_1
Open a Windows browser to here: C:\QNX650
Change the name of this folder:
From: QNX650
To: QNX650_1
PSCAD cases may be run using GFortran. When done, change the folder names back to
their original name in order to use the QNX software.
To automate the changes in the above example, the script below may be used. Save the text below
in a Microsoft text file, change the file name extension from .txt to .bat, and run the .bat file. This
script toggles both filenames, to include or to remove the _1:
IF EXIST "C:\Program Files (x86)\QNX Software Systems" (
ren "C:\Program Files (x86)\QNX Software Systems" "C:\Program Files (x86)\QNX Software Systems_1"
) ELSE (
IF EXIST "C:\Program Files (x86)\QNX Software Systems_1" (
ren "C:\Program Files (x86)\QNX Software Systems_1" "C:\Program Files (x86)\QNX Software Systems"))
IF EXIST "C:\QNX650" (
ren "C:\QNX650" "C:\QNX650_1"
) ELSE (
IF EXIST "C:\QNX650_1" (
ren "C:\QNX65_1" "C:\QNX650"))
Note
The above script must always be run with Windows administrator privileges, since this is
required for modifying the name of one of the folders (C:\Program Files (x86)). To do so,
ensure you have privileges on your machine, right-click on the .bat file, select “Run as
administrator”, and select “Yes” when prompted by Windows whether to allow it.
Solution (4)
Use two separate computers, one for running the offending compiler and one for running PSCAD.
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7.6 Receiving an “Error 1 – Multiple definition of ‘…’ - first defined here” Error
Problem
When compiling a case, the following compiling error is displayed:
Linking object code and libraries into binary ‘*.exe’
Main.o:Main.f:(.text+0x0): multiple definition of ‘dsdyn_’
DS.o:DS.f:(.text+0x0): first defined here
Main.o:Main.f:(.text+4ec): multiple definition of ‘dsout_’
DS.o:DS.f:(.text+0x803): first defined here
Main.o:Main.f:(.text+0x743): multiple definition of ‘dsdyn_begin_’
DS.o:DS.f:(.text+0xac5): first defined here
Main.o:Main.f:(.text+9bc): multiple definition of ‘dsout_begin_’
DS.o:DS.f:(.text+0xc02): first defined here
collect2: Id returned exit status
make: ***[config1.exe] Error 1
Cause
The case had a definition titled ‘DS’, which is a reserved name that cannot be used in PSCAD.
Solution
Rename the definition DS and then recompile the case.
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Problem
When compiling a case, the following compiling error is displayed:
Error: Syntax error in argument list at (1)
Make: ***[Main.o] Error 1
Unable to execute make.
Cause
The PSCAD 4.3.0 master library had a bug in the synchronous machine model.
Solution
Upgrade to the latest release of PSCAD X4.
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Problem 1
When compiling a case, a compiling error similar to the following is displayed:
Creating EMTDC executable…
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Pscad4.5\Examples\tutorial\vdiv.gf42> call
C:\PROGRA~2\GFortran\420484~1.1\bin\gf42vars.bat
‘make’ is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘***’
Make failed to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘***’. Binary file
was not found.
Cause 1
This error occurs if GFortran 4.2.1 (and possibly GFortran 4.6) is installed, but the user did not log
out of Windows then log back in after installing GFortran.
Solution 1
After installing GFortran 4.2.1 or GFortran 4.6, the user should log out of Windows, then log back
in.
Cause 2
Some problems with your settings.
Solution 2
Ensure that the “Compiler…Environment Variables” in the “Workspace Settings” are set to
“Private to process only”:
Turn off your anti-virus or firewall, as it may be preventing the compiler from being launched.
Test your setup by running a simple PSCAD example:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\PSCAD\...\Examples\tutorial\vdiv.pscx
If the example does not run, send your Build Messages and your Fortran Medic log file
(Appendix A.3) to our Support Desk ([email protected]).
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Problem 2
The following compiling error is displayed:
make: [<file.exe>] Error 1
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘<file>’
Make failed to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘<file>’. Binary file
was not found.
Cause 1
The case calls an object and library; these are not properly linked.
Solution 1
Link the object and library properly in PSCAD as follows:
Ensure the case files are all saved in the same folder (not required at v4.6.0 and later).
Ensure the library is loaded ahead of the case. For example, “Library_1” is loaded ahead of
(or, above) “Project_1”:
Open the PROJECT’S Project Settings, delete any links in the field, then select “OK”:
Open the LIBRARY’S Project Settings, and delete any links in the field:
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Still in the library project settings, select the “Browse” button, browse to and select the
object, then select “Open”.
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Problem 3
When compiling a case, the following compiling error is displayed:
Will execute: call C:\Program Files (x86)\Gfortran\4.2.1\bin\gf42vars.bat
Will execute: make –*.mak
Will execute: C:\...*.BAT
Creating EMTDC executable…
C:\Users….*BAT’ is not recognized as an internal or external command
Operable program or batch file.
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
Make failed to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’. Binary file was not found.
Cause 3
This is caused by a bug in the PSCAD software in v4.5.1.
Solution 3
Update your software to v4.5.5 or later.
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Problem 1
When compiling a case, the following compiling error is displayed:
C:\Users\user\DOCUME~1\tmp\hello\gf46\multiply.o:multiply.f:(.text+0x4):
undefined reference to `__e_s1_MOD_timezero'
collect2: ld returned 1 exit status
make: *** [fortran_test.exe] Error 1
(Where test case e_s1 is the module name and timezero is one of the variables in that module.)
Cause
This error occurs if you are using GFortran 4.6, and linking in a GFortran 4.2 library when using
any of EMTDC include files.
Solution 1
Use GFortran 4.2 to compile this project.
Solution 2
Recompile the library using GFortran 4.6, and run the case with these files using GFortran 4.6.
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Problem 2
The following compiling error is displayed:
C:\Users\user\DOCUME~1\tmp\hello\gf42\multiply.o:multiply.f:(.text+0x4):
undefined reference to `__e_s1__timezero'
collect2: ld returned 1 exit status
make: *** [fortran_test.exe] Error 1
(Where test case e_s1 is the module name and timezero is one of the variables in that module.)
Cause
This error occurs if you are using GFortran 4.2, and linking in a GFortran 4.6 library when using
any of EMTDC include files.
Solution (a)
Use GFortran 4.6 to compile this project.
Note
GFortran 4.6 is compatible with PSCAD v4.6 and later.
Solution (b)
Recompile the library using GFortran 4.2, and run the case with these files using GFortran 4.2.
Problem 3
The following compiling error is displayed:
C:\Users\<user>\DOCUME~1\ tmp\hello\gf46\*.o:*.f:(.text+0x59): undefined
reference to `_gfortran_transfer_character_write'
collect2: ld returned 1 exit status
make: *** [fortran_test.exe] Error 1
Cause
This error occurs if you are using GFortran 4.2, trying to run a simple program with just a PRINT
statement in it, and trying to link in a GFortran 4.6 library.
Solution (a)
Use GFortran 4.6 to compile this project.
Note
GFortran 4.6 is compatible with PSCAD v4.6 and later.
Solution (b)
Recompile the library using GFortran 4.2, and run the case with these files using GFortran 4.2.
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Problem
When compiling a case, the following compiling error is displayed:
build Will execute: call C:\Program
Files\Intel\Compiler\11.0\061\fortran\bin\ifortvars.bat ia32
build Will execute: nmake -f BRK_Test.mak
build Will execute:
\\UKGLASFP02\Edrive$\Projects\PSB\EEG\2010PR~1\269371~1\PSCAD\BRK_Te
st.if9\BRK_Test.bat
build Creating EMTDC executable...
build '\\UKGLASFP02\Edrive$\Projects\PSB\EEG\2010 Projects\Some
folder\PSCAD\BRK_Test.if9'
build CMD.EXE was started with the above path as the current directory.
build UNC paths are not supported. Defaulting to Windows directory.
build C:\WINDOWS>call
C:\PROGRA~1\Intel\Compiler\11.0\061\fortran\bin\IFORTV~1.BAT ia32
build Intel(R) Visual Fortran Compiler Professional for applications running on IA-
32, Version 11.0.061
build Copyright (C) 1985-2008 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
build Microsoft (R) Program Maintenance Utility Version 8.00.50727.42
build Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
build NMAKE : fatal error U1052: file 'BRK_Test.mak' not found
build Stop.
build Unable to execute make.
Software
PSCAD X4, Intel 11.0
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Cause 1
The error occurred when using PSCAD X4 to compile a case located on a network drive (no error
occurs if PSCAD 4.2.1 is used). PSCAD X4 does not allow you to compile cases stored on a network
drive.
Solution 1
Copy the case to your local machine and then open it with PSCAD.
or
Mapping your network drive to a local drive might resolve the issue:
Cause 2
PSCAD case names should NOT contain spaces.
Solution 2
Rename the PSCAD case so that it does not contain spaces.
Cause 3
User was trying to re-compile a previously compiled case, but was not running with elevated
privileges.
Solution 3
Launch PSCAD with elevated privileges, then re-compile the case.
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Problem
When compiling a case, a Build Message error similar to the following is displayed:
Make File Error: The local project requires a link library:
‘C:\….o’
that does not exist with the given path.
Cause
An object is not properly linked to the project in the PSCAD settings.
Solution
Link the object in the PSCAD settings as per the section “Link” in the On-Line Help System:
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Problem
When compiling a case, the following message is displayed in the Build Messages:
Unable to solve line constants, check the log file for details.
Cause
There is a flaw with the design of the circuit. For example, improper grounding, or a component
open at one side.
Solution
Review the case and build messages and all T-Line messages.
For more information on reviewing the messages, refer to the PSCAD On-Line Help System:
For further analysis of a particular error message, please forward a request for assistance to our
Support Desk ([email protected]), along with all Build messages, and a snampshot of any error
dialog boxes.
Note
Certain restrictions apply related to PSCAD license and version.
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Problem
When compiling a case, the following build messages display:
Compiling “<file path and object name>.c”.
cl.exe … “<object name>.c”
‘cl.exe’ is not recognized as an internal or external command.
Cause
The case is trying to build an object containing c-code, but a c-compiler is not installed.
“<object>.c” is the object prorgrammed in c-code; “cl.exe” is the
c-compiler.
Solution
Install a c-compiler (the full version of Microsoft Visual Studio) along with Intel Fortran composer.
The Visual Studio that comes bundled for free with Intel Fortran (i.e. premier partner) is not a c-
compiler; the full version is commercially available.
Once Intel Fortran and the c-compiler have been installed, test your setup by trying to run one of
the c-code examples located at the following path:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Pscad<version>\examples\CInterface
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7.14 Receiving a “The number of projects included in the simulation list must
not exceed %d” Error Message
Problem
When compiling a case, the following error message displays:
Version
This is a bug present in PSCAD v4.5.1 and earlier.
Solution
Update software to v4.5.2 or later.
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Problem 1
When compiling a case, the first compile passes and the case runs fine, however, some subsequent
compiles fail with the following error message:
Cause 1
Aggressive anti-virus scanner
Solution 1
Attempt to disable the virus scanner or reduce it aggressiveness, or add PSCAD to the scanner’s
“exceptions” list as a trusted program.
Cause 2
System process with PID 4 is holding onto this previously created file.
Solution 2
In the Windows Services Control Panel, re-enable Application Experience Service, which is used to
process application compatibility cache requests for applications as they are launched.
Problem 2
When compiling a case, an error message similar to the following displays:
File Write Error Unable to open file [SOME DRIVE]:\[SOME PATH]\[SOME PROJECT]
For example:
File Write Error: Unable to open file F:\........\\Project1
Cause
The user does not have Windows administrator permisssions for the specified drive.
Solution
Copy the project files to a different folder on which you have permissions (e.g. desktop, My
Documents…).
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Problem
When compiling a case, the compile fails with the following error message:
Cause
Possible corruption of PSCAD installation due to reasons unknown.
Solution
Uninstall, then re-install, PSCAD.
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Problem
When compiling a case, PSCAD stops unexpectely, with no runtime error.
Running the PSCAD case manually outside of the PSCAD application results in the following error
message:
Note
Running a project manually outside of PSCAD is performed by first building the case in
PSCAD, closing PSCAD, then running the .exe file from the build folder.
Cause
A required DLL file is missing.
Solution 1
Locate this DLL and place it inside the .if12 folder
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Solution 2
Locate this DLL and add the location to your PATH environment variable. That way the simulation
will know where to look when it tries to link in the DLL.
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Problem
When building a case, the following error message displays:
Coding aborted due to Error: Unable to create output directory. Error code = 112
Cause 1
User is not an administrator on the computer and has limited access.
Solution 1
Obtain administrator rights on the computer.
Cause 2
The user is an administrator, but the Network is imposing limits on folder permissions.
Solution 2
Move case files to a folder for which user has permissions, or
Remove limits on folder permissions (this might require the assistance of your
organization’s IT staff).
Cause 3
Overly aggressive virus scanner.
Solution 3
Turn your virus scanner down or off, then retry the build.
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Problem
When building a case, the following message displays in the Build Messages:
Transmitter ‘*' cannot be added. The storage table is at capacity of 256.
Cause
The number of allowed radio links is exceeded.
Solution
Increase the number of allowed wireless radio links as shown:
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7.20 Receiving a “EMTDC: Error while opening file for read” Build Message
Problem
When compiling a case that is declaring an external file, the following build error is displayed:
EMTDC: Error while opening file for read: [some file name]
ERROR: Abnormal termination of EMTDC by OPENFILE
Non-standard Messages:
Abnormal progress termination
EMTDC Runtime Error: abnormally terminated
Simulation stopped
Cause 1
The error is related to the project being unable to open the declared file, because the declared file
is residing in a folder that is different from where the PSCAD project file resides.
Solution 1
Copy the declared file to the same folder as the project resides in.
Cause 2
The error is related to the project being unable to open the declared file, because there is an error
in the declared path.
Solution 2
Correct any errors in your path.
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Problem
When compiling a case in the Free Edition using the GFortran compiler, the following error is
displayed:
make: *** [Station.o] Error 126
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘***’
Cause
WinAVR is installed, and is somehow interfering with compiling the PSCAD case.
Solution
Locate the WinAVR folder (e.g. C:\WinAVR-20081205).
Slightly change the folder name so that it won’t be able to be executed. For example:
Note
You must be an administrator on your machine to perform this step.
Change this:
C:\WinAVR-20081205
To this:
C:\WinAVR-20081205_1
Load your project in PSCAD.
Clean the directory (right-click on the project in the Workspace, and select “Clean
Temporary Directory”):
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Problem
When compiling a case in PSCAD v4.5.3, the following error is displayed:
Exchange Error
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b. When the Workspace Settings dialog box displays, perform the following:
Select the “Runtime” page from the drop-down menu.
Select “31000” from the “Communication Port Base Value” drop-down menu:
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7.23 Receiving a “connect function failed with error: 10061” Error Message
Problem
When compiling a case in PSCAD v4.6.0 or later, the following error is displayed:
Cause
This is an error thrown by the EMTDC Client side of Electric Network Interface (ENI) configuration. The
description is as follows:
This error can occur if the Windows firewall or anti-virus program is too aggressive. This may be tested by
shutting off the anti-virus and firewall, then running PSCAD again.
Solution
Add PSCAD to the firewall or anti-virus whitelist of trusted programs.
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Problem 1
When compiling a PSCAD case using an Intel Fortran compiler, the following errors are displayed:
Cause 1
These errors are due to a compatibility issue: You are using an Intel Fortran compiler to compile a
case that contains a library that was precompiled using the Compaq Fortran compiler. It is not
supported to run a case using a compiler that is different from the precompiled library.
Solution 1
The preferred solution is to obtain an Intel Fortran-precompiled copy of this library, and set it up as
follows:
Unload the Compaq Fortran-precompiled library and the project from your PSCAD
workspace.
Load the Intel Fortran-precompiled library and the project (in that order) into your
PSCAD workspace.
Clean the project directory.
Run your case.
The least preferred solution is to run your case using Compaq Fortran 6. There are two things to
note with this solution:
Compaq is not supported as of PSCAD v4.6 and later.
Compaq is old technology and may be difficult to install.
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Problem 2
When compiling a PSCAD case using an Intel Fortran compiler, the following build message is
displayed:
\S was unexpected at this time.
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace '*'
The Fortan Medic utility will detect this issue: refer to Appendix A.5, Item #14.
Cause 2
The PATH environment variable key for a software contains the “&” symbol. This symbol can affect
PSCAD, Intel Fortran, Microsoft Visual Studio, and other software.
Solution 2
Uninstall the software that contains the “&” symbol in the PATH environment variable key.
Re-install this software, but during the installation, select a folder path name that does not
include the “&” symbol. For example, replace “&” with “and”.
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7.25 Receiving a “Simulation set ‘*’ has xx project tasks included, exceeding the
workspace selected limit of * tasks” Error Message
Problem
When running a simulation set in PSCAD, the following error is displayed:
Cause
This error is due to exceeding the maximum number of projects that may be included in a
simulation set.
Solution 1
Decrease the number of projects in your simulation set as required.
Solution 2
Update your PSCAD version and/or licensing configuration in order to accommodate the desired
number of projects in your simulation set. The following specifications may be used to determine
the best setup:
https://hvdc.ca/knowledge-base/read,article/41/network-splitting-using-electric-network-
interface-eni/v:
https://hvdc.ca/knowledge-base/read,article/365/computer-cpu-cores-and-instances-of-
emtdcs/v:
“What’s New in PSCAD v4.6.0”: https://hvdc.ca/knowledge-base/read,article/229/what-s-
new-in-pscad-at-each-version/v:
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Problem
When running simulations on Windows 10, using v4.6 is sometimes slower than using an earlier
version of PSCAD. Earlier versions of PSCAD may also be affected.
Cause
Windows 10 defender, which is the anti-virus that is released with Windows 10, can slow the
simulation for v4.6.
Solution 1
Turn off the Windows 10 Defender, as follows:
From the Start menu, open Windows Defender.
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Solution 2
Add the PSCAD v4.6 program folder to the Windows Defender exclusion list, as follows:
From the Start menu, open Windows Defender.
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When prompted, select a folder to exclude, and then select “Exclude this folder”.
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Solution 3
Add the PSCAD executable to the Windows Defender exclusion list, as follows:
From the Windows Start menu, browse to and select the “Windows Defender Settings”
link.
Select “Add an exclusion”:
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Problem (1)
When compiling a PSCAD case using the Intel Fortran compiler, the following build errors display:
Cause (1)
The INTEL_LICENSE_FILE environment variable has duplicate path segments, such as:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\\Intel\Licenses;C:\Program Files (x86)\Common
Files\Intel\Licenses
Which is effectively:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\\Intel\Licenses;
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Intel\Licenses
Solution (1)
The Fortran Medic may be used to replace the duplicated path segments with a single path
segment, which in the above example, would be
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Intel\Licenses
Note
Double slashes, \\, are converted to single slashes prior to any comparison for duplicates.
For more information on using the Fortran Medic for this repair, see Appendix A.5, Item 11.
Cause (2)
Previous additions to, or modifications to, the Windows PATH by installing a FORTRAN compiler
have not been recognized by Windows.
Solution (2)
Log out then log back in on your machine (preferred), or restart your machine. Then retry
compiling PSCAD.
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Problem (2)
The following build messages display in the PSCAD application when trying to run a case using
PSCAD v4.6 and Intel Fortran v17:
Creating EMTDC executable…
C:\…
Intel® MPI Library 2017 Update 1 for Windows* Target Build Environment for Intel® 64…
Copyright (C) 2007-2016 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
ERROR: Visual Studio 2012, 2013 or 2015 is not found in the system.
‘nmake’ is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
Cause (2)
Prerequisite software was missing. Specifically, Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows 8.1 should
have been installed prior to installing the the compiler.
Solution (2)
Install missing prerequisite software, then re-install Intel Fortran. Ensure to log out and log back in
following these installations, to apply the changes.
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Problem
When building a PSCAD case, the following build error is displayed:
When the latest Fortran Medic tool is run, an error message is displayed as indicated in
Appendix A, Item 15.
Cause
The computer is not correctly generating short filenames.
Version
This issue affects PSCAD v4.5.3.
Solution
This issue has been resolved in PSCAD v4.5.4. Update your software to v4.5.4 or later.
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Problem
When building one of the Matlab examples that comes bundled with PSCAD, a build error similar to
the following is displayed:
Cause
When Matlab R2015a (64-bit) or better is installed, but not the 32-bit version, PSCAD incorrectly
thinks that the 32-bit version of Matlab was also installed. PSCAD would then incorrectly list them
both as the following in the application:
R2015b, 8.5, (64-bit): This points to the 32-bit path, in which a 32-bit version SHOULD be
installed, but is not installed.
R2015b, 8.5, (64-bit): This correctly points to the 64-bit path to where the 64-bit version IS
installed.
The issue arises because regardless which installation is selected in the PSCAD application, the
code will always select the first match from the list, which points to the non-existent 32-bit
installation, and the error will display when the case is run.
Version
PSCAD v4.6.0 (64-bit), together with Matlab R2015a or better
Solution
Use PSCAD v4.6.1 or later (this issue is corrected in these versions), or
Use PSCAD v4.6.0 or earlier, and install both the 32-bit and the 64-bit versions of
Matlab R2015a or better (unverified)
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Problem
The following build error message is displayed when running any simulation:
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Furthermore, the build messages indicate that Visual Studio 2015 version 221 is being used in the
simulation:
Intel(R) Parallel Studio XE 2015 Update 4 Composer Edition (package 221)
Microsoft (R) Program maintenance utility version 14.00.23506.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Also refer to Appendix A, Item 16 to see the message that is displayed in the Fortran Medic utility.
Cause
This error is due to incompatible software:
If Intel Fortran Composer 15.0.221 and earlier detects that Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 (v14) is
installed, it will try to use that software for the compilation. However, these software programs do
not appear to be compatible, and as a result, the simulation terminates.
Note
Intel Fortran Composer 15.0.208 and later is compatible with Microsoft Visual Studio 2015,
according to Intel Fortran Release Notes.
Solution
Two options are as follows:
To retain Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 (v14), switch out your compiler:
Install a compatible version of Intel Fortran (e.g. v15.0.208 or later, or v16). During
this installation ensure to integrate Intel Fortran with the installed VS2015.
Log out then log back in on your computer to apply the changes.
Launch PSCAD, and set PSCAD to use the newly installed compiler (in the Application
Options dialog box, display the Dependencies page, and select the compiler from the
“Fortran Compiler…Version” field).
Or, to retain Intel Fortran 15.0.221 or earlier, switch out your Visual Studio version:
Uninstall Visual Studio 2015 (or at least rename the VS installation folder in
C:\Programs Files (x86) so that Intel Fortran does not try to use it).
Install a compatible version of Visual Studio software (VS2010, VS2012 or VS2013).
Re-install Intel Fortran 15.0.221 or earlier, ensuring to integrate it with the new
VS software.
Log out then log back in on your computer to apply the changes.
Launch PSCAD, and ensure PSCAD is still set to use this compiler (in the Application
Options dialog box, display the Dependencies page, and select the compiler from the
“Fortran Compiler…Version” field).
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Problem
The following build error messages are displayed when running any PSCAD case:
C:\Windows>call “*.bat”
CMD does not support UNC paths as current directories.
make: *.mak: No such file or directory
make: *** No rule to make target ‘*.mak’. Stop.
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace '*'
Cause
The project files are being run from a network folder. PSCAD can not run projects from network
folders.
Solution
Move your project files into a local folder (e.g. on your desktop), load the project from your local
folder, and run the simulation.
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Problem
A build error message similar to the following is displayed when running any PSCAD case:
CALL E_VARIMPBRANCH( (IBRCH(3)+10),SS(3),1,0,0,R_B,,0.0)
1
Error: Syntax error in argument at (1)
Cause
PSCAD is incorrectly generating Fortran code with missing parameters when using GFortran 4.2.1
or 4.6.2, which generates compile errors.
Solution
Update to PSCAD 4.6.1 or better (if available), or
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Problem
When running a PSCAD case, the following error displays in the build messages:
forrtl: severe (41): insufficient virtual memory
Cause 1
Your project is exceeding the 2 GB memory limit imposed on any 32-bit application. Your
simulation is demanding more memory than is physically possible to adress. For more information
on this, please refer to the following link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_GB_limit
Solution 1
Decrease the size of your network, or
Switch to a PSCAD 64-bit application, available as of PSCAD v4.5. To pdate your software,
please forward your license number to our Sales Desk ([email protected]).
Note
See Cause 2 to ensure that you have enough RAM for your 64-bit application.
Cause 2
Your computer does not have enough RAM installed.
Solution 2
Use PSCAD v4.5.3 or later, as this is optimised to handle large cases, and/or
Ensure that you have adequate RAM for your case size. As a general rule, the Windows
operating system requires 2 GB, the PSCAD GUI requires 2 GB to load the case and set up
the memory for the simulation run, and the simulation and frequency scan require 2 to 4 GB
of RAM, depending on network size.
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7.34 Compiling any Case Containing Many Transmission Lines is Extremely Slow
Problem
Compiling cases containing many transmission lines is extremely slow to solve.
Version
Applicable to PSCAD v4.5.0 and later.
Cause
The anti-virus, Webroot, is installed on your machine, and is causing extremely slow simulations.
This software forces PSCAD to solve all lines in series rather than in parallel, and it starts solving
them quite slowly.
This issue is applicable to PSCAD v4.5.0 and later, as the feature of solving transmission segments
in parallel was first introduced at v4.5.0.
To determine whether you have Webroot installed on your machine, look for the icon in the
notifications taskbar, similar to the following:
Solution
Webroot should be removed from your computer if you are running PSCAD cases with many
transmission lines.
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Problem
Compiling a PSCAD case results in the following error in the Build Messages:
gcc.exe: C:PROGRA…lib: No such file or directory
Possible Cause
An installed compiler, OpenModelica, might be conflicting with the GFortran compiler that is used
with PSCAD.
Solutions (unverified)
Try one of the following:
Note
You will require admin privileges on your machine to perform the first two options.
From: C:\OpenModelica1.9.1
To: C:\OpenModelica1.9.1_
Uninstall OpenModelica.
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Problem
The following error messages display when compiling PSCAD cases with Intel Fortran and
Microsoft® Visual Studio 2015:
Compiling ‘station.f’ into object code.
Compiling ‘main.f’ into object code.
Linking objects and libraries into binary ‘*.exe’
C:\*.o: fatal error LNK1112…
NMAKE : fatal error U1077: ‘“C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio
14.0\VC\BIN\x86_amd64\link.exe”’ : Error code 0x458
Stop.
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
Note
Refer to Section 7.43 for another issue related to Visual Studio 2015.
Cause
Due to some changes made to the libraries as of Microsoft® Visual Studio 2015, PSCAD must be
configured to use one of two program files: One is used for earlier versions (VS2010, VS2012,
VS2013), and the other for VS2015. If PSCAD is configured for the wrong VS version, an error like
the one above will display. The solution, listed below, contains instructions for configuring PSCAD
to use the appropriate program file.
Note
The program file for VS2015 is only supported in PSCAD v4.6.1 and later; earlier versions
of PSCAD do not support using Visual Studio 2015.
Note
Objects or libraries containing c-code precompiled with the earlier versions of Visual Studio
(VS2010, VS2012, VS2013) are not compatible with VS2015. The reverse is true as well
(objects or libraries containing c-code precompiled with VS2015 are not compatible with
VS2010, VS2012, VS2013).
For any objects of libraries not containing c-code, they may be precompiled and then run
using any of the above versions. There should not be any compatibility issue.
Applicability
The solution to this issue is applicable to the following:
PSCAD v4.6.1 and later;
Intel Fortran compiler v15 to v17;
Visual Studio 2015
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Solution (1.a) – Automatic Changes using the Fortran Medic (Windows 64-bit)
The Fortran Medic tool can make changes to your 64-bit environment to use Visual Studio 2015:
Warning
If you proceed with this action, PSCAD will no longer be configured for using Visual Studio
2010, 2012, or 2013.
Note
Windows Administrator privileges are required.
Run the Fortran Medic tool as per Appendix A.2, and scroll down to the following heading:
Under the PSCAD 64-bit installation (v4.6.1 or later), right-click on the message as shown
below:
The following dialog will display, select “OK” to configure for Visual Studio 2015:
Scroll up to the PSCAD 32-bit installation (v4.6.1 or later), right-click on the message
shown below, and also select “OK to configure for Visual Studio 2015.
2. Configuration with Visual Studio 2010, 2012, and 2013 may be restored as per
Appendix A.6, Function 2.
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Solution (1.b) – Automatic Changes using the Fortran Medic (Windows 32-bit)
The Fortran Medic tool will make changes to your 32-bit environment to use Visual Studio 2015:
Warning
If you proceed with this action, PSCAD will no longer be configured for using Visual Studio
2010, 2012 or 2013.
Notes
Windows Administrator privileges are required.
Applicable for v4.6.1 and later (not supported with earlier versions)
Run the Fortran Medic tool as per Appendix A.2, and scroll down to the following heading:
Under the PSCAD 32-bit installation (v4.6.1 or later), right-click on the message shown
below:
The following dialog will display. Select “OK” to configure for Visual Studio 2015:
2. Configuration with Visual Studio 2010, 2012, and 2013 may be restored as per
Appendix A.6, Function 2.
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Notes
Windows Administrator privileges are required
Applicable for v4.6.1 and v4.6.2 (not supported with earlier versions)
Ensure to perform all changes, for both the main.obj and emtdc.lib files, and for both the
32-bit and 64-bit applications.
If using v4.6.1, locate the following two files, and rename the “main.obj” file as
“main_vs2010.obj”:
If using v4.6.2, locate the following three files, and delete the “main.obj” file:
Then, for both v4.6.1 and v4.6.2, make a copy of the “main_vs2015.obj” file, and rename it
as “main.obj”:
Make the same changes to the main object files as performed in Step 1 above.
Continued…
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If using v4.6.1, locate the following two files, and rename the “emtdc.lib” file as
“emtdc_vs2010.lib”:
If using v4.6.2, locate the following three files, and delete the “emtdc.lib” file:
Then, for both v4.6.1 and v4.6.2, make a copy of the “emtdc_vs2015.lib” file, and rename it
as “emtdc.lib”:
Make the same changes to the emtdc library files as performed in Step 3 above.
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Problem
The following dialog displays:
Runtime Error!
Program: C:\:...exe
Cause
A “Single Sign On Engine” (SSO) application is installed on this machine, and apears to halt PSCAD
from building a simulation.
It is suspected that SSO restricts which executable files are allowed to be run on a machine. If so,
SSO prevents PSCAD from running the executable files that PSCAD creates when building a case.
There is no practical way to whitelist these executables ahead of time as the executable names
depend on the existing PSCAD case names and new case names as the user creates more PSCAD
cases.
To see the messages that are displayed when the Fortran Medic tool is run, refer to Appendix A.5,
Item 20.
Solution (1)
A possible solution would be to confine all PSCAD cases to a particular folder, (e.g. C:\PSCAD), and
to see if the SSO may be configured to allow all executable files to run from that folder without
restriction. This would be analogous to giving a ‘sandbox folder’ to PSCAD which would not be
monitored by the SSO.
Solution (2)
Remove SSO from your computer.
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Problem
The following build messages display in the PSCAD application when trying to run a PSCAD v4.2.1
case using Intel Fortran:
Creating EMTDC executable
…
Compiling Main.c
cl: Command line warning D9035 : option ‘GX’ has been deprecated and will be removed in a future release
cl : Command line warning D9036 : use ‘EHsc’ instead of ‘GX’
cl : Command line warning D9002 : ignoring option ‘/ML’
Main.f(6) : fatal error C1034: f2c.h: no include path set
NMAKE : fatal error U1077: “‘c:\program files (x86)\microsoft visual studio 9.0\vc\bin\cl.exe”’ : return code
‘0x2’
Stop.
See Appendix A.5, Item 21 to see the corresponding Fortran Medic error.
Cause
GIT and Mingw are installed and are causing this error, and are causing PSCAD to fail when
compiling cases with Intel Fortran.
Solution (1)
Rename the GIT folder.
Solution (2)
Remove GIT and MingW.
Solution (3)
Install PSCAD and Intel Fortran on a different machine, one that does not also have GIT and
MingW.
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Problem
The following build messages display in the PSCAD application when compiling a PSCAD case with
an Intel Fortran compiler:
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
See Appendix A.5, Item 24 to see the corresponding Fortran Medic error.
Cause
A file path contains a ‘+’, which causes the Intel Fortran compiler to halt.
Note
The & symbol is also not allowed in a file path.
Solution (1)
Run the Fortran Medic utility as per Appendix A.2, then use the utility to remove the path
containing the ‘+’ as per Appendix A.5, Item 24.
Solution (2)
Identify the software which requires the ‘+’ character, then remove the software, and re-install the
software into a folder which does not contain the ‘+’ character.
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Problem
When building a PSCAD case, the error below displays. Restarting PSCAD sometimes resolves this.
Background
When PSCAD (GUI) starts a simulation (project), a socket connection is created so that PSCAD and
the simulation can exchange data. PSCAD will randomly pick a communications socket on the
computer to do this. When this socket is not available, the above error will display. Three typical
causes for a socket not being available are listed below.
Cause (1): A Crashed Simulation is still running in the Background
Sometimes when a simulation has crashed, the simulation will be stuck running in the background,
and will still hold a communications socket open. If PSCAD is run again, it may try to use that same
socket, but it will not be available.
Solutions (1): A Crashed Simulation is still running in the Background
Display the Task Manager and end any simulations running in the background to free up the
socket; or
Simply restart the computer to end any simulations running in the background to free up
the socket.
Cause (2): Running a Second Instance of PSCAD
Two instances of PSCAD are being run, and both instances are trying to use the same
communications socket.
Solution (2): Running a Second Instance of PSCAD
Change the port range for one of the PSCAD instances as shown:
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Problem
When building a PSCAD case, the following error displays:
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
Cause
Anti-virus software is preventing PSCAD from compiling the case.
Specifically, Avast has been known to do this.
Solution
White-list PSCAD activities in Avast.
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Problem
When building a PSCAD case, the following error displays in the Build messages:
LIBCMTD.lib (*.obj) : error LNK2005: * already defined in LIBCMT.lib (*.obj)
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
Make failed to generate a simulation executable for ‘*’. Binary file was not found.
Cause
The EMTDC configuration file is outdated.
Applicability
PSCAD v4.5.1 to v4.5.3
Intel Fortran Composer XE 2013
Solution
Update your software ([email protected]), or
Retain your software version, but update your EMTDC configuration file:
Request the file from PSCAD Support ([email protected]). Ensure to include your
PSCAD version and license number.
Delete the existing “emtdc.cfg” file from this path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\PSCAD453\emtdc\if12\windows\
Save the file you receive from Support to the above path.
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Problem
When using VS2015 to compile a pre-VS2015 build library containing c-code, some errors similar
to the following display in the Build messages:
error LNK2001: unresolved external symbol ___iob_func
error LNK2001: unresolved external symbol _printf
error LNK2001: unresolved external symbol _sprintf
error LNK2001: unresolved external symbol _sscanf
Or
When using pre-VS2015 to compile a VS2015 build library containing c-code, some errors similar
to the following display in the Build messages:
Notes
1. “Pre-VS2015” refers Microsoft® Visual Studio 2013 and earlier, for example VS2010,
VS2012 and VS2013.
4. Refer to Section 7.36 for another issue related to Visual Studio 2015.
Cause
Due to changes made to the Microsoft® Visual Studio library at VS2015, any PSCAD libraries
created with an earlier version of Visual Studio (VS2013 and earlier) containing c-code are not
compatible with VS2015 (and later).
Conversely, any PSCAD libraries created with VS2015 (and later) containing c-code are not
compatible with VS2013 and earlier.
Note
For PSCAD libraries that do not contain c-code, this compatibility issue is not present.
Solution
Switch to a compatible version of Visual Studio. See Section 7.36 for PSCAD configuration.
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Problem
The following error is displayed when Windows goes to sleep (or hibernating) while a case is
running:
Cause
Windows is likely set to go to sleep after a specified period of time. This halts all processes,
including the PSCAD simulation.
Solution
Whenever a computer will be unattended during a simulation (e.g. over lunch break, overnight,
etc…), the Windows settings could be switched to not go to sleep. The settings for this are in the
Windows Control Panel | Power Options. It is recommended to set Windows to high or full
performance, and to never go to sleep, as shown in the following example:
Note
If the above solution does not prevent the computer from going to sleep during a
simulation, then a network policy is likely being imposed which overrides the Windows
settings. In this case, your IT staff should be consulted.
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Problem
The following error is displayed when a simulation is run:
Cause
Required prerequisite software for using PSCAD v4.6.2 and later is missing. Specifically, Visual
Studio C++ 2015 Redistributables are missing.
Solution
Install this software as follows:
Download and launch the Fortran Medic tool as per Appendix A.2 (Steps (a) and (b)).
From the “Install” menu, install both the x86 and the x64 editions of Visual Studio C++
2015 Redistributables.
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7.46 Receiving a “Visual Studio 2010, 2012 or 11 is not found in the system”
Error Message
Problem
When compiling a PSCAD case, the following build errors display:
The above errors are present when using the following software:
An Intel Fortran compiler, and
One of the standalone editions of Visual Studio 2015+, for example the Professional Edition.
Note
The above errors are not present when using the Premier Partner (Shell) Edition of Visual
Studio, which is free and comes bundled with a licensed Intel Fortran compiler.
And when the Fortran Medic tool is run on this machine (as per Appendix A.2), this tool displays
errors similar to either of the following:
Visual Studio VS2015 C compiler is not fully installed. VC\lib folder does not exist.
Cause
The Visual Studio software installation is incomplete, and required software is missing. This can
occur when a default installation is performed, rather than a custom installation.
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Solution
Reinstall the Visual Studio software, ensuring to select a “Custom” installation, and ensuring to
install all of the required software. The following screenshot shows the required software, and
should be similar to a user’s setup:
Following the installation, log out then log back in on the machine, then load and try compiling one
of the simple PSCAD cases (C:\Users\Public\Documents\PSCAD\4.x\Examples\tutorial\vdiv.pscx).
If there are no errors, the setup is ready. Or, if there are any errors, Intel Fortran might require re-
installation. During this installation:
Select the “custom” rather than “default” installation on the “Options” page.
If this is a licensed edition of the Intel Fortran compiler, de-select the Visual Studio
software.
On the integration page, select the appropriate Visual Studio edition and version.
Log out then log back in on the machine.
Test the setup by trying to run the simple PSCAD case again.
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7.47 Receiving a “‘make’ is not recognized” error message when compiling with
GFortran
Problem
When compiling a PSCAD case using a GFortran compiler, build errors similar to the following
display:
C:\Users\Public\...\*.gf42>call…
‘make’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
And when the Fortran Medic tool is run, the following error displays:
The PATHEXT environment variable is missing the .EXE extention
(see Appendix A.5 Item 27 for further information on this error in the Fortran Medic tool)
Cause
The “.exe” is missing from the PATHEXT environment variable.
Solution
Use the Fortran Medic tool to easily fix the PATHEXT environment variable as per Appendix A.5
Item 27.
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Problem
When compiling a PSCAD case when user has no Windows Administrator privileges, build errors
similar to the following display:
Creaing EMTDC executable
C:\...\*.gf46>call “C:\Program Files (x86)\GFortran\4.6\bin\gf46vars.bat”
process_begin: CreateProcess(C:\...)…failed.
make (e=5): Access is denied.
make: *** [Station.o] Error 5
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
Cause
When a simulation is launched, executable files are created and launched as indicated in
Appendix F. However, network policies can detect and block these actions if the user has no
Windows Administrator privileges.
Solution (1)
Always launch PSCAD with Windows Administrator privileges (from the Windows Start menu,
browse to and right-click on the PSCAD link, and select “Run as administrator”).
Solution (2)
Ask your IT staff to modify your network policy to allow a user to create and run batch files with
normal Windows “User” privileges.
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Problem
Simulations will not run because security software, for example AppLocker, is configured to prevent
creating or running executable files that reside outside the Program directories.
See Appendix F for a list of executable files that are created and launched during a simulation.
Solution (1)
For future development (i.e. after v4.6.2)
The long term solution for future patches and releases is for PSCAD to create a modified <case
name>mak.bat file which redirects the TMP and TEMP variables. When the compile is complete, the
TMP and TEMP user variables revert automatically to the user’s environment settings.
Solution (2)
For PSCAD v4.6.2 and earlier
Redirect where these batch files are created by changing where the TMP and TEMP user
environment variables point to:
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Solution (3)
For PSCAD v4.6.2 any version
Run your PSCAD project files from within Program Files. This setup may be tested to see if this
resolves the issue as follows:
Note
Windows Administrator privileges are required for this.
Make a copy of the “simpleac” file, which resides in the following location:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\PSCAD\4.6\Examples\tutorial\
Save the copied file to a new folder in the Program Files.
Launch PSCAD with elevated privileges (from the Windows Start menu, browse to and right-
click on the PSCAD link, and select “Run as administrator”).
Load the simpleac example from Program Files, and run it.
If the anti-virus does not prevent the case from running, you could move all of your cases
to Program Files, and run them from there.
Note
To avoid having to have administrator rights, your IT staff could make the Program Files
accessible to all users, rather than to just administrators.
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Problem
When trying to compile a PSCAD project, the build fails, with the following messages:
Creating EMTDC executable...
…
Intel(R) MPI Library 2018 Update 1 for Windows* Target Build Environment for Intel(R) 64 applications
Copyright (C) 2007-2017 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
Copyright (C) 1985-2017 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
Intel(R) Compiler 18.0 Update 1 (package 156)
**********************************************************************
** Visual Studio 2017 Developer Command Prompt v15.5.2
** Copyright (c) 2017 Microsoft Corporation
**********************************************************************
[vcvarsall.bat] Environment initialized for: 'x64'
Microsoft (R) Program Maintenance Utility Version 14.12.25831.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. Tous droits réservés.
Linking objects and libraries into binary ‘*.exe'
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace '*'
======== Build: 3 errors, 0 warnings ========
System
Intel Fortran Composer 18.0.156
Visual Studio 2017 Professional Edition 14.12.25827
PSCAD v4.6.2
Cause
The “*” characters related to Visual Studio 2017 cause the compiling error.
Solution (1)
Update your softare - this issue is expected to be resolved in PSCAD v4.6.3+.
Solution (2)
Downgrade your version of Visual Studio to v2015.
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Problem
When trying to compile a PSCAD project with an Intel Fortran compiler, the editor is opened with a
file called “echo.vbe”, at which point the compiling pauses, and only resumes once the window is
manually closed. This sequence repeats itself several times, depending on the project size.
Ultimately, the build fails, with the following message:
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
When the latest Fortran Medic tool is run as per Appendix A.2, the messages as shown in Appendix
A.5 Item 30 are displayed.
This issue is not present when using the GFortran compiler to compile a PSCAD case.
Cause
A file called echo.vbe, installed by some unknown and unrelated third party software, is interfering
when compiling a PSCAD project with Intel Fortran composer.
Solution
Perform a search on your machine for the file called echo.vbe. This file may be in C:\Windows.
Then, either:
Remove this file if you do not require it for another application, or
Temporarily rename this file when using PSCAD. For example:
Rename this file from echo.vbe to echo_1.vbe
Note
Windows administrator privileges are required to perform this.
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Problem
When compiling a PSCAD project, the simulation halts, and a message similar to the following
displays:
Cause
Some object files that the PSCAD project requires are missing. For example, the above screenshot
indicates that the library associated with the Battery Model is missing.
Solution
Locate and link in the associated library. See Linking Objects and Libraries into PSCAD for more
details.
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Problem
In PSCAD v4.5.4 or v4.6.0, when compiling a project that contains a blackbox module using the
GFortran compiler, the simulation halts, and a message similar to the following displays:
"filename.mak:line numer *** target pattern contains no '%'. Stop.
Unable to execute make.
Note
This model runs in PSCAD v4.5.4 or v4.6.0 when using the Intel Fortran compiler.
Applicability
PSCAD v4.5.4 v4.6.0
GFortran compiler
Cause
The associated object (*.o) file fails to generate when using the GFortran compiler due to blackbox
incorrectly using quotations in some of the file paths in the *.mak file.
Solution
Update your software to PSCAD v4.5.5, v4.6.1 or later.
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7.54 Receiving an “module machine type ‘X86’ conflicts with target machine
type ‘X64’” Error Message
Problem
When compiling a case using the Intel Fortran compiler, the following build errors display:
C:\...\*.obj : fatal error LNK1112: module machine type ‘86’ conflicts with target machine type ‘x64’
NMAKE : fatal error U1077: ‘“C:\...\Intel Fortran\...\link.exe”’ : return code ‘0x458’
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
Cause
A 64-bit edition of Intel Fortran is being used to run a project, however, the project has
precompiled libraries that were created using a 32-bit edition of Intel Fortran. The same edition of
Intel Fortran compiler used to create the libraries must also be used to run the project.
Solution (1)
Rerun your project using the 32-bit edition of Intel Fortran.
Solution (2)
If you have access to the source code for the libraries, re-compile the libraries using Intel Fortran
64-bit edition, then rerun the project using the 64-bit edition of Intel Fortran.
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7.55 Receiving a “This version of *\gcc.exe is not compatible with the version of
Windows you’re running” Error Message
Problem
When compiling a case using the GFortran 4.2 compiler, the build fails, and the following messages
display in the Build pane:
Creating EMTDC executable…
C:\...\*.gf42><call “C:\Program Files (x86)\GFortran\4.2.1\bin\gf42vars.bat”
Linking objects and libraries into binary ‘*.exe’
This version of C:\Program Files (x86)\GFortran\4.2.1\bin\gcc.exe is not compatible with the version of Windows
you’re running. Check your computer’s system information and then contact the software publisher.
make: *** [*exe] Error 1
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
Cause
Unknown at this time
Applicability
PSCAD v4.5.4 and v4.6.1 (may be applicable to other versions)
GFortran v4.2
Solution
Uninstall GFortran 4.2, re-install GFortran 4.2, log out and log back in your machine.
Test whether you can run one of the simple PSCAD examples with GFortran 4.2:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\PSCAD*\examples\tutorial\vdiv.pscx
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7.56 Receiving a “Visual Studio 2005, 2008 or 2010 is not found in the system”
Error Message
Problem
When compiling a case using the Intel Fortran compiler, the build fails, and the following error
displays in the Build pane:
ERROR: Visual Studio 2005, 2008 or 2010 is not found in the system.
When the Fortran Medic tool is run (Appendix A.2), the error as indicated in Appendix A.5, Item 17
is displayed.
Cause
A required environment variable, VS90COMNTOOLS, is not defined on the machine.
Solution
Use the Fortran Medic tool to create the VS90COMNTOOLS environment variable as per Appendix
A.5, Item 17.
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Problem
When compiling a case using the Intel Fortran compiler, the build fails, and the following Build
Messages display:
ERROR: Cannot determine the location of the VS Common Tools folder.
LINK : fatal error LNK1181: cannot open input file '*.lib'
NMAKE : fatal error U1077: '"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 12.0\VC\bin\amd64\link.exe"' : return
code '0x49d'
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
When the Fortran Medic tool is run (Appendix A.2), the error as indicated in Appendix A.5, Item 32
is displayed.
Cause
The PATH environment is missing the following standard system paths:
C:\Windows
C:\Windows\System32
System
This error was detected for the following software combination, but is certainly not limited to this
combination:
PSCAD v4.5.4, Intel Fortran compiler 17, Microsoft Visual Studio 2012
Solution
Run the Fortran Medic tool as per Appendix A.2, then create / add the values as per
Appendix A.5, Item 32.
Log out, then log back in to Windows. No need to reboot.
Try compiling your PSCAD cases again.
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Problem
When compiling a case using the Intel Fortran compiler, the build fails, and the following
Build Messages display:
Creating EMTDC executable
…
Intel Parallel Studio XE 2011
…Setting environment for using Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 x86 tools.
Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘*’
Cause
The cause is unknown at this time. It is only known that if the customer did not have Windows
Administrator Privileges, then a setting in PSCAD, that of hiding the Program Windows, was
generating an error.
System
Using PSCAD v4.6.2, the PSCAD case could be compiled using GFortran, but not using Intel Fortran
12 / Microsoft Visual Studio 2008.
Solution
1. Obtain Windows Administrator Privileges, then run the case using Intel Fortran 12 / VS
2008, or
2. Continue with simple Windows User Privileges, but set PSCAD to “Show Program Windows”
during a run:
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Problem
The following warning displays during a project run:
Cause
This warning is displayed to reduce the risk that any unsaved changes in the project are lost.
Unsaved changes will be lost if the operating system becomes unstable and crashes due to the
large simulation storage requirements.
Solution
Select from the following options:
Select “Yes” to save the project and proceed with the simulation.
Select “No” to not save the project and proceed with the simulation.
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Problem
When a case is run, the following dialog box is displayed:
Cause
PSCAD is compiling cases using GFortran, and the computer is set to use non-English decimal
number format. However, GFortran is affected by Regional and Language Settings.
Solution 1
Switch to Intel Fortran compiler, as this compiler is not affected by regional and language settings.
Solution 2
Continue to use GFortran, but perform the following configurations:
Launch the Fortran Medic utility (see instructions in Appendix A.2).
In the utility, locate the following error message:
For v4.2, the error will appear as follows:
Right-click on the error, and a “Solution” dialog box will display. Follow the instructions in
the dialog box to resolve the issue. Note the following:
If prompted to modify the Control Panel, see instructions below for more details,
below (for v4.2.1 and v4.3.0).
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If prompted to Modify the Control Panel (Solution 2): Perform the following:
In the Windows Control Panel, go to the “Region and Language” dialog, and select
“Additional settings”:
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Problem
The following error message is displayed when performing a multi-run using GFortran 4.2:
Solution
There is a bug in GFortran 4.2, in which GFortran does not release the “handles” when running a
multi-run simulation, and it crashes the simulation. The following are work-arounds:
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Problem
The following error message is displayed after a PSCAD case has been compiled, at the beginning
of the run:
Server Busy
System
PSCAD v4.6.1.
Solution
Contact [email protected] for the solution. Ensure to provide your PSCAD license number.
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Problem
The following messages are displayed in the Runtime Messages:
Cause
Some aggressive security software (anti-virus software or firewall) is preventing the simulation
from being run. McAfee has been known to cause this.
Applicability
This is applicable to using GFortran for compiling the PSCAD case.
Solution
Try either of the following:
Obtain assistance from your IT staff to determine the setting that is causing this issue, and
to then disable this setting.
Turn off your anti-virus or firewall software.
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Problem
The following message displays in the Runtime Messages pane:
Cause
Some aggressive security software (anti-virus or firewall) is preventing the simulation from being
run.
Solution
Try either of the following:
Obtain assistance from your IT staff to determine the setting that is causing this issue, and
to then disable this setting.
Turn off your anti-virus or firewall software, and retry running the case.
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Problem
The following message displays in the Runtime Messages pane:
Cause
This error is most likely caused by ‘floating’ parts of circuit, i.e in which there is no ground
reference in that part of circuit. For example, it may occur in the delta side of a three-phase
transformer.
Solution
Ensure all circuits are grounded.
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8.8 Unable to Run any PSCAD Cases - The Regional Language Issue
Problem
When running any case, the run fails, and the following Build Messages display:
EMTDC Simulation Run
Communications: Command: vdiv.exe -v4 localhost 57153
Communications: Connection established.
Non-standard Messages: Current locale = [SOME COUNTRY]
The issue you have encountered is directly due to your computer’s Language and Region (also
known as locale) settings, as some regions do not handle decimal numbers in the traditional
English (USA) manner.
To date, some users with Dutch, German, Finnish, or Spanish language settings have experienced
any or all of the following issues:
Runtime errors or crashes due to invalid reading of the map file,
Runtime errors due to invalid reading of the snapshot file,
Runtime results are incorrect if using GFortran, but correct if using Intel or Compaq, and
Runtime’s Finish time is adjusted to some other value
Undefined, zero, or negative finish time
Runtime’s Finish time is adjusted to some other value
Unable to enter floating point numbers.
Affected Versions
This issue affects PSCAD X4 (4.4.0) only when using the GFortran compiler if the Use English (USA)
number format is not selected
This issue affects PSCAD X4 (4.3.1) only when using the GFortran compiler if the Use English (USA)
locale is not selected
This issue affects PSCAD X4 (4.3.0) only when using the GFortran compiler.
This issue affects PSCAD 4.2.1 only when using the GNU compiler.
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Click on Additional Settings (Note that we tested this with Dutch settings).
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Save your settings and PSCAD should work fine with different language settings.
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Problem 1
Selecting the “Free Download” button in MyCentre (see below) results in an error message.
Solution 1
This issue is related to installing the MyUpdater utility. To resolve this issue, refer to the manual
“Update Client (MyUpdater) – Common Issues”, which may be found at the following link:
http://updater.pscad.com/docs/CommonIssues.pdf
Problem 2
A message similar to the following is displayed:
Solution 2
This is to notify you that newer software is already installed on your computer. As such, the stated
software will not be installed. Select the “Close” button, and the next installation step will proceed.
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Problem
After filling in the Registration page for registering in MyCentre, clicking the “Next” button results
in the registration being halted.
Cause 1
There is a compatibility issue with Internet Explorer.
Solution 1
Retry the registration using Google Chrome or FireFox.
Cause 2
The Google ReCaptcha feature is blocked.
Solution 2
Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN), and retry the registration using the VPN.
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Problem
User is unable to log in to MyCentre account
Solution 1
The following are login tips:
Ensure to enter your login credentials the same as were registered in MyCentre.
If you have other login accounts, ensure that you are not entering the login credentials
from those accounts.
Login text is case sensitive (upper/lower case).
For continued login issues, please contact [email protected] for assistance.
Solution 2
If you have forgotten your MyCentre Username, simply enter your e-mail address in the
“Username” field, then enter your password.
Once you are logged in, you may display your user profile to determine your username:
Solution 3
If you have forgotten your password, enter your username or e-mail address in the “Username”
field, and select “Forgot Password?”:
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Problem
An error message is displayed when downloading from the “Downloads” tab.
Solution
If using Internet Explorer 8.x, switch to a different web browser:
For Windows XP: Switch to Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome
For Windows Vista and Windows 7: Switch to Internet Explorer 9.x and later, or Mozilla
Firefox, or Google Chrome
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Note
This is no longer an issue. The Google Recaptcha was removed from MyCentre registration,
thereby removing the occurrence of this issue.
Problem
When registering for a MyCentre user account, the registration freezes during the ReCaptcha
process, and the following errors display:
{{recaptchaErrorMsg}}
Cause
Google products (for example, ReCaptcha) are being blocked by the network.
Solution
Some users have employed a work-around, by registering for a MyCentre user account through a
virtual private network (VPN).
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9.6 Receiving Errors related to the Recaptcha Field, Username and E-mail
Address when registering a MyCentre User Account
Problem
When registering for a MyCentre user account, the following errors display:
Cause
This is a bug in MyCentre, in which a user is already considered to be registered in some instances.
Solution
The user account has actually successfully been created. The user may gain access to their account
by following the password reset procedure provided on this webpage.
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Problem (1)
When trying to run the Get Info tool, the following error is displayed, and the Get Info tool will not
launch:
GetInfo32.exe – System Error
Note
If the error specifies a different missing file, “mfc140.dll”, then refer to Problem (2), below.
Cause (1)
The Get Info tool is unable to launch because of missing pre-requisite software:
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributables (x86)
Solution (1)
Install the missing software. For your convenience, this may be installed by using another tool, the
Fortran Medic:
Download and run the latest Medic as per Appendix A.2, Steps (a) and (b).
Use the Medic to install the missing software as shown:
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Problem (2)
When trying to run the Get Info tool, the following error is displayed, and the Get Info tool will not
launch:
Note
If the error specifies a different missing file, “mfc100.dll”, then refer to Problem (1),
above.
Cause (2)
The Get Info is unable to launch because of missing pre-requisite software:
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributables (x86)
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributables (x64)
Solution (2)
Install the missing software. For your convenience, this may be installed by using another tool, the
Fortran Medic:
Download and run the latest Medic tool as per Appendix A.2, Steps (a) and (b).
Use the Medic to install the missing software as shown:
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10.2 Receiving an “Unable to proceed” error message when using the License
Update Utility
Problem
When using the License Update Utility, the following error displays:
Unable to proceed
Cause
The License Update Utility detects that an older PSCAD tool that is no longer used, called
“Upgrade License”, is running in the background. The License Update Utility cannot proceed with
this other program running.
Applicability
This error may occur when using the License Update Utility that was released with License Manager
v1.42 and earlier.
Solution
The above error message will not display in the License Update Utility that was released
with License Managar v1.43 or later. Update your tool to v1.43 or later (this may be done
either by installing the standalone tool or installing the License Manager v1.43 or later. For
this software, please contact our support desk ([email protected]).
or
Display your Windows Task Manager, halt the Upgrade program, then proceed to use the
same License Update Utility version.
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Problem
When compiling a PSCAD project, build messages similar to any of the following display:
Test_Case Test_Case.mak(167) : fatal error U1035: syntax error : expected ‘:’ or ‘=’ separator
Test-Case Unable to generate a simulation executable for namespace ‘Test_Case’
Cause
The errors are most likely a result of FORTRAN code errors in custom models.
Solution
There are three possible solutions:
If these errors only show up in newer FORTRAN versions, then fix the programming errors,
if wanting to use the models with newer FORTRAN versions.
If these errors only show up in newer FORTRAN versions, then just compile using the
FORTRAN versions in which these issues do not result in errors (e.g. earlier versions).
Fix these errors so that they work in ALL FORTRAN versions.
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A.1 Overview
The Fortran Medic utility is our standard mechanism for gathering and displaying information about
a user’s machine that is relevant to installing, launching, licensing, and running PSCAD (see
Appendix A.2).
This utility does not perform any reporting back to us, other than allowing a user to generate a text
log file and forward it to our Support Desk to assist with troubleshooting (see Appendix A.3).
This utility does not modify anything on a machine without a user’s explicit permission, which is
obtained by clicking on the green or red arrows and confirming the recommended action (see
Appendix A.4).
Many of the issues that may be detected by the utility are related to software installation and
compatiblity, integration of Intel Fortran compilers with Microsoft Visual Studio, and protection
software preventing PSCAD usage (see Appendix A.5 for some of the more common issues).
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A.5 Errors Listed in the Utility
The following table lists common errors within the utility along with solutions:
Error Solution
5. Visual Studio [VS2005] You are running an older version of the Fortran Medic, and the following is
Installation Folders: occurring:
VS folder: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\ This version does not correctly detect Visual Studio Premier Partner (Shell
Edition).
Folder exists
This version interprets this information as an incomplete installation of the full
VC folder: (commercial) Visual Studio.
Visual Studio VS2005 is not installed. Folder not specified. The solution is to:
Download and re-run our latest version of the Fortran Medic utility.
Check the installation of Visual Studio.
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Error Solution
Error Solution
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Use only FIPS compliant algorithms
Value: 1 (Enabled)
Conflicts
This computer is not configured to support a required algorithm
Or
Licensing
Use only FIPS compliant algorithms
Status: <Registry value not found>
Conflicts
This computer is not configured to support a required algorithm
Or
Licensing
Use only FIPS compliant algorithms
Value: 5
Status: <Registry value is invalid>
Conflicts
This computer is not configured to support a required algorithm
10. “Installed PSCAD versions”… Right-clicking on the message displays a dialog with the solution steps:
“PSCAD X4 Release…”
ZSLib2.dll appears to be from a different version of PSCAD
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Error Solution
11. Right-clicking on the message displays a dialog with the solution steps:
To fix this issue, the FortranMedic must replace an environment variable value.
Name: INTEL_LICENSE_FILE
Intel Fortran (*) Type:
Required value:
Machine
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Intel\Licenses
12. “PATH (Machine) Environment Variable” Right-clicking on the error displays the following dialog:
Conflicts
The PATH variable is excessively long and you may lose your
shortcuts to Notepad and other system programs. In order to resolve this issue, you need to use the FortranMedic to remove
unnecessary paths from the PATH environment variable.
13. Machine Info Your computer time is different from the global time by more than three minutes.
Conflicts Set the correct time, date, and time zone as per Section 4.2 Problem 1.
Your system clock is not synchronized to global network time.
14. PATH (Machine) Environment Variable Resolve as per Section 7.24, Problem #2.
Conflicts
Segments containing a ‘&’ character
“C:\Program Files (x86)\***”
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Error Solution
16. Detecting Intel Compilers Right-clicking on the error displays a message similar to the following:
Intel Fortran 15.0.0 to 15.0.221 might not work due to Visual
Studio 2015 being installed.
Cases compiled with Intel Fortran 15.0.221 should compile and link, but
MAY fail to run due to Visual Studio 2015 being installed.
To resolve this, you need to:
1. Use Intel Fortran 16.0 or better, or
2. Rename your Visual Studio 2015 installation folder, or,
3. Uninstall Visual Studio 2015.
17 Visual Studio [*] Compiling might not work. For the following editions and versions, this may be
Required Environment and Registry Values repaired by right-clicking on this error, and selecting the option to repair it:
VS90COMNTOOLS (environment) 2008, 2008 Premier Partner,
does not exist 2010, 2010 Premier Partner,
2012,
2013, 2013 Premier Partner,
2015
See Section 7.56 for further information.
18. MyUpdater These messages indicate that a utility has been installed on this machine
Products file (MyUpdater), but has never been logged into. Therefore the corresponding user
file has not been created.
C:\Users\[Your Windows Username]\AppData\Local\Manitoba
HVDC Research Centre\UpdateClient\Products.xml This message is intended to assist users experiencing an issue with logging in to
MyUpdater due to their computer or network restrictions.
File does not exist
For further assistance on this a MyUpdater login issue, please contact our Support
Or Desk ([email protected]).
Products file
C:\Users\[Your Windows Username]\AppData\Local\Manitoba
HVDC Research Centre\UpdateClient\Products.xml
File exists
File does not contain a MyCentre identity
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Error Solution
19. * Environment Variable Multiple unecessary segments should be removed because they might cause
performance issues on your computer.
Listing: [ length = * characters ] Right-click on each duplicated segment, and select “OK” when prompted:
…
Process
Actions Environment Variable Segment
Conflicts For the following User environment variable with * duplicate:
Duplicated segments Name: PATH
Value: *
C:\*** I want to do the following:
Keep the first occurrence only (with high priority)
Keep the last occurrence only (with low priority)
20. Conflicts For example, a program called “Single Sign On Engine” is suspected of halting
Identity and access management software can affect operation PSCAD simulations. See Section 7.37 for details.
of PSCAD
Double-clicking on this error displays the following dialog box:
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Error Solution
21. Git/mingw may cause PSCAD to fail when compiling with Intel See Section 7.38 for more information.
FORTRAN
Double-clicking on this error displays the following dialog box:
Git and Mingw appear to be installed, and may cause PSCAD to fail when
compiling cases with Intel Fortran.
22. Lock-based licensing might not work due to Arabic regional Configure your system to use the English language and the Gregorian calendar.
settings Upgrade to PSCAD 4.6.1 (or better)
Double-clicking on this error displays the following dialog box:
(See Section 3.9 for more information)
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Error Solution
23. Installed PSCAD versions Uninstall then re-install the product, then re-start the Fortran Medic utility to
Conflicts ensure the error is cleared.
EMTDC files that are specific to VS 2010 and VS 2015 appear to
be missing or corrupted.
25. Licensing If this path is listed, this path must be incorrect, and may be fixed sas per Section
PSCAD 4.x 4.10.
URL 1: http://licensing.pscad.com:80/Licensing/
$(ServicePath)Service_some_error_in_path
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Error Solution
26. Machine Info This issue is only relevant if you will be installing a PSCAD v4.2.1 lockless trial
Conflicts license on a Windows 64-bit edition. Refer to
Section 5.3 for details.
You may encounter errors when installing lockless trial
licenses.
27. The PATHEXT environment variable is missing the .EXE If you right-click on the message, the following dialog displays:
extension
Confirm Environment Changes
Select “OK” and the Medic will fix the environment variable.
Refer to Section 7.47 for details.
28. DeviceGuard/CredentialGuard is enabled and may block If you right-click on the message, the following dialog displays:
lock-based licensing
Warning
Lock-based licensing might not work due to DeviceGuard/CredentialGuard
being enabled and an older Sentinel System Driver being used.
To resolve this issue:
1. Disable DeviceGuard/CredentialGuard, or
2. Download and install Sentinel System Driver 7.6.0 or better.
Contact [email protected] for more details.
Select “OK” to close the warning. Refer to Section 3.17 for details.
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Error Solution
29. User Info Right-clicking on the error displays a warning, similar to the following:
Account type: Domain account
Profile type: mandatory
Mandatory profiles are not supported The use of mandatory profiles is not supported by the
following products:
- PSCAD 4.X
To resolve this issue, you need to be logged in:
- as a user with a normal, non-mandatory, domain account, or
- as a user with a local account on this machine
30. Machine Info Right-clicking on the error displays the following message:
Echo.vbe
C:\Windows\echo.vbe
The presence of echo.vbe file(s) can cause PSCAD compiles to
fail and unrelated dialogs to appear when attempting to
compile:
To resolve this issue, you need to:
- rename all echo.vbe file, then try again, or
- delete all echo.vbe files, then try again.
31. Automation Library The BuildTime.txt file is not detected by the Fortran Medic.
Install folder: C:\Program Files (x86)\PSCAD\Automation (see Appendix A.6 Item 3 to see the text when this file is detected)
Publish date: unknown
32. PATH (Machine) Environment Variable Right-click on each message and select the option to create/add that value.
Conflicts See Section 7.57 for more details.
The PATH environment variable is missing the
\Windows\System32 path segment.
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33. Visual Studio [Premier Partner Edition – VS 2010 Shell] These errors may be disregarded. a PSCAD project may be compiled if these errors
Installation Folders: are present.
…
Premier Partner Edition - Visual C++ folder: c:\Program Files
(x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\VC\
Visual Studio Premier Partner Edition - 2010 is
not fully installed. Folder does not contain any
*.exe files.
…
Required Environment and Registry Values
VS100COMNTOOLS (environment)
does not exist
34. Installed PSCAD versions Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable version (x64/x86) 2015 version 14.0.23506 or
PSCAD * requires Visual C++ 2015 better must be installed for this version of PSCAD.
Redistributable (x64/x86) version 14.0.23506 or This software may be installed using the Fortran Medic tool as follows:
better Download and launch the Medic (Appendix A.2).
From the “Install” menu, select the installation for both the x86 and x64 editions
of Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable
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A.6 Functions Listed in the Utility
1. Under a PSCAD
Configure EMTDC for Visual
installation heading Refer to Section 7.36 for instructions on this configuration.
Studio 2015 and later
(v4.6.1 and later)
2. Configure EMTDC for Visual Under a PSCAD Right-click on this function, and the following dialog displays:
Studio 2010, 2013 installation heading
(v4.6.1 and later)
Select OK to proceed
Select Cancel to leave the configuration unmodified
If you proceed with this action, PSCAD will be configured to use Visual Studio 2010, 2012, or
2013.
Warnings
1. If you proceed with this action, PSCAD will no longer be configured for using Visual Studio
2015.
2. It is not recommended to use Visual Studio 2012 as it can interfere with other Visual
Studio installations even after the uninstallation of Visual Studio 2012.
Notes
1. This function does not install Visual Studio 2010, 2012, or 2013, it merely configures
PSCAD to be able to use these versions.
2. Configuration with Visual Studio 2015 may be restored as per Section 7.36.
3. Automation Library The BuildTime.txt file has been properly detected by the Fortran Medic.
Install folder: C:\Program Files (see Appendix A.5 Item 31 to see the text when this file is not detected)
(x86)\PSCAD\Automation
Publish date: YR.MO.DAY…
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B.1 Overview
The Get Info utility is used to detect system parameters for troubleshooting licensing issues. Some
of the more important parameters include software and license installation, operating system, and
user level.
This information is gathered and displayed in the utility, as well as saved to a file which may then
be forwarded to our Support Desk to assist with troubleshooting.
Section 3.4 lists some of the common issues that are identified using this utility.
The Get Info utility may be used to detect the license number associated with a USB lock and
license database file installed on a machine. Proceed as follows:
Run the utility as per Section B.2.
Ensure the USB lock is securely plugged in (if applicable).
Once the utility has finished running, scroll down to “Lock Info (direct access)”. If
detected, the licensing information related to the license database file and/or USB lock will
be displayed.
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The following are requirements when using the Standalone License Manager:
On the license host server, Ping Echo and Ping Reply must be enabled on the Firewall.
The protocol for communication between the server and clients is UDP/IP on port 2053 and
2054.
The license database file must be installed on the server.
The Sentinal USB lock must be plugged in on the server.
PSCAD client machines must be able to send out ping requests and receive ping replies.
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When using certificate licensing, PSCAD requires access to the following license server URL:
http://licensing.pscad.com:80/Licensing (preferred)
net.tcp://licensing.pscad.com:443/Licensing (fallback)
One or both of the above addresses should be added to the whitelists of the anti-virus and firewall
software.
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In many issues in this document, there is reference to a folder that may be hidden, called appdata. If this folder
is hidden, it may be displayed as shown:
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The following is a description of the files that are created and used when a PSCAD case is
compiled:
When a PSCAD case is compiled, for example
C:\Users\Public\Documents\PSCAD\4.6.2\Examples\tutorial\vdiv.pscx
PSCAD will create a working folder called <case name>.<compilerID>.
For GFortran 4.2, this would be vdiv.gf42, as shown in the screenshot below. For GFortran
4.6.2, the folder is called .gf46, for Intel, it is called if9, if12, or if15.
The vdiv.mak.bat file is created by PSCAD, and has the following format: <case
name>mak.bat, and is executed by PSCAD, which launches the GFortran 4.2 compiler for
the entire case.
The GFortran make/nmake file creates one batch file in the
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Temp folder for each .f file it needs to compile.
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For GFortran 4.2 and GFortran 4.6.2, two or more batch files are created:
One is called BATCHnnnn.bat, and
One or more other randomly named batch files NOT ending with .bat
For Intel, we observed two to three randomly named files, NOT ending in .bat
Once the .f file has been compiled, all of the two to three batch files are deleted, and the
next .f file is created.
The contents of the BATCHnnnn.bat file created by GFortran typically looked like the
following:
@echo off
We were not able to capture any of the Intel batch files as they existed only very
momentarily
As mentioned earlier, these temporary batch files are created by the third party GFortran or Intel
Fortran compilers.
Continued…
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The files and folders currently used by PSCAD are as follows:
Item Type Install time Runtime Path State State
Permissions Permissions (Released (Future)
versions)
Licensing log file File Write C:\ProgramData\Manitoba HVDC Research Fixed May possibly be
Centre\LicenseManager\PscadLmgr.txt reconfigured
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Manitoba HVDC
Research Centre\LicenseManager\PscadLmgr.txt
C:\Users\USERID\AppData\Local\Manitoba HVDC
Research Centre\LicenseManager\PscadLmgr.txt
User settings File Write Read/Write C:\Users\USERID\AppData\Local\Manitoba HVDC Fixed May possibly be
Research Centre\PSCAD\ reconfigured
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DOCUMENT TRACKING
Rev. Description Date
0 Initial 17/Jul/2014
Added new sections (7.3, 8.1, 8.2, A.5);
1 Updated sections (6.1, 10.1, A.4); 29/Jul/2014
Updated the document title
Changed section numbers (Section 6);
2 Added new sections (1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 8.3-8.11, 10.3); 08/Aug/2014
Updated sections (1.1, 6.1-6.3, 8.1)
Updated sections (3.1, 6.4, 8.1, 8.2, 8.5, 8.8, 8.9, 10.1, 10.2, A.2);
Deleted Section 8.4;
3 17/Oct/2014
Renumbered Sections 8.5-8.11 to 8.4-8.10;
Added new sections (7.4, 7.5, 8.11-8.17, 10.4-10.6)
Modified title; Reorganized content per following changes;
Moved all installation instructions to manual “Resolving Installation
Issues”;
Moved MyCentre launching issue to manual “Update Client –
4 Common Issues”; 28/Nov/2014
Section 4.2 moved from later section;
New Section 8 (moved issues from Section 7)
Added new Sections 4.1, 6.6, 7.15, 7.16, 10.1, 10.2
Deleted Section 6.6 (duplicated);
5 28/Jan/2015
Added new Sections 6.6, 6.7, 7.17, 7.18, 7.19
Update to Section 3.4, Section 9.2, Appendix A.5;
6 20/Apr/2015
Added new Section 7.20
7 Added new Sections 2.4, 4.3, 9.5 20/May/2015
Update to Sections 4.1, 7.8;
8 28/May 2015
Added New Sections 2.5, 2.6, 7.21, 7.22
9 Update to Section 7.8 07/Jul/2015
10 Added new Section 2.7, populated Section 3.3 28/Jul/2015
11 Added new Sections 5.1, 3.5, and 6.8 15/Sep/2015
Added new Cause #3 within Section 5.1;
12 Added new Section 3.6; 22/Sep/2015
Update to Appendix A.5
Added new Cause #3 within Section 7.3, Added new Section 3.7 and
13 24/Sep/2015
new Appendix C
Added new Sections 3.8, 7.23, 7.24, and 7.25;
14 02/Nov/2015
Update to Section 3.6
15 Added new Section 2.8; Update to Sections 2.7, 3.4 and Appendix C 13/Nov/2015
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Resolving PSCAD Issues
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
Resolving PSCAD Issues
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018
Resolving PSCAD Issues
©2018 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre a division of Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. Rev.43, May 11, 2018