Dear Isogeochem list-members,

In earlier submissions to the list, some of you mentioned "problems" when
using Isodat software to run your isotope mass specs.  We are now
experiencing similar problems with our Delta Plus using Isodat (version
7.5). One recent problem (and there are numerous others!) is a sudden and
stunning increase in beam intensities for no apparent or obvious
reason.  We think that some of these peculiarities are spurious and
result
from the build up of file-allocation errors as the mass spec tries to
communicate with the computer's hard drive via Isodat software.  Of the
many suggestions that were posted by experienced users to circumvent
these
problems, one option was to adopt good "house-keeping" skills and check
the
hard drive frequently for errors using a utilities package which runs
programs such as DISKFIX and DEFRAG.

Our questions to the list are these:  What DOS-based utilities packages
are
people using?  Are these DOS-based packages still on the market?  How
frequently do users find that they need to clean up the hard drive?  And
finally, are there any other helpful quick-fix solutions?

No doubt, things will improve once Isodat is Windows-based, but
until then we would appreciate hearing about easier ways to deal with
these
problems than by continually re-installing the Isodat software.

Thanks in advance for your helpful suggestions.
Sincerely,
Evelyn Stillwell



Evelyn Stillwell
Stable Isotope Laboratory
Department of Biology
University of New Brunswick
Bag Service #45111
Fredericton, N.B.
E3B 6E1

Phone:(506) 453-4583
Fax: (506) 453-3583
E-mail: [log in to unmask]