Based on the current isogeochem traffic, I am beginning to suspect that Christmas Gremlins have taken over the isotope geo- and biogeochemistry field. These Gremlins (and also Fairies) have been noticed previously. They often "infect" your laboratory during vacation periods, any major holidays, and also at times not previously discussed--abstract, presentation, and proposal deadlines. My preventative solution to Gremlin and Fairy MS infection is to never go on vacation, take minimal time off for holidays, and try to avoid submitting as many proposals as possible. Clearly, when the mass spectrometer's "immune system" has been challenged and subsequently compromised, that is the most likely time for problems to occur. Other than making your instruments work all the time and running your selves into an exhausted state, you can attempt to fool these thoughtless machines by keeping them in slightly darkened rooms with no actual windows (this way they may not notice the changes in seasons); have lights turn on automatically each day (even if you are away drinking eggnog); always wash your hands before touching the computer's keyboard (thus avoiding sending subtle chemical signals of apprehension or stress to the mass spec and peripherals). If prevention fails you, the following instructions are suggested: Ignore your mass spectrometer for a couple of days. Use its computer for a little after Christmas sale shopping on line. Make it think that you are not anxious. Meanwhile, do as you have been doing--offline, of course, email your colleagues and Isogeochem and try to "isolate the variables". In our lab we use the Tom Hoering phrase "Show them who's boss" when fixing troublesome instruments. Typically within a couple of days (and some show of $$) machines come back to life and produce for you once again. Cheers and Happy New Year, Marilyn Fogel > I have an Aurora 1030 TOC analyzer, and since starting it up again > following the holidays, the touch screen on the instrument computer no > longer responds and consequently, does not connect with the desktop pc > from which it is operated. The instrument itself appears to operate on > startup, but the error light goes on. I have tried rebooting, unplugging & > replugging, etc. etc., with no success. If anyone can offer advice on this > issue, I'd be grateful. > Thanks, > Melissa D. Bautista > IRMS Research Technician > Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry > Southern Cross University > Lismore NSW 2480 > Phone (02) 66 269 565 > Mobile 0431928278 Dr. Marilyn L. Fogel Geophysical Laboratory Carnegie Institution of Washington 5251 Broad Branch Rd., NW Washington, DC 20015 USA Phone: 202-478-8981 FAX: 202-478-8901 Website: http://fogel.gl.ciw.edu