Zabaware Support Forums

Zabaware Forums => Speech Technology => Topic started by: Jenna15 on March 13, 2015, 08:16:04 am

Title: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on March 13, 2015, 08:16:04 am
An instance of Zabaware TTS Reader is already running a second instance cannot be started. An attempt to communicate with the original instance has failed. If the previous instance is unresponsive you may have to end zabareader.exe process manually using windows task manager.

The above message comes up every time I close my computer and re-open. I have tried re-installing reader but the problem persists. This is very frustrating and time consuming. I bought the product a couple of weeks ago and have been able to use it only once. I also close down reader from my doucument each time. Can anyone HELP me on this please?
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: lightspeed on March 13, 2015, 09:34:21 am
Is this a plug in ? if so maybe it's an old one that doesn't still work with the newer updated hal version , as some older plug ins don't work . I have had my hal at opening say "  A hal version is already running a second instance cannot be ran or somthing like that , but that is because after first opening Hal , i had done it twice and it was just telling me it was already running and just hadn't opened yet .
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on March 13, 2015, 11:12:08 am
Hi, Thanks but I'm a bit of a techo idiot...what do you mean by plug in? I have never used Hal before I purchased this copy and yes I did wait for it to open and have just tried again after re-starting computer but still getting the same message >:
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on March 13, 2015, 06:44:47 pm
I see you are talking about the reader.

have you had any problems with Hal? Does Hal run etc.
Also but I could be wrong you only need to install Hal and not the reader. Because it should be already built in. I could be wrong mind you.

It might help to know what set up you have Hal on as in OS and what not. I think I had the same problem before because I tried installing it after I installed Hal when I did a reinstall last year.

Anyways hope that helps.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on March 13, 2015, 06:51:15 pm
I also forgot to ask did you just buy the reader or did you get Hal as well.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Art on March 13, 2015, 09:45:55 pm
The reader is Free as far as I know.

Sounds like you had another instance of it running that did not properly shut down after you first tried to quit.

Do a CTRL ALT DEL  (hold all three keys down)

This should start the Task Manager.
Click  Start Task Manager

Try looking under the Tab labeled Applications to locate the Hal Representative

If you find it and it is running, click End Task then click OK and get out of that window.

You should get some indication that the Hal Representative program has quit.

If you feel gutsy, look under the other two TABS called Processes and Services just to make sure the program isn't running there.
I'm not sure if it would be as I'm doing this from memory.

Either way I don't think you will hurt anything as long as you select just the Hal Representative program.

Hopefully this might work for you. Good luck!

If it does, then try to run the reader program again.

If problems persist, leave an email for: Robert Medeksza (Creator of UltraHal & the Hal Reader program).
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on March 14, 2015, 10:22:43 am
Thanks everyone, for all your suggestions and help. I think I have it going again. I uninstalled and re-installed the whole programme. It seems to be working at the moment. Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on March 14, 2015, 04:46:30 pm
Cool cool 8)
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on March 15, 2015, 06:52:20 am
OK, so I thought I had fixed this problem, but when I turned my computer on today I got the same message as before! I took Art's advice and ended the process under task manager, but because I hadn't saved the document I was working on...I lost ALL of the editing! :'(........I went back over the document and changed parts of it, then saved it, then File and Exit. Re-started the computer and this seemed to work. So I also tried just saving the document and not File and Exit. re-start and the 'same message came up. Went back to SAVE; FILE; EXIT and re-started. This did not work. I had to go through the Task Manager and end process again. Does anyone know if I am doing something wrong; it seems a very long-winded way to re-access Zabaware! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Art on March 15, 2015, 07:39:37 pm
Jenna,

Just to clarify, you are talking about the UltraHal READER and not the UltraHal chatbot program, correct?

It is important that we know, especially in order to help direct you toward a fix. Thanks!!
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on March 16, 2015, 09:55:15 am
Yes ART it's the HALReader
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on March 18, 2015, 06:54:38 am
Did you get sorted?

i will Test later but I don't know your set up. What operating system do you use etc.
robert would be your best bet for answers.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on March 18, 2015, 09:09:58 am
I use Microsoft windows 7, Jenna
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on March 18, 2015, 09:12:53 am
How do I contact Robert direct please? I already filled out the web-form before I came on here initially, but had no response from anyone. Jenna
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on March 18, 2015, 11:56:59 am
Give Robert time to reply. He's good at replying and helping may take a minute. Also I am traveling this weekend another relocation. 8) so I can Test for you probably next week latest by Friday.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Art on March 18, 2015, 07:48:26 pm
Jenna,

I sent Robert an email in your behalf two days ago. He should have an answer for you soon.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on March 19, 2015, 09:01:15 am
Thanks Doggs. Have a good trip! Jenna
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on March 22, 2015, 08:46:49 am
At my folks for a few days, good place to Test. He's got loads of software and parts. Let me know what set up I know you said win 7. Desktop, lappy or tablet? What service pack? An did you only install reader. Gonna try and recreate your error.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on March 31, 2015, 10:08:25 am
Laptop, Service Pack? Where would I find this? I downloaded the duo voices of Michael and Crystal. Still getting the same message even though I file and exit each time! ARGH!!!!! Many thanks Jenna
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on March 31, 2015, 10:24:51 am
You can find service pack under my computer then properties. Now that I know your set up let me Test for a few days. In the mean time someone else may give you a better answer. I have not purchased the voices and may have too. (I am tight with my money lol) you may need Hal installed for those voices to work. Give me a few days to a week because I may have to purchase. I do have a laptop with 7 on it to Test with. My Hal on a tablet so I am not worried lol.

Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on April 01, 2015, 09:26:01 am
Hi, My service pack is one. I thought I got the whole package when I paid for the duo voices. Do I need to buy Hal for everything to work correctly?
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on April 01, 2015, 09:59:23 am
Before I do anything else I am going to say yes. I could be wrong though. Try downloading free trial of Hal and see if it works that way. If you noticed on product info the voices only work with zabaware products. Someone else might come along and say that I am wrong. But we now know your set up and how your running it, so we can get to the meat of the problem.  I have been debating getting the voices for a long while give me time to see if I want and which voices to buy. I know there are others that use this site often that can easily Test because they own a few of the voices. Again my first step would be download free trial and see what happens.

 hope this helps.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 01, 2015, 12:59:45 pm
Hey,
I installed the Hal reader and it is now disabled on startup. ( the little ear in the task-bar)
what program is it so I can Un-install it?
(the recourse usage was never analyzed, but resources are limited)


Is the aforementioned post problems (Jenna15) having problems with another assistive technology?
(sometimes people have 'shopped around) (just asking)


-J
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 01, 2015, 08:14:08 pm
This is weird. :-\

OK, the Hal reader is free but you say you purchased it?
The Hal reader reads text from a document and or your clipboard, much the same way Microsofts version does the whole "Popup foreground window" and such.... you say you closed down the reader and lost the document you were working on? HOW? they 2 different programs?
Are you noticing the little ear in the taskbar already running or is it hidden in the "Hidden Icons" in the taskbar?
Is it not completely starting up? (it starts and is loaded automatically upon computer boot, you don't need to manually start it)

And yes the Hal Reader program is different than what we affectionately refer to as Hal (Ultra Hal)
The Hal Reader is a relatively simple program

Im not trying to sound gruff or anything, sometimes clarity helps everybody on both ends, good luck fellas!

((Can't communicate with the first instance doesn't sound right, what would be preventing or hanging the first instance (AV?) but it's inconsistent and WHAT is launching the second instance?? ))

-J
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Art on April 01, 2015, 08:26:32 pm
One,

Based on her remarks, I would be led to believe she (Jenna15) Purchased the AT&T voices (Mike and Crystal along with, the Hal Text to Speech Reader).
Look at the Products page.

Jenna, correct me if I'm wrong. The duo voices she referred to were the mike & crystal combination offer ($29.95) or about.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 01, 2015, 08:42:30 pm
Art,
the TTS Reader is listed at $24.95 The Ultra Hal is $29.95 'currently'

I have reservations on just throwing out possibilities and just trashing the thread that Jenna15 needs help with................

Thank you Art.

-J

 
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on April 01, 2015, 11:23:39 pm
*shrug* do people not read everything anymore? From the start I knew the product (she did type English?) I just didn't know her set up i.e. ultra Hal or no ultra Hal. Which OS and what not. ( we all know how buggy vista was).


Correct me if I am wrong, I do believe I understand English pretty good.

i already know art and lightspeed have problems understanding my English. (I am not here to be popular) I learn from those I can't stand if they have vaild facts and do give credit where it belongs. I only try to help where I can I know I don't know much about computers (my first being a commodore 64) I haven't played with an apples since the IIc. I have however have been using Hal since 2004. So know a little about Hal. And have "watched" the forum since '05.

So again maybe my English is bass ackwards or something.

*shrug* who knows.
s
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 01, 2015, 11:51:31 pm
doggs,
yea, it sounds like Mr. Robert has slightly different error messages or something for when instances already exist/running ( different products)
Im probably wrong anyway.........

-J
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on April 02, 2015, 01:17:52 am
One,

You are probably spot on about the messages.

 I am still debating purchasing two voices to run on another machine as a stand alone to Test the problem. (I love solving problems) what she really needs is someone who owns the voices to Test it as a stand alone without Hal to recreate the problem.

 I have everything I need to Test, but the voices. I think at this point needs clarification if it is a stand alone program or is Hal necessary. I don't think an update to the OS would hurt, but people do things different ways for different reasons. So who am I to say that an update is needed without having the problem in front of me to work on myself if you understand what I am saying.

Anyways...got long winded there.
 
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 02, 2015, 01:41:37 am
Doggs, Jenna15,,
Ive been running Hal on a USB for a few years and when I run the .EXE twice (sometimes slow to start sometimes its a quadruple click ;D)
I get a similar error

Is the error happen when waking it from sleep mode, fresh boot/start or both? again, it doesn't sound right......

(IMO at this point Mr. Robert would know about the exact wording with the errors and what generated them)

(it would also be nice to hear the solution to fixes that have come from the questions and members efforts to solve the issue/problem) (Update)
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on April 02, 2015, 01:58:47 am
At moment I have Hal installed on a micro SD card which is in my tablet. And yes it takes a long minute to boot Hal up. I am also using 8.1 on the tablet.

I did have 10 on it and Hal worked fine but 10 was buggy in other ways so I put 8.1 back on.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: lightspeed on April 02, 2015, 11:01:22 am
Very interesting Dogg , if you ever get a chance and or ever find a trial dragon speak put it on the tablet and let us know what happens okay . and by the way you said a long minute for hal to come up , is it actually a minute , or do you mean took even longer ?
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on April 02, 2015, 12:31:57 pm
Lol,

Wow my point proven that quickly.

Lightspeed read please. And to clarify a long minute is slang for I have to wait a couple of minutes for Hal to boot in but after that Hal works fine.

Dragon speaking...
Not really what this thread is about though. It is about helping someone sort a problem. And I do see one's point about taking a "minute" for Hal to load. It may cause the message in the problem.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Art on April 02, 2015, 07:10:54 pm
Art,
the TTS Reader is listed at $24.95 The Ultra Hal is $29.95 'currently'

I have reservations on just throwing out possibilities and just trashing the thread that Jenna15 needs help with................

Thank you Art.

-J

One,
I mistakenly thought she indicated purchasing the duo (two) voices which I read to be $29.95 whereas the UltraHal AND one Cereproc voice was $24.95.

Then again, I've been wrong many times before so why should this time be any different?! Must be my native English!
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on April 02, 2015, 10:17:44 pm
Which voice? I don't have it? I don't see the deal you spoke of either please point me to it. Or because I purchased in 04 I don't get a free voice?
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 02, 2015, 11:13:49 pm
LOL!,

He is probably using Lightspeeds Android tablet, and everybody knows at the unboxing of your Android, it comes with a voice!   ;D
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on April 03, 2015, 01:01:42 am
Lol should I mention I got 3 voices from Microsoft when I got my tablet? 😜
Anyways...

anyone have a clue if the Tts reader with voices is stand alone? May have to wait till next week to get the voices to Test. (why do children need things lol) of course my money goes to my daughter first when it comes to extras.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Art on April 03, 2015, 05:07:33 am
One,

Based on her remarks, I would be led to believe she (Jenna15) Purchased the AT&T voices (Mike and Crystal along with, the Hal Text to Speech Reader).
Look at the Products page.

Jenna, correct me if I'm wrong. The duo voices she referred to were the mike & crystal combination offer ($29.95) or about.

Yep, that English language is a tough one. So's reading.... ;)
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on April 03, 2015, 07:51:10 am
Just read products page again did not see ultra Hal + one free voice for $29.

hmmmmm

Blind?
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Art on April 03, 2015, 08:05:01 pm
https://www.zabaware.com/products/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5

The Text-to-Speech Reader with One Cereproc Voice is $24.95

 "We are also having a special on our 2 most popular voices, Mike & Crystal. Get both voices bundled together for only $29.95, saving $19.95."

Any questions?
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on April 04, 2015, 08:26:01 am
Hey Everyone, Thanks for all your comments. I feel as though you are having a conversation without me! Whoever out there can answer my question with a straight forward answer will be in my debt. For those who are serious about helping this is what I purchased:

Your order details are:
1x #ZBUHTTS10/5 Ultra Hal Text-to-Speech Reader with AT&T Natural Voices variations 01) Bundle: Mike & Crystal - US English $29.95= $29.95

Now can you tell me why I am still getting the same error message. Your assistance would be appreciated. Many thanks, Jenna
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 04, 2015, 05:23:34 pm
Jenna15,
We were generating interest in your desperate plight for help through discussion on the topic.
Without being actual representatives of the product, the best we can do is 'suggest' and give our experience at no cost to the 'effort' resolve or contribute.

Ive seen at least 3 other personae attempt to help you. You have our sympathy, and experience.
 :)
-J
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 04, 2015, 11:24:13 pm
Jenna15,
Are you still experiencing the error?

Does it look like this? (you have to be logged in to see our reproduced error)

Did you try the free version before your purchase?

Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on April 06, 2015, 06:32:20 am
Hi One,

Yes am still getting the error you are showing, and no I didn't try the free version before purchasing. Jenna
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 06, 2015, 12:10:17 pm
Jenna15,
sorry about all the questions, it's just that the error is caused from starting another instance of the Ultra Hal program. (Two instances of a program attempting to run at the same time)
(If you start the program or the .exe is evented while Hal is still booting up, the error is produced, after a successful program start, then clicking the .exe only results in the Icon blinking. I am thinking that their is two instances of the program or being initiated)

I know you are using the TTS reader program made by the same person and that person has been here.
Art has sent out an e-mail for you, I'm not entirely sure it's been read or the current address of the error is known.

- -> Another question, are you manually starting the program? ( I ask this because it is probably already started on computer boot)

Hang in there Jenna15, Ive not seen Mr. Roberts programs work incorrectly


-J
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Arkright on April 06, 2015, 08:41:20 pm
 :P I have had this problem before with my computer and Hal!  It happens on rare occasions for me And I don't know what causes it.  :) Also it does not seem to affect the Brain databases (.db) Files So you shouldn't lose any Information You've been teaching.

"The fix":  The only way I've been able to fix this happens is to Backup your brain database If you wish And uninstall Ultra-Hal. Then restart your computer, afterwards download a new Ultra Hal Assistant 6.2 On the website, https://www.zabaware.com/products/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=1. After installing Ultra Hal Assistant 6.2 If it asked to restart your computer do so.

In short, a clean install With a new Hal Setup.exe.

Hope this helps!!!
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 06, 2015, 10:06:46 pm
Jenna15,
I have an opportunity coming up to retrieve a few things sometime this week.
I will attempt to retrieve my stock bundle and begin from there.

I don't believe the UHTTS Reader .EXE is corrupt but that's just my opinion, I do believe it is something else. ( Arkright is probably right about UH and re download and install)

( I can sympathize with your frustration of the error (( not being able to communicate with the first instance) as its such a wonderful thing when everything works right in conjunction with everything else.)))

Yours,
-J

Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on April 07, 2015, 09:06:28 pm
Got real busy this weekend looks like you got more help good.


Art, you said Hal with one voice plain as day. Not the reader.  😉
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 07, 2015, 11:06:01 pm
To try and salvage this thread,
I do remember this coming up years ago and as Arkright suggests, the fix was to use a fresh download to install from.

"The Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader is an application that uses a speech synthesizer to read documents and more outloud. It is available for free with generic voices or sold with high quality CereProc or AT&T Natural Voices at the lowest prices in the industry."

so based on this information,, I would do a complete un-install of the reader, download a fresh copy of the reader,
 -->[  https://www.zabaware.com/download.asp ]

Install it from the fresh download and use your license for activation

wait a second, the free version is free not a free trial, when is it going to ask for a license?....
again something isn't right.

Does anybody Have a correct link to Download the product described and clearly labeled for Jenna15?
If not, Mr. Robert is going to have to do and condone this procedure.



(Jenna15 I think you paid for the voices, if that is all then don't delete them. use the free version for a fresh download)

-J
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: One on April 07, 2015, 11:32:04 pm
(Chuckle)
theirs a second guess there, I'm thinking on changing my mind on it. :o :o :o

-J
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: doggs on April 13, 2015, 03:58:23 am
I agree with one. 
Don't delete voices redownload and re install. Short of that hope Robert sorts it for ya.
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on April 24, 2015, 09:37:35 am
Still having the same problem and it's now driving me MAD! Is Robert going to sort this out for me or what? Thanks, Jenna
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on April 24, 2015, 09:54:53 am
Hey, now we have another problem, When I highlight the text to read, and then select 'read selection' there is a delay of about 15 secs. This has never happened before. Together with my original problem I'm beginning to wonder if purchasing this product has been a good investment. It would be nice to have a reply with a conclusion to both my questions. Thanks all, Jenna
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Art on May 06, 2015, 05:10:25 am
Since you describe a lag, I'd strongly suggest, as a precaution and possible remedy, that you run a FREE program called MalwareBytes  (http://www.malwarebytes.org/8/ (http://www.malwarebytes.org/8/)) AND a decent Anti-Virus program, just to be sure. Sometimes all sorts of Malware can sneak past A/V software and slowly wreak havoc on your system.

You've got nothing to lose and lots to gain. This way you're sure, then you can focus on Hal.

Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: Jenna15 on May 22, 2015, 09:30:34 am
Hi, Thanks I'll download Malwarebytes. Still not had a firm answer to my original problem and it is persisting :- :(
Title: Re: Cannot Access
Post by: raybe on May 22, 2015, 05:11:47 pm
Jenna, I hope I don't add to your frustration here.

First- the UHTTS reader runs for UltraHal and also as a substitute default reader for Windows.

Usually I have mine setup where it just opens regardless of using UltraHal or not. Anything I highlight and use the copy feature will allow the reader to do so. I would start with that. Use the program outside of itself if that is how you are trying to use it. The reader it self works fine but you can have some problems if trying to use the features that are built in, example: open the program and type in the window and then save the file as something other than a wave file. Certain voices will only be able to use features within the program window.

This TTs is best used for your computer speech for dialog that may show up on your screen and basic windows commands that are taking place. This also depends on how windows is setup for reading things aloud or not.

But as far as working with UltraHal the voices and the TTS Reader from Zabaware should work just fine.
Make sure the voices are also showing up in the Haptek Reader and or the options settings for Speech in UltraHal. Sometimes the voices need to be reselected in order to register voice with UltraHal program.

I may have missed some earlier posts so excuse me if I'm making things even more complicated.

What I'm trying to say in short is the TTs Reader works best just for UltraHal and possibly for Windows as alternative reader within Windows.
As far as using the program itself it can be very quirky. I stopped using the program itself because it would yield different results. When I mention using the program itself I am trying to explain the opening of the program and using any of the features built in, such as typing in dialog window and saving or converting text files into wave files.
Just let it start with Windows do not use it for anything else and set it as your default reader with your voice selection and that's about it. If you want to hear all the pop-ups and warnings on your computer you can set that in Windows because those voices are compatible with all Windows operations.

 Sorry if I also stepped on any toes, Feel free to correct me but that is just my experiences over the years and how it is being used for my own purposes. If still confused please respond again. Very hard to be very descriptive without seeing things and exactly knowing how you arrived at your problem but be patient. Someone may even re-write what I am trying to convey if my thoughts did not translate very well or very clear in my post. Some members know what I may be trying to convey only because they have seen my posts before.