WINDOWS 10 INCOMPATIBILITY
WHAT IS THE ISSUE?
As of February 2016, Microsoft is forcing machines to download and prompting users to install the new version of Windows (Windows 10). Unfortunately, if Windows 10 is installed on one of the affected devices below, the Optiview CMS will not work and will not display your cameras. You can still view your cameras remotely using Internet Explorer (IE), but you cannot use the CMS client to view and manage your cameras.
Devices that may be running the affected software are: PC Based DVRs, Hybrid NVRs, DVR Servers, NDVR Client or the Optiview CMS Client.
THE PC BASED MACHINES AFFECTED INCLUDE
VR400 / VR400E
VR800 / VR800E
VR1200 / VR1200E
VR1600 / VR1600E
VR2400 / VR2400E
VR800 / VR800E
VR4800 / VR4800E
VR6400 / VR6400E
NDVR client versions (coming soon)
Note: PC Based NVRs (NVRSVR5, NVRSVR10, NVRSVRT, NVRSVRC) are not affected by upgrading to Windows 10.
CMS CLIENT DETAILS
We are testing this issue further but at this time it appears that Windows 10 on any client device (such as a desktop PC) will not cause a problem with the CMS software. The problem occurs when Windows 10 is installed on the server device. However, as mentioned previously and in detail below, software support for the CMS Remote Viewing Software has been discontinued since January 2015 (see “How did this issue come about?”), therefore we strongly recommend discontinuing use of the CMS software since any new Windows release or patch may cause the software to stop working.
Note: PC Based NVRs (NVRSVR5, NVRSVR10, NVRSVRT, NVRSVRC) are not affected by upgrading to Windows 10.
How did this issue come about?
Optiview announced in 2014 (effective January 2015) that the PC Based DVR product line and the Optiview CMS software were being discontinued. Optiview had been building and supporting the products for almost a decade which is far longer than most platforms last in the industry. But the software developer was no longer supporting or making updates to the software so we were forced to discontinue the line. Some clients have continued to purchase and install these machines despite this knowledge of the end of support for the software.
What should I do?
Do not install Windows 10 on your machine if you still wish to use the Optiview CMS Remote Viewing Software!
Even though Windows 10 is automatically downloaded to your machine and you will be prompted to install it, you should choose not to. This is true as long as your PC settings are set to “Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them”. Check or change this setting in the Control Panel under Windows Updates.
What if I have already installed Windows 10 on my machine?
If Windows 10 is installed, your devices and software listed above will not function properly.
The Fixes
- Change how Windows install updates on your machines. While the update will automatically be downloaded, it will not automatically install *if* you choose to “Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them”. Check or change your setting in the Control Panel under Windows Updates.
- If you have already downloaded Windows 10, our Technical Support Department can assist you in re-installing Windows 7 and getting your machine back up and running at a $65/hour fee.
- Use this opportunity to upgrade your legacy PC based machines to Embedded Tribrid DVRs and download the free Optiview VMS remote viewing software.
- Switch to the Digifort Viewing Software (this software is not free).