PCpTray v1.2 for Asus PC Probe v2.2.x
© 2003-2006 Ed Wilk / Edgemeal Software

What's PCpTray?
PCpTray is a free add-on (icing on the cake) for Asus PC Probe v2.2.
 
Notice:
PCpTray is for use with Asus "PC Probe v2.2" and not "Probe II".

PCpTray v1.2 - READ ME!
Added option to open PCpTray BMP and Log folders from main menu. (right mouse click, on interface or tray icon)


PCpTray v1.1 - READ ME!
Bug Fix for ASUS PC PROBE when using the built in PC Shutdown in PCpTray.
Asus PC Probe v2.2 is known to miss a value every now and then, it's not perfect.
You have probably seen a fans RPM drop to zero or maybe the CPU temp suddenly jump way up!

PCpTray will now only shutdown the PC if the CPU temp has been over the set limit for 5 seconds.
Be sure to set the pooling interval for the CPU temp to 1 second in PC Probe for best results!


What does PCpTray do?

* Starts Asus PC Probe v2.2.x if it's not already running.

* Displays the current CPU & MB temps in the system tray.

* 3 CPU thermal alarms. Adjustable from 0˚C to 80˚C.

* Run a file or shutdown PC if CPU temp is too high  (10˚C to 90˚C).

* Two user adjustable dashboards to view Asus PC Probe values on the desktop.

* Data logging and more....
 


PCpTray v1.0 - Notice:
Version 1.0 replaces all previous (beta) files and versions of PCpTray.
Please take a moment to read  the new help file before using!


HELP INDEX 

What's Required? , Installation ,  Quick Tips

CPU Temp Alarms / CPU Over Heat / PC Shutdown

Dashboards -  Configure, Color, Layouts, etc, etc

Feedback, Comments, Questions? 

Log Asus Probe data,  Other files and Templates

Tray Icon Setup

What do PCpTray users say?

Authors Testing - Known Issues - Disclaimer
Asus PC Probe v2,x Errors?

The first public release of PCpTray was on December 30th, 2003.


What's required to run PCpTray?
*
An Asus motherboard with Asus PC Probe v2.2.x health monitoring software installed.
* One Single-Core or one Dual-Core CPU.
* If you are running Windows 95 or 98 you may need to install the MS VB 6 runtime.

   Note: Windows XP, 2000 and ME include this needed library.

*** 4  STEP INSTALLATION:  ***
1)
Remove all old versions of PCpTray, V1.0 replaces al previous versions.
2)
Extract the whole PCpTray.zip archive to a new folder.
3) Read this PCpTray_Help file for operating tips!
4) Run the PCpTray.exe file.

******** Quick Tips: ********
* If PC Probe is already loaded it should not be hidden off to the side, top or bottom of the desktop when PCpTray starts up.
*
Replace your Asus PC Probe v2.2x shortcuts with PCpTray shortcuts. (Windows StartUp folder, Desktop, etc...)
*
For best results set Asus PC Probe polling interval options to 1 second.
*
PCpTray settings and display use Celsius degrees only.
* The tray icon is limited to a display range of 0˚C to 99˚C.
*
Double left mouse click on tray icon to launch main interface.
* Use a single right mouse click to open extra option menus through out the program.
* PCpTray system tray tooltip displays the CPU/MB temps and RPMs of the 3 fans when mouse cursor is placed over it.
* Move your mouse pointer over the controls in the main interface for quick reminder tips.

Back to Index


* CPU Temp Alarm
 
If the CPU temp exceeds this setting you can be notified by a sound and/or a message.

Notify with Message: The "Notify with Message" alarm will only be shown when PCpTray is minimized.

Case Speaker: Supported by Windows NT/XP only.

Sound Card: Under this option a volume control lets you adjust the loudness of the sound card alarm.
Note: This changes your "Main" and "Wave" volume controls,  but only when the alarm sound is playing.


* CPU Temp Overheat
Allows you to launch a file or use the built-in PC shut down feature when CPU temp exceeds this setting.

Launching a .Exe or.Bat File.
To run an EXE with parameters (e.g. shutdown -l - f) you'll need to use a .BAT file.
Enter the full path to the bat file. (e.g.  c:\logoff.bat)
PCpTray will wait 2 seconds after launching the .Exe or .Bat file before continuing on.
Notes:
The file will only be launched when PCpTray is minimized.
The file can only be launched once, and will need to be re-enabled to run again.

 PC Shut Down:
When PCpTray is on the desktop (not minimized) the built in PC shutdown is in test mode.
Keep PCpTray minimized once you have it all set up.

PCpTray v1.1 - READ ME!
Bug Fix for ASUS PC PROBE when using the built in PC Shutdown in PCpTray.
Asus PC Probe v2.2 is known to miss a value every now and then, it's not perfect.
You have probably seen a fans RPM drop to zero or maybe the CPU temp suddenly jump way up!

PCpTray will now only shutdown the PC if the CPU temp has been over the set limit for 5 seconds.
Be sure to set the pooling interval for the CPU temp to 1 second in PC Probe for best results!


TESTING SHUTDOWN:

Save all your important open documents before running a shutdown test!
To test the PC Shutdown feature bring up the main interface, select a lower value then your current CPU temp and enable the shutdown checkbox, you will then be asked if it's OK to proceed with this test.
Note: The next time PCpTray is started your setting will need to be re-adjusted as they are reset whenever a shutdown has been launched.

Shutdown and Windows NT/XP: Any unsaved open documents will be lost if not saved when the save dialogs pop up if somebody doesn't click on the dialogs within a couple seconds they should auto close and Windows should then go through its shut down routine - but only after all open programs with unsaved documents have been enumerated. When leaving your PC unattended for long periods of time it's a good idea to save any open documents and close any programs not in use.

Note: A PC Shutdown (CPU too hot?) will append the current PC Probe values to the Txt log file even if logging and PC Shutdown are disabled. It also turns off the overwrite Txt log option (if enabled) to preserve these current values from getting overwritten the next time PCpTray is started so you can view them. Example Below.

*** PC ShutDown Initiated ***
5/4/2004 8:04:49 AM
CPU Temp.... 61
MB Temp..... 45
CPU Fan..... 0
Power Fan... 3500
Chassis Fan. 3700
+12V........ 12.10
+5V......... 4.965
+3.3V....... 3.297
VCore....... 1.74
 

Back to Index


* Dashboards

Background Colors:
To change a dashboards background right mouse click on the dashboard and select Background Colors.

* Note:  Backgrounds are stored in the" PCpTray/Background" folder, edit the graphics if you wish..
Background Graphic File Key:
PCpTray-D.jpg = Digital dashboard background.
PCpTray-H.jpg = High/low/avg. dashboard background.
PCpTray-U.jpg = High/low/avg. dashboard top bar background.

Foreground Colors: To color, right mouse click on the dashboard and select Foreground Colors.
Select a color and then left click on a meter (or a name plate) to change its color. see Picking a Custom Color below.

Picking a Custom Color:
1) Left mouse click inside the multicolored box to activate the custom color picker.

2) Now move the mouse pointer to the color you want and left click the mouse again to select it.

3) Finally, move the mouse pointer over to the dashboard and left click on the items you want to color.

Color Picker Options:
Save:
Saves the current color scheme for the dashboard you are working on.
Delete: Removes your saved color scheme and uses the defaults.
Undo:
Restore dashboard colors to your last saved color scheme.
* Note:
The dashboards and Color Picker window can not be moved when coloring.

Configure Digital Dashboard:
Meters can exchange places, snap to each other and snap in place almost anywhere in the dashboard window. To re-arrange the order and placement of the meters (values) you'll first need to re-size the dashboard window large enough so you have a workspace to move the meters around freely.

After you resize this window uncheck "Lock Meters" from the options menu (right mouse click), now use the center of the large 4-way arrow cursor over to the very right edges of a meters where you'll see border lines,  "||",  left click a meter here and while holding down the mouse button drag the meter to where-ever you want then release the mouse button.

Edit Name Plates
Y
ou can rename the CPU, MB and the 3 fan name plates. To change one of these names, double-click on the name in the Digital Dashboard. An edit box window will open, edit the name here and press Enter or click the OK button to save. Note: The name plates in the Hi-Low-Average dashboard will be updated automatically.

Layout:
Bottom: Puts the digital dashboard at the very bottom of the screen in long view.
Default: Centers the digital dashboard and organizes the meters to defaults.
Load: Re-set dashboard to your last saved layout. (uses Default if you don't have one.)
Save:
Saves the position, size and layout of the digital dashboard.
Top: Puts the digital dashboard at the very top of the screen in long view.


* High-Low-Average Dashboard (HLA)
For best results set Asus PC Probe polling interval options to 1 second.

Auto Hide Right:
Moves the dashboard to the far right on your desktop so you only see a small part of it.
To expand the dashboard, slide your mouse pointer up and down the side of the HLA dashboard.
Auto Hide is turned off (if on) when other options like Reset, Center or Coloring are called.

Note:
When Auto Hide is enabled:
<> = Auto Hide is enabled, but the dashboard is the desktop window in use.
>> = Ready to auto hide.

Configure HLA Dashboard:
This dashboard is broken into columns, High, Low, Average, etc...,to change the position of these meters follow the Digital Dashboard configuration steps above, except you click at the very bottom of each column to select it.

Layout:
The layout of this dashboard is automatically saved when you exit PCpTray.

* Notes for all Dashboards:

* Save as .BMP
Saves a picture of the dashboard in .BMP format to the "PCpTray/BMPs"  folder.

* Save as .HTML
Saves PC Probes values in HTML format to the PCpTray/Logs folder.

When a dashboard is open for the first time it will open in the layout it was last saved.
Meters will auto lock whenever a dashboard window is resized.
Dashboards can not be moved when meters are unlocked.
Center Dashboard: This option is found in the main interface menu, it comes in handy if you can't see a dashboard due to changing resolutions.
 

Back to Index


* Tray Icon

Picking Custom Colors:
1) Open the tray icon setup window and left mouse click inside the multicolored box to activate the custom color picker.

2) Now move the mouse pointer to the color you want and left click the mouse again to select it.

3) Finally click the the CPU, MB or Back button to change its color.
 

Select Font and size for tray icon.
For a thin look try,  Courier,  size 24, Bold Off.
For a bold look try, Arial , size 24, Bold On.

Back to Index


Log Asus Probe data,  Other Files and Templates

*
HTM log (Save data as HTML at set interval)
Saves PC Probes values as an HTML file named "log.htm in the "PCpTray/Logs" folder using the template file
"PCpTray/Template/PCpTray.log.plt". This file can be easily customized with an HTML editor for web server pages or whatever. See the PCpTray/Template folder for other samples.

The PCpTray.plt file is a renamed HTML file (I call it a template) , used when you save the HLA dashboard values as an HTML file. This file can be easily customized with an HTML editor for your web server pages, or whatever. See the "PCpTray/Template" folder for samples.

* Txt Log  (Save data as Text at set interval)
Saves the PC Probe values to a text file named "log.txt" in the "PCpTray/Logs" folder. Capture interval is adjustable from 1 to 32,767 minutes. Note: The log updates a few seconds after loading PCpTray and/or whenever the HLA dashboard values are reset.

Alarm.wav - The sound card CPU thermal alarm is stored in the "PCpTray/Alarm" folder.

CleanUp.exe
(located in the "PCpTray/Uninstall" folder)
Removes all settings saved by PCpTray v1.0 @ registry key, "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\Edgemeal\PCpTray".
Use this tool to restore all program defaults or as an uninstaller, I hate programs that leave junk behind as much as you do! :)
No reboot required.
 

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PCpTray Disclaimer

Users of PCpTray must accept this disclaimer of warranty:
PCpTray is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed
or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability
and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages,
direct or consequential, which may result from the use of PCpTray.

PCpTray was compiled with MS VB 6.0 (SP5) on US English version of Windows XP(SP2)

Known Issues: 1

Known Issue #1: Fan speed corruption in PCpTray.

Replicate Issue #1
:  With PCpTray running open Asus Probe to the Fan or CPU monitor section and change a threshold value by moving it's line with the mouse. From this point on PCpTray will have the fan values messed up.

Solution for #1: Exit Asus PC Probe and restart PCpTray.
Do not touch these monitor settings in Asus Probe when PCpTray is running and use the "Settings" option in ASUS PC Probe to make your adjustments instead! ;-)

Thanks to Stefan for finding and reporting this issue!

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ASUS PC PROBE ERROR?

 

Q: When I run ASUS PC Probe in Windows 2000 or XP, I get the error message “1. Cant Open Service Control Manager; 2. Can’t Create Driver Service; 3. Can’t Open Driver Service; 4. Can’t Load asmil-twlo", then there is no display on program interface or it even not run. What’s wrong?

A:
ASUS PC Probe only works properly when you log in the system as Administrator. If you are a limited user of the system, you will run ASUS PC Probe with the error that is mentioned in the question. It is the nature of this software because the function of it is related with the security of the system and only the Administrator can make change of it.

Q: I have been running pc probe for quite awhile without any problem. Now when I boot up I get an error message. I uninstalled probe and then reinstalled but I still get the same error message on boot, access violation in module "cp3240mt.dll", I am running WinXP Pro. Any help will be appreciated.

A:
Try this..., go to the folder where you installed PC Probe and open the RECORD folder  (e.g. C:\Program Files\ASUS\Probe\Record) , and delete all the files in this folder, they are created when you enable the Recorder in Asus Probe's History thingy. Once you clean out this folder the error message should go away, at least they did for me! :-) HTH


Q: I try to install pc probe on my a8n-sli deluxe, after I choose a directory to install it returns to windows without finishing the install.

A:
I had a similar problem. In my case, the installation failure occurred because I tried to install Probe under Program Files on a drive other than C:, which is Probe's default installation location. Finally, I just let it follow all the defaults in its setup program, and it installed instantly.


Q. When I switch users WITHOUT logging off things go out of whack.

A: Likely you are running two instances of Asus Probe in this situation if both users have Probe set to start automatically. Probe doesn't support multiple copies running, it will cause corrupted readings. It's best to run only one health monitor, even if they are not the same program they may still conflict with each other.


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