ExamWritePad

[ass17]

What was the exact issue?

 

I see m, the CTRL modifiers I think it was, can you give me an exact example you are aware of and I will get on it today while I have some free time, thanks.

[ass17]

Did you ever resolve this issue?

 

Yes and no, to answer your question. TextControl who supply the control that I use shifted the CTRL for accented characters to the ALTGr key.

 

ALTGr key + (letter), will results in the lower case version

ALTGr key + SHIFT + (letter), will results in the upper case version

 

I have contacted them to ask whether they plan to replicate those of Microsoft Word (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/keyboard-shortcuts-to-add-language-accent-marks-in-word-3801b103-6a8d-42a5-b8ba-fdc3774cfc76) in future versions.

 

 

Also the primary function of the ALTGr key, in the real world, is to insert foreign characters, so it kind of makes sense to continue to use it.

Edited February 24, 2021 by ass17

[rodsco]

I'm sure we tried this on an older version and it didn't work but it works on the current version so we will let students know that they can do this using AltGr.

 

Thanks again.

[ass17]

I'm sure we tried this on an older version and it didn't work but it works on the current version so we will let students know that they can do this using AltGr.

 

Thanks again.

 

I'm not sure how good it is and how to switch between French, Spanish accented characters but I'm currently investigating writing my own function and waiting on TextControl support for an update to my request.

 

This is why I suggest using the built-in Character Accents feature on the insert menu.

[habz99]

Hi,

 

The download links are not working, can you please advise where I can download from.

 

Thanks

[MaggieMilligan]

I too am trying unsuccessfully to download this software - I have heard such good reviews about it I am eager to download. Can you tell me where or when I can download please

Thank you

[ass17]

Hi,

 

The download links are not working, can you please advise where I can download from.

 

Thanks

 

Website all up and running gain now, thanks for letting me know.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

I too am trying unsuccessfully to download this software - I have heard such good reviews about it I am eager to download. Can you tell me where or when I can download please

Thank you

 

Website all up and running gain now, thanks for letting me know.

[Tjhurr]

Hi,Firstly many thanks for - much appreciated.I have a question regards pointing to/syntax/reading the conig file ExamWritePadSettings.json when installing using MECM (or through Power Shell when trying to fault find).I have stored the (edited for our school) ExamWritePadSettings.json sitting inside a subfolder of Netlogon (accessible using UNC format \\server\...\ExamWritePadSettings.json). When I try to install using command line msiexec /i ExamWritePad.msi /CONFIG:"\\server\netlogon\ExamWritePadConfig\ExamWritePadSettings.json" a window pops up titled "Windows Installer" which then lists the various Install Options. So it seems like a syntax error with my command? If I replace the /config: text with config= the software installs... However, the ExamWritePadSettings.json file inside C:\Program Files\ExamWritePad contains the default values - so whilst the program is installed and opens, it does not have the updated config details. However, if I manually (after the install) copy the ExamWritePadSettings.json from netlogon to C:\Program Files\ExamWritePad, the updated config data appears successfully in Exam Write Pad. Is the issue that Exam Write Pad does not accept UNC paths? Or far more likely - I'm doing something wrong!Thanks for your time,TimAny thoughts much appreciated,Thanks,Tim

[ass17]

Hi Tim,

 

the /CONFIG paremeter is for use once EWP is installed. The MSI doesn't accept additional parameters at install.

 

A custom ExamWritePadSettings.json file with have to be deployed, via a method that suites your environment, separately.

 

What we do at my school is we house a single instance on a file server, so we manage one set of files. Then have a desktop shortcut that runs a VB script to copy EWP (its files/config) to the temp folder of the client PC and it executes from there. You can also run it over the network direct but for best results, we chose the way I described above.

 

Or like some schools do, push out the MSI to each client, create a desktop shortcut with the /config parameter that calls the config file from a network UNC path.

 

Regards

Andy

 

Edited March 25, 2021 by ass17

[dgsmith]

@ass17

 

I was aware of this a few years ago, though you have brought it along since then. I thought i'd give it a whirl today to see if its suitable as we are doing some exam sessions after Easter. I just have it in a public share with the /config flag pointing as the json in the same path.

I noted a few niggles..

 

• If you go to restore with nothing in the list/selected, the message says it's restored but then hangs (no pre-checks?)
  
• Sometimes, the program "appears" to hang when pressing "save" or "save as" (for about 20-30 seconds) before showing the dialog. The path is just %HomeDrive%\Documents. Other times, it loads the box straight away.
  
• Loading a saved file doesn't load in full-screen when this is set in the config (full-screen works fine on new file from exe shortcut)
  
• Is there no way to set a limit on how many old "backup" files are kept before deleting the oldest one?
  
• GUI editor has "Supress_Save_Messages" and "Suppress.." (one is redundant?)
  

 

I don't know if any of these are serious concerns. The "apparent freezes" could be an issue with impatient students.

 

I am keen to see if we can use this after Easter.

[ass17]

@ass17

 

I was aware of this a few years ago, though you have brought it along since then. I thought i'd give it a whirl today to see if its suitable as we are doing some exam sessions after Easter. I just have it in a public share with the /config flag pointing as the json in the same path.

I noted a few niggles..

 

• If you go to restore with nothing in the list/selected, the message says it's restored but then hangs (no pre-checks?)
  
• Sometimes, the program "appears" to hang when pressing "save" or "save as" (for about 20-30 seconds) before showing the dialog. The path is just %HomeDrive%\Documents. Other times, it loads the box straight away.
  
• Loading a saved file doesn't load in full-screen when this is set in the config (full-screen works fine on new file from exe shortcut)
  
• Is there no way to set a limit on how many old "backup" files are kept before deleting the oldest one?
  
• GUI editor has "Supress_Save_Messages" and "Suppress.." (one is redundant?)
  

 

I don't know if any of these are serious concerns. The "apparent freezes" could be an issue with impatient students.

 

I am keen to see if we can use this after Easter.

 

1) I will check the restore when nothing is in the list. So are you saying that you start a new instance of EWP and when it has never been used before and you hit restore a blank list will appear?

 

2) With regards saving, this all depends on the save path and how accessible it is, I have known times where the network drops, then when you try to access the path, there is a little wait before it kicks in. But not to the extent 20-30 seconds. No issues reported on saving. Only other answer could be when you hit save and the auto save starts at the same time but they are separate threads so one shouldn’t lock out the other unless the saved file is being locked out, which is a possibility. The only way you would know for sure is to test with autosave turned off.

 

3) I would need to know how, your step by step and also would need a copy of your config to try to replicate.

 

4) no user set limits on backups, EWP will delete anything older than 24 hours. And will only expose the last hours worth of backups within EWP restore.

 

5) GUI suppress, quite true, one is redundant and I will remove on the next build due out April.

[dgsmith]

1) I will check the restore when nothing is in the list. So are you saying that you start a new instance of EWP and when it has never been used before and you hit restore a blank list will appear?

 

2) With regards saving, this all depends on the save path and how accessible it is, I have known times where the network drops, then when you try to access the path, there is a little wait before it kicks in. But not to the extent 20-30 seconds. No issues reported on saving. Only other answer could be when you hit save and the auto save starts at the same time but they are separate threads so one shouldn’t lock out the other unless the saved file is being locked out, which is a possibility. The only way you would know for sure is to test with autosave turned off.

 

3) I would need to know how, your step by step and also would need a copy of your config to try to replicate.

 

4) no user set limits on backups, EWP will delete anything older than 24 hours. And will only expose the last hours worth of backups within EWP restore.

 

5) GUI suppress, quite true, one is redundant and I will remove on the next build due out April.

 

Thanks for quick reply. If it's better we can take to PM, but in relation to your queries:

 

1) Blank list does appear when none exist, but still tries to restore nothing if pressed (I expected an error message or pre-check if a file is selected, or just maybe not load the restore area if it's blank)

2) No issue with auto saves/backups happening, but manual press of save/save as is causing this silly delay. Wired desktops. I turned auto save off in config then reloaded - still took ages. Took auto backup off and reload - took ages. After the save dialog had opened the first time, subsequent "save as" loaded much quicker. Seems to struggle on first load. Nothing unusual about path. Tried making explicit in config rather than variable but no different.

4) Any reason not to implement a way to auto delete backups older than xx time or only keep most recent x?

[ass17]

@ass17

If you go to restore with nothing in the list/selected, the message says it's restored but then hangs (no pre-checks?

I have manage to replicate this and I will close this loop hole off in the next build.

[ass17]

@ass17

 

 

• GUI editor has "Supress_Save_Messages" and "Suppress.." (one is redundant?)
  

 

 

As far as I can see there isnt a "Supress_Save_Messages" see image attached/below

[dgsmith]

For ref, just downloaded today and only made config changes in GUI - extra option is there. It seems corrupt as doesn't activate anything on the right side when clicked.

 

[ass17]

@ass17

 

 

• Loading a saved file doesn't load in full-screen when this is set in the config (full-screen works fine on new file from exe shortcut)
  

 

 

If you intend to use a JSON config file in a different location the the EWP exe file, then you will run into this issue:

The command line parameter of /CONFIG only applies to the shortcut.

If you double click on a saved EWP text file, it will run EWP with the default values as it wont honour the /CONFIG because that only applies to the shortcut not the EXE as a whole, which is standard amongst any windows app.

 

Does this shed any light onto your situation?

[ass17]

For ref, just downloaded today and only made config changes in GUI - extra option is there. It seems corrupt as doesn't activate anything on the right side when clicked.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]61321[/ATTACH]

 

That doesn't seem right, I don't have two options on mine. the ConfigEditorGUI version 4.3.0.0?

 

OK, I have tracked it down and its in the JSON config, therefore you would need to manually delete the incorrectly spelt one so you are then left with "Suppress_Save_Messages". Fixed in the default config for the next release.

Edited March 26, 2021 by ass17

[dgsmith]

If you intend to use a JSON config file in a different location the the EWP exe file, then you will run into this issue:

The command line parameter of /CONFIG only applies to the shortcut.

If you double click on a saved EWP text file, it will run EWP with the default values as it wont honour the /CONFIG because that only applies to the shortcut not the EXE as a whole, which is standard amongst any windows app.

 

Does this shed any light onto your situation?

 

All in same publicly accessible location. Other personalised config (like no spell check, no set bg colour, hide narrator etc) also applies correctly when loading saved files, so, it must be picking up config ok? I appreciate /config only works on shortcut, as shortcut is located elsewhere pointing to the exe in public share (in same dir as config json).

 

That doesn't seem right, I don't have two options on mine. the ConfigEditorGUI version 4.3.0.0?

 

yep, it's 4.3.0.0. The extra option is in the raw json file as well when editing in notepad. I mean, it isn't affecting anything as such, just peculiar.

 

If you want to query with me further, can do via PM? Otherwise it will just be pages of discussion between us

[ass17]

All in same publicly accessible location. Other personalised config (like no spell check, no set bg colour, hide narrator etc) also applies correctly when loading saved files, so, it must be picking up config ok? I appreciate /config only works on shortcut, as shortcut is located elsewhere pointing to the exe in public share (in same dir as config json).

 

 

 

yep, it's 4.3.0.0. The extra option is in the raw json file as well when editing in notepad. I mean, it isn't affecting anything as such, just peculiar.

 

If you want to query with me further, can do via PM? Otherwise it will just be pages of discussion between us

 

No worries, I like people being able to see what is going on and sometimes can help to explain things if they hit similar issues :-)

[bald_pig]

Sorry to jump in, but is it pulling it in because you have reused an old json file with the old config settings in? I imagine it isn't present if you create a new config file?

[ass17]

All in same publicly accessible location. Other personalised config (like no spell check, no set bg colour, hide narrator etc) also applies correctly when loading saved files, so, it must be picking up config ok? I appreciate /config only works on shortcut, as shortcut is located elsewhere pointing to the exe in public share (in same dir as config json).

OK, lets start at the beginning with this one, If you turn on the option to "Debug_Application" = 1 in the JSON config, it should create an ExamWritePad log in the c:windows\temp folder. Can you send it over to me please so we can discuss the options and possible scenarios, thanks.

[ass17]

@ass17

 

 

• Is there no way to set a limit on how many old "backup" files are kept before deleting the oldest one?

 

I will implement a new config option to allow you to set a xx minutes of backups to display in the Previous history restore window. The default will be set to 60 as it stands now but at least you get control over the time frame and to some extent how many backups are visible if you change the autobackup timer from its default of 60 seconds.

 

This will be in the next release by the end of this week, available to download from Sunday :-)

[ass17]

 

I will implement a new config option to allow you to set a xx minutes of backups to display in the Previous history restore window. The default will be set to 60 as it stands now but at least you get control over the time frame and to some extent how many backups are visible if you change the autobackup timer from its default of 60 seconds.

 

This will be in the next release by the end of this week, available to download from Sunday :-)

STOP THE PRESS!

 

I have already done this.. The config option is called "PreviousVersionsRecoveryMinutesDisplay", so no need to panic :-)

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

@ass17

 

 

• Is there no way to set a limit on how many old "backup" files are kept before deleting the oldest one?

 

config option is called "PreviousVersionsRecoveryMinutesDisplay"

[Tjhurr]

Hi Andy,

 

Many thanks for your swift reply and solution on Friday: I misunderstood where the path to the config file should have been inserted; thank you.

 

Unfortunately(!) I have another query: We are finding that intermittently, we need to open Exam Write Pad twice - for the application to run. I've tried to narrow it down to the device / user logged in - but seems to intermittently appear across devices and users. So sometimes, Exam Write Pad opens first time it is selected; other times, on selecting, nothing appears, but does open if selected a second time. I've checked the devices are using the latest version of .net (4.8)

 

When Exam Write Pad fails to open on the first attempt, the following two entries made in Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Application, refer to Exam Write Pad:

 

The description for Event ID 1026 from source .NET Runtime cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

 

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

 

The following information was included with the event:

 

Application: ExamWritePad.exe

Framework Version: v4.0.30319

Description: The process was terminated due to an unhandled exception.

Exception Info: System.InvalidOperationException

at ExamWritePad.My.MyProject+MyForms.Create__Instance__[[system.__Canon, mscorlib, Version=4.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089]](System.__Canon)

at ExamWritePad.EWP_Routines.MuteAudio()

at ExamWritePad.MainWindow..ctor()

 

Exception Info: System.InvalidOperationException

at ExamWritePad.My.MyProject+MyForms.Create__Instance__[[system.__Canon, mscorlib, Version=4.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089]](System.__Canon)

at ExamWritePad.My.MyApplication.OnCreateMainForm()

at Microsoft.VisualBasic.ApplicationServices.WindowsFormsApplicationBase.OnRun()

at Microsoft.VisualBasic.ApplicationServices.WindowsFormsApplicationBase.DoApplicationModel()

at Microsoft.VisualBasic.ApplicationServices.WindowsFormsApplicationBase.Run(System.String[])

at ExamWritePad.My.MyApplication.Main(System.String[])

 

The handle is invalid

 

... Second event log...

 

The description for Event ID 1000 from source Application Error cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

 

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

 

The following information was included with the event:

 

ExamWritePad.exe

4.3.0.05fca6a5e

KERNELBASE.dll

10.0.19041.804

0e9c5eae

e0434352

000000000002d759

930

01d7248f8aedc881

C:\Program Files\ExamWritePad\ExamWritePad.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\KERNELBASE.dll

f03e7dc5-056c-4c89-b8df-e14b25145764

 

The handle is invalid

 

 

The laptop is a Dell Latitude E5520 Core i3 with 4Gb RAM, Windows 10 version 10.0.19042

 

Any thoughts - much appreciated. Not urgent. We love the product :-)

 

Thanks,

 

Tim

[ass17]

Hi Andy,

 

Many thanks for your swift reply and solution on Friday: I misunderstood where the path to the config file should have been inserted; thank you.

 

Unfortunately(!) I have another query: We are finding that intermittently, we need to open Exam Write Pad twice - for the application to run. I've tried to narrow it down to the device / user logged in - but seems to intermittently appear across devices and users. So sometimes, Exam Write Pad opens first time it is selected; other times, on selecting, nothing appears, but does open if selected a second time. I've checked the devices are using the latest version of .net (4.8)

 

When Exam Write Pad fails to open on the first attempt, the following two entries made in Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Application, refer to Exam Write Pad:

 

The description for Event ID 1026 from source .NET Runtime cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

 

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

 

The following information was included with the event:

 

Application: ExamWritePad.exe

Framework Version: v4.0.30319

Description: The process was terminated due to an unhandled exception.

Exception Info: System.InvalidOperationException

at ExamWritePad.My.MyProject+MyForms.Create__Instance__[[system.__Canon, mscorlib, Version=4.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089]](System.__Canon)

at ExamWritePad.EWP_Routines.MuteAudio()

at ExamWritePad.MainWindow..ctor()

 

Exception Info: System.InvalidOperationException

at ExamWritePad.My.MyProject+MyForms.Create__Instance__[[system.__Canon, mscorlib, Version=4.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089]](System.__Canon)

at ExamWritePad.My.MyApplication.OnCreateMainForm()

at Microsoft.VisualBasic.ApplicationServices.WindowsFormsApplicationBase.OnRun()

at Microsoft.VisualBasic.ApplicationServices.WindowsFormsApplicationBase.DoApplicationModel()

at Microsoft.VisualBasic.ApplicationServices.WindowsFormsApplicationBase.Run(System.String[])

at ExamWritePad.My.MyApplication.Main(System.String[])

 

The handle is invalid

 

... Second event log...

 

The description for Event ID 1000 from source Application Error cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

 

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

 

The following information was included with the event:

 

ExamWritePad.exe

4.3.0.05fca6a5e

KERNELBASE.dll

10.0.19041.804

0e9c5eae

e0434352

000000000002d759

930

01d7248f8aedc881

C:\Program Files\ExamWritePad\ExamWritePad.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\KERNELBASE.dll

f03e7dc5-056c-4c89-b8df-e14b25145764

 

The handle is invalid

 

 

The laptop is a Dell Latitude E5520 Core i3 with 4Gb RAM, Windows 10 version 10.0.19042

 

Any thoughts - much appreciated. Not urgent. We love the product :-)

 

Thanks,

 

Tim

Hi Tim,

 

The first event log has thrown up the function "MuteAudio()". This will essentially hook onto the system audio and try to mute the system audio. Do you allow pupils access to change the audio levels? I assume so but have to ask to rule this out.

 

Next question would be, does opening up issue occur when running as an admin account?

 

Also does EWP create a debug log? If you turn this on in the config file, "Debug_Application" set it to 1. Then run EWP and when it fails, head over to the windows temp folder and send me a copy of the ExamWritePad log file that was generated. I can then take a closer look and the log also will provide me with what config settings you currently have in place.

 

I don't get the issue here at my school or at home on my development network. No-one else has reported such an issue, so we will need to trace it, bit by bit.

 

Regards

Andy

Edited March 29, 2021 by ass17