Someone with the Bentley manual help?

[nihil]

Hi folks, I'm a Linux user. The cretins at Bentley Publishers are obviously not. I've got the reader installed, and running, being emulated under Wine, but when I try to activate the content, I get an error stating that 'regform.hsp' can not be found. This is the form bit you fill out when you activate the content online.

My copy of the manual does not have regform.hsp anywhere (bought it from ECS), and even after installing their updated reader, the file is still not found. I've contacted Bentley about the issue, but they essentially told me to get bent because I'm not using windows (worthless cocksuckers).

So my request is, would someone be nice enough to send me that file? Activating the content seems to be the last step in getting this running, and having a manual for my car sure would come in handy.

VAG-COM works great under emulation, and there's no reason a simple document reader shouldn't. But that's what happens when you let newbie idiots code your software.

Thanks.


P.S. Go fuck yourself Bentley.

[nihil]

Bump. Anyone?

[nihil]

Bump 2. Come on, someone has to be out there. I've gone the requisite 9 rounds with Bentley, no luck, all I need is this stupid form so I can activate the content.

The sad part is, its a file missing from the install process, and this same problem would likely have occured on windows too. Yet Bentley still refuses.

[mrleftlane]

Bentley sodomized the penguin...

I'll see if I can hit my box at home remotely and help you out...

[pondside36]

I just looked at mine and that file is not on the list of items... is it a file embeded in the start-up? If so you may be out of luck, not to burst your bubble. Are you running Windows 2000 or XP emulator, since that is what is required? Perhaps you cqn return it to ECS for a refund.

[scorneil]

no mac support either. oh well vag-com needs boot camp anyway. bentley developers FTL

[pondside36]

^^^ no mac sucks, I can only use it at work, someone has a monopoly on the platforms these progams work on IMO.

[nihil]

Bentley sodomized the penguin...
I'll see if I can hit my box at home remotely and help you out...

Thanks!

I just looked at mine and that file is not on the list of items... is it a file embeded in the start-up? If so you may be out of luck, not to burst your bubble. Are you running Windows 2000 or XP emulator, since that is what is required? Perhaps you cqn return it to ECS for a refund.

I'm using Wine as the emulator (http://www.winehq.org/), and can't return it, as I bought it 6 or 8 months ago.

no mac support either. oh well vag-com needs boot camp anyway. bentley developers FTL

Not so! I've been running VAG-COM under Wine for quite a while now (there's a beta Wine port for Mac). It was a bit picky at first with some versions (would only pull/clear DTC, and minimal other functions), but 409-1 works great. I haven't found any functions that don't work with that version. If your laptop is missing serial ports, the Quatech PCMCIA RS232 cards work beautifully, even if a bit pricey.

^^^ no mac sucks, I can only use it at work, someone has a monopoly on the platforms these progams work on IMO.

What really gets me, is that they don't offer a version of the manual made with ink and paper, remember that stuff?

[skeeball]

I run Bentley in a vmware session even though the host is windows also. If you have access to workstation or something to create the image, you can run it with vmware player on your linux box.

[F16HTON]

You do realize that Bentley publishers has a online subscription as well?

[nihil]

I run Bentley in a vmware session even though the host is windows also. If you have access to workstation or something to create the image, you can run it with vmware player on your linux box.

Create a full windows install image? Not feasable, as I plan to run it on the in-car PC, which is a bit limited in resources, and VMWare sucks up CPU and memory like it's going out of style.

You do realize that Bentley publishers has a online subscription as well?

Yep, and not only is it designed for IE (go figure), but it would cost a lot more over the life of the vehicle, and I don't want to be stuck without docs for lack of internet access (side of the road in the middle of nowhere, etc..).

[skeeball]

Create a full windows install image? Not feasable, as I plan to run it on the in-car PC, which is a bit limited in resources, and VMWare sucks up CPU and memory like it's going out of style.

Ahh... that makes sense. Viewing Bentley on a small screen is going to suck though. I find just switching from my desktop to my laptop is annoying. I'm not sure what kind of screen and resolution you are running.

[pondside36]

So wait.. Skeeball, this vmware that you mentioned allows you to use Bentley with a MAC? If so I would like to know more about this... if you were willing to PM me with the details.

[nihil]

Ahh... that makes sense. Viewing Bentley on a small screen is going to suck though. I find just switching from my desktop to my laptop is annoying. I'm not sure what kind of screen and resolution you are running.

Planning on a 7" LCD touchscreen that claims it can do 1600x1200 (800x480 native).

https://www.xenarcdirect.com/product...roductid=16134

It's likely going to end up mounted on a flexible arm to the passenger side of the transmission tunnel. It will stay folded most of the time (forward under glovebox and into a yet-devised padded bracket), and be used for long trips (GPS nav), "war driving" (mapping out wifi hot spots), VAG-COM, and hopefully, the bentley manual.

The change drawer will be removed for a boost gauge. Well, initially just a basic boost gauge, but I'm working on full ISO1941/KWP2000 interface monitoring, some pics here: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199885

The cup holder will be removed for a slightly wider LCD of the same type and color (20x2, where the one in the pics of the boost gauge is 16x2). That one will display audio player/track information, a basic compass, and other random toys (have accelerometers, might as well make a vehicle G-meter no? )

[nihil]

So wait.. Skeeball, this vmware that you mentioned allows you to use Bentley with a MAC? If so I would like to know more about this... if you were willing to PM me with the details.

PM nothing, post them in public so others can benefit too

[pondside36]

Sorry.. I didn't want to thread jack on you... post away Skeeball..

[skeeball]

I use vmware workstation on windows to run virtual windows and linux machines on my laptop for work. I haven't used the mac product, but they have one. It allows you to run applications without setting up a whole virtual machine also.

[pondside36]

Nice.. thanks Skeeball, that looks sweet and a good solution for a lot of Windows based software.

[RobV]

nihil,

I have EXACTLY the same situation (and I agree with your assessment/sentiment with regards to Bentley Publishers - shameful on their part). Anyway, have you ever found the solution to this problem? I also have VAG COM working on my mac via wine and have gotten to the very same point you are (or were) with your eBahn Reader.

Your experiences would be most welcome.

Regards,

Rob

[SLeal]

Im not sure if THIS helps at all but...

[RobV]

SLeal,

Thanks much for your kind assistance - and while purchasing a hardcopy edition of the manual should have been the only choice to make - I assume those of us who purchased the electronic version were hoping for something more portable and easier to use/convenient. Sadly, when it come to this product, bentley and eBahn, we have found out it is anything but. So while I appreciate your contribution, it does not help in providing the solution to our current situation.

Many thanks

Cheers,

Rob

[drjonez]

If you haven't gotten the file by tonight, shoot me a PM. I'll email it when I get home...

And yes, you can use VMWare Fusion to run the stupid eBahn crap. I do. Note that using Fusion w/VAG-COM does work, but is buggy.

[RobV]

drjonez,

Thanks for your post - however I am attempting to work around the eBahn problems through the use of WINE - I have already paid dearly for a program that is poorly supported (if it weren't for the fact that Bentley almost exclusively produces the maintenance manuals for AUDI, I wouldn't do business with them again) - and I really would like to find a solution that does not require me to spend even more money. There is a "work around" in Windows 7, however that work around only exists for suers who have shelled out top dollar for the more comprehensive versions of Windows & - but those are dollars supporting yet another company which continues to roll out garbage with little true support in return and continuously charges the users who buy their stuff in the first place.... I have a MAC with Parallels with Windows 7 (basic home version), although I do not have Windows XP - which is the key to running eBahn..... what a disappointment (to say the least)

[jimbro]

If you have no luck with it, I know they make a hard copy book now. search amazon.

Hi folks, I'm a Linux user. The cretins at Bentley Publishers are obviously not. I've got the reader installed, and running, being emulated under Wine, but when I try to activate the content, I get an error stating that 'regform.hsp' can not be found. This is the form bit you fill out when you activate the content online.

My copy of the manual does not have regform.hsp anywhere (bought it from ECS), and even after installing their updated reader, the file is still not found. I've contacted Bentley about the issue, but they essentially told me to get bent because I'm not using windows (worthless cocksuckers).

So my request is, would someone be nice enough to send me that file? Activating the content seems to be the last step in getting this running, and having a manual for my car sure would come in handy.

VAG-COM works great under emulation, and there's no reason a simple document reader shouldn't. But that's what happens when you let newbie idiots code your software.

Thanks.


P.S. Go fuck yourself Bentley.

[jimbro]

It runs super slow with fusion.

If you haven't gotten the file by tonight, shoot me a PM. I'll email it when I get home...

And yes, you can use VMWare Fusion to run the stupid eBahn crap. I do. Note that using Fusion w/VAG-COM does work, but is buggy.

[RobV]

I am sure nihil would agree with me when I say to all the users and posters on this site - thank you for your kind suggestions relating to hardcopies of maintenance manuals as well as suggestions relating to alternate software solutions for using eBahn reader, however both nihil and I are seeking assistance with a very specific situation with respect to installing/using the eBahn reader in the linux environment (which would apply of MAC users) with the assistance of WINE. So while your good intentions are very much appreciated it does absolutely nothing in solving the problem at hand - we already know there are other ways of doing this (using Windows XP, emulators and even hard copies - but none of that will help us in finding out how to utilize eBahn reader using WINE) - thanks as always for your continued support.

[MikeWire]

Copy protection is pretty tough on this Bentley stuff. Their support is pretty good though, maybe they could activate your content over the phone with your activation code?

[RobV]

MikeWire,

you must be joking. if they provide any support at all (beyond activating your code) it only relates to Windows XP. They've been advertising a Windows Vista upgrade since Windows Vista came out - now we are on to Windows 7 and if you look at their support page it is all about how to work around the new operating environment and re-create the Windows XP environment - they are clearly not interested in supporting this product in world where technology advances every day - my question for them would be why did they even get offer this product in the first place?

Aside from that, your reply does not address the concern related to WINE.

[a4darkness]

Mac guy here. A bit off OP's original topic but relevant for other Mac ppl...

I've experimented with all of the various emulation software and found Parallels 5.09 to be the most stable and reliable. 6 had issues reading the OBDII<->USB cable and a slew of other things so I rolled back. 5.09 and a well tuned version of XP have been working flawlessly. Perhaps these issues have been amended in subsequent builds.

Recently I tired to get the Bentley software working and ran into similar issues. Install went fine. When I tried to fire things up it didn't work. It was weird... like the software knew the necessary files were there but couldn't talk to them. Kinda like a driver issue of sorts. Never got it sorted correctly. It's likely something basic I'm missing which is all the more annoying.

The answer here lies not in the emulation but in that which gave us the ability to run VAG and ETKA in the first place... a windows expert who can create a more seamless installation package.

So, it's not to say one can't do all this on a Mac (on using the mighty Penguin). There's just a tad more work involved. I should take another run at the eBahn stuff to see it I can get it working I guess.

And like SLeal mentioned, the Bentley book is now available on Amazon. Think it came out on the 20th? That's a plus for all of us.

[MikeWire]

MikeWire,

you must be joking. if they provide any support at all (beyond activating your code) it only relates to Windows XP. They've been advertising a Windows Vista upgrade since Windows Vista came out - now we are on to Windows 7 and if you look at their support page it is all about how to work around the new operating environment and re-create the Windows XP environment - they are clearly not interested in supporting this product in world where technology advances every day - my question for them would be why did they even get offer this product in the first place?

Aside from that, your reply does not address the concern related to WINE.

No, I'm not joking - it was a serious suggestion.

With that said, I don't appreciate your tone. There is no need to give me attitude because you are using an OS or emulator that is clearly not supported by Bentley. I simply suggested that there is probably an offline activation option that the OP could call support and see what they can do. I have contacted with activation problems a few times over the last 7 years and haven't had a problem. My guess is that they are developing something for Win7 and it's just not out yet, and it can be run in XP mode, which is not hard to setup and get working.

As far as the activation, I'm sure it's more advanced than simply copying a file into the program directory, but I could be wrong. FTR, I'm not really hot about the eBahn reader either, and the fact that that it won't run, without running in XP mode, on Win7 stinks. My solution was to run it on a separate laptop with XP installed until they come out with a version that does run on Win7.

My advice would be to put down your "smarter than you" card and quit complaining about what doesn't work for you. Figure out what does work for you, buy the book, or develop a reader that works in cross platform OS environments.

[drjonez]

It runs super slow with fusion.

VAG or eBahn? For me- VAG yes, eBahn no.

I'm convinced there's something going on with the way that Fusion interfaces w/USB....so I use a PC laptop for most of my VAG stuff.

[a4darkness]

I'm convinced there's something going on with the way that Fusion interfaces w/USB

Agreed. I was shocked how it all but locked up my machine for the most remedial of tasks.

[RobV]

MikeWire,

My apologies if you somehow seem to think I came across with an attitude. However there are a few points - first, I don't think you've read the thread concerning the specific problem with WINE (nor my acknowledgement that it can run in XP mode except for the fact that it needs a more expensive version of Windows 7 to have that ability - so Bentley's unwillingness to properly support their software is forcing me to spend more money on other work arounds - now that's what I call customer support); second, I don't think Bentley's ability to "reset" the activation code is the type of technical support the rest of us are complaining about. (they are in fact very unresponsive to any issues outside of the Windows XP environment) - and my "You must be joking" bit was a tongue in cheek reply to your suggestion about contacting Bentley's customer support - so lighten up.

If Bentley Publishers really had good customer support, do you think anyone would be using forums like this one to try to solve problems associated with their crappy software? I mean, really, if it was as easy as contacting their customer support to solve these issue, why would we be trying to solicit the assistance of fellow members who may have had similar problems and found the solution? (which is exactly what we are attempting to do - not just complaining about what doesn't work) - so thanks again for your kind suggestions, but they do not contribute to finding a solution to the issue relating to using eBahn with WINE. (BTW continuing to run the program on Windows XP is not the answer for the problems we are having - Wndows XP is a somewhat older platform and most of us how continually upgrade our systems are a bit more than annoyed that Bentley has not kept up with the times - especially considering that eBahn was not cheap.)

So while buying the book or running it on Windows XP are all valid options - they are not the specific problem some of us are looking to solve. I was under the impression that forums such as these would be to find others who may have had similar experiences and to solicit assistance from them.

Moving on, a4darkness, thanks for your post - probably the most relevant, however using an emulator does not solve the particular issue some of us are having using WINE. With the emulator (I too have parallels) you still need the entire Windows OS. Have you looked into WINE? I have it installed on my Mac Book Air and I can run VAG COM without a hitch - no need for memory hogging emulation software, no USB interface issues, no need for Boot Camp or the Windows OS to be installed on your machine. Only hitch (so far) concerning the use of WINE and the eBahn reader is this missing regform.hsp which nihil ran into. I have eBahn installed on a stand-alone Windows XP installation on my laptop (but again, as Windows XP is an older platform, I am not thrilled to have to have a dedicated machine just for this application) - I'm going to see if there is any way I can lift this file from that installation.....

[MikeWire]

Rob, I get what you are trying to do, and I understand why. I am familiar with WINE, *nix (I'm a Linux fan too), OSX (meh), and most anything running on a box or device because it's what I do for a living. I work for a software developer and am a sys/network/app admin, and I understand why Bentley won't support what you are trying to do, and I think it's unreasonable for you to demand support on a platform that is not currently supported, let alone a Windows emulator. WINE does most of what Windows will do, but it's just a sub layer of a primary OS, so it's unrealistic to expect it to work just like it would on supported hardware.

In my experience with them (and many other system support groups), Bentley support is decent, as long as you are running their software on software platforms and hardware they support. That's pretty much a standard in the area of system and app development - if you are not thinking within their box, you get no love.

Don't get me wrong...I'm not saying you disagree with you...I get it man, and I feel for you, but you can't blame support for developers that are behind in the tech times. There is a reason they are not keeping up with technology, who knows why, so we have to get stuck using older platforms.

So anyway...enough of the geek drama. I'm game to load up an ISO and see if I can get to the point you are at, and see if I can do anything with WINE. You said you tried doing a VMWare install? I wonder if it's possible to activate eBahn, in VMWare or even Hyper-V and port that virtual over to WINE? Just a thought. Or, if you can load up your software, activate it, and create a virtual from a physical disk. We seem to be doing a lot of that for virtualization here at work recently, and it's fairly simple with the right tools and process.

[nihil]

Wow, this thread blew up, two years later...

I still do not have the Bentley manual running under WINE. I have it running under an XP instance on a VirtualBox VM. I would still like to get it running properly under WINE, and with a fully installed version on the VM it might be easier.

My plans for the carPC changed so I didn't bother pursuing it much further. Instead of a full PC with touchscreen, I'm using an Openmoko FreeRunner (Linux mobile phone) as the media player, and have moved GPS/Wifi needs to the daily carry phone (Motorola Droid).

I should have some time after new years to mess with it, the only reason I have that XP VM is for Bentley, and I'd just as soon get rid of it. Good to see that they're making a hardcopy manual now though, I wonder if my month of badgering them had any contribution toward that (I hope so).

[a4darkness]

Moving on, a4darkness, thanks for your post - probably the most relevant, however using an emulator does not solve the particular issue some of us are having using WINE. With the emulator (I too have parallels) you still need the entire Windows OS. Have you looked into WINE? I have it installed on my Mac Book Air and I can run VAG COM without a hitch - no need for memory hogging emulation software, no USB interface issues, no need for Boot Camp or the Windows OS to be installed on your machine. Only hitch (so far) concerning the use of WINE and the eBahn reader is this missing regform.hsp which nihil ran into.

Oh come on now Rob, the moment you start calling my posts 'most relevant' and ppl are gonna expect things outta me. And we can't be havin that. lol

And no, I've not... but only b/c I've always been under the impression that the programs in question required the actual Windows environment to run (not so much that Wine wouldn't work, so to speak). I will certainly look into it, thanks for laying it out for me.