Hardware the software needs
Older systems talk to the controller through PCI or PCIe cards and dongles that only fit certain machines. A new off-the-shelf PC will not work without the right slots and drivers.
Confocal service / PC recovery
Confocal computer failed: PC recovery and replacement
The confocal is healthy but the Windows XP or Windows 7 PC that runs it has died. We recover the configuration, replace the computer and get ZEN, AIM, LAS, FluoView or NIS-Elements running again.
NationwideOn-site service anywhere in the US, or on our bench in Newport, RI
Free assessmentNo charge to review the symptom and quote the work
30-day warrantyOn the parts and labor we install
Fully insuredLiability and equipment coverage, COI on request
Why the PC is the weak point
Most confocals outlive their computers by a decade.
Software the OEM no longer supplies
AIM, early ZEN, LAS AF and FluoView versions are not downloadable. If the install media and license are gone with the old disk, the system is down until they are recovered.
Configuration files
Laser tables, detector calibrations and hardware databases live on that PC. Without them a reinstall does not know what the confocal is.
Windows updates and IT policies
A forced update, an antivirus install or a domain policy can break a working system. These PCs usually need to stay off the network.
What we do
Recover first, replace second. Most of the value is in what is on the old disk.
- Image the failing disk and recover the software, license files and hardware configuration
- Supply a replacement PC with the slots the controller cards need, or repair the original
- Reinstall and license ZEN or AIM on Zeiss systems; LAS, FluoView and NIS-Elements evaluated per system
- Reinstall controller cards and drivers, restore configuration and verify every laser, detector and stage axis
- Set up a backup of the system files so this does not happen twice
- Advise on keeping the system PC isolated from updates and domain policies
What to send for a fast quote
Anything you do not know, we will find on the first call.
- Confocal model and software (for example LSM 510 with AIM 4.2, or SP5 with LAS AF)
- Windows version on the old PC
- What happened: will not boot, blue screen, disk failure, software will not connect
- Whether you have the install media, license files or a dongle
- Whether the old disk still spins up
How a service call runs
The same four steps whether it is a down laser or an annual PM.
Tell us the symptom
An engineer, not a call center, reviews your request and asks the few questions that narrow it down.
Get an estimate
You get an advance estimate, refined with scope, parts and lead time once the system is evaluated. You approve before work starts.
We do the work
On site in your lab, or crated and repaired on our bench. Lasers measured, optics cleaned, scan path aligned.
Report and warranty
A written service report with the measurements taken, plus 30 days of coverage on parts and labor.
Zeiss LSM?
Controller PC and operating system upgrades for older LSM systems are available as optional coverage on our all-inclusive Zeiss LSM contracts, and a backup of critical system files is taken at every PM visit.
Questions labs ask us
Can an old confocal run on a new computer?
Usually, if the new computer has the slots the controller cards need and the software can be reinstalled and licensed. We supply PCs built for that, or repair the original when that is the better option.
We lost the install media. Is the system finished?
Not necessarily. If the old disk still spins we can usually image it and recover the software and license files. Send the model and software version and we will tell you what is possible.
Can you replace a Windows XP PC on our LSM 510?
Yes. AIM-based LSM 510 systems are among the most common PC replacements we do, and we restore the hardware configuration so the system scans as before.
Do you do this for Leica, Olympus and Nikon confocals?
On a system by system basis. Zeiss ZEN and AIM systems are covered under our contracts; other software is evaluated and quoted per system.
Should the confocal PC be on the network?
Ideally no. Windows updates, antivirus and domain policies break more confocal PCs than hardware does. We set up file transfer so the PC can stay isolated.
Request a free service assessment
Tell us the manufacturer, model and what the system is doing. An engineer reviews every request.
No obligation and no charge for the assessment.