You seem ready to do some real troubleshooting.
I’m not sure how far you’d like to go so feel free to take any part (or all) of my suggestions.

There were many tips posted already on this (current) forum before, eg this post; Viewer Deluxe chessforum The Java console is a tool that let us see what’s going on inside the JVM and/or CVD. Hopefully, you can get out some messages or further info. Some of these logs can be pretty large so I’d rather have them e-mailed to me.

For the record, loading of the PGN file is done in a separate thread and some browsers (or JVMs) may delay its execution. Have you tried giving it a minute or two (just waiting) before you give up? (I’m not saying it should normally behave like that but it’s possible)

My first question is, how do I get hold of a Java Console application that would work with my set up though?

I am running Knoppix 5.1.0

This comes with two browsers, Iceweasel which I think is basically Firefox and Konqueror (CVD does not work on either of them.)

If you can send me instructions on how to go about starting the troubleshooting then I will give it my best shot.

I will have a play with it and see what I can do.

Assuming I can get hold of a log file, where should I email it?

Are they the files you are interested in?

I think I could get the hang of this with a bit of practice.

Thanks.

In fact you’re better than fine, see how you already figured the JC on Knoppix. I couldn’t have helped you there since JC is slightly different on different *nix OS.

What I know for sure is that the Java-plugin is very important and there’re some issues with it. Also, try using Sun’s Java (ie JRE) if you can (I have no idea which one is bundled with Knoppix). For Linux Sun insists that JRE should use GNOME. Again, you have to try it before you draw conclusions. I noticed that Knoppix has some startup options that can let you run GNOME instead of KDE but don’t take my word for granted.

I emailed you the log and trace files with trace levels 1 and 5.

Let me know if you would like the other trace levels done as well, but I'm not sure I am doing it right so I will wait and see what you say.

<For Linux Sun insists that JRE should use GNOME. Again, you have to try it before you draw conclusions. I noticed that Knoppix has some startup options that can let you run GNOME instead of KDE but don�t take my word for granted.>

I'm afraid I don't know what JRE and GNOME or KDE are, could you explain it to me? I will try and see if I can do it then.

Thanks.

Supporting Java on Linux isn’t straightforward and you’ve already noticed it. I’m not an expert on the subject and there’re many forums and papers that can give you better idea why and how things should be done.

Let’s take a look at this document from Sun:
http://java.sun.com/javase/6/webnot... There are Platform, Version and Desktop Manager columns which explain further the product availability. 1) You won’t be able to find Knoppix under “Version” column of supported Linux configurations; 2) Under “Desktop Manager” column only Gnome is listed as supported on Linux;

By default many Linux systems run KDE as a “Desktop Manager” and you have to change that to Gnome to make sure your JRE is supported. Otherwise it may or may not work, or even just appear to be working at times and fail the next day.

And yes, all the log files you send me indicate that you’re using Sun’s JRE 1.5.0.

I got the viewer running under KDE on Kubuntu, with firefox.

To them and anybody else who cares, my <PGN Validator> tool (see above) covers all of the important aspects that <YouRang> mentioned and more. Only moves that are true checks/mates will have a “+/#” indicator attached. Captures will always include a ‘x’ symbol. A carefully tested algorithm is used for resolving various ambiguity issues. Shortly, the PGN specification is followed very strictly.

Please, notice that by design the application works with and preserves the original PGN data exactly as submitted by the user. That’s very important until it gets completely validated. After that, in case you like the CVD’s output better, you should use “Copy Game (PGN)” function to get a nicely formatted PGN out of the viewer.