Spyder2 Express Error messages

I got my spyder2express and tried it out yesterday.

Running the software on two different XP machines, I get an error message about an improper reading from the device... funny thing is, this error appears before I'm even prompted to put the device against the screen. I've downloaded latest software, and still get the same error message every time.

Clicking ok, it then prompts me to put device on screen, and runs through the test, and creates a profile.

On my desktop the before and after images it shows are noticably different. On my laptop screen I can't tell any difference at all.

Questions are:

1) Anyone else getting those strange error messages?
2) Is it odd that laptop screen shows no change? (I haven't had any particular problems with print matching monitor, but it is a 3 year old laptop, I expected to see some change.)
3) When finished, what should I see under display properties... should the color management tab list the new profile. I think I had to add it in manually, but if the spyder is running in the startup folder, does that mean it is applying that calibration twice? Also, I downloaded the Window Color app, what should I be seeing there?
4) Adobe Gamma isn't loading from my startup folder, but it is still in the control panel... does it need to be removed somehow?

PS: I may try out older version of software when I get home, as it allows for Native White point for LCD displays instead of 6500k.... just to see if that makes a difference.

Sorry about all the questions. As I've said, I've never had a particular problem with screen vs. print (I mainly use laptop) but have always wanted to make sure, esp. when so many see a drastic difference.
Thanks

I haven't seen that message before. Perhaps the drivers need updating. Did you install the software before plugging in the device? I haven't tried my laptop but I have heard of others having trouble with laptops as well. When the profile gets created it should be placed in the Color Managment tab and set as your default. At least that is what mine did on three seperate systems.

ok, thanks...
yeah I installed everything before plugging in for the first time. I tried the latest drivers/software too (on laptop only so far)

I'll probably try to do uninstall, and set everything back to normal, and try from scratch, though. Thought those errors might be common, since it happened on two systems before ever placing spyder on screen.

I had the same messages, just ignore them. I had those same errors. I don't remember seeing them after upgrading to the newest version. Don't forget about the reminder that will come up after two weeks. I think the newest version tells you to set that at the beginning. A lot of people like me were getting the reminder to re-calibrate after 2 weeks. You can turn it off by opening the program and going to file>preferences. It can be changed there.

I also tried calibrating a laptop, it too wasn't that different from the original. It just might be that LCDs color gamut is soo much smaller than a CRT that it isn't as noticeably different as a CRT. I am sure the colors are there, but a CRT can disply gradients more finely.

Thanks EOS MAN

I'm glad I wasn't the only one seeing it.

I read the FAQ at colorvision, and looks like some ATI laptop cards drivers don't allow changes to the LUT. The workaround is kinda odd (I did it about 6 months ago actually, for other reasons, but then reinstalled Windows, and never got around to it again.)

You have to download a desktop ati catalyst driver, a modtool from driverheaven.net, and basically install the desktop driver set onto the laptop... (support for laptop videocards falls onto computer maker... and computer makers would basically rather have you buy a new computer than update the drivers for you. This workaround lets you use newer drivers for these cards.)

I might not have time to try it tonight, but if you have an ATI card in your laptop, you might want to take a look into that.

Yeah I had those messages too. I got it to work after messing around with it. Results sucked. When to Eye One and not had one problem since. Colors came out right.

Well, I did the modtool for the ATI drivers from driverheaven.net, and after calibration on my laptop, I now see a difference! Things look pretty good. Haven't printed yet, but the before/after image took away a blue tint from all the whites, and warmed up the colors... I think my eyes are starting to adjust to it, but at first it appeared odd.

It would be nice if Colorvision would recognize when you have one of these mobility ATI cards and warn you about that... I wonder how many people have calibrated their Laptops, and seen no changes, and took the issue no further?