Media Cat Chain Letter

[HarleyT]

The mediacat is gone.
They had a newer version in 2013, but no one could break the date expiration.
Now Stihl uses Partsmart...

 

[HarleyT]

2012 is as good as you'll get.

 

[HarleyT]

I had my hands on the 2013 version, sent it to a comp guru, he sent it back. And after the date expired, even turning back my computer didn't work.

 

[HarleyT]

2014 or so, it went to Partsmart....

 

[dp0350]

I received and sent out a few copies of the old one required date roll-back. If someone wouldn’t mind sending out the 2012 version that doesn’t need date roll-back, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

That later v5 version ran until Jan. 2015. A date rollback still works on my first 2013 version. I thought it was pretty klunky myself. Anything I need that's not on the last v3.33 disc I can usually get from the "Beg" thread pretty quick. The real beauty of MediaCAT is the search and parts cross-ref feature anyway...., usually pertaining to the older common stuff vs. the newer products.

What we really need is someone with way too much spare time and a library of the old hard copy manuals and tech notes to digitize and convert em to PDF. Now that stuff is golden. I've done quite a bit of 1111 series digitizing and started on the 1115 stuff. Very time consuming. Shame they don't have any of that older material in MediaCAT (or any of the digital resources for that matter).

 

[HarleyT]

Ray Benson is "that" guy!!!

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

Tru dat. He has all of my 1111 and 1115 series stuff. I've seen it pop up here and there. Glad to see it being circulated.

 

[TheTone]

2012 is as good as you'll get.

I received and sent out a few copies of the old one required date roll-back. If someone wouldn’t mind sending out the 2012 version that doesn’t need date roll-back, I would greatly appreciate it.

PM me your mailing address.

 

[dp0350]

PM me your mailing address.

PM sent. Thanks so much!

 

[dp0350]

TheTone was nice enough to send me a copy. I would be glad to send a few out if some folks still need a copy of v3.33

 

[balan]

TheTone was nice enough to send me a copy. I would be glad to send a few out if some folks still need a copy of v3.33

I would accept a copy if possible. Anything to help as I start getting into repairing some chainsaws would be much appreciated.

 

[dp0350]

I would accept a copy if possible. Anything to help as I start getting into repairing some chainsaws would be much appreciated.

PM me your address and I will send one out.

 

[TheTone]

The .iso file (like a disc image) for 2012 MediaCAT is 1 GB. If someone has an email service where they can send a file of this size, then postage, packaging, and copying could be eliminated for those recipients who are somewhat computer savvy. Supposedly, you can burn a DVD from an iso file with Windows 7, 8.1, and 10. Free burning software is also available to download. The person receiving the iso file could then make his own disc. This would make it more like the Beg for Manuals thread, but the file would not actually be posted on the web. Apologies in advance if this idea has already been proposed and rejected for some reason.

 

[HarleyT]

There have been several attempts on here to make this into something e-mail-able, and I think a couple had worked, but somehow it didn't last. I am fairly computer illiterate, and am only to handle a cd/dvd that you stick in, and the computer takes it from there....
But if someone has a better way, hey, I am all for it.

It is a shame, I like the Mediacat setup a lot better than Partsmart..

 

[balan]

PM me your address and I will send one out.

PM sent. Thank you!

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

I've made digital copies available for a couple folks and it's pretty simple either by disc image or an extracted working copy. The .iso is the easy way to go depending on the recipient's disc management skill level. An extracted disc copy containing the setup.exe and all the necessary contents made from an existing installation can also be digitally transferred via Google Drive or other such sharing facilities, but certain directories need to be located in certain places in a new installation for it to work right. Not necessarily the best way for then turning around and making a usable self installing copy for someone else. By far the simplest and most reliable way is a direct disc copy sent through the mail. Should only cost 60 to 90 cents if you use a small 'calendar' envelope without the little brass hasp thingie. Wrap the disc in half a paper towel for cushion and write 'Non-Machinable' on the front so it doesn't go through the severe bending a typical letter would. I've sent out a ton of these and never had one damaged in transit doing it that way. The only reason I tried the digital file transfers was to get copies to locations (Europe and Australia) where the mailing cost seemed to be keeping others from honoring the requests. In turn there are now viable sources there to honor requests from those locations. Seemed worthwhile at the time but I haven't seen any new requests from either location since. LOL

 

[dp0350]

It’s absolutely possible, that’s how just about every program is packaged on torrent sites. I was going to put the ISO on one of the Mega Upload type sites and send the link around. However, being comfortable with mounting an image (ISO) to include installing the mounting software (Windows 8 and newer mounts ISOs w/o additional software) may be a barrier for some. Once mounted, the steps are identical to inserting a DVD into the physical drive. Basically on Windows 8 and 10 all you would need to do is download the ISO file from a link and double click it.

 

[SteveSr]

Hello,

I think that part of the issue with parking the ISO somewhere is that Stihl will eventually find it and order it removed due to DMCA copyright issues. Same thing happens with auto mobile service information. Can't do that with a DVD in the mail!

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

Then there's that.

It would need to be done 'Beg for Manuals' style. Convenient for some, but defeats the initial purpose and spirit (and novelty/fun?) of the 'chain letter' idea.