Easy Model Railroad Inventory software

[Trnsrus]

I am a long time user of this program but it has now become unstable. I have been experiencing frequent crashing of the Win10 OS when using EMRI, especially when editing records. The error message reads something on the order of:

"Windows Insider Build ran into a problem and must shut down. We're just collecting some error info, and then we'll restart for you." The system then counts up from 0% to100% and restarts. Upon re-opening EMRI, the edit underway at the time of the crash is lost.

My inventory has over 1000 items and I want to avoid switching to a new program. Has anyone else experienced this problem or know of a work-around?

Barry Cutaia

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I've never used it, but I'm a big fan of a simple Google spreadsheet (you know, until Google EOLs all of that stuff like they seem to do to everything else when they get bored with it).

[thomasjmdavis]

I would consult with Microsoft on the best way to resolve the conflict between Win10, the Insider updates, and the EMRI software.  I hesitate to offer more advice, as I would not want to make matters worse with a "best guess". 

[wazzou]

I’ve heard people say good things about Yard Office.

[u18b]

I know, I'm in the VAST minority.....

But I hate Windows.

I use Linux Mint.

I only use Windows when I absolutely must (like Corel Draw and ESU Lokprogrammer).

[GaryHinshaw]

I can't offer any help with the OP's problem, but I've started putting my inventory (cars & locos) into jmri Operations.  In theory, if my crews play their cards right, it will tell me where on the layout (or in storage) a given car or loco is.  I'll report back in a year to see how well theory matches practice... 

Even if you don't operate, the car & loco database in the program is pretty simple to populate and maintain as a static database.  If you're already a jmri user (DecoderPro, PanelPro) you get one stop shopping.

[Trnsrus]

I would consult with Microsoft on the best way to resolve the conflict...

Thanks for the suggestion. I was advised that because EMRI was written for an earlier version of Windows and is now unsupported, Microsoft would be unable/unwilling to help.  Would be interested in hearing any other suggestions you may have.

[thomasjmdavis]

Thanks for the suggestion. I was advised that because EMRI was written for an earlier version of Windows and is now unsupported, Microsoft would be unable/unwilling to help.  Would be interested in hearing any other suggestions you may have.

@Trnsrus - which version of EMRI are you using?  From a quick google search, I found a version 8.5 that according to the website distributing it, is Windows 10 compatible. (With all the websites out there with "free" software, I hesitate to link to it, because I don't know whether it is legit or not).  In any case, if you do not have the most recent version of the EMRI, you may need to update it.

The reason I suggested contacting Microsoft was because your OP suggested that the issue was between Microsoft Insider (not the operating system, per se) and the EMRI software.  Like Ron Beardon up above, I switched to Linux years ago, but my understanding is that "Insider" is, essentially, an app that makes you a beta tester for Microsoft.  So, an "Insider build" may include updates or software that are still in development.

Did the EMRI software EVER work on your Windows 10 system?  If yes, then I would suggest that it is in conflict with an update (one of the reasons I went to Linux).

Microsoft has, at times, marketed utilities that allow the OS to operate as if it were an older OS (in my case, so that i could run XP software on Vista).  Which might be another possible solution.

What is the file extension of the EMRI data files?  It may be possible to convert them to Microsoft or open source files, or figure out a way to import them into JMRI.

[Trnsrus]

@thomasjmdavis,  I am running EMRI ver. 8.5. The data files have .tps extensions according to the EMRI user manual. I ran the "compatibility troubleshooter" from the Compatibility Tab on the EMRI Properties window using both Win 7 and Win 8 modes and applied recommended settings but still experiencing the problem. Don't recall when problem began, relative to Win10 upgrade.