Troubleshooting Proteus: Failure at startup, workaround; fixed release posted
Troubleshooting Proteus: Failure at startup, workaround; fixed release posted
Several readers have confirmed a bug in the multi-service instant messaging client, Proteus, developed by Alien Technology.
The problem causes the application fails to start up properly, stating that users' accounts are "disconnected". The problem occurs because Proteus is attempting to do a DNS lookup on indigofield.com, and this lookup is failing. Apparently, the lookup failure causes the application to cease account connection capabilities.
Peter Johnson offers a workaround that can be performed in the Terminal. Exit Proteus if you have it open, launch the Terminal, and type the following:
- cd /
- cd etc
- sudo pico hosts
- (enter your admin password here)
Then enter the following line to the file: 127.0.0.1 indigofield.com
Quit the Terminal and launch Proteus.
UPDATE: Fix Posted The version 2.2 alpha 17 build of Proteus, released this afternoon, fixes the problem. A message on the Proteus discussion board reads:
"There was a problem with a16 that was brought to light by my host going down. I am releasing this version of a17 in the interim to remedy the situation. A DNS request will no longer be sent to indigofield.com upon connection to an account. I apologize for any trouble this may have caused.
"So far, the message layout is fixed, and the old classic view is not available, if you want the old text layout, you'll have to stick with a16 for a little while (not long). Text selection in the new message layout has a few problems, you can only select blocks of text at once, this will be fixed soon too. There are some layout problems with it too, but these can be fixed by just resizing the window, all will return to normal.
"Just keep an eye on the message board, and I'll keep you posted on the status of things."
Download Proteus 2.2 alpha 17 [5.2 MB]
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