Software FAQ’s

OPTI-SAFE+ (All types)

Q: Which operating systems work with OPTI-SAFE+?

A: OPTI-SAFE+ works with Novell, Windows, (3.1x, 95/98, ME, 2000, NT & XP), OS/2 Warp and DOS.

Q: What are the hardware requirements for running OPTI-SAFE+?

A: (1) A personal computer with a supported operating system (OS); (2) An available serial port (RS232) or USB; (3) An OPTI-UPS VS, BT, ES, or PS uninterruptible power supply.

Q: What if there is no free serial port? Can OPTI-SAFE+ share serial ports?

A: OPTI-SAFE+ requires a dedicated serial port. In this case you are suggested to: (1) use the USB port if your PC supports it. USB adapters can be purchased from OPTI-UPS sales department; (2) Add an additional I/O card (call any computer shop) to create a new serial port in your PC.

Q: Why would I want to use OPTI-SAFE+?

A: OPTI-SAFE+ provides the combined power control system capability to: (1) Perform an unattended shut down of operating systems and save work in progress; (2) Perform tiered shutdowns of networks to insure that no information is lost; (3) Schedule automatic self-testing to insure that the system will always work when needed; (4) Record power conditions so that data may be analyzed to find power problems; (5) Contact users via network pop-ups, e-mail, and pagers in the event of a power failure; (6) Provide at a single glance all pertinent information about current power conditions.

Q: Can OPTI-SAFE+ be used with UPS's from other manufacturers?

A: No. Usually UPS manufacturers design their management software on its own protocal (communication method between PC and UPS), so you can not use an APC software on Tripplite UPS or OPTI-UPS. Some small UPS vendors outsource software, so you might be able to use A-brand software on B-brand UPS. Besides, the cables that come with the UPS are also different.

Q: I get the message "Communication Lost" (or "No Local Agent"), what could cause this?

A: (1) Check if your UPS is turned on; (2) Check if the cable is well pluged into the serial port; (3) Enter "OPTI-SAFE+ manager", find the botton "settings" and check if the selected port (COM1 to COM4) is the same as where your PC serial port is located. OPTI-SAFE+ default port is COM2; (4) Find "OPTI-SAFE+ monitor" on the system tray of the Windows desktop.Click the mouse right button, find the "option", check if the correct "communication port" is selected.

OPTI-SAFE+ for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP

Q: I get the message "TCP/IP Protocol is not installed, Remote Management of this stations UPS from other stations will be disabled". What does this mean?

A: TCP/IP is the protocol OPTI-SAFE+ uses for remote management over a network. If this protocol is not loaded on your network, or if your computer is a stand alone system, then you will not be able to use the remote management features of the software. The software will still provide full management capabilities of your UPS.

OPTI-SAFE+ for DOS/Windows 3.1x

Q: I get the message "OPTI-SAFE+ for Windows DOS TSR is not loaded." What is wrong?

A: The DOS monitoring program did not load. Check the Autoexec.bat file to see if the command line optiplus.exe is loaded before the command line that loads Windows.

Q: The system reports that communications is lost in both Windows and DOS. How is this fixed?

A:
(1) Make sure that the communications cable connects the communications port of the UPS to a dedicated serial port on the host system;
(2) Make sure that no other driver is trying to access the same port;
(3) Verify that OPTI-SAFE+ is set to the correct communications port. If it is not set to the correct port, the setting must be corrected and the system rebooted to incorporate the change. (Please note that some computer motherboards may require jumper changes to alter the communication port settings.)
(4) Test the communications port with another device, such as a serial mouse, to verify that it is working properly.

Q: OPTI-SAFE+ loops continuously during DOS shutdown when using DOSShell or other DOS applications. How can this be fixed?

A: The exit procedure for DOSShell or the other DOS applications needs to be defined in the Keys section of OPTI-SAFE+ (DOS version only).

Q: How much memory is taken up by the OPTI-SAFE+ DOS TSR?

A: The file size is 39K.

Q: How do you remove the TSR from memory?

A: From a DOS prompt, type < optiplus -r >. TSRs must be removed in the reverse of the order in which they were installed or you will be unable to remove them.

OPTI-SAFE+ Novell and Netware

Q: The Novell Netware file server reports that communications is lost. What is the problem?

A:
(1) Make sure that the communications cable is securely fastened to the appropriate ports on the UPS and the host system.
(2) Check that no other drivers are trying to use the same port as the UPS.
(3) Be sure that OPTI-SAFE+ is set to the correct communications port. Make sure that AIO has been loaded. Also make sure that the AICOMX has been loaded once for Board 0 Port 0 (COM 1) and twice for Board 1 Port 0 (COM2).

Q: The server gives the message "Hardware interrupt controller error, lost hardware interrupt."  What should be done?

A: Make sure that you are using the original AIOCOMX.NLM driver that came with your version of Netware. If you have updated your AIOCOMX driver with the patch program from Novell, you must get the original driver from Novell.

Hardware FAQ's

General UPS Questions

Q: When replacing the battery, how can we know if the battery is good or bad? If the problems comes from battery or unit?

A:
(1) After changing the battery, turn on the UPS and plug your system into the UPS battery outlet. (2) Press the test switch or pull out the UPS input power cord to test if the battery can backup the system. If yes, then the battery is good. Then drain the battery until the UPS shutdown, plug in the AC power to turn on the unit. Keep charging the battery for 6 ~8 hours, then recheck if the UPS can backup your system or not. If yes, your battery is very healthy.

If the UPS is operational on AC mode but shuts down when there is a power failure, this signifies that the battery is bad and needs to be replaced. Some OPTI-UPS models can show the battery status even on the front panel.

Q: What does the light indicator mean?

A: Please see the chapter 1 in user's manual "front panel indicator", you will get very clear information for each light indicator.

Q: UPS unit won't power up, what can I do?

A: Should your UPS unit fail to turn on while its power cord is unplugged from the AC outlet, the unit's battery is out of power and needs recharging. If the power cord is plugged into the AC outlet, please contact OPTI-UPS technical support: optitech@opti-ups.com

Q: How do you determine if the battery needs to be replaced?

A:
(1) If the UPS shutdowns immediately when you press the "test" botton on the front panel on AC mode;
(2) If the UPS is working on AC mode, but not working on backup mode => both symptoms mean you should replace the battery. You are suggested to replace the battery every 2 years.

Q: What is the warranty for OPTI-UPS units?

A: OPTI-UPS offers 3 year limited warranty in the US.

Q: What standards do the OPTI-UPS units meet?

A: All of our OPTI-UPS products meet important safety standards which are required not only in the USA, but also in other countries, such as "The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard", the equivalent CUL (Canadian UL) standard, FCC, CE TUV, C-Tick, A-Tick, Rostest (in Russia) and etc.

Q: I need to connect more items to the UPS than there are outlets. Can a power strip be used with your UPS?

A: Yes, under some conditions. If your UPS is a sine-wave type, you can use a power strip with no problem. If your UPS is step-wave type, please use the power strip without the function of surge protection.

Q: What are examples of items that I can plug into my UPS?

A: For any type of UPS, it can be used in conjunction with a PC, server, inkjet printer, monitor (CRT & LCD), scanner. For the sine-wave UPS: it truly is needed for audio recording systems . For the step-wave UPS: home entertainment systems benefit greatly. If you need to connect some special items, please check with OPTI-UPS Customer Service.

Q: What is the typical back-up time for a UPS?

A: Please click Runtime chart for details.

Q: How do I determine the size of UPS needed?

A: UPS's are rated in Volt Amps (VA). It equals to voltage times amps (12V times 3A = 36VA on 15 inch LCD monitor, for example). The easiest way find out the total load (VA) of your equipments is just to look at the back of the device. Usually a desktop computer and a 15 inch LCD monitor require 186VA (PC:1.25Ax120V=150VA + Monitor: 12Vx3A=36VA). Then sum up the total VA of the equipments in which you are going to use with the UPS. Choose a UPS with more VA than you are actually required (for future upgrades and to avoid overloading the ups).

Q: Can I use an OPTI-UPS in my home office?

A: Absolutely. We recommend the ES and PS series.

Q: What causes the UPS to switch to battery or into Boost/Buck mode often?

A: Usually it is caused when the input voltage is beyond the highest or the lowest transfer point of the UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulator). If your UPS switches to battery power very frequently, we recommend you to lower the low voltage transfer points through OPTI-SAFE+ software or adjust the rear panel dip switches (ES/PS models). (Note: transfer points are not adjustable on the VS/BT models).

Q: The UPS will not turn on and the alarm is not sounding. What could cause this?

A: Check if the circuit breaker on the back of the UPS has popped out. Push the breaker button to reset it. If the UPS still doesn't work, contact optitech@opti-ups.com.

Q: Can a single OPTI-UPS be used for both 120V and 230V input power?

A: No. UPS is a power product and therefore you must use the UPS with the correct input voltage.

Q: Can a single OPTI-UPS be used for both 50Hz and 60Hz input power?

A: Yes. Our models can automactically detect and adapt the input power frequency.

Q: How long should the UPS be charged before connecting equipment to it?

A: 4-6 hours.

Q: Why is the Site Wiring Fault Indicator (rear red LED) on continuously?

A: This is caused by a faulty ground or the reversal connection of the Line and Neutral wires. Some older houses do not have their power plugs grounded, in this case, the indicator will continously be on. However, that will not affect the UPS's performance, so don't worry and simply leave it alone.

Q: What is a Data Line Surge Suppresser Port?

A: This port is designed to protect phone/modem line (RJ-11) and 10/100Base T (RJ-45) network line (LAN). This protects your data lines from surges.

Q: How long should a UPS battery be expected to last before needing replacement?

A: Under normal conditions, a battery should last from three (3) to five (5) years. However, we suggest to replace the battery every 2 years.

Q: Where can replacement batteries be purchased?

A: Please refer to OPTI-UPS accessories. If you can not find the required battery, please contact optitech@opti-ups.com.

Q: Will the UPS have to be shut off to change the batteries?

A: No. OPTI-UPS batteries are hot-swappable. That means the batteries can be replaced without turning off the connected equipment or unplugging the UPS. Refer to the safety instruction in your User's Manual.

PowerVS Questions

Q: Why should I buy a PowerVS model OPTI-UPS?

A: The OPTI-UPS PowerVS value series models are designed to protect your computer equipment from blackouts, brownouts, spikes, surges and sags. With more battery backup power than any other models in their class, the PowerVS models feature user changeable batteries and include Internet/network surge protection for your RJ11/RJ45 lines. They also provide a surge only outlet for your laser printer, or another device which does not require battery backup. Nothing else comes close to offering this level of performance for the money.

Q: When I connect the input power cord to the wall outlet and turn on the power button, nothing happens. What does this mean?

A: Check if the circuit breaker on the back of the UPS has popped out. If yes, push it in to reset it. If the UPS still doesn't work, contact optitech@opti-ups.com

PowerES Questions

Q: Why should I buy a PowerES model OPTI-UPS?

A: The OPTI-UPS PowerES enhanced series models are an advanced line of intelligent UPSs designed to protect your computer equipment from blackouts, brownouts, spikes, surges and sags. All ES models support Plug and Play for Windows 95/98, feature automatic voltage regulation, hot-swappable batteries, and include the OPTI-SAFE+ Power Management Suite CD-ROM. They also provide Internet/network surge protection for your RJ11/RJ45 lines. Nothing else comes close to offering this level of performance for the money.

Q: When I connect the input power cord to the wall outlet and turn on the unit nothing happens, what does this mean?

A: Check if the circuit breaker on the back of the UPS has popped out. If yes, push it in to reset it. If the UPS still doesn't work, contact optitech@opti-ups.com

Q: What causes the UPS Replace Battery LED (red) to be lit?

A: That means battery is dead. Please replace the battery.

PowerPS Questions

Q: Why should I buy a PowerPS model OPTI-UPS?

A: The OPTI-UPS PowerPS professional series models are intelligent true sine wave UPSs designed to protect your computer equipment from blackouts, brownouts, spikes, surges and sags. All PS models support Plug and Play for Windows 95/98, feature automatic voltage regulation, hot-swappable batteries, and include the OPTI-SAFE+ Power Management Suite CD-ROM. Other features include data-line protection, independent outlet control, and a built-in SNMP slot on the PS1100 and PS1440 models.

Q: When I connect the input power cord to the wall outlet and turn on the unit nothing happens, what does this mean?

A: Check if the circuit breaker on the back of the UPS has popped out. If yes, push it in to reset it. If the UPS still doesn't work, contact optitech@opti-ups.com

Q: What causes the UPS Replace Battery LED (red) to be lit?

A: The battery voltage is low. Let the UPS recharge the battery overnight and restart the UPS by turning it off and on again. If the LED is still lit, replace the battery.

Q: Why is there no output power on two or more of the PS model outlets

A: To save power for more important equipments, PS model has smart "independent outlet control" function. That means you can turn off the 3rd and 4th outlets through software setting. Please refer to PS user's manual for the setting. In default the 3rd and 4th outlets will be turned off automatically 1 min. after the battery starts the backup power.

Networking FAQ's

Q: What are the advantages of using OPTI-UPS and OPTI-SAFE+ with a network?

A: All of OPTI-UPS models along with our OPTI-SAFE+ power management software give network managers total control over the power to their network. OPTI-SAFE+ monitors the power to each of the servers, hubs, and workstations and immediately warns of problems as they happen. This combination guarantees that data will be protected by logging off and saving files on workstations before shutting down affected file servers. Furthermore, with our SNMP Adapter, managers are able to control our UPS in remote locations for both monitoring and remote restarts.

Q: Can I use a single UPS to power multiple systems and still have them all shut down using OPTI-SAFE+?

A: Yes, OPTI-SAFE+ has a "dependent shutdown" function which helps to shutdown all of the systems plugged into UPS. Besides, the major system (where you install OPTI-SAFE+) can be set to be shut down after all of the other equipments are turned off.

Q: Which client/servers programs are supported by OPTI-SAFE+?

A: Novell Netware, Windows series, Linux.

Q: Which E-Mail systems are supported by the OPTI-SAFE+ E-Mail function?

A: Under Novell Netware, MHS is supported. Microsoft Mail is supported under Windows NT2000/XP and Microsoft Exchange is supported under Windows 95/98/ME.

Accessories FAQ's

USB Adapter Questions (PN: USB-ADP)

Q: What is an USB Adapter?

A: A USB Adapter is a device designed to connect your OPTI-UPS directly to the Universal Serial Bus on your PC and still allow you to have the full functionality of the OPTI-SAFE+ software. The Adapter is directly connected to both the computer and the UPS. The Adapter is an optional item and can be purchased from or OPTI-UPS sales department. (Refer to Accessories for more information)

Q: Why do I need a USB Adapter?

A: Most computer systems these days are short on com ports and IRQs. The USB Adapter allows you to connect your OPTI-UPS unit directly to the USB port and save your serial ports for other devices.

Q: How to replace a battery?

A: Please find the procedures in the user's manual or refer to the battery replacement page on this site.