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| Guys
You're not gonna believe what just happened?
As I writing my 216 exam in a Prometric centre, moments before I was supposed to click finish, the screen blanked out and the welcome screen appeared out of nowhere.
The centre admin people did all they could to recover. Every reboot just appeared with a new test. I was later told that its now up to Prometric Australia to try to recover the exam and remark.
Talk about the 'beast' - it definitely went berserk this time (lol).
Anyone with similar experiences. I was also told that this is the 3rd time this happened (the previous times were recoverable).
If I have to resit, the 'test people' owe me big time! I'm just too knuckled to feel anything now. When someone wishes you luck on an exam, believe me, you gonna need it. | |
| unreal 2003-03-10, 2:41 am |
| And I thought my unpleasant experience of Computer 'freezing' was 'bad'. For me, it was when I enter completed the exam, and was told to input comments on every question ! So I just click next , one after the other, and I couldn't figure out how to skip. So I just kept clicking 'next' ,'next '......until the computer 'freezes'.
Then I thought , 'Oh Lord, I've to resit the exam ?".
But luckily, the supervisor came back from lunch and was able to retrieve the 'session' that was saved, it even allow to complete the exam, with some time left.
If I'm not wronged, I think your 'session' should be 'saved', before the computer 'freezes'. I think probably won't need to resit the exam. That's just my opinion, hopefully it will come to pass.
As I think , Prometric systems are quite 'fault-tolerant'.
But good luck to you  | |
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| Ya, I just thought I let off some steam. Its now like 32 hours since the exam and still no sign of any news. Man, I couldn't think of a better way to torture anyone on MCP exams than this.
Well, at worst I get to revisit the test again. I noted that the 1st test was 150 mins with 57Q. The next one I saw has got 180 mins on the clock with 57Q. Why the 30 mins difference?
Wish me luck! | |
| NetChild1985 2003-03-11, 11:02 am |
| quote:
Why the 30 mins difference?
Probably because you're in non-English-speaking country? | |
| unreal 2003-03-11, 7:49 pm |
| A word of consolation, ' Your'e not the only one who have problem with 216 '
That's why they call the 'beast' | |
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| andrewbishop 2003-03-12, 4:38 am |
| When will testing centers use up to date computers? | |
| unreal 2003-03-12, 7:23 am |
| But I think 'Testing Center' attitude towards their 'hardware' is the mere 'just ok', they won't bother giving test takers the top of the line computer with speed that goes up to Pentium 4 ,2.4 Mhz or above.
They'll try to squeeze every inch of their space they have to put in an extra test-desk, to cash in on another.
All most of you'll will agree, the first question they ask when we approach them to take the test is : "The amount for the test is $$$$$$", Please pay, I will return the 'change' after the test." .
They don't bother you pass the test or not. All they care is to collect the cash.
But I guesss that's 'life'  | |
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| Deja-vue 2003-03-12, 1:03 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by NetChild1985
LOL! Testing Windows skills on Linux boxes. That's pathetic!
Lol!
At least they won't crash! | |
| Preacher71 2003-03-12, 5:01 pm |
| I was minding my own business doing a killer job on 219. When this guy comes into the testing room and smells so bad that I was using the pit of my shirt to cut the smell. I tell you it was so bad that I left a few times and it only got worse. I told the test center I could not continue because it was so bad. (I got just over half way done and I had wrote a perfect exam to that point) I called the help center and after 30 minutes they refunded my exam. After this episode they now stipulate that you must be clean when writing exams at this exam center. | |
| luisjo 2003-03-12, 5:47 pm |
| with he smell so bad???? and attach a squirl, can you be more explanitive? | |
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| Sad state of affairs, ain't it?
Finally got a call yesterday after after 2 whole days. This geyser started by saying that its not his responsibility (then who is?) and that he has just seen the memo on the incident. He goes on to say that there are no tech guys around and he can't help me till tomorrow.
Let's see how he's going to resolve this problem. As far as I am concern, they're on trial here.  | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by NetChild1985
Probably because you're in non-English-speaking country?
Ok ... That doesn't explain why the previous test was 30 mins less.
I would not be surprised if questions selected for each test session has got a difficulty profile and compensated by different time allowances.
I don't think I want to find out! (LOL) | |
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| Finally got some news. It looks like they have really botched this one up. So much for the redundancies they built into the test machines.
They've lost my answers to 216 completely and I will have to resit. I tried to re-register for the next session and found out that 216 registration has been frozen for the time being.
I think this freeze affects the whole Asia Pacific region. I wonder if other regions are affected.
I'm pretty ok with the situation. Things can happen. What gets me is the poor customer care standards! | |
| steeda 2003-03-12, 7:57 pm |
| Linux has just as many problems as modern releases of Windows. Administer any sendmail systems lately? Where did the myth of Linux being so perfect come from? Test center machine crash because they are completely worn out. ( seized CPU fan, power supply fans, etc ). | |
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| This is not a hardware problem this time. Its got something to do with the new 216 test they loaded recently. It seems to be affecting other centres in the region. | |
| unreal 2003-03-12, 10:31 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by kuek
Finally got some news. It looks like they have really botched this one up. So much for the redundancies they built into the test machines.
They've lost my answers to 216 completely and I will have to resit. I tried to re-register for the next session and found out that 216 registration has been frozen for the time being.
It's an awfull experience !!!
Glad you took it like a 'Tiger'.
Might be good to try out other Testing Center, somewhere nearer to Town, which might have better systems. | |
| Sirius 2003-03-13, 4:00 am |
| Kuek
You should get some kind of compensation for all the stress and time wasted.
All I can say is good luck with the resit. | |
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| I'd like to thank everyone for letting me blow my top.
I'm over it and feeling like a tiger, can't wait to face the test again. I've been denied of a 4 letter credential for about a week now.
Order of biz:
1) Sort Prometric out (noted your suggestion Sirius)&
2) Have the beast for breakfast.
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| andrewbishop 2003-03-13, 6:43 am |
| It sounds like you guys have some pretty poor testing centers. The one that I mainly use has just a single computer in a completly closed off room, with a large window facing into the centers admin area. There is always a well stocked lolly bowl in the room and the people there always ask if you want to take a glass of water in there with you. They also seem to be happy for you when you pass an exam. They never seem to rush you. After hearing some of your tales, I don't think I'll complain to loudly about the monitor with the low refresh rate.. | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by andrewbishop
It sounds like you guys have some pretty poor testing centers. The one that I mainly use has just a single computer in a completly closed off room, with a large window facing into the centers admin area. There is always a well stocked lolly bowl in the room and the people there always ask if you want to take a glass of water in there with you. They also seem to be happy for you when you pass an exam. They never seem to rush you. After hearing some of your tales, I don't think I'll complain to loudly about the monitor with the low refresh rate..
Hmm... Andrew, if you have taken the time to read the posts, you'll realise that the problem is not the 'poor' testing centres with faulty equipment. Given that they are 'dated' P3 Compaq machines, they are well maintained. I take my hat off to them for their handling of the situation. Excellent crew!
The problem is the new test software they loaded onto the machines. It seems to be 'buggy' and its also affecting centres around the region so I'm told.
The Prometric guy in Sydney didn't even know that there was memo sitting in his mailbox for 2 days regarding my incident (He didn't even apologise). If I hadn't chase up for action, nothing would have happen. | |
| Teratoma 2003-03-13, 2:51 pm |
| I have to agree. The machines are fine enough. MS has been revising the exams and it looks they are up to 216. I hope they are done with 217 before I get to it.
I had a problem with the graphic on one of my questions. It was of DCHP server. Anything that was black was turned to white, so the only text I could read was text that was highlighted. All I saw were the words Scope Options. I gave my best guess, marked it and moved on (it Q #7). When I was done (30 min left) I left the room to find an test admin. She comes in and shuts down the PC. My heart stopped. "I hope you can get that back"...."No Problem" she said. 20 anxious minutes later she finally gets it reconnected so I could finish. The graphic was still wrong.
I think MS/Test Centers are trying to roll out these changes so quick that they aren't testing the software or content.
I hope they are letting you sit for free next time. One positive thing is that you got a great review of the actual exam...no better test prep than that. Good Luck. | |
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| Yep, wonder what they are doing about making sure their software worked right?
Why do they bother now? Considering that '03 is about to kick in.
They have definitely jazz up the graphics. I think they could be building on top of the old codes & somebody forget to test it before setting it up in production.
The new setups definitely needs 17" monitors. Spent a lot of time scrolling. Its a wonder they don't do customer perception audits of some kind. They probably won't sit for their own tests with the current interface, I suspect. | |
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| This is getting to be a really bad habit. Prometric (Australia) just cancelled their 216 exam. I booked for this afternoon.
I was told that they will still put it on hold for the foreseable future.
They've really scxxx up bad. They could at least have the courtesy of informing the candidates earlier and not on the last minute.
Anyway, can't wait, will be sitting the 217 on Mon come rain or shine.
Wish you guys better luck on your exam outings! | |
| unreal 2003-03-21, 2:13 am |
| May the "FORCE" be with you !!!
You need some good sleep to stay focus on 217.
It can be very challenging, I know, because I was on my knees on my first attempt on the mighty 217.
Good-Luck | |
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| Thanks Unreal
If I'm really 'kiasu' on 217, what would be your take on the ultimate must-know 70-217 topic areas?
Wish me luck on Monday? If I'm still standing, you will hear from me - 2 weeks of MSPress & Test Preps had better pay off! | |
| unreal 2003-03-21, 8:05 am |
| Be VERY PREPARED for the 'HAMMER' -Group Policy Scenarios Questions. They are design, by no means mercyful and 'spare lives', for those who only know them 'skin-deep'.
But if you're lucky, you may only meet lesser & more humane set of questions.
But don't depend too much on 'luck'.
Good-Luck !!! | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-03-21, 8:30 am |
| Unreal is right on. Be prepared with lots of rest beforehand, the questions can be wordy, so you want to be patient and read each one. | |
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| Jeff & Unreal, thanks for the tips - will not be taking any chances on GP. | |
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| Guys,
Looks like I don't have to re-sit 216.
Right after my last post, I received an email from mswwprog @ microsoft.com congratulating me on getting the MCSA. It seems that they did get my last results after all. Checked the secure site to look at my transcript to make sure this is for real. Its there!
I can now finally relax.
Thanks for the support & words of enouragement. | |
| Shiryu 2003-03-21, 8:36 pm |
| good job Dude | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-03-22, 9:13 am |
| Awesome!!! So glad you did not have to do it again unneccessarily. | |
| luisjo 2003-03-22, 9:46 am |
| Excelent, now your an MCSA, way to go kuek, really im happy for you, tell us whats next? | |
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| quote:
Originally posted by unreal
Be VERY PREPARED for the 'HAMMER' -Group Policy Scenarios Questions. They are design, by no means mercyful and 'spare lives', for those who only know them 'skin-deep'.
But if you're lucky, you may only meet lesser & more humane set of questions.
But don't depend too much on 'luck'.
Good-Luck !!!
Unreal & Jeff - It's all about GP - Passed!
Tricky but not as messy as 216 & glad that I didn't have to read as much. | |
| unreal 2003-03-24, 3:55 am |
| What did I told you- your are a 'Fierce Tiger'
Congratulations !!! | |
| gcw123 2003-03-24, 4:35 am |
| Congratulations. Kuek. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-03-24, 9:30 am |
| All right!!! | |
| Sirius 2003-03-25, 5:16 am |
| Kuek
It is good to know that you have passed 216 after all the trouble you have been through.
Congrtulations. | |
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| Many thanks everyone!
216 is one place I don't want to revisit. It's one 'messssssssssy' exam. Definitely glad there was no resit.
Sirius, When's your turn? Since you've got 218, you'll be alright. (Noticed you need 216 to get MCSA)
Ok guys, for the design, what do you think? 219 c.f. 221.
If I'm a exam 'sadist', which one should I pick?  (lol) | |
| Sirius 2003-03-27, 7:46 am |
| I am working on 216 right now and hope to take it in a couple of weeks.
Good luck with your next exam. |
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