DVD-ROM and USB Support and Warranty

System Requirements

  • A computer running Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS Big Sur, macOS Catalina or a modern Linux distro.
  • If you are using Windows XP see the separate information below.
  • For USB memory sticks the operating system must be able to read FAT32 format disks (this is unlikely to be an issue with any operating system from the last 20 years).
  • DVD-ROM drive for DVD-ROMs.
  • USB2 or USB3 port for USB memory sticks.
  • Two alternative indexes are provided; HTML and PDF formats. For most modern computers we recommend the HTML index.
  • For the HTML index, any modern web browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari that supports PDF viewing, Javascript and modern web standards. Internet Explorer is not supported.
  • For the PDF index, a stand-alone PDF reader that supports links to external documents such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader or Visagesoft Expert PDF Reader. The PDF viewing facilities in web browsers and operating system built-in PDF viewers, as well as smaller ones such as Sumatra or Evince are not suitable because they do not support the required linking to external documents.
  • A printer if you wish to print any of the the data.

HTML Index

  • For most modern computers we recommend the HTML index because it requires no additional software beyond a modern web browser.
  • The HTML index is included on all DVD-ROMs and USBs supplied from 1st December 2020 onwards. If you have the 'Vintage Radio Service Data Release 1.0 DVD-ROM' please see the separate section below.
  • The index works with current (as of December 2020) versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari. It does NOT work with any versions of Internet Explorer.
  • For DVD-ROMs simply open the index.html file with any supported web browser.
  • For USBs simply open the index-radio.html, index-tv.html or index-valve.html file as appropriate with any supported web browser.
  • Normally you would just double-click the index file to open it with your default browser.
  • Select the data required from the menu on the left and it will appear in the main window on the right. It may take a few seconds to load, especially with DVD-ROMs if the drive has stopped spinning.
  • To print the document just use the relevant buttons at the top of the document viewer or within the web browser (this varies with different web browsers). For best results, choose the options to rotate and resize to fit the paper automatically.

PDF Index

  • For reasons that will become clear, the PDF index is more problematic especially with recent PDF readers. This is why the HTML index detailed above was developed in 2020, and is now the recommended option.
  • The PDF index is included on all DVD-ROMs and USBs. If you have the 'Vintage Radio Service Data Release 1.0 DVD-ROM' please see the separate section below.
  • The PDF index works with the current (as of December 2020) versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader and Visagesoft Expert PDF Reader, but note the points in this section.
  • On macOS, Foxit Reader does not work with the PDF index and Visagesoft Expert PDF Reader is not available for these systems, so the only option we are aware of is Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • The PDF index does not work with the PDF viewing facilities in web browsers and operating system built-in PDF viewers, or with smaller PDF readers such as Sumatra or Evince, because they do not support opening external files.
  • In recent years opening external files from links within PDF documents (specifically using the GoToR action) has become a security risk. However it is required functionality for the PDF index on the DVD-ROMs and USBs, to open the individual documents.
  • Some PDF readers will give a confirmation message when clicking these links, which you will need to accept for each document.
  • To stop the messages in Adobe Acrobat Reader go to Go to 'Edit' - 'Preferences' - 'Security (Enhanced)' and untick 'Enable Protected Mode at startup', then close and reopen the software. You may wish to enable it again for other PDF files.
  • Visagesoft Expert PDF Reader does not give these messages because it is a few years old, so this is a good choice for the DVD-ROM and USB. You will need to click 'Bookmarks' when returning to the index from another document tab.
  • Foxit Reader also doesn't show the messages, however you need to be very careful when installing it to avoid any unwanted junk. Choose the Expert installation option and untick anything you don't need (probably untick everything), then make sure to decline options to install other third party software.
  • For DVD-ROMs simply open the index.pdf file with any supported PDF reader.
  • For USBs simply open the index-radio.pdf, index-tv.pdf or index-valve.pdf file as appropriate with any supported PDF reader.
  • Normally you would just double-click the index file to open it with your default PDF reader, however this may open it in a web browser which is not what you want. If you don't see the menu on the left it has probably opened in the wrong software.
  • Select the data required from the menu on the left and it will appear in the main window on the right. It may take a few seconds to load, especially with DVD-ROMs if the drive has stopped spinning.
  • To print the document just use the relevant functions in the software (this varies with different software). For best results, choose the options to rotate and resize to fit the paper automatically.

Windows XP

  • Although Windows XP is long out of support and is therefore not recommended, it is still used by significant numbers of people so these notes may be useful.
  • For the HTML index, the only web browser that supports it and runs on Windows XP is Firefox 52.9.0 ESR. This can be downloaded from this section of the Mozilla Archive and is the recommended option.
  • The most recent version of Google Chrome supported on Windows XP does not work correctly with the HTML index. As noted above, the HTML index does not work on any version of Internet Explorer.
  • For the PDF index, Foxit Reader is the best option. Version 6.2.3 is the most recent version that will run on Windows XP. It can be downloaded from the link in post #2 on this page of the Foxit Software forums. Take care when installing to deselect any unwanted options.
  • Visagesoft Expert PDF Reader (32 bit version) also installs on Windows XP and works well with the PDF index.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.1 is another good choice and can be downloaded from this page on oldversion.com. Be careful to only click the green 'Download Now' button (which turns yellow with the mouse pointer over it) below the software information, and avoid any adverts with misleading Download buttons.
  • For the USB memory sticks, make sure you have a USB2 or USB3 port. Some older PCs many only have USB1 ports which may not be able to read USB3 memory sticks and may cause data corruption.

Vintage Radio Service Data Release 1.0 DVD-ROM

  • All previous purchasers of this version will be emailed by 11th December 2020 with information on how to receive the updated PDF index file, the HTML index file and a few other updated files which will resolve the specific issues listed below.
  • If you do not received this email (perhaps because your email address has changed since you ordered) please contact us from 12th December 2020, and include details we may need to locate your order in the system.
  • This DVD-ROM version does not have the HTML index, and the PDF index is more troublesome.
  • The PDF index works correctly with Foxit Reader, and this is the recommended option.
  • It does not work at all with the current versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader unless the setting change detailed in the PDF index section above is done.
  • It also does not work with Visagesoft Expert PDF Reader, and there are no options to change that will allow it to work.
  • On Windows XP, Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.1 or Foxit Reader 6.2.3 are the only working options, as detailed above.

Updates to this Information

  • We are only able to test on a limited range of equipment and operating systems.
  • If anyone is able to provide updates, additional details or corrections to the information on this page, please contact us so we can update the page as necessary. Thank you.

Improved Performance

  • For improved performance and convenience we recommend that the contents of the DVD-ROM or USB be copied to the hard disk of your computer, or to a NAS or file server on your network.
  • Refer to your operating system instructions if you need assistance with this.

Backup and Working Copies

  • You may make up to three backup or working copies of your DVD-ROMs or USB for your convenience and to protect your investment.
  • We strongly recommend that you do create these backups, so you have all the data in the event that the DVD-ROMs or USB are lost or damaged.
  • This is especially important with the USB memory stick because files can be accidentally deleted, and it is small enough to easily misplace.

DVD-ROM Lifetime Warranty

  • If you have problems accessing the information on your DVD-ROM, please first try it on a different computer if possible to rule out any problems with your DVD drive or computer system.
  • Once you have confirmed that it is definitely faulty you may take advantage of our Lifetime Warranty.
  • If the DVD-ROM is less than a year old, and the fault is not due to poor handling or storage, there is no charge for this. You just pay for the postage to send it back to us, and we pay for the return postage.
  • If the problem is caused by misuse or improper storage conditions, if you have had the DVD-ROM for over a year or have no proof of purchase, we can supply a replacement disk for £5.00 for the first DVD-ROM plus £2.00 per additional DVD-ROM at the same time.
  • Payment may be made by UK cheque or postal order payable to Paul Stenning. Alternatively you may pay online by PayPal to sales@service-data.com.
  • Send your cheque or postal order, or state the PayPal reference number in a letter with the DVD-ROM. Please Contact Us for the address to post to. Be sure to include your return address and email address.
  • You only need to send the actual disk, do not send any cases or inserts etc. Returned disks are not tested, we just destroy them and send new replacements.
  • Proof of purchase can be the receipt originally sent with your DVD-ROM, your order number, or your email address with approximate order date and other information to help us locate your order on the system.

USB Memory Stick Lifetime Warranty

  • If you have problems accessing the information on your USB, please first try different USB ports on your computer. With desktop computers the USB ports on the back of the case are often a good choice for testing because they are subjected to less plugging and unplugging.
  • Then try it with a different computer if possible to rule out any problems with your USB ports or computer system.
  • Once you have confirmed that it is definitely faulty you may take advantage of our Lifetime Warranty.
  • If the USB is less than a year old, and the fault is not due to poor handling or storage, or accidental file deletion (regardless of whether caused by human error or a system problem), there is no charge for this. You just pay for the postage to send it back to us, and we pay for the return postage. Proof of purchase is required.
  • If the USB is over a year old, or has suffered from accidental data loss or corruption, but is still fully working, we will wipe and reload it for £5.00. Proof of purchase is required.
  • If the USB is over a year old, and is physically or electrically faulty or broken, we can supply a replacement for £10.00. Proof of purchase is required.
  • If you are unsure whether your USB memory stick just has deleted/corrupted files or is faulty you may send it to us without payment initially. We will test and advise accordingly. Proof of purchase is required.
  • Payment may be made by UK cheque or postal order payable to Paul Stenning. Alternatively you may pay online by PayPal to sales@service-data.com.
  • Send your cheque or postal order, or state the PayPal reference number in a letter with the USB. Please Contact Us for the address to post to. Be sure to include your return address and email address.
  • Please pack your USB carefully to avoid damage in the post. A padded envelope (new or in good condition) is adequate.
  • Proof of purchase can be the receipt originally sent with your USB, your order number, or your email address with approximate order date and other information to help us locate your order on the system.


Last updated 6th December 2020.