Currently Windows 8 & 10 are not supported by the KoKo manufacturer, nSpire. There is a work around however, the instructions are listed below.

If you own a KoKo USB type handle and are using version 4.15 of KoKo software, you can upgrade your handle to a Windows 7 (32 or 64) bit computer. WINDOWS 8 & 10 64 bit computers will not work without the workaround listed below. In either case, your version of Software is lower than 4.15, you will need to have your computer evaluated and repaired.

Note that as of May 2018, nSpire has discontinued sales of version of 4.15 software. Your only option is to have your computer evaluated and repaired. Call our service department for details. 800.399.0258

If you own a Serial KoKo handle (denoted by having a curly phone type cable connection) your only option is to find an older XP computer with a serial port on it, or with any 32 bit computer you can use a USB to Serial adapter. Another option is to replace the handle with a newer USB spirometer to use on your Windows 64 bit computer. For assistance in ordering an new handle please contact your salesman or call our customer service department at 800 399-0250.

WORKAROUND TO USE KOKO v4.15 WITH WINDOWS 8 or 10 64 bit COMPUTER

NOTE: This is a workaround to assist users using KoKo PFT software v 4.15. (IT HAS NOT BEEN TESTED ON ANY OTHER VERSION.) Call 800.399.0250 and ask for service if you have any questions.

This workaround is not endorsed by nSpire (the manufacturer) or by Respitech Medical. Many customers, however, report that it does work reliably for them. Certain laptops seem to not function well with this workaround. It is moderately easy to do and is worth a try.

1. BACK UP THE DATABASE BEFORE YOU START - VERY IMPORTANT !!
   The entire database is in a folder named Ptdata and can be copied and saved to the hard drive or a flash drive. Consult the link in this forum about how to back up a database listed under the technical section of this page.
   
2. Uninstall the KoKo program on your computer
3. Use the following instructions to boot Windows 8/10 into the “Allow unsigned drivers” mode.
4. Click the Start menu and select Settings.
5. Click Update and Security.
6. Click on Recovery.
7. Click Restart now under Advanced Startup.
8. Click Troubleshoot.
9. Click Advanced options.
10. Click Startup Settings.
11. Click on Restart.
12. On the Startup Settings screen press 7 or F7 to disable driver signature enforcement.
13. Your computer will restart and you will be able to install non-digitally signed drivers. If you restart your computer again the driver signature enforcement will be re-enabled.
14. Reinstall KoKo 4.15.
    IMPORTANT: During installation you will be notified TWICE that you are installing unsigned drivers and do you want to continue. ANSWER YES.
15. NOTICE: IF THE PNEUMOTACH IS NOT RECOGNIZED AFTER A WINDOWS UPDATE, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO REPEAT THIS PROCESS
    If you are reinstalling Koko you may get a PDF printer installation error. You can just skip by that.

If you need assistance by phone and/or on a remote connection on the Internet, it is available from Respitech. Call 800.399.0250 and ask to purchase a per instance ticket.

If the computer has been changed or updated please note that the serial KoKo handles (denoted by a curly phone type cable) will NOT be able to be used on a Windows 7/8 computer. USB to serial adapters will NOT work reliably with Windows 7/8 or KoKo Version 4.14 and above. USB to serial adapters will work on most XP computers provided the KoKo Software version is 4.11 or earlier.

Open KoKo and Click on 'System - Configuration - KoKo Pneumotach - Data Connection and be sure that the proper type of connection is selected for your type of KoKo handle (serial or USB).

Several issues can prevent a handle from connecting with a computer. This issue is usually caused by a bad cable that connects the KoKo handle to the computer. There is more information about cables and part numbers under the topic 'My KoKo will not calibrate'.

If replacing the cable does not resolve a connection issue, try disconnecting the USB cable from the computer, shut the computer down and restart it. After the computer is restarted, plug the USB cable back in. Some Windows 7 laptop computers require the USB cable to be inserted after the computer is rebooted.

If all else fails, the unit will need to be returned for depot repair by Respitech Medical. If you have your KoKo serial number registered on a service agreement there will be no charge for the repair. A rental is available for $100 for the duration of the repair should you require one. Call the service department at 800-399-0250 and Request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Returning a KoKo handle without an RMA may result in a delay in the repair of your product.

There are several types of database errors. If you want to rebuild the database or start a new one consult the Techicnal support thread below.

The most KoKo database error one indicates a problem with KoKo database transaction (txn) logs. If this is the problem with your transaction logs please navigate to your database folder named (PtData). For instructions in finding your current database folder location see the entry below under Technical Support entitled ' Information on moving and merging KoKo Databases.' Close the KoKo program and navigate to the database folder 'PtData' folder. Make a copy and keep it in a safe place. Open the database folder. Delete all files in there starting with Txn. After that is completed, if the transaction logs were corrupted, they will rebuild the next time the KoKo program is started.

If errors continue you will need to restore a backup copy of your PtData folder or you may need to have the database rebuilt. You can contact Respitech service department to make arrangements to have a database rebuilt. To rebuild a damaged database Respitech charges $295 - $495 depending on the severity of the damage to the database. NOTE: Not all databases can be rebuilt depending on how corrupted they are. For more information call 800.399.0250 and ask for theService department.

If the database cannot be rebuilt, we will need to start a new empty database so you can continue to use the KoKo system. All past data will be lost unless you were backing up the PtData database folder.

There are 2 issues that can cause this problem. First there must be predicteds set up so the interpreter will work. See the selection below to set up the predicted values you desire. The second issue is that there is no interpretation selected in KoKo. To set auto-interpret open the KoKo program. Select the System menu along the top. Select System - Preferences - Auto-Interpret Results. Make sure there is a check mark beside the type of interpreter you want to use. If there is no check, click on the interpreter that you want to use. Clicking on the Intrepreter toggles the check on and off. If it was off, go through the process above to ensure the check mark is there, but do not click on it again or it will turn off.

To set your standard predicted Values, open the KoKo program. Click the System - Preferences - Predicteds. A window will open up a listing of all the available predicted sets. Be sure the one you want to use is highlighted blue. If it is white, click on it to turn it blue. Look to the right side and scroll up and down until you see the indicator (default). Use the move up and down buttons at the bottom to move the default indicator to the right of the set of predicteds you want to use. NOTE: The selection must be highlighted in blue. Clicking on it to make it white does NOT select the predicted set, rather it is the set that the default indicator is beside.

Open the KoKo program. Open the testing screen with a new patient that has no testing completed. Click on view and click or unclick 'grade/summary' If that selection is 'grayed out' it is because the current test series you are in already has completed tests without grading. Open a new test and go through the above instructions and all future tests will be set as desired.

When testing certain patients it may be desirable to allow saving test maneuvers under 1 second in duration. By default this option is not selected. To allow for this, open the KoKo program. Activate the testing screen. Click on Setup - Effort Protocol. Inside the effort protocol box is a small box near the right bottom labeled 'Pediatric'. There is a check box in there that can be toggled to allow or reject efforts to be saved that are under 1 second.

NOTE: Older versions of the software do not have this checkbox. We can manually set this for you if your system is on the Internet. See our Service Policy for details.

This condition is usually a result of an improper setting in the calibration screen. Open the KoKo program. Click on calibration. Set pneumotach environment numbers then click OK. Under pneumotach calibration click OK. Under syringe volume be sure that 3 liter selection is clicked. If one liter is clicked the system will not calibrate properly. Recalibrate the pneumotach.

If after recalibrating the pneumotach you get an error indicating that there was too much of a change in the calibration data you will neeed to clear your bad calibration data. To perform this go to the main KoKo screen and click on System - Calibration log... This will open the calibration record. Scroll to the bottom and highlight (click hold and pull) the last 5 or ten lines. Delete them. It will not hurt to completely delete all data in this report however your calibration data will then be gone. Recalibrate your system. If you continue to have difficulty you can contact our service department at 800-399-0250. There will be a fee for further assistance.

Depending on the version of software there are limitations to what you can do to correct this. If you own v 4.15 or higher (and are not using a server based database) the ID number can be changed using the Edit Patient button at the bottom after opening the patient test menu.

If the ID is grayed out you will need to follow the instructions below.

1. Open the patient test where the test has been stored to the incorrect patient.
2. Click on File - Communication - Write test series.
3. Save the test to a local drive to move data on the same computer, or to a flash drive if the data is to be moved to another computer.
4. Open the patient where the test should be.
5. Click on File - Communication - Read test series
6. Read the test from where it was saved, into the correct file. All data and graphs should be transferred to the correct series.

Respitech is available to perform this procedure for a fee is so desired.

The KoKo software has several different tidal breathing options. These options can be selected by first opening a test in KoKo. While in the testing screen, click on the selection at the top entitled 'Setup' then select 'Effort Protocal' in the drop down menu. This will open up a box with many different selections. Focus on the box in the upper left corner named 'Tidal'. In this box are three selections.

1. Auto -- This setting will require a few tidal breaths before starting the actual test.
2. Manual -- This setting will allow tidal breathing and then when the patient takes their first inspiratory effort the KoKo can be activated to start the test.
3. Skip -- This is the most popular setting. It will allow for the patient to take a large breath, put the KoKo mouthpiece in their mouth, then blow out.

Set the mode you desire by clicking the radio button beside the tidal effort protocal you desir

The current KoKo database and the backup database are both kept in a folder named 'PtData'. The location of this folder is different depending on the OS being used and if the program was ever updated. Sometimes after an upgrade there are two folders located at different positions but only one is being utilized. The best way to find the exact location of the PtData folder is to open KoKo and click on Help - About. A small window will open with a blue icon in the upper left corner of the window. Double click on that icon and the KoKoPFT.ini file should open. If an error log opens, close it, and the KoKoPFT.ini file will open. Scroll down to the database section of the KoKoPFT.ini file to the phrase '[Database]'. In the [Database] section, in the first few entries, the database path will be listed as denoted by the phrase NetworkDbPath=. The section directly after the equals sign is the acutal path of the database. If you want to move the database to a different location you can edit this path but you must be be sure that the PtData folder exists in the database path you set. A UNC network path can be used here also. Always end the path with the database folder name. This folder can be renamed provided the path is also edited to reflect the new name of the KoKo database folder.

If you have a new enough version of KoKo you can merge the database using the KoKo program. Follow the instructions below:

KoKo databases can also be merged. If a new KoKo system has been started and the new system already has some patient tests, you can merge the databases together. KoKo performs this function by merging a second database to the existing one, the one selected in the kokopft.ini file. We recommend that you back up both databases that you want merged onto external media. Be sure you know the path to the database you want to merge with the new database. Next overwrite the current database with the LARGEST database. Look at the size of the files in both databases to determine which one is the largest. Open the KoKo program and click on File - Database - Merge Database. A dialog box will open informing you the merge could take hours if the database to be merged is large. (This is why we recommend merging the smaller database into the larger one, as it saves time.) click Yes and an explorer dialog box will open for you to select the database to be merged.

This service is available from Respitech Medical. Call 800.899.0250 and ask for the service department.

The KoKo has a built in back up program. The KoKo program makes a copy of the internal KoKo database. It is very ineffective in preventing database corruption however because the backup is stored on the same drive, and in the same folder, that the main database is. A hard drive failure will render that backup ineffective. In addition if a corrupted database is backed up, the backup becomes corrupted.

It is recommended that the KoKo reports and database are copied to media other than the standard hard drive that the program is running from. To accomplish this you will need to copy the 'KoKo PFT System' folder, and all of it's contents, onto a backup media of some sort. Any external drive or flash drive can be safely utilized. . This will effectively back up customization, reports and patient data.

The 'KoKo PFT System' folder is found at the following locations:
Windows XP <drive>Program FilesKoKo PFT System
Windows 7 <drive>UsersPublicKoKo PFT System

Contact your IT department for assistance to accomplish this, or if you want to automate this process with a script or batch file.

If you want to back up your entire KoKo setup including configurations and reports you will need to back up the entire 'KoKo PFT System' folder. The location of this folder is described above.

The only way to repair a damaged database that is not giving a transaction log error is to call our service department. We will upload your database and quote you on the repair. This requires a Internet connection on the computer with the damaged database.

To rebuild a damaged database Respitech charges $295 - $495 depending on the severity of the damage to the database. NOTE: Not all databases can be rebuilt depending on how corrupted they are. For more information call 800.399.0250 and ask for theService department.

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HOW TO START A NEW DATABASE IN KoKo SOFTWARE.

The KoKo database is comprised of several files contained in a folder named PtData. The PtData folder is found under the KoKo PFT System folder. The database is comprised of all the files inside of the PtData folder so do not copy or delete any individual files in the PtData folder as it could render the database unusable. NOTE: This will not save any previous patient data, it will only start a new empty database that works.

The 'KoKo PFT System' folder is found at the following locations:
Windows XP = <drive>Program FilesKoKo PFT System
Windows 7 = <drive>UsersPublicKoKo PFT System

In the KoKo PFT System folder is a file named KoKoPFT.ini . It will either be found in the KoKo PFT System but usually it is found in a sub folder of the KoKo PFT System folder in a folder named BIN. It is a text file with many different one line statements.

To create a new database perform the following functions.

1. Rename the current PtData database folder to PtData-old
2. Using Notepad (Do not use Word or other editor) edit the KoKoPFT.INI file and find the following line in the [Preferences] section, FirstTime=False and change it to FirstTime=True . If that FirstTime=xxxx line does not exist insert the FirstTime=True somewhere in the [Preferences] section of the file. Put it on its own line. Save the changes to the KoKoPFT.INI file.
3. Start up the KoKo program and it should indicate at the bottom that it is creating and backing up a new clean database.

NOTE: If you would prefer Respitech to perform this function for you, and your system is able to connect to the Internet, we can accomplish this task for you for $125. Call 800.399.0250 and ask for service.

KoKo report template files are located at different locations depending upon the version of the Windows operating system and if the KoKo software was installed directly or upgraded. All KoKo report template files are named with the extension of DES (example Screener.DES or Challenge.DES).

NOTE:
To perform the following procedures you will need to have your Windows 7 computer set to see hidden files and to show file name extensions.

The KoKo Template files can be found in the following folder locations:
Windows XP - C:Program FilesKoKo PFT System
Windows 7 - C:UsersPublicKoKo PFT System
Copy all the report template files that end with DES (the ones that you want to move to another computer) onto a flash drive. Remove the Flash drive from your old computer and insert the Flash drive into the new computer that you want to copy the report templates onto. Copy and paste the reports from your flash drive into the proper directory of the new computer (see above location descriptions) and copy them there. You will need to overwrite the report template files onto you new computer. If they do not overwrite, you may not have moved them to the proper folder.