[Rev. 01-09.12.96 Team17 Software Ltd.] How to configure Worms for modem and network play ------------------------------------------------- This document will explain how to configure and run Worms for a multiplayer game in as plain language as possible. Advanced users will find some things that aren't exactly true, but I've taken this liberty to keep this document to under two thousand pages :-) Index ----- 001 - General 002 - Network games 003 - Worms network game in Windows95 004 - Installing IPX support for Windows95 005 - Running a Windows95 network game 006 - Worms network game in DOS 007 - Installing IPX support for DOS 008 - Running a DOS network game 009 - Modem games 010 - Running a Windows95 modem game 011 - Running a DOS modem game 012 - Common errors and solutions 013 - Getting more help 001 General ----------- If you have any problems playing Worms in modem or network mode, start by eliminating as many sources of problems as possible. If you are trying to play from within Windows, try running the game in DOS. When typing in commands, check for error messages. These will in most cases explain why Worms won't start properly. 002 Network games ----------------- To communicate between the machines in network play, Worms uses a 'language' called IPX. Your machine will not be able to talk to the other machines unless it can talk IPX. 003 Worms network game in Windows95 ----------------------------------- 004 Installing IPX support for Windows95 ---------------------------------------- Windows95 comes with the files needed to support IPX. Refer to the Windows95 documentation on how to add the 'network protocol' called 'IPX/SPX Compatible Protocol' to your network card. 005 Running a Windows95 network game ------------------------------------ 1) Open an MS-DOS Prompt window 2) Type command SET NETINFO=1 3) Start Worms 4) Wait until the correct number of players are shown on all machines 5) Wait until the countdown reaches the end or press any key to start the game 006 Worms network game in DOS ----------------------------- 007 Installing IPX support for DOS ---------------------------------- Usually your network card comes with the files needed to support IPX in DOS. If the card doesn't come with IPX support files, check the manufactueres Web site. Three files (minimum) are needed for IPX support. LSL.COM xxxxxx.COM IPXODI.COM The file xxxxxx.COM's name varies from network card to network card. If your card is called Novell NE2000, the file might be called NE2000.COM, if your card is called 3Com Etherlink III, the file might be called 3C5X9.COM. Check the network card documentation for the correct filename. 008 Running a DOS network game ------------------------------ 1) Type command SET NETINFO=1 2) Run LSL.COM 3) Run xxxxxx.COM (see above) 4) Run IPXODI.COM 5) Start Worms 6) Wait until the correct number of players are shown on all machines 7) Wait until the timer reaches the end or press any key to start the game 009 Modem games --------------- To communicate between the two machines in modem mode, Worms needs a connection very much like a direct link or null-modem type link. Most modems will have features like data compression or error checking/correction. Such features MUST be switched off. These features are switched off by sending commands to the modem called AT commands. To set the modem in the correct mode, Worms uses two files called MODEIN.BAT and MODEOUT.BAT. The contents of these files is the most important part of a Worms modem game. Unfortunately there are *NO* standard AT commands to set the modem to the correct mode, so you will have to use the form on the Team17 webpages to create the correct files. Currently the form can be found on: http://www.team17.com/worms/modem/modemconfig.html The form will create the contents of the two files, MODEIN.BAT and MODEOUT.BAT. MODEIN.BAT is for the machine that ANSWERS. MODEOUT.BAT is for the machine that DIALS. Example: You want to call your friend and play. You use MODEOUT.BAT, and your friend uses MODEIN.BAT. 010 Running a Windows95 modem game ---------------------------------- 1) Open an MS-DOS Prompt window 2) Run MODEIN.BAT *or* MODEOUT.BAT (see above) 3) Start Worms 4) Check that the number of players show 2 on both machines 5) Wait until the countdown reaches the end 011 Running a DOS modem game ---------------------------- 1) Run MODEIN.BAT *or* MODEOUT.BAT (see above) 2) Start Worms 3) Check that the number of players show 2 on both machines 4) Wait until the countdown reaches the end 012 Common errors and solutions ------------------------------- Problem: Worms says NO NET.CFG Solution: Worms does *NOT* need the NET.CFG file to run. Ignore the message. Problem: Worms says NO COM Solution: Worms was unable to find a serial port on the address you specified in the MODEIN.BAT or MODEOUT.BAT file. Check your machine's documentation to find the correct settings or try the Modem Configuration form on the Team17 Web pages (see above). Problem: Worms says NO UART Solution: The serialport on the address specified in the MODEIN.BAT or MODEOUT.BAT file does not seem to be compatible. It is *VERY* rare that a serialport is incompatible - this error usually appears together with NO COM. Problem: Not enough environment space Solution: Worms uses a piece of memory called Environment Space to save its configuration for modem and network communications. In some cases this space has been used up by other programs. Unfortunately there is no general way of explaining how to add more environment space, since the configuration and location of files varies from machine to machine. Contact the Team17 Support Department for specific information on how to add more environment space. Problem: Modem does not dial after MODEOUT.BAT has been run and Worms has been started. Explanation: In most cases the AT commands specified in the MODEOUT.BAT file are not understood by the modem. 013 Getting more help --------------------- You can contact the Team17 Support Department via e-mail on Support@team17.com The Modem Help Web pages are available on the WorldWideWorm site at http://www.team17.com/worms/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Espen Lyngaas - Team17 Software Ltd.