^C^BCommon System Problems^b^c
^C(c)1994 Terry E. Mercer^c

*** NOTE: Many of the programs on this CD Rom Disc,
	  "PreSchool Edutainment" by MicroMedia Pub.
	  will NOT allow you to EXIT once started!

	  This was done ON PURPOSE by the programmer!

	  Because these programs are setup for children
	  many programmers have designed their software
	  to NOT exit, or requiring special "codes" listed
	  in their program documentation. Other programs
	  were designed to run until the computer was
	  powered off. This is BY DESIGN, not a mistake!

	  Would you want your 6 month old accidently
	  zapping your data? NO, so we take precautions.


There are a number of problems which can, and often do,
occur when trying to run DOS computer games.

The most common problem is not enough conventional RAM
memory. That is the memory which your DOS based computer
runs which is limited to 640K (no matter how much memory
you have on your system). Using memory managers and time,
it is both possible (and usually easy) to do some basic
changes to enhance your systems ability to recognize
more of its memory. The following commands should be in
your CONFIG.SYS file:

^TDEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS
^TDOS=HIGH,UMB
^TDEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE M9 2048 RAM

The first two lines tell your computer to use the high
memory... the memory BETWEEN the 640K barrier and the
1024K (first megabyte) which normally is un-used and sits
idle. The third line loads a memory manager (supplied with
your DOS and Windows). On some systems the M9 switch will
need to be removed, but on most systems it will give you
an additional 64K (one page frame, for the techies) block
of upper memory. The 2048 RAM section tells the computer
to set up 2 Megs of EMS memory (which many DOS programs
can access and use).

If you type MEM /C at the DOS prompt (C:\>) your memory
usage will be displayed. Check you memory BEFORE and AFTER
you make changes. Pay attention to the line (toward the
bottom) that says, "Largest Exectutable Program Size."
The number in the parens (XXXK) is the answer. With some
programs that number will have to be as much as 605K!

There are a number of things you can try. But, unless you
are comfortable editting system files,  have a computer
technician set up a Multi-Config (different ways your computer
can start up, depending on what you want it to do). This person
will also be able to (if they are good) optimize your system 
for you, both memory & data. Have them check for fragments, and
things which would speed up your system. This is generally the 
least stressful and smartest move. If you want to try this task
on your own, use the following resources:

^CDan Gookin's  DOS for Dummies^c
^CYour DOS manual^c
^CTry typing HELP MEM at the DOS prompt^c
	
If all else fails, invest in a good tech to solve your problems for you!

^CEnjoy these Games...^c
^CThey are some of the best ever created...^c