Copyright: Copyright © 1997, S.Childs / R.Williams


About... Window
About Box

The window is shown below.

There are a few points of interest on this window.

Firstly, there is the license agreement which we ask you to read and secondly there are a few buttons also.

The Help button shows this help page.

The System Information button shows a window with some detailed information about your windows / system configuration.

The Set button shows the Red Alert Location window and allows you to set the directory containing Red Alert.

The OK button returns you to the main window.

Lastly the Information that you entered into the registration window at the when you installed the application is shown in the Registration Information frame.


Artificial Intelligence Settings

The Artificial Intelligence Settings are concerned with the computer skirmish-mode controls.

Computer Skirmish-Mode behavior controls. The ratio values are based on the number of buildings in the computer base that should be of the type specified.  The ratio total should exceed 100% so that the base will always try to grow as it attempts to achieve the specified percentage composition.

Take note: The computer AI in Red Alert is merely a warmed over version of the AI experiment that was written during the month following the original Command and Conquer game's release.   It was quite respectable at that time sometimes hard to beat (according the games authors), but since Red Alert is a very different game, the skirmish mode AI is not up to scratch.

To improve the challenge presented by the computer opponents the settings listed below are available to you. It might be possible to change these values to improve the AI, and the computer present a bit more of a Challenge.

The window is shown below.

The form is split into two frames. These are "Individual Subject Settings" and "General Settings".

"Individual Subject Settings"

This section is mainly concerned with the limits that are placed on elements of the AI player's base. It also details some other options, these are listed, along with a description below. The main two options are XXXXXLimit and XXXXXXXRatio. (where XXXXXX is one of the options listed below)

The "Limit" option places an maximum number on the object concerned. i.e. A Refinery Limit of 4 means that no more than 4 refineries can be built in the player's base.

The "Ratio" option is the percentage of the base that should contain that object. i.e. A Refinery ratio of 0.16 means that 16% of the base should be refineries. The total of all the ratios should exceed 100%, so that the computer is always trying to satisfy the percentage composition.

The "ignore changes" checkbox is used when you have made a mistake with the current subject settings and don't want to save the changes to memory.

The Individual Settings are :

Setting	Description

AttackInterval	Average delay between computer attacks

AttackDelay	Average delay time before computer begins first attack

OreNearScan	Cell radius to scan when harvesting a single patch of ore

OreFarScan	Cells radius to scan when looking for a new ore patch to harvest

InfantryReserve	Always build infantry if cash reserve is greater than this

InfantryBaseMulti	Build infantry if building count times this number is less than current infantry quantity

PowerSurplus	Build power plants until power surplus is at least this amount

PowerEmergency	Sell buildings to raise power level if it falls below this percentage

RefineryRatio	Ratio of base that should be composed of refineries

RefineryLimit	Never build more than this many refineries

BarracksRatio	Ratio of base that should be composed of barracks

BarracksLimit	Never build more than this many barracks

WarRatio	Ratio of base that should be composed of war factories

WarLimit	Never build more than this many war factories

DefenseRatio	Ratio of base that should be defensive structures

DefenseLimit	Maximum number of defensive buildings to build

AARatio	Ratio of base that should be anti-aircraft defense

AALimit	Maximum number of anti-aircraft buildings to build

TeslaRatio	Ratio of base that should be Tesla coils

TeslaLimit	Maximum number of Tesla coils to build

HelipadRatio	Ratio of base that should be composed of helipads

HelipadLimit	Maximum number of helipads to build

AirstripRatio	Ratio of base that should be composed of airstrips

AirstripLimit	Maximum number of airstrips to build

"General Settings"

These settings are general AI properties. They are listed below with their descriptions.

Setting	Description

PatrolScan	Minute interval between scanning for enemies while patrolling.

CreditReserve	Structure repair will not begin if available cash falls below this amount.

PathDelay	Delay (minutes) between retrying when path is blocked.

BaseSizeAdd	Computer base size can be no larger than the largest human opponent, plus this quantity

CompEasyBonus	When more than one human in game, computer player goes to "easy" mode?

Paranoid	Will computer players ally with each other if the situation looks bleak?

AutocreateTime	Average minutes between creating an 'autocreate' team

See Also

Button Reference

Glossary


Audio/Visual Map Controls

With these settings you can alter how the Red Alert environment behaves.
These settings generally do not effect only 1 side, they effect all the players of the game.

Below is a picture of the window.

As you can see, they are split into 4 general sections, each of which are detailed below.

Settings	Description

Mission Settings

Timer Warning At 	If mission timer is less than this many minutes, then display in red

Shroud Regrow Rate 	Minutes between each shroud creep process [0 means no shadow creep]

Flash Low Power 	Flash the power bar when power is low?

Reveal Map to Allies	Allies automatically reveal radar maps to each other?

Troops and Civilians

Idle Action Wait Time 	Average minutes between infantry performing idle actions

Named Civilians 	Show true names over civilians and civilian buildings?

Enemy Health Bar	Show enemy health bar graph when selected?

Miscellaneous

Movie Time 	Minutes that movie recorder will record when activated (debug version of Red Alert only)

Ending Movie Delay 	Delay between scenario end and ending movie [keep the delay short]

Message Delay 	Time duration of multiplayer messages displayed over map

Speak Delay 	Minutes between EVA repeating advice to the player

Gravity 	Gravity constant for ballistic projectiles

Flare Radius	Distance around drop zone flare that map reveals itself

Percentage of Damage

Red 	When damaged to this percentage, health bar turns red

Yellow 	When damaged to this percentage, health bar turns yellow

See also

Button Reference

Glossary


ButtonRef
Button Reference

Button	Description

This button cycles backwards through a list of items.

Cancels the current task, without saving any changes

Accesses the on-line help

This button cycles forwards through a list of items.

Accepts changes and commits them to memory

Resets all the settings in the current window back to defaults.

Resets current item properties to defaults. (Not on every window)

Saves the current item properties to temporary storage. (Still need to click on OK to save to memory.)

Where this button appears on a window, you can click on it with the mouse and a pop up menu will appear with all the possible choices for that window. i.e. if you clicked on the select button on the Countries window the following pop up menu will appear:

 Clicking on one of these menu items will display the settings for that country.

When this button is clicked it brings up the change name window.

When this button is clicked it brings up the tech-level window.


Changes made in other window

Changes have been made to the settings in the specified window, do you wish to save the changes in that window?

=> Clicking this button will cause the settings to be saved temporarily

=> Clicking this button will reject any changes made.

=> Clicking this button will cancel the operation and return you to the settings window.


Changes Browser

With the changes browser you can quickly look through the settings that have been altered since either the settings were created (compare against defaults) or the file was last saved (Pro version only).

The window is shown below.

The information is split into 4 columns, Setting, New Value, Relation and Old Value.

Column	Description

Setting	This lists the category that the setting falls into. i.e. with the above graphic as an example, the Owner(s) setting for the Sub Pen is displayed below Sub Pen (the category) and mobile Radar Jammer is shown below Vehicle Settings (MRJ is a sub-category of vehicle settings)

New Value	This lists the value that the setting has been changed to.

Relation	This describes the way that the setting was changed. (i.e. increased, decreased or changed from)

Old Value	This lists the value that the setting was before it was changed.

The main use of this window is to see, quickly, what has been changed in the file. i.e. You just downloaded a RedEdit 97 file from an opponent called "Dangerous Tankage.red", by loading it into RedEdit 97 you can see exactly what has been changed before you play your opponent.

The export button at the bottom of the window will export the changes as a text file so that you can add it to the RedEdit 97 file you send via e-mail so people know what's been changed.

The Print button at the bottom of the window allows you to print out the list of changes.

The difference between this browser and the settings browser is that the settings browser allows you to see all the settings that RedEdit can change no matter if the settings have been altered or not. The red tick or blue cross defines if they have been altered.

See Also

Settings Browser

Button Reference


Changes_Made
Changes made dialog

Changes have been made to the settings, do you wish to save the settings permanently?

=> Clicking this button will cause the settings to be saved permanently

=> Clicking this button will reject any changes made.

=> Clicking this button will cancel the operation and return you to the settings window.


Chronoshift Side Effects

These settings define the side effects that the Chronoshift can cause.

The window is displayed below and the settings listed below that.

Setting	Description.

Quake Chance, 	percentage chance time quake will occur with each Chronoshift use

Quake Damage, 	percentage damage to inflict when time quake occurs

Vortex Chance, 	percent chance that coronal vortex occurs with each Chronoshift use

Vortex Damage, 	damage inflicted by vortex discharge

Vortex Range, 	scan for victims up to this distance away [in cells]

Vortex Speed, 	speed of vortex movement

See Also

Button Reference

Glossary


Combat and Damage Settings

These settings are mainly concerned with the amounts of damage that are caused by various weapons.

The window is shown below :

The settings are split into 3 groups all are described below.

Settings	Description

Combat (Computer Settings)

Turbo Boost 	Speed multiplier for turbo-boosted weapons when firing upon aircraft

Ballistic Scatter 	Maximum scatter distance (cells) for inaccurate ballistic projectiles

Bridge Strength 	Strength of bridge [smaller means more easily destroyed]

C4 Delay 	Minutes to delay after placing C4 before building will explode

Crush Radius 	If this close (cells) to crushable target, then crush instead of firing upon it (computer only - unless player auto crush is checked)

Explosion Spread 	Cell damage spread per 256 damage points for exploding object types [if Explodes is checked]

Homing Scatter	Maximum scatter distance (cells) for inaccurate homing projectiles

Ore Explosive 	Does the harvester explode big time when destroyed?

Incoming Fire 	If an incoming projectile is as slow or slower than this, then object in the target location will try to run away. Grenades and parachute bombs have this characteristic.

Suppress	Radius from target to look for friendlies and thus discourage firing upon, if found

Damage

Anti Personnel Mine 	Damage to inflict when anti-personnel mine explodes

Anti Vehicle Mine 	Damage to inflict when anti-vehicle mine explodes

Nuke 	Damage points when nuclear bomb explodes (regardless of source)

Minimum Damage 	Minimum damage (after adjustments) per shot

Maximum Damage 	Maximum damage (after adjustments) per shot

Prone	When infantry are prone, damage is reduced to this percentage

Combat (Player Settings)

Auto Crush Infantry	Will player controlled units automatically try to crush enemy infantry?

Units Return Fire	More aggressive return fire from player controlled objects?

Infantry Scatter	Will player units scatter, of their own accord, from threats and damage?

Tree Targeting	Automatically show target cursor when over trees?

See Also

Button Reference

Weapon Settings


Command Line Arguments

The following switches can be used when loading RedEdit 97.

Switch	Effect

-?	Displays this help page.

-SkipIntro	Skips the animation at the start.(overrides setting in option menu)

-NoBlink	Cancels the blinking effect used when the Shareware license time is expiring

-File XXX	Loads the file XXX (Must be a space after the word "File")

-Compile XX	Loads and compiles the file XXX (Again, must be space after the word "Compile")


CompError
Compilation Error <Error Number >

An error occurred while compiling the settings for use with Red Alert. The file is saved in the directory that Red Alert is installed in and is called Rules.INI. i.e. C:\RedAlert\Rules.INI

This screen is also shown should an error occur when loading / saving a file.

Below is a list of Error Codes associated error descriptions.

•  Error number    ·     Windows description        ·   Description of error

2	FILE NOT FOUND	The file was not found. The file was either moved or deleted.

3	PATH NOT FOUND	The path to the file was not found. This usually is the result of a bad path to a file (.i.e. a directory doesn't exist)

4	TOO MANY OPEN FILES	Too many files are open. You need to increase the FILES=XX line in your config.sys file

5	ACCESS DENIED	Access to the file was denied. This is usually when the file in question is open in an application or the file is write protected.

6	INVALID HANDLE	This is a windows internal error, not much you can do with this one.

8	NOT ENOUGH MEMORY	Windows has run out of memory, not much you can do with this either

14	OUTOFMEMORY	Windows has run out of memory, not much you can do with this either

15	INVALID DRIVE	An invalid drive was selected.

19	WRITE PROTECT	An attempt to create a file failed due to the disk being write protected.

21	NOT READY	The disk drive was not ready when an access attempt was made.

25	SEEK	A seek error occurred with the disk drive.

26	NOT DOS DISK	A non-dos formatted disk was placed in the drive

27	SECTOR NOT FOUND	A sector on the disk was not found.

29	WRITE FAULT	A fault occurred when writing to the disk

30	READ FAULT	A fault occurred when reading from the disk

31	GEN FAILURE	A general failure error occurred when accessing the disk.

32	SHARING VIOLATION	A sharing violation occurred. This is usually when a file is open in an application and an attempt is made to delete the file from the directory.

33	LOCK VIOLATION	A lock violation occurred.

34	WRONG DISK	The wrong disk is in a disk drive.

52	DUP NAME	An attempt was made to create or rename a file that already exists.

53	BAD NETPATH	A network directory was become corrupt. Might mean that there is a network error.

54	NETWORK BUSY	The network was busy, try again later.

55	DEV NOT EXIST	The device that was being used doesn't exist. This is not a good sign!

58	BAD NET RESP	A bad network response was detected.

59	UNEXP NET ERR	An unexpected network error has occurred.

64	NETNAME DELETED	A network directory path was deleted.

65	NETWORK ACCESS DENIED	You don't have sufficient rights to use the network

66	BAD DEV TYPE	Bad device type.

67	BAD NET NAME	A network directory was become corrupt. Might mean that there is a network error.

80	FILE EXISTS	An attempt was made to create a file when a file with the same name already exists.

88	NET WRITE FAULT	An error occurred when writing to a network device

107	DISK CHANGE	The disk was changed while a file on it was open .

108	DRIVE LOCKED	The drive is locked.

112	DISK FULL	The disk in the drive is full.


Computer and Movement Controls

These settings are mostly used by the AI players to determine priorities and other settings.

Here's a picture of the window.

However there are a few settings that effect the human players as well. The settings are split into 3 groups, all of which are described below.

Settings	Description

Delays

Submerge Delay	Forced delay that subs will remain on surface before allowing to submerge

Damage Delay	Minutes between applying trivial structure damage when low on power

Team Delay	Interval between checking for and creating teams

Suspend Delay	Minutes that suspended teams will remain suspended

Base Defense Delay	Minutes delay between sending response teams to deal with base threat

Distance Settings

Close Enough	If distance to destination less than this, then abort movement if otherwise blocked.

LZScan Radius	Maximum radius to scan for alternate landing zone if otherwise occupied

Stray	Radius distance (cells) that team members may stray without causing regroup action

Miscellaneous

Game Bias	Multiplier to overall game object movement speed

Suspend Priority	Teams with less than this priority will suspend during base defense ops

Base Bias	Multiplier to threat target value when enemy is close to friendly base

Mine Aware	Are friendly units smart enough to avoid friendly mines?

Curley Shuffle	Should helicopter shuffle position between shots (as in C&C)?

See Also

Button Reference

Glossary

AI Settings


ConvErr
Conversion Error

A conversion error occurred when saving the settings.

Check that all numeric inputs are valid numbers.


Corrupt Data File

This error happens when the data file that RedEdit stores it's setup information has been deleted or is damaged. Try reinstalling the software. If the error is a date or copywrite related one (you will be told if it is) this happens when the Shareware time-limit has expired. You can only get round this problem by registering the product.

For help on ordering click here.


CounterStrike

This warning tells you that you have installed either the CounterStrike addon or a patch. If the compiled settings are used with the new missions some strange side effects can occur.

To suppress this message, go to to the options dialog box and check the option called "Disable CounterStrike Compilation Warning" on the file settings tab.

=> Continue Compilation.

=> Don't compile the settings and return to the main window.


Country Settings

Certain countries have special adjustments to their unit and building values. These are global values that affect all units and buildings owned by that country. This applies only to multiplayer and skirmish mode games.

Generally, the country settings affect the advantage / disadvantage that each country has over each other.

Settings 	Descriptions

Firepower 	This setting is the multiplier for all weapons i.e. if firepower is 2.0 and a weapon hit strength is 50, then the hit strength becomes 100. If the firepower is below 1 then the firepower is reduced. i.e. a hit strength of 50 and a firepower of 0.5, the hit strength would be 25.

Ground Speed	This setting is the multiplier for all ground-based units. 1.0 is normal, 1.1+ is faster 0.9 or less is slower 	be careful, if the speed is set too high, the units can move erratically or not move at all.

Air Speed 	This setting is the multiplier for all air units. 1.0 is normal, 1.1+ is faster 0.9 or less is slower be careful, if the speed is set too high, the planes may not be able to land.

Armour 	This is the multiplier for the Armour of all units. 1.0 is normal, 1.1+ is stronger, 0.9 is less is weaker.

Rate of Fire 	This is multiplier for the speed that the units fire their weapons. Note : this is not the speed of the weapons, this is the delay between firing the next salvo. For this setting, a larger number means a slower, below 1.0 is faster.

Cost 	This is multiplier for the cost of buildings and units. Above 1.1 is more expensive, below 0.9 is cheaper.

Build Time 	This is multiplier for the time that it takes to build the units. Above 1.1 is slower, below 0.9 is faster.

See Also

Button Reference

Glossary


Crate Settings

The settings in this section are to do with the random crate power ups. These mainly apply to the multiplayer or skirmish games.

The window is shown below

The window is split into 3 separate parts. "Crate Powerup Settings", "General Settings" and "Solo Play Crate Options".

The three sections are listed below along with the associated properties.

"Crate Powerup Settings"

Number of Shares, Each powerup has a number of 'shares' which define the chance for the specified crate powerup to appear in a 'random' crate. The chance is expressed in the form of shares out of the total shares specified.
The chance is expressed in the form of 'shares' out of the total shares specified.

The image is the animation to use when this crate is picked up.

The third option, if present, specifies the data value needed for that crate powerup. They are specific to the current powerup.

"General Settings"

Settings	Descriptions

Crate Minimum	crates are normally one per human player but never below this number

Crate Maximum	crates can never exceed this quantity

Crate Radius	radius (cells) for area effect crate powerup bonuses

Crate Regen	average minutes between random powerup crate regeneration

Unit Crate Type	specifies specific unit type for unit type crate

Water Crate Chance	chance that a water crate will be generated rather than land crate [multiplay only]

"Solo Play Crate Options"

Settings	Descriptions

Solo Crate Money	money to give for money crate in solo play missions

Silver Crate	solo play silver crate bonus

Water Crate	solo play water crate bonus

Wood Crate	solo play wood crate bonus

See Also

Button Reference

Glossary


Difficulty Settings

Game difficulty is controlled by these settings. Some of these settings will only affect a computer player.
The computer and the player are handicapped by individual settings.
Thus the computer may be playing at 'difficult' level while the player may be playing at 'easy' level.

The window is shown below.

The settings are divided into 2 groups, the top half of the window control the player settings while the bottom half control the computer only settings. Both are described below.

Settings	Description

* All the settings are quicker if the multiplier is above 1 (i.e. 1.5) or slower if below 1 (i.e. 0.5) unless otherwise stated.

Player Settings

Ground Speed	Multiplier to speed for all ground units

Air Speed	Multiplier to speed for all air units

Armour	Multiplier to armor strength for all units and buildings

Cost	Multiplier to cost for all units and buildings

Rate Of Fire	Multiplier to Rate Of Fire for all weapons [larger means slower ROF]

Fire Power	Multiplier to firepower for all weapons

Build Time	Multiplier to time it takes to build something.

Computer Only Settings

Destroy Walls	Allow scanning for nearby enemy walls and destroy them

Slow Down Build	Should the computer build slower than the player

Scan Contents	Should the contents of a transport be considered when picking best target

Repair Delay	Average delay (minutes) between initiating building repair

Build Delay 	Average delay (minutes) between initiating construction

See Also

Button Reference

Country Settings

Artificial Intelligence Settings


E-mail address book

The address book is used to select the recipients of your settings. The window is shown below

The addresses that you have got stored are listed in the area below Stored Addresses (where Tom Smith is displayed along with his e-mail address). To select some recipients, simply click on them. Multiple people can be selected at one time. The buttons beneath the list box are to add an new recipient, remove one from the list and to edit an existing recipient. When you click on either the add or edit buttons, the section below appears between the buttons.

Here you enter the name and e-mail address of your existing or new recipient. The save button will save the changes made, abort will not save any changes made.

When you are done selecting recipients, either click on OK to accept them and transfer them to the to or cc textboxes or Cancel to reject them and not pass them back.

See also

Sending settings via E-mail


Exit To Dos
Exit To Dos (To run Red Alert ,Dos version.)

This dialog appears when you select to run Red Alert, then choose 'No' to running the windows version.

To run the Dos version, in Dos, windows must be shut down first. if you select Yes to this prompt, windows will be shutdown and the computer will be rebooted. Then run the Dos version as normal by selecting the boot to previous version of Dos, or boot to command prompt only options  from the  windows startup menu.

 	=> Shut down windows and reboot to Dos

=> Don't shut down windows and return to RedEdit. (don't run Red Alert)


File Conversion Error

This error message appears when you try and load a version of a Red Edit 97 file that is newer than the program itself. There are two possible solutions. Download a new version of RedEdit 97 from our web site (location in the readme.txt file) or ask whoever sent you the file to send it in a different version.)

If you have the pro version, e-mail me at the address supplied with your version and I'll send you an up-to-date version. FREE of charge*

For information on saving in a different version, click here.

Click on the OK button to continue.

*Free to e-mail recipients only.


Getting Started

RedEdit 97

Help File Version 1.2

Welcome to RedEdit 97. Thanks for installing it.

If you have just installed the Shareware version,you have a time limit of 30 days to evaluate it, after which, if you wish to to continue to use it you are asked to register. For more information on ordering, click here. Otherwise, if you have installed the Pro Version, there is no time limit at all.

RedEdit allows the user to change almost everything in Red Alert(tm). Everything from the cost of the structures and units to the weapons used by them. All these and more settings means that it can be quite confusing to start with. This help file has been designed to aid in finding a setting that you wish to change.

To use this facility, from the RedEdit application (RE97) select the help menu then click on the option "Search for specific help on..." and choose a section from the window that appears. For more information on this feature, click here. <<<<NOT YET IMPLEMENTED>>>>>

All the settings are split into sections. To get help on a section, on the help file contents tab select the Settings book and below the book will be a list of pages. The pages correspond to sections of settings. The sections are each set out on a window, which is displayed on the page. (If that confused you, select the country page to see all of the settings corresponding to the countries.) When you edit the settings in a window, they are only saved permanently to memory when you click on OK. If you then want to keep them so you can load them into RedEdit at a later sate, you need to save them to disk.(Click on main window and then the disk icon for more information)

For more detailed help on each of the sections, either click on the link below, or when the window is open in RE97 then click on the help button.

When a window is open in RE97, you can minimize it and open more windows, if the window you want is hidden behind others, from the View menu on the main window you will see a list of currently open windows. Click on the one that you want to see. If the main window is hidden, you can keep it on top by selected [View->Keep On Top].

To see a glossary of terms, click here.

To see the restrictions with the Shareware Version click here

N.B.

In RedEdit 97 any changes that are made in any windows are not saved into memory until you click on the OK button. The save button that is on some forms just saves the settings temporarily.

Any text that is displayed in the ToolTips is also displayed in the bottom panel on the main window. When using any windows in RedEdit 97, you may wish to move the window so that you can still see the main window.

Windows used in RedEdit 97

Main Window

Country Section

AI Section


Getting Started(App)
Getting Started

RedEdit 97

Help File Version 1.2

Welcome to RedEdit 97. Thanks for installing it.

If you have just installed the Shareware version,you have a time limit of 30 days to evaluate it, after which, if you wish to to continue to use it you are asked to register. For more information on ordering, click here. Otherwise, if you have installed the Pro Version, there is no time limit at all.

RedEdit allows the user to change almost everything in Red Alert(tm). Everything from the cost of the structures and units to the weapons used by them. All these and more settings means that it can be quite confusing to start with. This help file has been designed to aid in finding a setting that you wish to change.

To use this facility, from the RedEdit application (RE97) select the help menu then click on the option "Search for specific help on..." and choose a section from the window that appears. For more information on this feature, click here. <<<<NOT YET IMPLEMENTED>>>>>

All the settings are split into sections. To get help on a section, on the help file contents tab select the Settings book and below the book will be a list of pages. The pages correspond to sections of settings. The sections are each set out on a window, which is displayed on the page. (If that confused you, select the country page to see all of the settings corresponding to the countries.) When you edit the settings in a window, they are only saved permanently to memory when you click on OK. If you then want to keep them so you can load them into RedEdit at a later sate, you need to save them to disk.(Click on main window and then the disk icon for more information)

For more detailed help on each of the sections, either click on the link below, or when the window is open in RE97 then click on the help button.

When a window is open in RE97, you can minimize it and open more windows, if the window you want is hidden behind others, from the View menu on the main window you will see a list of currently open windows. Click on the one that you want to see. If the main window is hidden, you can keep it on top by selected [View->Keep On Top].

To see a glossary of terms, click here.

To see the restrictions with the Shareware Version click here

N.B.

In RedEdit 97 any changes that are made in any windows are not saved into memory until you click on the OK button. The save button that is on some forms just saves the settings temporarily.

Any text that is displayed in the ToolTips is also displayed in the bottom panel on the main window. When using any windows in RedEdit 97, you may wish to move the window so that you can still see the main window.

Windows used in RedEdit 97

About Window

Changes Browser

Import Window

Import Log Window

Latest Info Window

Main Window

Options Dialog

Quick Changes

Red Alert Location Window

Settings Browser Window

Template Manager

Sections That can be edited with RedEdit 97

Artificial Intelligence Settings

Audio/Visual Map Controls

Chronoshift Side Effects

Combat and Damage Settings

Computer and Movement Controls

Country Settings

Crate Settings

Difficulty Settings

Income and Production

Infantry Settings

IQ Settings

Land Characteristics

Multiplayer Settings

Names Window

Projectile Statistics

Quick Change

Recharge Times

Repair and Refit Settings

Special Weapons

Structure Settings

Tech Level Window

Vehicle Settings

Warhead Characteristics

Weapon Settings


Glossary

A

B

C

Cell
A cell is a unit of measurement on the map of Red Alert. i.e. When you try to place a building on the map during Red Alert, the outline of the building, either Red or White depending on if it can be build there, each square in the outline is a cell.

Crate
Crates are little silver or blue boxes that are found in some single player and most multiplayer missions. In the multiplayer missions you can disable them. They can contain various bonus item such as Nukes, Reveal Maps, Temporary invunrability, cloaking devices etc. Or they can contain bad "bonus" items also, these might be explosions that damage or kill whatever picked the crate up or they might black out the entire map.

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

Ore
If you don't know what this is, then you really are in trouble!!

P

Power-up
A powerup is a good or bad effect that occurs when you run-over a crate. See Crate for more details

Q

R

S

Shroud
The shroud is the black area on the play field that causes the map to be hidden until it's revealed by either a unit, structure or a crate powerup.

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z


IQ Settings

The iq settings controls what the computer player can do depending on how "smart" they are.

Each player (computer controlled or otherwise) is given an IQ rating that is used to define what the computer is allowed to automatically control. This is distinct from the difficulty setting. The higher the IQ setting, the more autonomous and intelligent the side will behave. Each ability is given a rating that indicates the IQ level (or above) that the ability will be granted. Because such abilities are automatically performed by the computer, giving a human controlled country a high IQ is not recommended. Otherwise the player's units will start to automatically "do their own thing"! A human controlled country is presumed to have an IQ rating of zero. A computer controlled country has an IQ of 1 or higher.

When in skirmish mode or when multiplayer AIs are active, the computer IQ is set to the maximum.

The window for the IQ settings is displayed below

The box at the top of the window controls how many separate AI levels there are. You cannot set this figure below the highest number set in the other boxes.

Property	Description

Number of IQ Levels	The maximum number of discrete IQ levels

Super Weapons	Super Weapons are automatically fired by the computer

Production	Building / unit production is automatically controlled by computer

Auto Crush Infantry	Automatically crush antogonsits if possible

Scatter	Units will scatter from incoming threats (grenades and a-like)

Guard Area	Newly produced units start in guard mode

Scan Contents	Will consider contents of transport when picking a good target

Repair and Sell	Allowed to choose whether to repair or sell off damaged buildings

Replace Aircraft	Automatically replace aircraft or helicopters

Sell Back Buildings	Allowed to sell back buildings

Replace Harvesters	Automatically replace lost harvesters

See Also

Difficulty Levels

Button Reference


Import Log Window

The import log window is shown below :

To view the log you can either re-size the window or use the scroll bars.

The OK button closes the window.

The Save log to file button prompts you for a filename and allows you to save the log to a text file.

The Print Log allows you to print the log out on the default printer.

N.B. Due to an error within the control I used for the printing of the log, printing under NT 4 will cause a "Divide by Zero" error message. This is beyond by control, I can only suggest you print under windows 95.

See Also

Import a file window


Import Window

(In the pro version you can choose which sections to import)

From this window you can select which sections* of the file to import.

The window is split into two parts and is shown below:

The left hand part lists all the possible sections that you can select to import, if they appear checked ( [image] ) they will be imported. Some sections contain sub-sections. If you click on one of these the possible sub-sections will appear in the right hand part (i.e. if you click on "General" you will see the following panel )

Or if clicked on "Countries" the following panel would appear

When you have more than 1 sub-section displayed, a tab just below the panel will appear with a corresponding caption. You then click on the tab to access the panel that corresponds to the caption on that tab. i.e. if the countries and general sections have been checked, the following tabs will be displayed :

When the settings have been imported the import log window will be shown, this window shows any log events that have been triggered.

Button Descriptions

The Help button shows this help window

The OK button imports the selected sections

The Cancel button returns you to the main window, without importing any settings

The Options button give you access to the options that you can set for the importing and logging sections.

Importing Options:

The following options are available when importing a file :

  *	Normal Import :

When you import a file with this selected, any changed settings will be reset, and then the file imported.

  *	Merge Import

When you import a file with this selected, the selected sections will be merged with the current settings. If there are any unknown keys in the imported file, the present value in the settings will be kept, it will not be set back to the default setting.

Logging Options :

The following events can be toggled when creating a log

  *	Log Incorrect Keys

This will report if a key cannot be imported due to an error with the key. (i.e. the owner key of a unit was not allied or soviet)

  *	Log Missing keys

This will report when a key isn't present. (i.e. the cost key wasn't found in a section that it should have been in (i.e. infantry or structure etc...) if it was a normal import you selected, the setting will be set to the default, otherwise if you selected merge import, the setting will be left as it was.

  *	Log Missing Sections

This will report if a section wasn't found (i.e. [V2RL] or [England]...) if it was a normal import you selected, the setting will be set to the default, otherwise if you selected merge import, the setting will be left as it was.

  *	Log Success

This will be reported if a section was imported without any logging events being triggered.

* Sections :

The rules.ini file (which is the file that is made when you click on the compile button) is made up of a number of sections. Some examples would be, AI - all the artificial intelligence settings are in the AI section, the ENGLAND section contains all the information about ENGLAND. V2RL contains all the information about the V2 rocket launcher.

If you want to have a look through the Rules.ini file (located in your Red Alert directory) all the sections start some letters enclosed by square brackets (i.e. [AI] [General], [England],[V2RL] )

See Also

Import Log Window.


Income and Production

These settings determine how profitable harvesting will be and control over production settings.

The window is shown below.

The settings are split into two groups, both are described below.

Settings	Description

General harvesting and building related settings

Gem Value 	Gem credits per 'bail' carried by a harvester

Gold Value 	Gold (ore) credits per 'bail' carried by a harvester

Growth Rate 	Minutes between ore (gold) growth

Ore Truck Rate	Speed that harvester truck manages ore [larger means slower]

Bail Count 	Number of 'bails' carried by a harvester

Build Up Time 	Average minutes that building build-up animation runs

Build Speed 	General build speed [time (in minutes) to produce a 1000 credit cost item] (Smaller = quicker)

Survivor Rate	fraction of building cost to be converted to survivors when sold

Miscellaneous Settings

Ore Spreads	Does ore spread into adjacent areas?

Ore Grows	Does ore grow denser over time?

Separate A/C	Is first aircraft (helo or airplane) to be purchased separately from helipad or Airstrip?

See Also

Button Reference


Incorrect DF
Incorrect Data File

This error might occur after the registered version has been installed over the Shareware version. The solution to this problem is to reinstall the registered version. If this doesn't work, delete the file winre.dll from the windows\system directory and reinstall the program. This will fix it..


Infantry Settings

This window allows you change the properties of all the infantry units in the game.

The window is split into pages each containg different groups of settings. They are listed below with the settings they contain below them. The Tech Level button brings up the tech level dialog window.

**Hint**	If you click on the weapon combo boxes with the right mouse button, then select properties, it will bring up the weapon statistics window, with the weapon specified in the combo box selected.

Standard  Page

"General Properties"

Settings	Descriptions

Owner	who can build this Allies, Soviet or Both

Cost	cost to build object (in credits)

Sight	sight range, in cells

Prerequisite	Building  needed before this can be manufactured (in addition to barracks, or kennel)

Speed	speed of this object

Strength	strength (hit points) of this object

Armour	The amour type of this structure. (Armour types listed from weakest to strongest are none, wood, light, heavy and concrete.)

"Weapon Properties"

Primary 	Primary weapon fired by unit

Secondary	Secondary weapon fired by unit

Uses C4	Equipped with building sabotage explosives [presumes Infiltrate is true]

Ammo	Number of rounds carried between reloads (-1 means unlimited)

"Behavioral Properties"

Settings	Descriptions

Classed as a dog	Should special case dog logic be applied to this?

Infiltrate	Can it enter a building like a spy or thief ?

Fraidycat	Is unit easily scared (like the civilians)

Advanced Settings on the Advanced tab.

Image	Unit imagery to use in Red Alert

Guard Range	Distance to scan for enemies to attack

Reload	Time delay between reloads

Hit Points	Point value for scoring purposes

Double Owned	Can be built/owned by all countries in a multiplayer game?

Explodes	Does it explode violently when destroyed [i.e., does it do collateral damage] ?

Crushable	Can the unit be crushed by tracked vehicles?

Self Healing	Can the unit automatically heal itself back to 50% health?

See Also

Button Reference

Glossary

Related Windows

Structure Settings

Vehicle Settings


Land Characteristics

This section specifies the characteristics of the various terrain types.
It will allow you to change the speed at which the units move over different terrain types.

The window is shown below.

The settings are described below.

Property	Description

Soldiers	% of full speed for foot soldiers [0 means impassable]

Wheeled Vehicles	% of full speed for wheeled vehicles [0 means impassable]

Boats	% of full speed for boats [0 means impassable]

Tracked Vehicles	% of full speed for tracked vehicles [0 means impassable]

Can structures....	Can structures be built upon this terrain?

See Also

Button Reference


Latest Info

To get the latest info on RedEdit 97, simply click on the On-Line menu on the main window an select "Get Latest Info". You will them see a screen like the one below:

Firstly, choose which site you want to connect to, the home site is in the UK, so you could try that if you are in europe or if that doesn't respond or is extremely slow, try the mirror site whcih is in the USA.

Once you have selected the site, click on Connect. If you are presently connected to the Internet, it will connect to the site and download the information. Otherwise, it will prompt you to connect to your Internet Service provider.

When the download is complete, you will see the downloaded file in the white area of the window.

To close and exit from this window, click on Close.


Main Menu

File Menu

The file menu is shown below.

New	This option restores the settings to defaults.

Open	This opens a file

ReOpen	This leads to a list of the last 4 files opened with RedEdit 97

Save	This saves a file

Save As	This saves a file with a new name

Properties	This allows you to see the properties of the currently open file

Import	This allows you to import other rules.ini files or Red Alchemist files

Send Settings To	This allows you to transmit the settings to other people

Compile Settings	This option compiles the settings for use with Red Alert

Compile and Run	This will compile the settings and then run Red Alert

Run Red Alert	Guess what, this runs Red Alert !

Exit	Exits RedEdit

Settings Menu

From the Settings menu you can access the different sections of the RedEdit Settings. The menu is divided up into sections. The menu is shown below:

Arms	General weapon settings (weapon Stats, projectiles,warheads etc..)

Computer Settings	AI, IQ, Computer movement controls etc..

General	General Red Alert settings. Not related to any one side.

Player & Computer

      Settings	Settings that effect either the computer sides, player sides or both

Misc	Two misc settings, Undeploy MCV and fine difficulty settings

CounterStrike

      Enhancements	Giant Ant settings and name changes

Reset Settings	Resets the settings currently in memory. (unrecoverable)

View Menu

The View Menu lists all of the open windows.

Options Menu

The options menu has two items on it, they are listed below

Clear Recently

    Used files list	This open clears the File->ReOpen menu of it's entries.

Options Dialog	This opens the options dialog.

Utilities Menu

The utilities menu has useful options on it, that you won't want to miss! They are listed below

Browse Settings	This window allows you to browse through all the settings available to be changed in RedEdit 97, changed or otherwise. A red tick or blue cross is next to each setting, indicating the changed status of that setting.

Quick Change

    Window	This opens the quick change window where changes can be made to multiple settings at once - very useful for turning of the bibs on the buildings or making everything cheap!

Review Changes

    Made	This very useful utility lets you see what settings have been changed since the file was either created or last saved. It differs from the settings browser in that only the changed settings are displayed.

Restore to Red Alert

    defaults	This option deletes the compiled settings file from the Red Alert directory. this is useful if you want to play an non-modified game against an opponent or the computer AI.

Rollback	This option restores the previous version of the compiled settings file. It does not however, reload the settings from that file into RedEdit 97. (Although it will soon!)

Help Menu

The Help menu provides access to this help file and the about box. (From the about box you can get to the window where you input the location of Red Alert.)

See Also

Main window


Main Window

The main window is the control center for the application. From here you can choose which settings to change, which window to see (if there is more than 1 window open) and access the on-line help. This window is shown below.

Just to confuse you even more there are three different types of toolbar!! The normal one is shown above. the others are shown below.

The buttons, from left to right are :

Open File

This button allows you to load in a previously saved RedEdit 97 settings file.

Save File

This button allows you to save a RedEdit 97 settings file.

Compile Settings

This button will compile your settings entered into RedEdit 97, and turn them into a format that Red Alert will be able to understand.

Send Settings

This button allows you to send settings to another person on the other end of one of the following communication lines:

Network (win 95)

Null-Modem

Modem

Internet (via E-Mail, Win 95)

Browse Changes

This button opens the window that allows you to see which settings have been changed for the present settings. They can be compared against either the default settings or the last saved version of the settings.

Browse Settings

This button opens the settings browser window.

AI Settings

This button opens the Artificial Intelligence window

Country Settings

This button opens the Country Settings window

Weapon Settings

This button opens the Weapon Statistics window

Structure Settings

This button opens the Structure Settings window

Vehicle Settings

This button opens the Vehicle Settings window

Run Red Alert

This button, surprisingly, runs Red Alert!

Help

Press this button to access the On-Line help.

Active Toolbar

This toolbar uses the active controls like those used in Microsoft™ Internet Explorer 3. The toolbar can be altered, using the options dialog to display gray scale pictures when un-active and colour when the mouse is on top of them. However some graphics cards, when in 256 colour mode don't like it. In which case you can choose just to have the colour pictures or change the toolbar to a different type. The buttons have the exact same meaning as the normal toolbar.

Text / Drop-down menus toolbar

Following some criticism of the menu layout (which I can understand with all the settings available, it's rather hard to design a easy layout.) I came up with this toolbar. It's active in the same way as the active toolbar, but it only uses text and thus doesn't suffer the same problems in 256 colour modes.

The menu is used by clicking on one of the buttons and selecting an option from the menu. I have tried to layout the settings in an easy to understand manner, but I probably failed ;-)
This is the menu I prefer to use because all of the settings are within an easy click.

The toolbar is shown below:

File	File menu options, nearly the same as the normal File Menu

Send	Send to Internet,modem,null modem or network recipients

Compile	Compile settings,Compile and Run, Restore to Defaults and Rollback

General	Same as main general menu

Players	Same as main Player and Computer Settings menu

Weapons	Same as main Arms menu

Others	Tech levels, Quick Change window and CounterStrike enhancements.

Browse	Allows you to browse the settings with the changes or settings browsers

Run	Runs Red Alert

Help	Accesses the on-line help

See Also

Open / Save Dialog window

Sending RedEdit Settings Files.

Changes Browser

Settings Browser


Multiplayer Settings

These are the multiplayer dialog default settings. Does not apply to Westwood chat, only to the in-game dialogs.

The window is shown below.

The window is split into 2 parts. The first one defines the money limits then the second part sets the game options.

The properties should be self explanatory, but they are listed below for convenience

Setting	Description

Minimum Money,	The minimum money that you can select

Maximum Money,	The maximum money that you can select

Shroud Regrows,	Does the shroud automatically cover back up again?

Bases On,	Do you start with an MCV?

Ore Regrows,	Will the Ore regenerate?

Crates On,	Will the crates be available?

Computer Players,	Are there AI players in the game. (for Skirmish mode, this has to be set to true)

Capture the flag,	Play the game where you capture the opponents flag and return it to your base.

See Also

Button Reference


Names Window

With this window you can change the names that are used for the structures, vehicles and infantry that are used in Red Alert. For these changes to work you need Red Alert version 1.07E or higher. (You get this version by purchasing the CounterStrike addon pack.)

The window is shown below

The three tabs at the top of the window select the category of names you can select. The names list is split into two panels, the one on the left displays the default name, while the one of the right lists the name currently assigned to the object.

To edit a name, either double click on the required name or click on it once and press the F2 key.

N.B.

These settings will have no effect even if you have the CounterStrike patch if the "Use CounterStrike Enhancements" in the options dialog tab "File Settings" is not checked.

The names have a maximum length of 30 characters.

Any changes you make will immediately be reflected in all the other windows that display the object's name.

See Also

Button Reference

Options Dialog - File Settings Tab

Related Windows

Infantry Settings

Structure Settings

Vehicle Settings


Options Dialog

From this window you can set how RedEdit 97 behaves.

This is the window as it appears when you load it up. The tabs across the top gives you access to the separate sections of options.

The Toolbar Style determines the way the toolbar on the main window is displayed. I have had some reports of the new active style updating slowly on some systems. To combat this I recreated the old style toolbar which doesn't suffer the same problems. As an alternative to the menus for finding settings to change, I made an active text only toolbar with drop down menus. I think this is the best toolbar of the lot, It does take a bit of getting used to but holds the best functionality rating. All settings and functions can be reached from here. With this active you can even hide the main menu by a option on the file button menu.. I would love to hear any comments on them off you - the users.

"The Use 256 Gray Scale with Active Buttons" checkbox is used when you select the graphical active style buttons. When the mouse is moved over a button it will change from the gray scale picture to the colour picture, creating a nice effect, however on some systems this can be painfully slow updating. The normal toolbar is exactly the same layout as the graphical active but without the gray scale pics.

Show Tooltips - This allows you to stop the tooltips from appearing on the settings on a window. It is checked by default.

Tooltip Duration - This allows to set, in seconds, the length of time that a tooltip is shown for. Or alternatively, the "Use Smart Timer" option will let RedEdit work out hold long to show each tooltip for.

"Automatically commit changes" - this option, when checked, will suppress the menus that drop down

from the "OK" buttons on the settings windows when they are clicked. It will cause the changes to be automatically saved and the window concerned will be closed. If it's unchecked however, the drop down menu will appear and you can select to save and continue or save and close the window.

A quick note on the startup tab, at the moment this will either enable or disable the splash animation.

See Also

Button Reference

Main Window

Options Dialog - Red Alert Version Tab

Options Dialog - File Settings Tab


Options Dialog - Red Alert Version Tab

This tab basically allows you to choose which version of RA you wish to run.

You can choose to either run the Dos version in windows 95 or by closing down windows and starting DOS mode. Or you can run the native windows 95 version.

If you select the Dos version, there are two check-boxes which are made available:

Run Dos version under windows With this option checked RedEdit will automatically run the Dos version under windows and not close windows down.

Show Exit Windows Warning With this option checked, if the above option is unchecked, i.e. you don't want to run the Dos version under windows, you will be warned before windows is shut down to run the Dos version in true Dos mode. If it's not checked you won't be warned.

See Also

Running RA in Dos Mode

Options Dialog

Options File Settings Tab


Options Dialog File Settings Tab


Options File Settings Tab

With this tab, you can choose the features that are used when compiling the settings and more file related settings.

The top two settings are concerned with the options for the CounterStrike add-on patch.

Enable CounterStrike Enhancements If this is checked then the additional properties that can be used with CounterStrike will be enabled. They will also be compiled, resulting in a a slightly larger compiled settings file.

Disable CounterStrike Compilation Warning When this is not checked every time you compile the settings with the CounterStrike Enhancements active, you will get a warning about using the compiled settings when playing a new mission. With this checked you don't get that warning.

N.B. If the about two options are grayed the CounterStrike addon pack was not detected, a message is there telling you that.

Automatic Save Every X Minutes With this selected RedEdit 97 will automatically save your settings file on the time period specified in the box beneath the checkbox.

N.B. It only saves the file when the file has been saved for the first time.

Save Settings Before Running Red Alert With this option checked, your settings file will be saved before you run Red Alert. Even if you haven't previously saved the file, you will be prompted to enter a path and file name. However, you do not have to save the file to Run Red Alert.

See Also

Options Dialog

Options Dialog Red Alert Version Tab


Order Form

For an order form, please refer to Ord_Form.Txt, located in the same directory as RedEdit 97

Thank-you!!


Overview

RedEdit 97

Help File Version 1.2

RedEdit 97 for Windows95(tm) and Windows NT4 (tm) is a program that allows you to change almost every aspect of Command & Conquer : Red Alert.

This program was written by Red Alert addicts for Red Alert addicts, the plan was to make the program as user friendly as possible, yet not loose any of the functionality . If you use this program on a regular basis, you are asked to register. For more information regarding registering, see the order_frm.txt file distributed with RedEdit, or for the latest info, look at the web site (location is in the read_me.txt file)

We hope you find this program useful and wish you the best for the future.

Steve Childs and Roger Williams.

Please note the following registered trademark acknowledgements

Windows95 and WindowsNT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation, Command and Conquer, Command and Conquer : Red Alert is a trademark of Westwood Studios.

All other trademarks acknowledged.


Projectile Statistics

If you are reading this for the first time, I suggest that you read the notes on weapons first. Weapon Notes.

These settings describe how and what image to use as the weapon flies to its target. Think of the projectile as the "delivery method" used to get the warhead to the desired target.

The window is shown below:

Settings	Descriptions

AA	Can this weapon fire upon flying aircraft?

AG	Can this weapon fire upon ground objects?

ASW	Is this an Anti-Submarine-Warfare projectile?

Animates	Does it animate [this means smoke puffs]?

Arcing	Does it have a ballistic trajectory?

Arm	Arming delay

Degenerates	Does the bullet strength weaken as it travels?

Dropping	Does it fall from a starting height?

Frames	Number of image frames for animation purposes

Gigundo	Is the projectile larger than normal?

High	Can it fly over walls?

Image	Image to use during flight

Inaccurate	Is it inherently inaccurate?

Inviso	Is the projectile invisible as it travels?

Parachuted	Equipped with a parachute for dropping from plane?

Proximity	Does it blow up when near its target?

ROT	Rate Of Turn [non zero implies homing]

Ranged	Can it run out of fuel?

Rotates	Does the projectile have rotation specific imagery?

Shadow	If High, does this bullet need to have a shadow drawn?

Translucent	Are translucent colors used in artwork?

UnderWater	Does the projectile travel under water?

See Also

Button Reference

Glossary

Weapon Notes

Shareware Version Restrictions

Related Windows

Weapon Statistics

Warhead Characteristics


Quick Change
Quick Change Windows

The quick change windows allows multiple changes to be made to a category of settings with just a few clicks.

As of version 1.1.2, only the Vehicle, Structure and Infantry Settings.

The quick changes window, as it loads up, is shown below.

The settings basically are the same for all the categories, definitions can be found from the links at the bottom of this page. To select more that 1 item from the list box, use the shift + click combination to select items in sequence or Control + click to individually select the items. To Change a setting, firstly check the checkbox and set the property to what you want,then click on OK or Apply. The setting will only be saved if the checkbox is checked (got an tick in it).

The checkbox below the listbox, named "Auto Show Object Properties" will display the properties of the currently selected object in the listbox only if there is one object selected, if there are multiple selections the properties will be blank.

See Also

Structure Settings

Vehicle Settings

Infantry Settings


Recharge Times

The time (minutes) for recharge of the special weapons.

The window is shown below

The settings for this window are pretty self explanatory, the number is the box is the time in minutes it takes for the weapon to charge.

i.e.

It takes 7 minutes to charge the Chronoshift

It takes 3 minutes to charge the Spy Plane

The Saboteur is an unknown unit. It is not accessible in the game, we left it in the settings just in case it ever is used in the future.

See Also

Button Reference


Red Alert Location

This window allows you to select the location on the hard disk of Red Alert.

The window is displayed below.

At the top of the window is the drive list then below that is the directory listing. To select which version of Red Alert you wish to find select one of the options in the box labeled "Version of Red Alert to find"

You can only click on the OK button once a version has been found.

Click the OK button to accept changes and save location, or CANCEL to reject any changes.

CounterStrike Warning:

If the addon pack "Red Alert : CounterStrike" is detected you will be informed and suggested that you look at the "File Settings" tab on the options dialog.

See Also

Button Reference


RegInfo
Registration Information

For details of restrictions with the Shareware version, click here.

If you upgrade to the professional version you will get the following improvements:

Full access to all settings in the structures, vehicles and Infantry. You can make the construction yard shoot the fire from the flame turret! or make a building heal your infantry! Not to mention make a building self healing! and much much more (as the saying goes!)

Ability to Save the settings to disk, and reload them at a later date. Build your own libraries and swap them with your friends!

Get loads more sample setups.

You also get complete satisfaction of supporting poor students!!

Also included will be the Red Alert Internet Strategy Guide, by Roger Wong. (thanks for the permission. Roger.), loads of multiplayer maps and as many FAQs as I can find.

The ability, when playing a human multiplayer opponent, to send the settings down the comms line (be it null modem, plain modem, Internet or Network) so the person on the other end can compile them and you can all play with a copy of the settings. imagine, playing a human who has the same souped up tanks, planes as you, you might wish that you hadn't of made the nuke missile 10x stronger  ;) !!

You can E-Mail RedEdit support at rededit_97@geocities.com

Up to date versions of the Shareware files and information are at either

(UK and Europe)

http://freespace.virgin.net/steve.childs

or

(USA and rest of world))

http://www.geocities.com/~ryan_jones

N.B. The virgin.net site can be slow (even to me and I'm connected to it!!), in which case please try the mirror site in the USA.

For a order form to print out, click here


Repair and Refit Settings

These settings are concerned with repairing and refitting units / structures with weapons.

The window is shown below.

The settings are split into 3 small groups, all are described below:

Setting	Description

Structure Repair

Percent Cost	Percent price to fully repair as ratio of full cost

Rate	Minutes between applying repair step

Step	Hit points to heal per repair 'tick' for buildings

Unit Repair

Percent Cost	Percent price to fully repair as ratio of full cost

Step	Hit points to heal per repair 'tick' for units

Miscellaneous

Refund Percentage	Percent of original cost to refund when building/unit is sold

Reload Rate	Minutes to reload each ammo point for aircraft or helicopters

See also

Button Reference


Reset All
Reset All Settings

Clicking Yes from this window will erase all the settings in memory and reset them to default. There is no way to recover from this.

=> Erase and Reset Settings

=> Don't change anything and return to the main window.


Running RA for Dos Under Windows
Running Red Alert for Dos, under Windows

To run Red Alert for Dos, you can either :

1) Run it under Windows95, if the specific version for windows won't run. For this to run at a reasonable speed, you will need at least 16Mb.

2) or Reboot into Dos and Run it from there.

If you can run the Windows95 version, we suggest that you do that, the SVGA version is wonderful (if a bit buggy).

See Also

Options Dialog : Red Alert Version Tab


Save To File

This dialog window appears when changes to the settings have been made and not saved to disk.

From this dialog you can choose to save changes to a file, that you can load back in at a later date,and exit the application; choose not to save the file and exit the application; or Cancel the close operation and continue in the application.

=> Save settings to a file and exit

=> Don't save settings and exit

=> Don't save settings, and don't exit. (return to main window)


Sending Settings via E-mail

One of the best features of RedEdit 97 is it's connectivity. You can send settings to your opponents via any of these communication links E-mail, modem, null modem or network. This page is concerned with the E-Mail method.

The e-mail window is shown below.

The three tabs of the top of the window correspond to 3 sections of settings you need to fill in. The textbox at the top of this tab displays the main recipients of the main, while below it, if the checkbox is checked, is a similar box with all the cc recipients in. To add a recipient to the list, click on the icon on the right of either textbox. This will bring up the address book. For more information on the address book page, click here.

When you have selected the addresses from the address book, they will appear in the to or cc textboxes. Type in any message you wish to send to your opponent and click on the user info tab. Here you will see two textboxes captioned User Name, User Address in these you must enter your name and your e-mail address. Once that is done, click on the last tab "Communication Settings"

If you use dial up networking to connect to your ISP, check the "Use Dial up Networking" checkbox and select the service from the combo box. Enter your password for the service and click on "remember password" if you don't want to type it in again. Enter your mail server's address and default port. You shouldn't have to change this, all mail servers should be on 25.

If you want to attach the RedEdit 97 *.red file to the e-mail check the attach file checkbox, otherwise the compiled settings file will be sent in the body of the mail, increasing the size of the mail by 110%. With the attached file the mail size is about 20kb, with the compiled settings file it's about 50kb.

When all this has been setup, simply click on the accept button to save the changes to the setup you have made and then OK - Send to send the mail, Cancel to not send the mail and return to the main menu.

Your opponents will have to check their own mail boxes with other software for the time being. In a few weeks I shall extend the mail system so the settings will be downloaded as soon as they arrive.

See also

Sending Settings via a modem

Sending Settings via a NULL-modem

Sending Settings via a TCP/IP network.

E-mail address book


Settings Browser Window

This window is where you can see at a browse through the different sections of settings.

The window is pictured below.

The window is split into two main panes. The pane on the left lists all the sections of the settings, the pane on the right shows the properties of the selected section in the left pane. i.e. the picture above shows in left pane, the "Air to Surface Missile" selected and it's properties in the right pane.

The right pane is split into 3 columns, from left to right they are : Property name, Present Value and Default Value.

Property Name is as the name says, the name of the property!

Present Value is the property's value now. If the property has been changed (you can tell if there is a red tick to the left of the Property Name, if it's a blue cross then it's the same as the default value.)

Default value is the property's default value. This is only shown if the value of the property has been changed from the default.

The slider at the bottom resizes the panes in the window. When the slider moves, the center of the panes moves to keep track of the slider. The window also resizes to what ever size you want.

The refresh button refreshes the settings shown in the window. This button should never need to be used, the settings are automatically updated when you click on a OK button in a form. (To commit data to memory)

(The buttons that you see if you run the settings browser application you will see more buttons at the bottom of the screen, these are listed below :)

Load button	This button loads a RedEdit file you specify from disk.

About button	This button displays the about box.

Reset button	This button resets all the settings to defaults.

See also

Button reference.


Shareware Version Restrictions

Below are listed the restrictions that are built in to the Shareware version. To get the full retail version of RedEdit, please refer to the ordering information.

The following settings sections can not be altered in the Shareware version :

Projectile statistics,

Warhead statistics,

Special weapons,

Repair and refit

Combat and damage

Income and production

Audio / visual map controls

Computer movement controls

Miscellaneous controls

Difficulty Settings

Land Characteristics

There are also some other features that are restricted in their use.


Sneak Preview

Some of the features of the registered version allow you to :

Build the Hospital :

The hospital can be configured to heal your troops!!

Build the Bio-research lab. This on it's own is not much use, but if you configure it with weapons, it can do something like :

Before :

After :

Although having a nuke as a base defense system is not advisable!!

You can also undeploy your construction yard :

From :

Note the cursor type.

To :

Ta Da!!

You can change the amount of money that the multiplayer games start with, also you can change the number of difficulty levels. (A level between easy and normal is shown below)

ie. :

Look around the help file for more options and features that are in the Professional version. The options/features that aren't in the Shareware version are noted as such on the help page.

The professional only features are linked from the bottom of the page.

See also

Audio/Visual Map Controls

Combat and Damage Settings

Difficulty Settings

Income and Production

Land Characteristics

Projectiles

Repair and Refit Settings

Special Weapon Recharge Times

Special Weapon Settings

Warheads


Special Weapons

This section deals with a few settings concerned with the special weapons in the game.

The window is shown below:

These settings are split into 4 groups which are described below.

Tech Levels

Settings	Descriptions

Chronoshift	Tech level at which Chrono facility can create Chrono shift

G.P.S	Tech level at which GPS satellite becomes available

Parabomb	Tech level that parabomb appears free with airfield

Para-infantry	Tech level when free Para-infantry appears from airstrip

Spy Plane	Tech level when free spy plane appears from airstrip

Chronoshift

Duration	Time that a unit will remain chronoshifted before returning to start location

Kill Cargo	Should cargo be destroyed when object is chronoshifted?

Gap Generators

Radius	Radius of gap generator (cells)

Regen Interval	Gap generators will regenerate their shroud at this time interval

Miscellaneous

Number of Bombers	Number of badgers used to drop parabombs

Iron Curtain Duration	Minutes that Iron Curtain invulnerability lasts

Radar Jammer Radius	Cell radius distance that mobile radar jammer is effective

See Also

Glossary

Button Reference


Structure Settings

This window allows you change the properties of all the structures in the game.

The window is shown below.

The window is split into two pages with different groups of settings on the first page. They are listed below with the settings they contain below them.

**Hint**	If you click on the weapon combo boxes with the right mouse button, then select properties, it will bring up the weapon statistics window, with the weapon specified in the combo box selected.

Standard Tab [Page]

General Properties

Owners	Who can build this (Allies, Soviet or Both)

Cost	Cost to build structure (in credits)

Power	Power output [positive for output, negative for drain]

Strength	Strength of this structure

Armour	The armour type of this structure. (Armour types listed from weakest to strongest are none, wood, light, heavy and concrete.)

Sight	Sight range, in cells

Capturable	Can this building be infiltrated by a spy or engineer

Waterbound	Is the structure built on water?

Weapons Properties

Settings	Descriptions

Primary	Primary weapon shot by the structure

Secondary	Secondary weapon shot by the structure

Ammo	Number of rounds carried between reloads [-1 means unlimited]

ROT	Rate Of Turn for body (if present) and turret (if present)

Construction Properties

Primary	First building required to be able to construct the current one. (n.b. if this is set to none, you will be able to construct this structure when you have deployed your MCV)

Secondary	Building in addition to primary that you need before you can construct the structure.

Advanced Settings on Advanced Tab

Image	Image to use for the structure in Red Alert,

Hit Points	Point value for scoring purposes

Bib Enabled	Should the building have an attached bib

Unsellable	Cannot sell this building (even if it can be built)

Repairable	Can it be repaired (even if it can't be built)?

Explodes	Does it explode violently when destroyed [i.e., does it do collateral damage]

Cloaked	Is the structure cloaked until it fires? (Not Presently Implemented)

Sensors	Has sensors to detect nearby cloaked objects

Crewed	Does it contain a crew that can escape

Needs Power	Does it require power to function?

Base Normal	Considered for building adjacency checks (i.e. how far from the base can this structure be built)

Adjacent	Distance allowed to place from other buildings (buildings that are set as Storage	The number of credits this building can store

See Also

Button Reference

Glossary

Related Windows

Infantry Settings

Vehicle Settings


Tech Level Window

A tech level defines when a structure, unit , weapon or vehicle can be built or used. The higher the tech level, the more powerful and useful weapons and units can be built.

The tabs at the top of the window selects the group of settings you wish to change. To change a setting, click on the name in the listbox on the left, change the setting in the edit box and click on save.

The Reset button will reset the selected items in the listbox.

N.B. If you don't click on save and select another line in the list box the changes won't be saved.

See Also

Buttons Reference


Template Manager

Access to this window is via the Utilties menu.

The template manager is where you can manage the templares that you have saved. The normal window is shown below :

If you click the option to see the file Information, the window will enlarge to show you the extra panel shown below :

The information displayed in the above panel is detailed below.

File Version, this is the version of the RedEdit 97 data format that is used in the file

Author : this is the author of the template

Creation Date : this is the date the template was created

Template : This is the name of the file that was used as a template for this template!

Description : This is the description of the settings.

The buttons on the template manager window are listed below along with a description of their actions.

The Use button allows you to load the selected template.

The Preview button allows you to see the changed settings in the template (only if you have the stand-alone changes browser installed - see web sites for download)

The Delete Template button not surprisingly deletes the currently selected template.

See Also

Templates


Templates

A template is a special sort of RedEdit 97 file. When you create a new settings file based on a template, the template you selected is loaded into RedEdit 97, and you start with whatever settings were in the template file. However, when you come to save, you save the file as a new RedEdit 97 file (*.red) or even another RedEdit 97 template (*.ret).

The advantage with a template is if you find yourself making the same changes to every file you make, you only need to make the changes to a template and then base all your new files on that template.

To create a new template, in the save dialog, select "RedEdit 97 Template (*.ret)" from the "files of type" drop-down list at the bottom of the window. The directory will automatically change to that of the templates (it's a fixed folder off that of RedEdit - i.e. C:\RedEdit\Template). Simply click on the template you want and click on the Use button.

See Also

Template Manager Window


Vehicle Settings

This window is where all the settings for the vehicles in Red Alert can be changed.

The window is shown below.

The window is split into two different tabs with different groups of settings on the first. They are listed below with the settings they contain below them. The Tech Level button brings up the tech level dialog window.

**Hint**	If you click on the weapon combo boxes with the right mouse button, then select properties, it will bring up the weapon statistics window, with the weapon specified in the combo box selected.

Standard tab [Page]

General Properties

Settings	Descriptions

Owners	Who can build this (Allies, Soviet or Both)

Cost	Cost to build vehicle (in credits)

Strength	Strength (hit points) of this vehicle

Armour	The armour type of this vehicle. (Armour types listed from weakest to strongest are none, wood, light, heavy and concrete.)

Speed	Speed of this unit

Sight	Sight range, in cells

Sensors	Has it got sensors to detect nearby cloaked objects ?

Weapon Properties

Primary	Primary weapon shot by the structure

Secondary	Secondary weapon shot by the structure

Ammo	Number of rounds carried between reloads [-1 means unlimited]

Construction Properties

Primary	First building required to be able to construct the current vehicle

Secondary	Building in addition to primary that you need before you can construct the vehicle.

Advanced Settings on the Advanced Tab

Image	Image to use for the vehicle in Red Alert (Not presently implemented)

Hit Points	Point value for scoring purposes

Passengers	Number of passengers the unit may carry

ROT	Rate Of Turn for body (if present) and turret (if present)

Reload	Time between reloads (not presently implemented)

Stop B4 Fire	Does the unit have to stop before it can fire it's weapon(s) ?

Explodes	Does it explode violently when destroyed? [i.e., does it do collateral damage]

Cloakable	Is it equipped with a cloaking device?

Self Healing	Does the vehicle heal automatically up to half strength

Crewed	Does it contain a crew that can escape

Tracked	Is this vehicle tracked [as opposed to wheeled]

See Also

Button Reference

Glossary

Related Windows

Infantry Settings

Structure Settings


Version History

Of RedEdit 97.

v1.0.0

Date:	3rd March 1997

Comments	This version was never put on general release, it was for testers only.

v1.0.2

Date:	12th March 1997

Comments	This was the first generally released version.

Fixes	Fixed various bugs, added , improved the compile settings code (makes it compile in a more compact form).

Additions	Recently used files list, Settings file Properties Window, System information tabs.

v1.0.2.1

Date:	24th March 1997

Comments	Updated version, various fixes and improvements

Fixes:	Fixes compile bug (introduced in v1.0.2 :-(  )

Additions	File->Send To menu,Settings->Rollback,Settings->Restore RA Defaults,Settings->Browse Changes (also on toolbar)

Revisions	Changed the About box, moved the memory section to the system info tabs

v1.0.2.2

Date:	28th March 1997

Comments	Updated version, mainly cosmetic changes.

Fixes:	Major bug when "no" was chosen from the shareware notice (or if any errors occured whilst loading)- caused free resources to drop to 1% !!!!

Additions	Changed the toolbar from the old fashioned style to the new, active style as in Internet Explorer. Also added the ms-office style shaded window bar. Also changed the crap old button pictures for new, trendy ones (courtesy of Thomas Hansen).

Revisions	None really.(spent most of my time on MapEdit 97!!)

v 1.1

 	Date 	18th April 1997

Comments:	Vastly updated program (hence the jump to v1.1).

Fixes:	One or two bugs in the program. Improved memory management in the

application startup, reduced resource consumption, now creates windows

when used, frees them up afterwards. (Instead of all being created at

the start).

Revisions:	Took out the ms-office window caption, it caused more

problems than it was worth. Removed the trackbars and replaced them with

the "Select" buttons.

Additions: 	All the remaining settings windows were completed. Ability to

change unit, infantry and structure names.

v 1.1.1

Date	24th April 1997

Comments :	A Basic bug fix and feature enhanced version

Fixes :	Bug in structure form that let you select the properties of a weapon

when the structure didn't have one! Fixed bug in Compile code introduced

in v 1.1 ! (Doh!)

Fixed a bug that wouldn't save the registered version's user's name to

the settings file when saved.

Quite a few more bugs in the Compile Code, mainly the inability of structures

to fire weapons and the bug that caused the ship yard not to be able to be

built on the water!

Revisions:	Added a few tool tips that I had missed

Additions:	Compiliation tab on options dialog, allows you to control any

enhanced features compilation with the counterstrike add-on.

Added Tech levels window (for shareware, limited to Infantry and Units only

Added Link to change names window from relevent windows

Added The ability to save the settings to a file.

Added extra infantry units that we forgot to enter!!

1.1.2

Date	07th May 1997

Comments : 	Another bug fix and feature enhancement update

Fixes	:	Bugs in compilation code. Now all settings are spelt correctly and

fixed the slow repair bug.

Additions :	Added additional toolbar. It contains buttons that when clicked a menu

drops down from with options off them. _Should_ make finding settings

easier.

  	Added the changes browser. You can now browse the changes before you

run RA. Only shows the changed settings.

Ability to send settings by e-mail over the _internet_.

And more... (I can't remember them all ;-) )


Warhead Characteristics

If you are reading this for the first time, I suggest that you read the notes on weapons first. Weapon Notes.

This section describes how the damage is to be applied to the target. The settings should take into consideration the 'area of effect' of the weapon. i.e. An armor piercing tank round would instantly kill a soldier if it hit, the anti-infantry rating is still very low because the tank round has such a limited area of effect, i.e. lacks pinpoint accuracy, and acknowledges the fact that tanks pose little threat to infantry that take cover.

Settings	Descriptions

Spread	Damage spread factor [larger means greater spread].
[A value of 1 means the damage is halved every pixel distant from center point. a value of 2 means damage is halved every 2 pixels, etc.]

Wall	Does this warhead damage concrete walls ?

Wood	Does this warhead damage wood walls?

Ore	Does this warhead destroy ore?

Verses	Damage value verses various armor types (as percentage of full damage) -vs- none, wood (buildings), light armor, heavy armor, concrete

Explosion	Which explosion set to use when warhead of this type impacts: none, piff, piffs, fire, frags, pops, nuke.

InfDeath	Which infantry death animation to use: instant die, twirl die, explodes, flying death, burn death, electro.

See Also

Weapon Notes

Glossary

Related Windows

Weapon Statistics

Projectile Statistics


Weapon Notes

The weapon are split into 3 separate sections. These are Weapon Statistics, Projectile Statistics and Warhead characteristics.

These can be thought of as 3 different parts of a weapon i.e look at the diagram below.

From this picture you can see roughly how the weapon settings are structured. From left to right, they firstly define the general weapon statistics. i.e the range, damage, speed etc of the weapon.

The projectile stats define what the weapon can hit (land, sea, air or a combination of all 3)  This part can be though of as the delivery method used to get the warhead to it's target.

The warhead describes how the damage is applied to the target.


Weapon Settings

If you are reading this for the first time, I suggest that you read the notes on weapons first. Weapon Notes.

This window is where you can change the weapon settings. The window is shown below.

**Hint**	If you click on the projectile or warhead combo boxes, then select properties from the pop up menu, you will then see the Projectile or Warhead window appear, with the Projectile or Warhead already selected. (The window that appears will depend on the combo box you clicked on!)

The different settings that are available are listed below.

Settings	Descriptions

Anim	Animation to display as a firing effect

Burst	Number of rapid succession shots from this weapon

Camera	Reveals area around firer?

Charges	Does it have charge-up-before-firing logic

Damage	The amount of damage (unattenuated) dealt with every bullet

Projectile	Projectile characteristic to use

ROF	Delay between shots [15 = 1 second at middle speed setting]

Range	Maximum cell range

Report	Sound to play when firing

Speed	Speed of projectile to target

Warhead	Warhead to attach to projectile

Supress	Should nearby friendly buildings be scanned for and if found, discourage firing on target?

TurboBoost	Should the weapon get a boosted speed bonus when firing upon aircraft?

See Also

Button Reference

Glossary

Weapon Notes

Related Windows

Projectile Statistics

Warhead Characteristics