BigMax 12/MEGARACE.iso/dos5-6.txt

Text File | 1996-08-02 | 24KB | 537 lines

DOS versions 5 and 6 troubleshooting Guide
Mindscape Technical Support
revised 5/30/96
Document Length: 9 printed pages


        ******************** CAUTION - DISCLAIMER ********************
    NOTICE: Mindscape, Inc. will not be responsible for any damage or other
    consequences resulting from changes made to system configuration files.
    You make any changes at your own risk.

    Even is you are familiar with modifying your system and/or files,
    Mindscape still suggests you first print out a hard copy of the file
    & make backup copies of any files you intend to modify.
        ******************** CAUTION - DISCLAIMER ********************


We suggest taking notes as you go through these steps.  Should you need to
contact Technical Support, this information will be necessary.
NOTE: < > means to press the associated key on the keyboard.
Example:  <Enter> means press the Enter Key.


ARE YOU USING WINDOWS 95?
The material contained below is for troubleshooting Mindscape DOS programs
under MS DOS version 5 or 6.  If you are using Windows 95, please refer to
the text file DOS95.TXT.


CHECKING THE BASICS
With any Windows problem, there are a few basics that should be checked in
the course of troubleshooting.

1.  RUNNING MINDSCAPE DOS APPLICATIONS FROM DOS:
        Mindscape does not support its DOS programs running in Windows 3.X or
        any DOS shell.  Quit out of these applications so you have a DOS
        prompt on the screen.  The DOS prompt looks like this:

                        C:\>

2.  CHECKING THE HARD DRIVE FOR PROBLEMS:
        Perform a SCANDISK or CHKDSK on the C: drive (and the hard drive this
        program is installed to if it is not drive C:).  Type the following:

           DOS 6 USERS:

                        SCANDISK <Enter>

                        Fix any problems detected.

           DOS 5 USERS:

                        CHKDSK /F <Enter>

                        "Convert lost allocations to chains Y/N"  answer YES

 NOTE:  Refer to your DOS manual for more information on these DOS commands.

3.  CHECKING THE CONFIG.SYS:
        Check your CONFIG.SYS for the FILES= & BUFFERS= lines.  From the C:\>
        prompt, type the following:

                        TYPE CONFIG.SYS /P <Enter>

        With the information now listed on your screen, look for the FILES=
        and BUFFERS= lines.  They should both be set to 30 or higher.  If
        they are set lower than 30, you will need to EDIT the CONFIG.SYS
        and change their values.  To edit the CONFIG.SYS, type the following:

                        EDIT CONFIG.SYS <Enter>

        Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to maneuver through the lines.
        (For complete instructions on using the MS-DOS Editor, please refer
        to your DOS Manual.)  Once the changes have been made, Save and Exit
        by pressing <Alt> <F>, then <S> to save.  <Alt> <F> again, then <X>
        to exit.

4.  RESTART MACHINE:
        Restart your machine using <CTRL> <ALT> <DEL> or the reset switch on
        your machine and return to DOS.


5.  VERIFYING MOUSE DRIVER IS LOADED:
        Most Mindscape DOS programs require a DOS mouse driver loaded into
        memory prior to running the program.  Windows has built in mouse
        drivers that do not function outside of the Windows environment.
        Loading a DOS mouse driver may be as simple as typing MOUSE <Enter>
        before starting the program.  Since the command differs from mouse to
        mouse, you may need to consult your mouse user's guide for the
        location and name of your particular driver software.  To verify you
        have a DOS mouse driver loaded, do the following:

          1.  At the DOS prompt type    CD \DOS <Enter>
          2.  From the C:\DOS> directory, type    EDIT <Enter>
          3.  At the DOS Editor screen, press <ESC> to get to a blank screen.
          4.  Move your mouse.  If your driver is loaded, the mouse cursor
              should move on the screen.  Click on the File pulldown menu
              with your mouse and select EXIT.

        If your mouse is not moving on the screen, activate the File pulldown
        menu by the <ALT> <F> keys, and press <X> to Exit.  To load your DOS
        mouse driver everytime you turn on your machine, add the mouse
        executable line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT.  For more information on this,
        consult your mouse documentation or contact the retailer where you
        purchased the mouse.

 NOTE:  The above instructions use the Microsoft DOS Editor.  If the above
        instructions do not work, then verify that:

          1.  You are using Microsoft DOS version 5 or higher.  Type:

                        VER  <Enter>

              to find out what version of DOS you are using.
          2.  DOS is in your AUTOEXEC.BAT PATH= statement or you are in the
              C:\DOS subdirectory when you try the above steps.

6.  VERIFYING MICROSOFT MOUSE DRIVER:
        Mindscape programs that use a mouse are compatible with Microsoft
        Mouse Drivers 8.2 or higher or drivers that are 100% Microsoft
        compatible.  No matter who makes the mouse hardware you are using,
        it is strongly recommended to use a Microsoft mouse driver.  Problems
        generated by using a "Microsoft compatible" driver range from erratic
        mouse behaviour and distorted graphics within the program to the
        progam locking up when you run it.  To verify who makes the mouse
        driver you are using, do the following:

          1. Go into the directory where the driver is located.  Most
             machines have the mouse driver in the MOUSE directory.

                        CD (directory name)   <Enter>

          2. Load the mouse driver into memory.  Most mouse drivers are
             called MOUSE.EXE, MOUSE.COM, or MOUSE.DRV.

                        (driver name)   <Enter>

          3. As the driver loads into memory, it will display who makes the
             driver and its version number.  Verify the following:

                A.  Look for Copyright Microsoft Corporation.  Anything that
                    says "Microsoft Compatible" or "Microsoft Mode" is not a
                    true Microsoft mouse driver.

                B.  Verify you are using version 8.2 or higher.

7.  CHECKING SOUND CARD CONFIGURATION:
        Mindscape programs are compatible with Creative Labs sound cards and
        100% Sound Blaster compatible cards.  These cards are supported under
        Creative Labs industry standard settings of I/O Port 220, IRQ 5 or 7,
        and Low DMA 1.  Some of our newer DOS programs offer native support
        for Gravis and Ensoniq.  Problems generated by incompatible sound
        cards range from no sound or scratchy sound within the program to a
        lockup while runing the program.

        To assure compatibility, make sure the SET BLASTER= line is in your
        AUTOEXEC.BAT.  To verify, type:

                        SET  <Enter>

        A sample Set Blaster= line would read:

                        SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T3

          A= I/O Port       I= IRQ        D= DMA        T= Type of Card

        Try configuring this program for NO SOUND.  If the program runs
        normally (but without sound, of course), then you may need to
        reconfigure your sound.

        If you are experiencing problems with your sound card, try running
        the diagnostic software that comes with your card.  Eighty percent
        of all sound card problems are due to mistaken configurations.

        Listed below is a listing of sound cards and the DOS drivers needed
        to provide the necessary Sound Blaster Emulation.

        If you have one of the cards listed below.  Make sure you have the
        necessary driver loaded.  If not, then consult your sound card
        documentation or call the manufacturer for assistance.

                              SOUND CARD DRIVERS

    DIAMOND sound cards                   ENSONIQ SOUNDSCAPE
        AUTOEXEC.BAT                          AUTOEXEC.BAT
          C:\DIAMOND\SNDINIT /B                 SET BLASTER=A220 Ixx Dx
          SET BLASTER= <see above>              C:\SNDSCAPE\SSINIT /I
                                                C:\SNDSCAPE\VSB_EMM.COM


    FORTE 16- Common on Packard Bells     GRAVIS ULTRASOUND
        AUTOEXEC.BAT                          AUTOEXEC.BAT
          C:\FORTE16\UTILITY\EMUTSR             C:\ULTRASND\ULTRNINIT
          SET BLASTER= <see above>              SBOS.BAT
                                                SET BLASTER= <see above>


    MAD 16                                MAGIC S20
        AUTOEXEC.BAT                          AUTOEXEC.BAT
          C:\MAD16\M16INIT /B                   C:\MAGICS20\SNDINIT /B
          SET BLASTER= <see above>              SET BLASTER= <see above>


    MONTE CARLO By Turtle Beach
        CONFIG.SYS
          DEVICE=C:\MCARLO\MCMODE -S
        AUTOEXEC.BAT
          SET BLASTER= <see above>


    PRO AUDIO SPECTRUM 16
        CONFIG.SYS
          DEVICE=SPECTRUM\MVSOUND.SYS D:* Q:* S:**
             *D: DMA Channel     *Q: IRQ Settings
            **S: Sound Blaster Emulation ON / OFF And Settings
          AUTOEXEC.BAT
            SET BLASTER= <see above>


    SC400                                 SOUND 16A - Common on Packard Bells
        AUTOEXEC.BAT                         AUTOEXEC.BAT
          C:\SC400\UTILITY\SNDINIT /B          C:\SOUND16A\UTILITY\SETMODE /SB
          SET BLASTER= <see above>          or C:\AUDIO\SNDINIT.EXE /B
                                               SET BLASTER= <see above>


    SOUND144 - Common on Packard Bells
        AUTOEXEC.BAT
          C:\SOUND144\UTILITY\SETMODE /SBP
       or C:\SOUND144\UTILITY\AZCAL.EXE
          SET BLASTER= <see above>

8.  CHECKING MEMORY REQUIREMENTS:
        Verify that you meet the memory requirements for this program.  At the
        DOS prompt, type:

                        MEM  <Enter>

        The examples below will show you how to read the DOS 5 and DOS 6 MEM
        printouts.  Check the memory in your machine with the requirements
        listed on the retail box spine or quickstart card for this program.



          DOS 5 USERS:

                655360  bytes total conventional memory
                655360  bytes available to MS-DOS
                578386  largest executable program size

               2490368  bytes toatl EMS memory
               2097152  bytes free EMS

              15728640  bytes total contiguous extended memory
                     0  bytes available contiguous extended memory
              13467648  bytes available XMS memory
                        MS-DOS resident in High Memory Area

          WHERE DO I FIND:

               FREE CONVENTIONAL MEMORY?
                  3rd line from the top, Largest Executable Program Size
                   (in the above example, there is 578386 bytes or about
                    565K of free Conventional memory)
               FREE XMS MEMORY?
                  Bytes Available XMS Memory
                   (in the above example, there is 13467648 bytes or about
                    13 Megs of free XMS)
               FREE EMS MEMORY?
                  Bytes Free EMS
                   (in the above example, there is 2097152 bytes or about
                    2 Megs of free EMS)
               TOTAL RAM IN MACHINE?
                  Total Memory under the Total column
                   (in the above example, there is 16,384K or 16 Megs of RAM)

          WHAT IF I DO NOT MEET THE MEMORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM?
             There are two main ways to free up additional memory.

             1. Memory Manager.
                   Microsoft's Memmaker which comes with DOS 6 or Professional
                   Memory Managers like Quarterdeck's QEMM & Qualitas's
                   386MAX.  If you enjoy running DOS software, you may want
                   to consider a professional memory manager.  These programs
                   free up the most memory in your machine which will help to
                   prevent future memory problems.

             2. Boot Disk.
                   A modified Config.sys and Autoexec.bat on a floppy disk
                   that loads a minimum set of drivers for the Memory Manager,
                   CD-Player, Sound Card, and Mouse.  For more information on
                   creating a boot disk, please see the document BOOTDISK.TXT.


          DOS 6 USERS:

              Memory Type        Total       Used       Free
              ----------------  --------   --------   --------
              Conventional          640K        24K       616K
              Upper                 132K       132K         0K
              Reserved              384K       384K         0K
              Extended (XMS)     15,228K     2,468K    12,760K
              ----------------  --------   --------   --------
              Total memory       16,384K     3,008K    13,376K

              Total under 1 MB      772K       156K       616K

              Total Expanded (EMS)                   15M (15,613,952 bytes)
              Free Expanded (EMS)                    15M (15,613,952 bytes)

              Largest executable program size       616K (630,976 bytes)
              Largest free upper memroy block         0K       (0 bytes)
              MS-DOS is resident in the high memory area.

          WHERE DO I FIND:

               FREE CONVENTIONAL MEMORY?
                  3rd line from the bottom, Largest Executable Program Size
                   (in the above example, there is 616K of free Conventional
                    memory)
               FREE XMS MEMORY?
                  Extended (XMS) under the Free column
                   (in the above example, there is 12,760K or 12 Megs of
                    free XMS)
               FREE EMS MEMORY?
                  Free Expanded (EMS)
                   (in the above example, there is 15M (Megs) of free EMS)
               TOTAL RAM IN MACHINE?
                  Total Memory under the Total column
                   (in the above example, there is 16,384K or 16 Megs of RAM)

          WHAT IF I DO NOT MEET THE MEMORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM?
             There are two main ways to free up additional memory.

             1. Memory Manager.
                   Microsoft's Memmaker which comes with DOS 6 or Professional
                   Memory Managers like Quarterdeck's QEMM & Qualitas's
                   386MAX.  For information on using DOS 6's Memmaker, consult
                   your DOS 6 manual.  If you enjoy running DOS software, you
                   may want to consider a professional memory manager.  These
                   programs free up the most memory in your machine which
                   will help to prevent future memory problems.

             2. Boot Disk.
                   A modified Config.sys and Autoexec.bat on a floppy disk
                   that loads a minimum set of drivers for the Memory Manager,
                   CD-Player, Sound Card, and Mouse.  For more information on
                   creating a boot disk, please see the document BOOTDISK.TXT.

9.  CHECKING VESA CONFLICTS:
        What is VESA?  VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) is a
        set of standards that hardware and software companies follow when
        addressing Super VGA graphics in the DOS environment.  These standards
        allow software companies to create "WINDOWS quality graphics" in a DOS
        program.

 NOTE:  This should not be confused with VESA Local Bus Slots.  It is not
        necessary to own a VESA VLB video card to be VESA compatible.

        VESA compatibility can be provided by either a VESA software driver
        or a video BIOS of your video card.  Hardware manufacturers provide
        BIOS updates on a regular basis.  Mindscape recommends checking with
        the video card manufacturer to verify you have the most recent BIOS
        available for your card.

        Several Mindscape programs use VESA.  Check the System Requirements
        on the retail box or the quickstart card to verify if your program
        requires a VESA compatible video card.

        SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE A VESA PROBLEM:
            1. Program responds "can't find VESA driver" or "VESA driver not
               loaded."
            2. Once in the program, the screen is compressed at the top of the
               screen.
            3. Black screen or broken screen appears when you try to run the
               program.

        TROUBLESHOOTING A VESA PROBLEM:
            1. In most cases the video card's VESA driver may not be fully
               compatible with the program.  Scitech, a 3rd party software
               vendor, makes a 100% compatible VESA driver called UNIVBE
               (Universal VESA BIOS Extension).  This driver is updated
               regularly and is compatible with over 160 differnet Supper VGA
               grpahics chips.

               This driver may be available on your Mindscape title in a
               directory called HELP4U.  A shareware version of this driver
               can be downloaded from AOL (Keyword: SCITECH), Scitech's
               webpage (http://www.scitech.com) or from Mindscape's BBS
               (415-897-2867).  Try loading this driver prior to running your
               Mindscape program.

            2. Call your video card manufacturer and check to see if there is
               a newer version of the video BIOS and / or VESA driver.


10. DELETE AND REINSTALL:
        After everything has been checked, verified, and changed if necessary,
        its time to delete and reinstall the program.  If the program
        installed incorrectly or became unstable after it was installed,
        reinstalling on top of the program will keep that instability.  It's
        important to delete the program from the hard drive before
        reinstalling.

        DOS 5 USERS:
          If you are not already familiar with how to remove files and
          directories, it is recommended to delete this program through
          Windows 3.x File Manager.

          1.  Enter Windows:    WIN  <Enter>
          2.  Enter FILE MANAGER through the Main group.
          3.  Find the Mindscape program and click it one time to highlight it.
          4.  From the File pulldown menu, select DELETE.

          If you are unsure of the directory name the program was installed
          to, check the Mindscape manual, Online help or QuickStart card.


        DOS 6 USERS:
          From the root directory (C:\>) of the hard drive this program is
          installed to, run the DELTREE command to remove the entire program
          from the hard drive.  The command is:

                        DELTREE (directory name)   <Enter>

          (directory name) is the name of the directory this program is
          installed to:  If unsure of the directory name, check your Mindscape
          manual, Online help or QuickStart card.

11. CONTACTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT
        If these suggestions / steps did not resolve the problem you are
        experiencing, please contact Technical Support and be able to provide
        the following information:

 1. Answers / verification to everything tried above.  Include all values
    asked to check.
 2. Copies of your Config.sys, Autoexec.bat, and Mem /c/p in printed form
    or a text only file.
 3. Name of program
 4. Version of program
 5. Media Type:  (CD-ROM or Diskette)
 6. Platform of program:  (DOS)
 7. Exact problem and steps necessary to reproduce.
    Include any error messages and be as precise as possible in describing
    the problem and where it happens.
 8. Computer make and model (e.g. IBM Aptiva, Packard Bell Legend, etc...)
 9. CPU chip and speed (e.g. 486 DX4 100, P90, etc...)
10. RAM [memory] (e.g. 8 MB, 16 MB, etc...)
11. Video Card Manufacturer and model number
       (e.g. Diamond Stealth 64 PCI, Cirrus Logic 542X, etc...)
12. Sound Card Manufacturer and model number
       (e.g. Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 PnP, Ensoniq UltraSound, etc...)
13. Mouse driver and version
       (e.g. Microsoft Mouse Driver 8.2, Logitech version 5.0, etc...)
14. CD ROM Drive Manufacturer and model number.
       (e.g. Texel DM 5924 external , NEC 6X, etc...)
    For joystick problems: Joystick Manufacturer and model number
       (e.g. ThrustMaster F-16 FLCS, Gravis Thunderbird, etc...)
15. For print problems: Printer Manufacturer and model number.
       (e.g. HP Laserjet 4 Plus, NEC Silentwriter model 95, etc...)
16. For modem problems: Modem Manufacturer and model number.
       (e.g. US Robotics Sportster 14,400, Hayes Accura 14,400, etc...)


If you have any further questions, please contact Mindscape directly at the
office nearest you:

        - - - - - Mindscape USA - - - - -

  800 Automated Support:  800-409-1497  24hrs
  Phone: [phone]   8:30 am - 5:00 pm Pacific Time
  Fax:   [phone]hrs                     BBS:  415-897-2867  24hrs
  Mail:  88 Rowland Way,  Novato, CA   94945:  attn: Tech Support

                              Online Services
  Internet: Webpage:  http://www.mindscape.com
           TS-Email:  [e-mail]
  America OnLine: keyword=MINDSCAPE              CompuServe: "GO MINDSCAPE"


        - - - - - Mindscape UK - - - - -

  Phone:   [phone]                      Facsimile:  44-1-444-248-996
   Mail:   Mindscape International, UK
           Priority House, Charles Ave.
           Maltings Park, Burgess Hill
           West Sussex             RH15 9TQ
           ENGLAND

UK Website: http://www.mindscapeuk.com

                             Online Services
Currently, Mindscape UK does not have any Online services.  Please correspond
with their Technical Support via Mail, Facsimile or Telephone.


        - - - - - Mindscape Australia - - - - -

  Phone:   [phone]                         Facsimile:  61-2-899-2348
   Mail:   Mindscape International, Australia
           5-6 Gladstone Road
           Castle Hill
           New South Wales 2154
           AUSTRALIA

                             Online Services
Currently, Mindscape Australia does not have any Online services.  Please
correspond with their Technical Support via Mail, Facsimile or Telephone.

        - - - - - Mindscape Germany- - - - -

TECHNISCHE UNTERSTUTZUNG

Falls bei dieser Software technische Probleme, wie z. B. Funktionsstorungen
auftreten, setzen Sie sich bitte mit unserem Kundendienst in Verbindung:

Adresse:                Technische Unterstutzung, Mindscape Gmbh,
                    Zeppelin Strasse 321,
                    45470 Muelheim a.d. Ruhr, Deutschland.

Telefon:        [phone]

Fax:            0208 9924129

UK Website: http://www.mindscapeuk.com

Geschaftsstunden: Mo, Mi, Fr, von 15.00 bis 18.00 Uhr.

Der Kundendienst ist nur fur technische Probleme eingerichtet. Bitte haben Sie
Verstandnis, dab wir Ihnen keine Hinweise und Spieltips geben konnen.