Through Windows 95, exiting DOS programs sometimes requires an extra step. Hold down the Control key (Ctrl) and press the letter "C" to close any remaining DOS window.

The Protected Mode Problem: some DOS programs may have a problem on some computers running Windows 95, because it was written with a "Protected Mode Compiler" (which is awful technical sounding, but easy to diagnose via warning messages).You will ONLY need to worry about this problem if:

1) You are running Windows 95, and
2) You get an error message saying:

"This program is set to run in an MS-DOS mode and other programs can not run while it is running. All other programs will close if you choose to continue." A "Yes" or "No" button follow. Select NO... and read on...

To the best of our knowledge and testing, this error message only happens on about 20% of the systems running Windows 95. We have traced the error down, with the help of a couple Microsoft technicians, to certain programs that were designed or compiled for protected mode use, even then most Win95 systems donÆt fail here... depending on how they are setup and whether Win95 was a full retail install or upgrade or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) installation.

The Fix!

If you have the above problem, then you need to select NO for the above question, and take the following steps (manually, as it is system specific):

1) Open Windows Explorer;
2) Click on your CD Rom drive (with the disc containing the offending program on it in the drive at the time), usually drive D: is the CD;
3) Find the EXE or COM file which starts the program (the easiest way to do this is to click on "Type" at the top of the right hand column to have Explorer sort the files with the "Applications" listed first. There may be more than one application. Most often, the start up file has a fairly obvious name, double click and try it, the error should be the same, or you may find a "backdoor" to get around the problem. BE SURE TO READ THE SCREENS THAT COME UP!
4) Once the start up file has been found, you will need to have it highlighted (one click) and then right click on it. A menu will appear.
5) Select "Properties," and go to the second Tab (at the top) named "Program." If you do not see the Program tab, you probably have the wrong file selected OR donÆt have a Protected mode problem, please make sure.

A Failed Save. Most Programs on a disc are set up for full PRE-VIEWING at this point. Most of these programs will work directly from the CD-ROM Disc. Important Note: Because some of these programs allow you (the end-user) to edit, update, add your own information, collect scores, etc. THEY WILL GIVE YOU AN ERROR MESSAGE or failure if you try to write or save any information or files (as you canÆt write to a CD ROM disc). Many programs automatically try to write information when existing, so you may not even have to try to save anything to get the error message. This is normal and NOT a problem. We have left these type of programs on the CD in Pre-view mode even though there is an error message, simply so you can get a taste of the program without installing any thing you absolutely donÆt have to on your hard disk drive.

If you want to use these programs on a regular basis, adding your own information (not just for reference, as most will run perfectly from the CD for reference or in a pre-view only mode) you will need to INSTALL THEM to your hard disk drive.

We have created a separate directory on the CD ROM disk for the programs which require installation (in some cases, each program). We try to keep the names as close to the actual program name as possible. For instance, COOKING would be the directory name containing the files for "Cooking Companion," and UGIN would be a logical place for "Ultimate Gin Rummy."

From either File Manager (if you are using Windows v3.1x ) or from Explorer (for Windows 95 users) create a directory on your hard disk drive (usually C: ) and copy the files from the directory on the CD ROM Disc to a directory on your hard disk. From Windows (v3.1x or 95) the process should be very easy and literally "drop and drag." This process is completely automated in most programs, and is available from the opening menu in most cases.

If there are any questions, please consult your WINDOWS manual. Technical support is available for end-users that have sent in their registration card, registering their use of the product. Please be sure to send or fax in your registration card for any software products so you can receive technical support and update bulletins.