Copyright: ® Bill Baker


Help Contents
Setup Help

Setup Messages

Sound

Video

Memory

Hard Drive

Windows

Hardware

Setup

CD ROM

Registration

Standard Troubleshooting Techniques

General Protection Faults

General Troubleshooting Techniques

Contact Information

Windows Boot Disk Instructions

Standard Windows Boot Disk

Windows Boot Disk with Disk Compression

Windows CD Boot Disk


Sound

Unable to Hear Test WAV File

Unable to Hear Test MIDI File

Unable to Detect Sound Card with DAC

Unable to Detect Sound Card with MIDI


Unable to Hear Test WAV File

In order to hear a .WAV (or WAVE) file, you must have a sound card that has a DAC or DSP chip.  The DAC/DSP chip on a sound card allows the computer to play back live recorded sound effects and live speech segments.  If you currently do not own a sound card that has a DAC or DSP chip, you will not be able to hear the recorded audio segments or speech passages within this Sierra product.

Related Topics:

Drivers

Mixer

Speakers


Setup Messages - Unable to Hear Test WAV File - Drivers
Drivers

If you have a sound card with DAC or DSP capability and you did not hear the audio selection within the Sierra Setup Utility, you will want to verify that the appropriate sound drivers are loaded into your Windows configuration.  Your sound card should have been packaged with a disk which contains Windows drivers.  If you did not receive such a disk, then consult your sound card documentation or contact your sound card manufacturer for information about how to obtain the driver files.

Drivers are special instruction files written by your sound card manufacturer which tells the computer how to take advantage of the playback capability of your sound card.   If these drivers are not loaded, Windows will not know how to trigger your sound card to play back these audio selections.  NOTE: Many sound cards will utilize more than one driver - you may find that multiple sound drivers need to be installed.

To verify that your Windows drivers are loaded, double-click on your MAIN program group within the Program Manager, and then double-click on your CONTROL PANEL icon.  Within the Control Panel Window, double-click on the icon labeled DRIVERS.  On the left hand side of the Drivers window, you will see a Scroll Bar listing of all the drivers that are currently installed within your Window environment.  Consult your Sound Card documentation and make sure all appropriate Windows sound drivers for your particular sound card are installed.

If you do not have a DRIVERS icon within your CONTROL PANEL window, then you might not have multimedia extensions installed within your Windows configuration.  To install multimedia extensions, run the Windows Setup program.  For more information, please consult your Windows documentation.

Sound Card Manufacturer List


Setup Messages - Unable to Hear Test WAV File - Mixer
Mixer

Many sound cards include a set of Window utilities which allow you to customize or alter your sound card volume settings.  A common utility that is included is a mixer program.  The Mixer utility allows you to adjust multiple audio input volume levels including your MIDI volume level and DAC or Digital Audio level.  Make sure that your DAC or Digital Audio sound level is set to an appropriate volume setting.  If the volume is set to a low position, try increasing it and see if the audio plays correctly.  Your sound card documentation will give you complete instructions regarding the usage of these utilities.

Sound Card Manufacturer List


Setup Messages - Unable to Hear Test WAV File - Speakers
Speakers

Finally, make sure that your speakers are attached to the sound card.  Check and verify that the speakers are plugged into the proper Audio Out port.  Many sound cards have Microphone and/or Auxiliary input ports which look identical to the audio out/speaker port.  Check your sound card hardware documentation to make sure the speakers are connected to the correct port.  Also verify that your speakers are receiving the appropriate power to drive the amplifiers within your speakers.  If you are attempting to hook up a set of non-amplified speakers to your sound card, you might need an auxiliary power amplifier to drive the speakers properly.


Unable to Hear Test MIDI File

In order to hear a .MID (or MIDI) file, you must have a sound card that is able to play back synthesized sound effects.  Generally, such cards take advantage of the Windows MIDI Mapper.  If you currently do not own a sound card that utilizes the MIDI Mapper, you will not be able to hear the MIDI music segments within this Sierra product.

Related Topics:

Drivers

Mixer

Speakers


Setup Messages - Unable to Hear Test MIDI File - Drivers
Drivers

If you have a sound card and you did not hear the music selection within the Sierra Setup Utility, you will want to verify that the appropriate sound drivers are loaded into your Windows configuration.  Your sound card should have been packaged with a disk which contains Windows drivers.  If you did not receive such a disk, then consult your sound card documentation or contact your sound card manufacturer for information about how to obtain the driver files.

Drivers are special instruction files written by your sound card manufacturer which tells the computer how to take advantage of the playback capability of your sound card.   If these drivers are not loaded, Windows will not know how to trigger your sound card to play back these music selections.

To verify that your Windows drivers are loaded, double-click on your MAIN program group within the Program Manager, and then double-click on your CONTROL PANEL icon.  Within the Control Panel Window, double-click on the icon labeled DRIVERS.  On the left hand side of the Drivers window, you will see a Scroll Bar listing of all the drivers that are currently installed within your Window environment.  Consult your Sound Card documentation and make sure all appropriate Windows sound drivers for your particular sound card are installed.

If you do not have a DRIVERS icon within your CONTROL PANEL window, then you might not have multimedia extensions installed within your Windows configuration.  To install multimedia extensions, run the Windows Setup program.  For more information, please consult your Windows documentation.  NOTE: Many sound cards will utilize more than one driver - you may find that multiple sound drivers need to be installed.

Sound Card Manufacturer List


Setup Messages - Unable to Hear Test MIDI File - Mixer
Mixer

Many sound cards include a set of Window utilities which allow you to customize or alter your sound card volume settings.  A common utility that is included is a mixer program.  The Mixer utility allows you to adjust multiple audio input volume levels including your MIDI volume level and DAC or Digital Audio level.  Make sure that your Synth or MIDI sound level is set to an appropriate volume setting.  If the volume is set to a low position, try increasing it and see if the music plays correctly.  Your sound card documentation will give you complete instructions regarding the usage of these utilities.

The music might not be playing if you do not have the MIDI Mapper Patch Map set up correctly for your sound card.  The MIDI Mapper sets up the number of instruments or "voices" that a sound card is capable of playing.  Generally, there are two types of MIDI Maps that are set up to play music within Windows: BASIC and EXTENDED.  BASIC MIDI Maps use active channels 13-16 and are capable of playing four "voices" at a time.  Extended MIDI maps utilizes MIDI channels 1-10 and are capable of playing 8 or more "voices" at a time.  To determine if your sound card can best be configured for BASIC or EXTENDED MIDI, and/or to receive more information how to set up a MIDI Map, please consult your sound card documentation.

Sound Card Manufacturer List


Setup Messages - Unable to Hear Test MIDI File - Speakers
Speakers

Finally, make sure that your speakers are attached to the sound card.  Check and verify that the speakers are plugged into the proper Audio Out port.  Many sound cards have Microphone and/or Auxiliary input ports which look identical to the audio out/speaker port.  Check your sound card hardware documentation to make sure the speakers are connected to the correct port.  Also verify that your speakers are receiving the appropriate power to drive the amplifiers within your speakers.  If you are attempting to hook up a set of non-amplified speakers to your sound card, you might need an auxiliary power amplifier to drive the speakers properly.


Unable to Detect Sound Card with DAC

In order to use this Sierra product, you must have a sound card that has a DAC or DSP chip.  The DAC/DSP chip on a sound card allows the computer to play back live recorded sound effects and live speech segments.  If you currently do not own a sound card that has a DAC or DSP chip, this game will not function.  Please consult your game manual for Sierra's refund/exchange policy.

Related Topics:

Drivers

Mixer

Speakers


Setup Messages - Unable to Detect Sound Card with DAC - Drivers
Drivers

If you have a sound card with DAC or DSP capability and you did not hear the audio selection within the Sierra Setup Utility, you will want to verify that the appropriate sound drivers are loaded into your Windows configuration.  Your sound card should have been packaged with a disk which contains Windows drivers.  If you did not receive such a disk, then consult your sound card documentation or contact your sound card manufacturer for information about how to obtain the driver files.

Drivers are special instruction files written by your sound card manufacturer which tells the computer how to take advantage of the playback capability of your sound card.   If these drivers are not loaded, Windows will not know how to trigger your sound card to play back these audio selections.

To verify that your Windows drivers are loaded, double-click on your MAIN program group within the Program Manager, and then double-click on your CONTROL PANEL icon.  Within the Control Panel Window, double-click on the icon labeled DRIVERS.  On the left hand side of the Drivers window, you will see a Scroll Bar listing of all the drivers that are currently installed within your Window environment.  Consult your Sound Card documentation and make sure all appropriate Windows sound drivers for your particular sound card are installed.  NOTE: Many sound cards will utilize more than one driver - you may find that multiple sound drivers need to be installed.

If you do not have a DRIVERS icon within your CONTROL PANEL window, then you might not have multimedia extensions installed within your Windows configuration.  To install multimedia extensions, run the Windows Setup program.  For more information, please consult your Windows documentation.

Sound Card Manufacturer List


Setup Messages - Unable to Detect Sound Card with DAC - Mixer
Mixer

Many sound cards include a set of Window utilities which allow you to customize or alter your sound card volume settings.  A common utility that is included is a mixer program.  The Mixer utility allows you to adjust multiple audio input volume levels including your MIDI volume level and DAC or Digital Audio level.  Make sure that your DAC or Digital Audio sound level is set to an appropriate volume setting.  If the volume is set to a low position, try increasing it and see if the audio plays correctly.  Your sound card documentation will give you complete instructions regarding the usage of these utilities.


Setup Messages - Unable to Detect Sound Card with DAC - Speakers
Speakers

Finally, make sure that your speakers are attached to the sound card.  Check and verify that the speakers are plugged into the proper Audio Out port.  Many sound cards have Microphone and/or Auxiliary input ports which look identical to the audio out/speaker port.  Check your sound card hardware documentation to make sure the speakers are connected to the correct port.  Also verify that your speakers are receiving the appropriate power to drive the amplifiers within your speakers.  If you are attempting to hook up a set of non-amplified speakers to your sound card, you might need an auxiliary power amplifier to drive the speakers properly.


Unable to Detect Sound Card with MIDI

In order to use this Sierra product, you must have a sound card that is capable of playing .MID or MIDI files.  The synthesizer chip on a sound card allows the computer to play back synthesized sound effects which allows you to hear music and other sound effects within your Sierra game.  If you currently do not own a sound card that has a synthesizer chip, this game will not function.  Please consult your game manual for Sierra's refund/exchange policy.

Related Topics:

Drivers

Mixer

Speakers


Setup Messages - Unable to Detect Sound Card with MIDI - Drivers
Drivers

If you have a sound card with synthesis capability and you did not hear the music selection within the Sierra Setup Utility, you will want to verify that the appropriate sound drivers are loaded into your Windows configuration.  Your sound card should have been packaged with a disk which contains Windows drivers.  If you did not receive such a disk, then consult your sound card documentation or contact your sound card manufacturer for information about how to obtain the driver files.

Drivers are special instruction files written by your sound card manufacturer which tells the computer how to take advantage of the playback capability of your sound card.   If these drivers are not loaded, Windows will not know how to trigger your sound card to play back these audio selections.

To verify that your Windows drivers are loaded, double-click on your MAIN program group within the Program Manager, and then double-click on your CONTROL PANEL icon.  Within the Control Panel Window, double-click on the icon labeled DRIVERS.  On the left hand side of the Drivers window, you will see a Scroll Bar listing of all the drivers that are currently installed within your Window environment.  Consult your Sound Card documentation and make sure all appropriate Windows sound drivers for your particular sound card are installed.  NOTE: Many sound cards will utilize more than one driver - you may find that multiple sound drivers need to be installed.

If you do not have a DRIVERS icon within your CONTROL PANEL window, then you might not have multimedia extensions installed within your Windows configuration.  To install multimedia extensions, run the Windows Setup program.  For more information, please consult your Windows documentation.

Sound Card Manufacturer List


Setup Messages - Unable to Detect Sound Card with MIDI - Mixer
Mixer

Many sound cards include a set of Window utilities which allow you to customize or alter your sound card volume settings.  A common utility that is included is a mixer program.  The Mixer utility allows you to adjust multiple audio input volume levels including your MIDI volume level and DAC or Digital Audio level.  Make sure that your DAC or Digital Audio sound level is set to an appropriate volume setting.  If the volume is set to a low position, try increasing it and see if the audio plays correctly.  Your sound card documentation will give you complete instructions regarding the usage of these utilities.

Sound Card Manufacturer List


Setup Messages - Unable to Detect Sound Card with MIDI - Speakers
Speakers

Finally, make sure that your speakers are attached to the sound card.  Check and verify that the speakers are plugged into the proper Audio Out port.  Many sound cards have Microphone and/or Auxiliary input ports which look identical to the audio out/speaker port.  Check your sound card hardware documentation to make sure the speakers are connected to the correct port.  Also verify that your speakers are receiving the appropriate power to drive the amplifiers within your speakers.  If you are attempting to hook up a set of non-amplified speakers to your sound card, you might need an auxiliary power amplifier to drive the speakers properly.


Video

Unable to Display Proper Graphics Resolution/Colors

The Sierra Setup routine has determined that this computer system does not have the correct Windows Video driver installed to operate this Sierra game title.  For optimum display performance, a majority of Sierra titles requires a SVGA-256 color Windows driver that was specifically created for your video card by your video card manufacturer.

Video Card Manufacturers

Related Topics:

Drivers


Setup Messages - Video - Drivers
Drivers

To determine which type of video driver you are currently using under your Windows environment, double-click on you MAIN program group within the Program Manager, then double-click on the WINDOWS SETUP icon.  The selection next to the DISPLAY line will tell you which driver is currently loaded.

If the display line indicates you are using a VGA driver, you will most likely want to utilize a different video driver.  The VGA display driver is a standard Windows driver that is automatically installed when you initially install Windows.  This driver is only capable of displaying 16 colors on the screen at once.  Sierra products require the capability of displaying 256 or more colors on the screen.  Should you find that you need to update your video driver to operate this Sierra game title, consult your Windows and/or your video card manual for complete instructions on how to update your video driver.

WARNING - It is important that you use a video driver that was specifically made for your video card.  If you use a video driver that was designed for a different brand of video card, it is possible that you will see distorted graphics or a blank screen when attempting to start Windows.  For additional information or assistance, please consult your Video card documentation or contact your video card manufacturer.

Video Card Manufacturers


Memory

Not Enough Memory

Virtual Memory Required


Not Enough Memory

When conducting the Memory test routine, the Sierra Windows Setup program reported that this computer does not have enough RAM to run this game.  You will need to verify that you have enough RAM installed on your system in order to operate this game properly.  On the side and/or bottom of your Sierra game box, there is a requirements label which will outline the specific amount of RAM required for this game.  Generally, this requirement is 4 Megs.

Related Topics:

Verify Available Memory

Close Active Programs

Virtual Memory


Verify Available Memory

To see how much memory you have, go into your Program Manager, pull down the FILE Menu, and select the RUN option.  At the Command Line prompt in the RUN Window, type: MSD <ENTER>.  This will take you into the Microsoft Diagnostics utility.  At the main screen, the second option on the left hand side is labeled: MEMORY.  The values right next to the Memory option will indicate how much Conventional, Extended, XMS, and EMS memory that is installed within you system.  Simply add these values together.  If these values when totaled are more than 384K short of the requirements needed to run this game, then most likely this system does not have the RAM required to run this game.


Close Active Programs

If you have determined that you have the memory requirements, then make sure you have closed all active programs.  If you have any programs that are minimized within Program Manager, single click on the Application Icon and select the CLOSE option from the pop-up menu that appears.  You might also find that it is helpful to disable and Screen Savers, Virus Detection Utilities, Sound Utilities, or Font Manager utilities such as Adobe Type Manager.  When these applications are active, they are taking away valuable memory resources which may be required to install or run this Sierra program.


Virtual Memory

You might also want to try using the Virtual Memory option within Windows if you are running in Enhanced Mode.  Virtual Memory utilizes a SWAP file which allow you to use part of you hard drive space as simulated RAM.  A swap file is a feature which enables you to get the most out of your system.  The drawback to using your hard drive as simulated memory is the access speed -- the transfer speed of the hard drive is much slower than the access needed for the computer to retrieve information from RAM.  Consult your Windows documentation for information about setting up the Swap File and enabling Virtual Memory.


Virtual Memory Required

This Sierra application requires that the Virtual Memory option be used.  Virtual Memory utilizes a SWAP file which allow you to use part of you hard drive space as simulated RAM.  A swap file is a feature which enables you to get the most out of your system.

Related Topics:

Verify Virtual Memory

Enabling Virtual Memory


Verify Virtual Memory

To verify that you are using Virtual memory, double-click on the Control Panel within the MAIN program group under Program Manager.  Within the Control Panel, double-click on the 386 ENHANCED icon.  If you do not have a 386 ENHANCED icon within the Control Panel, then you are not running Windows in Enhanced mode.  This Sierra program requires that Windows operate under 386 Enhanced mode.  Please consult your Windows documentation for information about launching Windows in Enhanced mode.


Enabling Virtual Memory

Within the 386 Enhanced Window, click on the Virtual Memory button on the right hand side.  You will see a Virtual Memory window appear.  The Drive: option indicates the physical location where the swap file is created.  The Size value indicates the size (in Kilobytes) of the swap file, and the Type setting indicates the type of swap file (i.e. permanent or temporary).  For optimum performance, Sierra recommends you set up a Permanent swap file 4,096K in size.

NOTE - A swap file must be created within a NON-COMPRESSED partition on your hard drive.  If you are using disk compression utilities such as Stacker, SuperStor, DoubleSpace or DriveSpace, do not create a swap file on the compressed sections of the hard drive.  Sierra also recommends that you scan your hard drive for any lost allocation units or other errors and optimize your hard drive before creating a SWAP file.  Use the Scandisk command, the chkdsk command, or any third party hard drive maintenance utility and correct any FAT errors that are discovered.  Once any potential errors have been corrected, use an optimization utility such as DEFRAG with DOS 6.0 or above, or a third party optimization software package.  Consult your Windows documentation for more information about Virtual Memory and./or the Swap file.


Hard Drive

Setup Cannot Find a Drive with Enough Disk Space

The Selected Drive Does Not Have Enough Space

Compressed Drive Space Questionable

No Sierra Products Found

Uninstall

Select the Location for the Sierra Program


Setup Cannot Find a Drive with Enough Disk Space

The Sierra Setup program has scanned your computer system, and could not find a hard drive or storage device that has enough storage space to hold all of the game files.  To free up more hard drive space, you may need to delete any unnecessary files to make room for the Sierra game.  This setup routine should tell you how much space is required, and how much hard drive space is needed for the installation.

NOTE - if you are using a disk compression utility such as Stacker, SuperStor, DoubleSpace or DriveSpace, then you may need to free up twice as much hard drive space than is required by the game.  Sierra game files reside on the hard drive in a pre-compressed state.  Because of this fact, compression utilities are unable to compress the game files down any further.  Since the compression utility is unable to compress these game files, the game will require double the amount of compressed hard drive space in order to copy all the game specific files onto the hard drive.


The Selected Drive Does Not Have Enough Space

The hard drive you choose to install the Sierra game does not have disk space.  Please select another drive location or delete any unnecessary files or programs from the chosen drive before attempting to install the game once again.  For information about deleting files from your hard drive, please consult your Windows or MS-DOS documentation.


Compressed Drive Space Questionable

If you are using a disk compression utility such as Stacker, SuperStor, DoubleSpace or DriveSpace, then you may need to free up twice as much hard drive space than is required by the game.  Sierra game files reside on the hard drive in a pre-compressed state.  Because of this fact, compression utilities are unable to compress the game files down any further.  Since the compression utility is unable to compress these game files, the game will require double the amount of compressed hard drive space in order to copy all the game specific files onto the hard drive.

Before accepting the option to install the game onto your hard drive, make sure you have at least twice as much compressed hard drive space available.  Otherwise, it is possible that your computer will run out of hard drive space when attempting the installation.


No Sierra Products Found

The Sierra Setup program could not find any Sierra products installed on the hard drive of this computer system.  Thus, the Install, Test Hardware, Register, and Uninstall functions are not available.  You must first make sure that the Sierra program is installed on the hard drive before these options will be available.

This dialog might also appear if a complete installation of the Sierra game was not accomplished, or there was a problem with the installation.  Delete all associated game files from the hard drive, deactivate any screen savers, virus detection utilities, undelete utilities, and/or third party shell programs such as Norton Desktop, PC Tools, Kid's Desk, or Dashboard before attempting to install this Sierra product again.  For information about how to disable these utilities and/or shell programs, please consult your program documentation.  Sierra recommends installing the game under the true Program Manager shell for optimum installation.


Uninstall

You have selected the Uninstall feature.  If you select the YES button, Uninstall will remove all game associated files from your hard drive.  If you select No, you will be returned to the main menu of options.

NOTE - any drivers that were installed to your system such as the runtime versions of Video for Windows or AutoDesk Animator will remain on the hard drive even if the Uninstall option is invoked.  To remove these drivers, you will need to double-click on the Main program group within the Program Manager.  In the Main window, double-click on the Control Panels.  Once in the Control Panel window, double-click on the drivers icon.  On the left hand side you will see a scroll listing of all the drivers installed within Windows.  To remove the Video for Windows or AutoDesk Animator files, simply highlight the name of the driver by single clicking on it, and select the REMOVE button with the list of options on the right hand side.  Once you have removed the unneeded drivers, you must restart Windows for the changes to take affect.


Select the Location for the Sierra Program

In order to install this Sierra program, you must designate a location or directory where the game specific files are stored.  If this is your first Sierra game title, then the Setup program will create a SIERRA directory within the location you specify, and then create a Game directory within the Sierra directory.  If you already have a SIERRA directory created, then the Setup program will create a Game directory within the pre-existing SIERRA directory.

The Setup program will scan your hard drive(s) and will offer a suggested location to install the game.  Choosing the YES button once this suggestion has been made will copy all game files into the specified location and create all necessary directories.  If you select the NO option, the Setup routine will prompt you to specify a specific location by selecting an appropriate directory within the directory selection dialog box.  Choosing the Cancel option will abort the installation process and take you back to the main menu.


Windows

Incorrect Windows Version

Apparently, this system does not have a version of Windows that is required to run this game.  Please check the side or bottom of the original game box for details about the specific version of Windows that is required to run this game.  Make sure that your computer system meets all the requirements outlined on the box requirement label.


Hardware

Incompatible Processor

No Joystick Driver Installed

No Joystick Installed

Joystick Calibration

Printer Not Found


Incompatible Processor

The Sierra Setup Program has determined that this computer does not have the appropriate processor (or CPU) to run this game.  Please refer to the program box requirement's label for specific information about the requirements needed to operate this game.  If your system does not meet these requirements, then please refer to the Sierra game manual for the refund and exchange policy.  If your system does meet these requirements, then close any active applications before attempting to re-run the Setup routine.


No Joystick Driver Installed

In order for the joystick control option to work with this Sierra game, you must install a joystick driver for Windows.  Drivers are special instruction files written by your joystick manufacturer which tells the computer how to interpret the input signals received from the joystick.   If these drivers are not loaded, Windows will not know how to recognize or interpret these signals.

To add a joystick driver, double click on the MAIN program group within Program Manager.  Next, double-click on the Control Panel icon.  Within the Control Panel Window, double-click on the Drivers icon.  Within the drivers selection, click on the ADD button.  From the Add window, select the "unlisted or update" option and insert the disk with the updated joystick driver you wish to add.  Path to the location of the joystick driver and click on the OK button.  Once the driver has been added, you will need to restart Windows for the changes to take effect.  For more information, please consult your Windows documentation for complete details about installing and updating windows drivers.  Should you need further assistance, please contact you joystick manufacturer.


No Joystick Installed

The Sierra Setup routine could not detect a joystick on this system.  Verify that the joystick is connected to the computer through a game port.  If the joystick is active, make sure that the game port is active.  If you are using a game port that is built into your controller card, make sure that the proper jumper is set so it is active.  For more information, please consult you hardware documentation or contact your hardware dealer.

If you are using the game port built into the sound card, make sure you have not deactivated the game controller jumper or set up an inactive game port switch within the sound card device statement within the CONFIG.SYS or a set variable within the AUTOEXEC.BAT.  For more information about the game port functions with your sound card, please consult your sound card documentation or sound card manufacturer for more information.

Make sure that you have only one active game port.  If you have two or more game ports active, the Sierra Setup routine might not know which game port to conduct the joystick test.  If you have more than one active game port, you will need to disable one.  Please consult your hardware documentation or dealer for specifics.


Joystick Calibration

The Joystick Calibration Window allows you to calibrate the joystick.  Proper calibration of the joystick will insure that you will be able to accurately control game movement with the joystick.  NOTE - Calibration within this screen might not be the only place you will need to calibrate the joystick.  This Sierra game might have a specific calibration routine within the game itself.  Check your Sierra game manual for specific information about specific game calibration.

If you have calibrated your joystick and find that you are continuing to experience control problems, then you might want to consider purchasing a dedicated game controller card.  Game ports that are built into I/O Controller cards or sound cards were based off of a game port design that was created with the original PC Junior.  Thus, these built in game ports might not control game movement effectively on today's faster computer systems.

A dedicated speed-adjustable joystick controller card is an effective and inexpensive way to get around joystick control problems.  Please consult your hardware dealer for a list of dedicated game controller cards which will work with you computer system.


Printer Not Found

The Sierra Setup routine could not find a printer connected to this computer system.  If you have a printer, make sure it is connected to the computer and that the printer is turned on.  If your printer is connected and the power light is enabled, then you will want to make sure that your printer's Window driver is installed correctly.  Drivers are special instruction files written by your printer manufacturer which tells the computer how to communicate with your specific printer.   If these drivers are not loaded, Windows will not be able to tell the printer to print.

To make sure that your printer driver is loaded, double-click on the Main program group from within the Program Manager.  Within the Main Window, double-click on the Control Panel icon.  You should now see an icon labeled Printer within the Control Panel Window.  Double-click on the Printer icon and see which driver is listed under the default printer option.  If there is no printer driver set up as the default printer, you will need to add or set up the appropriate driver.  For complete driver installation instructions, please consult your Printer documentation or contact your printer manufacturer.


Setup

Insert Next Disk

Setup Program Interrupted

Setup Program Ran Out of Memory

File Not Found

Incorrect Setup Version


Insert Next Disk

The Setup routine is requesting the next disk to be inserted into the floppy or CD drive.  Make sure that the specific Disk or CD that the computer is requesting is inserted into the drive you originally initiated the Setup routine.   If the correct disk is in the drive and you continue to receive this message, then you will want to check and verify that the files on this disk are intact.

Related Topics:

Verify File Existence

Verify Disk Integrity

...Try, Try Again


Verify File Existence

If you continue to have problems, cancel out of this installation.  Go into Program Manager and double-click on the MAIN program group.  Locate the FILE MANAGER icon and double-click on it.  Make sure the disk that was having problems being detected is still in the appropriate drive.  Once file manager appears, click on the drive letter icon on the top portion of file manager just under the pull down menus.  Verify that there is one or more files on that disk.  If no files appear, then you will need a disk replacement - please consult your Sierra game manual for instruction for complete disk replacement policy instructions.


Verify Disk Integrity

If there are files on the disk, then you will want to check the integrity of the disk in question.  Exit to a DOS prompt, and go to the appropriate drive prompt (for example if the disk in question is in your A drive, type: A: <ENTER>).  At the drive prompt, type: CHKDSK <ENTER>.  if CHKDSK reports that there are problems with this disk, consult your SIERRA game manual for the disk replacement policy.  NOTE - if errors are found on the program disk, maintenance utilities which correct problems on disks or hard drives will most likely not fix the problems properly.  Sierra highly recommends conducting a disk replacement.


...Try, Try Again

If the disk appears to pass the CHKDSK test, try the Setup process one more time.  You might want to exit out of any active programs, disable any disk caching utilities, virus detection software, or Undelete utilities before attempting to install the game again.


Setup Program Interrupted

The installation of this Sierra program has been interrupted.  This interruption has occurred because the Cancel option was selected.  If you wish to abort the installation of this program, select the YES dialog button.  NOTE - if you select YES, any files that have been copied into the game directory will still reside on the hard drive.  You must manually delete these files from the File manger of select the Uninstall option within the Sierra Setup program.  If you select the NO option in the Abort Installation dialog box, installation will continue.


Setup Program Ran Out of Memory

The Setup of your Sierra program was aborted because there was not enough free RAM to complete the installation process.  If you have any active programs that are running or minimized, try closing these applications and start the installation process one more time.  Also, verify that your system has enough physical memory in order to run this program.  System requirements are located on the side or bottom section of the box.


File Not Found

The Sierra Setup program could not find one or more of the program files.  This most likely is the result of having the wrong disk in the floppy drive - verify that the correct disk that the installation program requested is in the drive.  If you received this error message with a CD version of the program, examine the CD to make sure there are not finger prints, smudges, dust, scratches, or other foreign object on the CD surface.

If you continue to have problems, you might have a defective set of disks.  Please consult your Sierra game manual for the disk exchange policy.


Incorrect Setup Version

The Sierra Setup program that you used to attempt to install, register, uninstall, or test the hardware configuration was not specifically designed to work with this Sierra program.  This can happen if you attempt to run a Setup program from the hard drive which was designed for a different Sierra product.  The best way to work around this problem is to run the Setup program from the Sierra program disk.


CD ROM

CD ROM Drive Not Detected

CD ROM Speed-Test Results

Insert the CD Into Your CD ROM Drive


CD ROM Drive Not Detected

The Sierra Setup program could not detect an active CD drive configured for your computer system.  Please verify that your CD is detected by your system.  To see if the CD drive is being detected, go into Program Manager.  From Program Manager, double-click on the Main program group.  Within the Main Window, double-click on the File Manager icon.  Once in file manager, look at the drive icons that appear just below the pull-down menus.  Verify that your CD drive letter icon appears.  If the icon appears, then make sure you have your Sierra CD in the CD ROM drive.

If no drive letter icon appears within File Manager, then make sure that you are loading the appropriate CD ROM drivers and MSCDEX.  Please consult your CD ROM documentation or the CD ROM manufacturer for more information.


CD ROM Speed-Test Results

This dialog box indicates the access speed and the transfer rate of your CD ROM drive.  Access Time is a measurement of the time it takes the CD-ROM drive to locate a specific piece of information on the CD.  Generally, Sierra recommends an access performance of 500ms or faster.  The lower the access time, the faster the seek performance of the CD drive.

The Transfer rate indicates the speed in which data is transferred from the CD to the computer.  Sierra recommends that a CD drive have a minimum of 150KB per second.  The higher the transfer rate, the faster the transfer of information.  For a more in-depth description of these terms, please consult your CD ROM documentation.


Insert the CD Into Your CD ROM Drive

The Sierra Setup Program could not read the specific program CD.  Please make sure that the Sierra program CD is in the CD drive.  The Setup program could have had problems reading the CD if you placed the CD in the drive a few seconds before attempting to install the program to your hard drive.  Simply insert the program CD, wait about 10 seconds, then initiate the installation process one more time.

If you continue to have problems, , then make sure that you are loading the appropriate CD ROM drivers and MSCDEX.  Please consult your CD ROM documentation or the CD ROM manufacturer for more information.


Registration

Print Out the Registration Card

Registration Information


Print Out the Registration Card

The Sierra Setup program has a handy option which will print out product registration information.  Once this information is printed, you can send it directly to Sierra On-line.  As a registered Sierra product owner, you will be entitled to receive Technical Support, product upgrade information, special savings offered to Sierra customers, and a free one year subscription to Interaction Magazine.

Selecting YES at this dialog box will allow you to print this registration card using your printer.  Selecting NO will not print out the registration card.


Registration Information

You are currently in the Registration dialog box of the Sierra Setup Program.  Entering in the information in this screen will enable you to save all related registration information.  You will also be given the opportunity to print this information on your printer so you can Register your Sierra program.

As a registered Sierra product owner, you will be entitled to receive Technical Support, product upgrade information, special savings offered to Sierra customers, and a free one year subscription to Interaction Magazine.


General Protection Faults

A General Protection Fault generally occurs when there is a memory conflict between two applications.  If you receive a General Protection Fault, the following troubleshooting tips should help you correct this problem:

1)  DISABLE WINDOW ENHANCEMENT UTILITIES - If you are running Window Enhancement Utilities such as Screen Savers, Virus Detection Utilities, Shell Program (i.e. Norton Desktop, PC Tools, Dashboard, Kid's Desk), Sound Utilities and/or undelete utilities, try disabling them.  Re-run the program and see if the General Protection Fault occurs again.

2)  CLOSE ACTIVE APPLICATIONS - If you have any active programs, close them before attempting to run your Sierra product.  Active application programs might try to occupy the same space in memory that this Sierra product is trying to use.

3)  TRY A CLEAN BOOT - You might want to try a Windows Boot Disk and see if a clean boot configuration corrects the memory conflict.

4)  DISABLE AGGRESSIVE MEMORY MANAGEMENT - If you are using QEMM's Stealth option, try disabling this feature.  Please consult your QEMM documentation for additional information.

5)  DUPLICATE PROBLEM - See if you can duplicate the problem.  Often times General Protection Faults are unduplicable and might have occurred as an isolated instance.


General Troubleshooting Techniques

1)  SCAN HARD DRIVE FOR ERRORS - Run either MS-DOS CHKDSK or SCANDISK command, or run a third party disk maintenance utility such as Norton Utilities and PC Tools to check for Lost Allocation Units or other errors on the hard drive.  If you find errors, you will want to correct them, delete the Sierra program, and try re-installing the game once again.

NOTE - Read your MS-DOS or Disk Maintenance manual before attempting to correct any hard drive errors.  You will want to back up any important files before attempting to correct hard drive errors since there is a remote possibility that you can lose hard disk data.

2)  DISABLE ACTIVE TSRs - Software such as Virus Detection utilities, Undelete utilities, Screen Savers, Sound Utilities, and other active TSRs can cause installation problems.  Disable such activities before attempting to re-run the Setup program.

3)  TRY A BOOT DISK - Try booting under a clean environment with a boot disk.  Follow the boot disk instructions, reboot the system with the disk in your A drive, and restart the application.

4)  CHECK FOR AVAILABLE HARD DRIVE SPACE - Make sure you have plenty of hard drive space before attempting to install the program.  If you are using a disk compression utility such as Stacker, SuperStor, Double Space or Drive Space, make sure you have twice as much hard drive space available as the game requires.  Sierra products reside on the hard drive in a pre-compressed state.  Thus, compression utilities can not compress the game files down further.

5)  CONSULT GAME README FILE - Often, known technical issues are documented in the README file of the Sierra game title.  Review the README file for additional troubleshooting steps.

6)  DUPLICATE PROBLEM - See if you can duplicate the problem consistently.  Often, errors or problems occur only once.  Restarting and/or reloading the game often will correct this one time problem.

Related Topics:

Installation Problems

Lockups or Program Freezes

Out of Memory

Out of Hunk

Sound/Audio Problems

Video Problems


Installation Problems

1)  Scan Hard Drive for Errors - Run either MS-DOS CHKDSK or SCANDISK command, or run a third party disk maintenance utility such as Norton Utilities and PC Tools to check for Lost Allocation Units or other errors on the hard drive.  If you find errors, you will want to correct them, delete the Sierra program, and try re-installing the game once again.

NOTE - Read your MS-DOS or Disk Maintenance manual before attempting to correct any hard drive errors.  You will want to back up any important files before attempting to correct hard drive errors since there is a remote possibility that you can lose hard disk data.

2)  Disable Active TSRs - Software such as Virus Detection utilities, Undelete utilities, Screen Savers, Sound Utilities, and other active TSRs can cause installation problems.  Disable such activities before attempting to re-run the Setup program.

3)  Try a Boot Disk - Try booting under a clean environment with a boot disk.  Follow the boot disk instructions, reboot the system with the disk in your A drive, and restart the application.

4)  Check for Available Hard Drive Space - Make sure you have plenty of hard drive space before attempting to install the program.  If you are using a disk compression utility such as Stacker, SuperStor, Double Space or Drive Space, make sure you have twice as much hard drive space available as the game requires.  Sierra products reside on the hard drive in a pre-compressed state.  Thus, compression utilities can not compress the game files down further.


Lockups or Program Freezes

1)  DISABLE WINDOW ENHANCEMENT UTILITIES - If you are running Window Enhancement Utilities such as Screen Savers, Virus Detection Utilities, Shell Program (i.e. Norton Desktop, PC Tools, Dashboard, Kid's Desk), Sound Utilities and/or undelete utilities, try disabling them.  Re-run the program and see if the lockup occurs again.

2)  CLOSE ACTIVE APPLICATIONS - If you have any active programs, close them before attempting to run your Sierra product.  Active application programs might try to occupy the same space in memory that this Sierra product is trying to use, which could cause a lockup.

3)  TRY A CLEAN BOOT - You might want to try a Windows Boot Disk and see if a clean boot configuration corrects lock-up problems.

4)  DISABLE AGGRESSIVE MEMORY MANAGEMENT - If you are using QEMM's Stealth option, try disabling this feature.  Please consult your QEMM documentation for additional information.

5)  DUPLICATE PROBLEM - See if you can duplicate the problem.  Often times lockups are unduplicable and might have occurred as an isolated instance.


Out of Memory

1)  DISABLE WINDOW ENHANCEMENT UTILITIES - If you are running Window Enhancement Utilities such as Screen Savers, Virus Detection Utilities, Shell Program (i.e. Norton Desktop, PC Tools, Dashboard, Kid's Desk), Sound Utilities and/or undelete utilities, try disabling them.  Re-run the program and see if the lockup occurs again.

2)  CLOSE ACTIVE APPLICATIONS - If you have any active programs, close them before attempting to run your Sierra product.  Active application programs might try to occupy the same space in memory that this Sierra product is trying to use, which could cause a lockup.

3)  TRY A CLEAN BOOT - You might want to try a Windows Boot Disk and see if a clean boot configuration corrects lock-up problems.

4)  USE VIRTUAL-MEMORY - Virtual-Memory utilizes a SWAP-File which allow you to use part of you hard drive space as simulated RAM.  A SWAP-File is a feature which enables you to get the most out of your system.

NOTE - A SWAP-File must be created within a NON-COMPRESSED partition on your hard drive.  If you are using disk compression utilities such as Stacker, SuperStor, DoubleSpace or DriveSpace, do not create a SWAP-File on the compressed sections of the hard drive.  Sierra also recommends that you scan your hard drive for any lost allocation units or other errors and optimize your hard drive before creating a SWAP-File.  Use the Scandisk command, the chkdsk command, or any third party hard drive maintenance utility and correct any FAT errors that are discovered.  Once any potential errors have been corrected, use an optimization utility such as DEFRAG with DOS 6.0 or above, or a third party optimization software package.  For more information about Virtual-Memory, please consult your Windows Documentation.


Out of Hunk

1)  DISABLE WINDOW ENHANCEMENT UTILITIES - If you are running Window Enhancement Utilities such as Screen Savers, Virus Detection Utilities, Shell Program (i.e. Norton Desktop, PC Tools, Dashboard, Kid's Desk), Sound Utilities and/or undelete utilities, try disabling them.  Re-run the program and see if the lockup occurs again.

2)  CLOSE ACTIVE APPLICATIONS - If you have any active programs, close them before attempting to run your Sierra product.  Active application programs might try to occupy the same space in memory that this Sierra product is trying to use, which could cause a lockup.

3)  TRY A CLEAN BOOT - You might want to try a Windows Boot Disk and see if a clean boot configuration corrects lock-up problems.


Sound/Audio Problems

1)  MAKE SURE SOUND CARD DRIVERS ARE LOADED - Drivers are special instruction files written by your sound card manufacturer which tells the computer how to take advantage of the playback capability of your sound card.   If these drivers are not loaded, Windows will not know how to trigger your sound card to play back these audio selections.  NOTE: Many sound cards will utilize more than one driver - you may find that multiple sound drivers need to be installed.

To verify that your Windows drivers are loaded, double-click on your MAIN Program-Group within the Program-Manager, and then double-click on your CONTROL PANEL icon.  Within the Control Panel Window, double-click on the icon labeled DRIVERS.  On the left hand side of the Drivers window, you will see a Scroll Bar listing of all the drivers that are currently installed within your Window environment.  Consult your Sound Card documentation and make sure all appropriate Windows sound drivers for your particular sound card are installed.

2)  CHECK SOUND CARD VOLUME LEVEL OPTIONS - Many sound cards include a set of Window utilities which allow you to customize or alter your sound card volume settings.  A common utility that is included is a mixer program.  The Mixer utility allows you to adjust multiple audio input volume levels including your MIDI volume level and DAC or Digital Audio level.  Make sure that your DAC or Digital Audio sound level is set to an appropriate volume setting.  If the volume is set to a low position, try increasing it and see if the audio plays correctly.  Your sound card documentation will give you complete instructions regarding the usage of these utilities.

3)  CHECK SPEAKERS - Make sure that your speakers are attached to the sound card.  Check and verify that the speakers are plugged into the proper Audio Out port.  Many sound cards have Microphone and/or Auxiliary input ports which look identical to the audio out/speaker port.  Check your sound card hardware documentation to make sure the speakers are connected to the correct port.  Also verify that your speakers are receiving the appropriate power to drive the amplifiers within your speakers.  If you are attempting to hook up a set of non-amplified speakers to your sound card, you might need an auxiliary power amplifier to drive the speakers properly.


Video Problems

1)  CHECK VIDEO DRIVERS - To determine which type of video driver you are currently using under your Windows environment, double-click on you MAIN Program-Group within the Program-Manager, then double-click on the WINDOWS SETUP icon.  The selection next to the DISPLAY line will tell you which driver is currently loaded.

If the display line indicates you are using a VGA driver, you will most likely want to utilize a different video driver.  The VGA display driver is a standard Windows driver that is automatically installed when you initially install Windows.  This driver is only capable of displaying 16 colors on the screen at once.  Sierra products require the capability of displaying 256 or more colors on the screen.  Should you find that you need to update your video driver to operate this Sierra game title, consult your Windows and/or your video card manual for complete instructions on how to update your video driver.

2)  DISABLE VIDEO CO-PROCESSOR - Occasionally, video cards that use co-processors to speed up graphic redraws in Windows can display multiple images or screens during game play of a few Sierra products.  Disable the co-processor feature if your card supports this feature.  Consult your Video Card documentation or manufacturer for more information.

3)  CHECK FOR UPDATED VIDEO DRIVERS - You might also want to contact your video card manufacturer to see if they have released updated video drivers for your video card.  New drivers might correct various video problems that you are experiencing.

WARNING - It is important that you use a video driver that was specifically made for your video card.  If you use a video driver that was designed for a different brand of video card, it is possible that you will see distorted graphics or a blank screen when attempting to start Windows.  For additional information or assistance, please consult your Video card documentation or contact your video card manufacturer.


Contact Information

Sierra On-Line

Sound Card Manufacturer List

Video Card Manufacturers

Miscellaneous Computer Peripheral/Software Manufacturers


Sierra On-Line

The Sierra Customer Service, Technical Support, and Telesales departments have recently moved to our new Corporate office location in Bellevue, Washington.  This card contains the new address and phone number changes for contacting Sierra Support Services.  Please disregard the telephone and address information found within the Sierra Game Manual.

Related Topics:

Customer Services

Technical Support

U.S. Direct Telesales


Customer Services

United States

Sierra On-Line	Main: 1-800-SIERRA-5 (1-800-734-7725)

Customer Service	Fax 206-562-4223

P.O. Box 85007

Bellevue, WA  98015-8507

NOTE: Disk replacements should be sent to P.O. Box 485, Coarsegold, CA. 93614. Please send only Disk #1 and copy of your dated receipt, if less then 90 days. After 90 days please include a $10 handling fee along with Disk 1.

United Kingdom

Sierra On-Line Limited	Main: (44)-734-303171

4 Brewery Court,	Fax: (44)-734-303201

The Old Brewery,	9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.,

Theale, Reading, Berkshire	Monday-Friday

RG7 5AJ United Kingdom

Continental Europe

Parc Tertiaire de Meudon	Main: (33)-1-46-01-4650

Immeuble "Le Newton"	Fax: (33)-1-46-31-7172

25 rue Jeanne Braconnier	Hint Line: (33)-1-36-68-4650

92366 Meudon La Forêt Cedex

France


Technical Support

Automated Technical Support Line:

1-206-746-8100

Sierra On-Line offers a 24-hour Automated Technical Support line with recorded answers to the most frequently asked technical questions. To access this service, call 1-206-746-8100, and follow the recorded instructions to find your specific topic and resolve the issue. If this fails to solve your problem, you may still write, or fax us with your questions, or contact us via BBS.

U.S. Technical Support

Sierra On-Line	Main: (206) 644-4343

Technical Support	Fax: (206)644-7697

P.O. Box 85006	8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. PST,

Bellevue, WA 98015-8506	Monday-Friday

Sierra On-Line U.S. Technical Support is also available through:

Sierra BBS: U.S. (209)683-4463 or U.K. (44) 734 304227

CompuServe: GAMAPUB (Sierra ID 76004,2143)

GAMCPUB (Dynamix ID 72662,1174)

Prodigy: Technical Support IDs:

Sierra Support ID # WBWW55A

Dynamix Support ID # WBWW55B

America Online: Keyword Sierra (Private Email DynamixTS)

GEnie: Private E-mail to SIERRA.SUP


U.S. Direct Telesales

Sierra On-Line	For direct orders:

Direct Sales	Main: 1-800-757-7707

P.O. Box 53250	Fax: 1-206-562-4223

Bellevue, WA 98015-3250


Sound Card Manufacturer List

Advanced Gravis

(206) 881-6945 T/S

CompuServe BBS

Aztech

(800) 886-8879 T/S

Cardinal

(717) 293-3124 T/S

(717) 293-3074 BBS

Creative Labs

(408) 428-6622 T/S

(408) 428-6660 BBS

Diamond

(408) 736-2000 T/S

(408) 524-9301 BBS

Logitech

(510) 795-8100 T/S

(510) 795-0408 BBS

Media Vision

(800) 638-2807 T/S

(510) 770-0968 BBS

Microsoft

(206) 637-7096 T/S

(206) 936-4082 BBS

(206) 936-6735 BBS

Reveal

(800) 473-8325 T/S

Roland US

(213) 685-5141 T/S

Turtle Beach

(717) 843-6916 T/S

(717) 845-4835 BBS


Video Card Manufacturers

Microsoft's Generic SVGA256.DRV driver works with the following displays:

• ATI VGA Wonder

• Cirrus Logic VGA (5420, 6420 series)

• Oak Technology VGA (077 series)

• Paradise VGA

• Trident VGA (8900 series)

• Tseng ET4000-based, including: Boca VGA, Cardinal VGA, Diamond SpeedStar series, Everex Viewpoint series, Metheus Premier VGA, Orchid ProDesigner IIs, Sigma VGA Legend, & STB Powergraph

• Video Seven VGA: FastWrite 1024i, VRAM, VRAM II

• Western Digital VGA

Microsoft's Generic SVGA256.DRV driver is included with Windows for Workgroups 3.11, or it can be downloaded as SVGA.EXE from CompuServe (GO MSL), GEnie, or can be obtained from Microsoft's Download Sevice at 206-936-6735. If a modem is not available, the driver can be ordered on diskette from Microsoft at 800-426-9400.

Actix Systems

408-986-1625  T/S

408-970-3719  BBS

Advanced Integration Research

408-428-0800  T/S

408-428-1735  BBS

Advanced Micro Technology

909-598-6120  T/S

909-594-5770  BBS

Alpha Systems Lab

800-576-4275  T/S

Altech International

800-882-8194  T/S

408-946-2227  BBS

Artist Graphics Company

800-627-8478  T/S

612-631-7664  BBS

ATI Technologies

905-882-2626  T/S

905-764-9404  BBS

Atlaz Intl., Limited

516-239-1854  T/S

Boca

407-241-8088  T/S

407-241-1601  BBS

Cache Computers, Inc.

510-226-9922  T/S

510-226-7486  BBS

Cardinal

717-293-3124  T/S

717-293-3074  BBS

Celerite Graphics, Inc.

510-226-6390  T/S

510-226-7851  BBS

Cirrus Logic

408-435-8808  T/S

510-440-9080  BBS

Colorgraphic Communication

404-455-3921  T/S

404-452-8238  BBS

Cornerstone Technology

800-562-2552 x306  T/S

408-435-8943  BBS

CSS Laboratories, Inc.

800-966-2771  T/S

714-852-9231  BBS

Diamond Speedstar

408-736-2000  T/S

408-730-1100  BBS (up to 2400bps)

408-524-9301  BBS (above 2400bps)

Edge Technology, Inc.

800-438-3343  T/S

ELSA America, Inc.

800-272-3572  T/S

415-588-6286  BBS

Focus Information Systems, Inc.

510-657-4586  T/S

510-657-9451  BBS

Genoa

408-432-8324  T/S

408-943-1231  BBS

Headland (Video Seven)

800-553-1850  T/S

415-656-0503  BBS

Hercules Technology

510-623-6050  T/S

510-623-7034  BBS (V32)

510-623-7449  BBS (v32b)

Identity Systems Technology

800-723-8324  T/S

214-705-7213  BBS

IOcomm Intl., Corp.

800-998-8919  T/S

Liberty Electronics USA

800-497-8324  T/S

Matrox Electronics Systems Limited

800-462-8769  T/S

514-685-6008  BBS

Metheus Corporation

503-690-1550  T/S

503-690-1559  BBS

MicroStep, Inc.

818-336-8991  T/S

818-961-9992  BBS

Mirage Computer Systems

310-440-1460  T/S

National Design, Inc.

512-329-5055  T/S

512-329-6327  BBS

Number Nine Computer Corporation

617-674-0009  T/S

617-862-7502  BBS

Nth Graphics

800-624-7552  T/S

512-832-1964  BBS

Oak Technology

408-737-0888  T/S

408-524-9014  BBS

Orchid

510-683-0323  T/S

510-683-0327  BBS

Paradise

800-832-4778  T/S

415-968-1834  BBS

Sigma Designs

510-770-0100  T/S

510-770-0111  BBS

SixGraph Computing, Limited

800-561-2892  T/S

514-336-4169  BBS

STB

214-234-8750  T/S

214-237-9615  BBS

SuperMac Technology, Inc.

408-245-0646  T/S

408-773-4500  BBS

Swan Technologies, Inc.

800-468-7926  T/S

814-237-6143  BBS

Trident

415-691-9211  T/S

415-691-1016  BBS

Video Logic, Inc.

617-494-0530  T/S

617-494-4960  BBS

Video Seven (Headland)

800-553-1850  T/S

415-656-0503  BBS

VidTech Microsystems, Inc.

800-752-8033  T/S

612-780-3564  BBS

Willow

212-402-9500  T/S


Miscellaneous Computer Peripheral/Software Manufacturers

Acer America

(Computer/Hardware)

(800) 637-7000 T/S

(800) 833-8241 BBS

Adaptec

(Hardware)

(408) 945-2550 T/S

(408) 945-7727 BBS

Adobe Systems

(Software)

(415) 961-4992

CompuServe BBS

Advanced Gravis

(Joystick/Sound Card)

(604) 434-1807 T/S

CompuServe BBS

Aldus

(Software)

(206) 628-2040 T/S

Applied Engineering

(Hardware)

(214) 241-6084 T/S

(214) 241-6677 BBS

AST Research

(Computer/Hardware)

(800) 727-1278 T/S

(714) 852-1872 BBS

ATI Technologies

(Hardware)

(416) 756-0711 T/S

(416) 756-4591 BBS

AutoDesk

(Software)

(415) 332-8942 T/S

CompuServe BBS

Berkeley Systems Design

(Software)

(510) 540-5535 T/S

Borland

(Software)

(408) 438-5300 T/S

(408) 439-9096 BBS

C H Products

(Joystick)

(619) 598-2518 T/S

(619) 598-3224 BBS

Central Point

(Software)

(503) 690-8080 T/S

(503) 690-6650 BBS

Claris

(Software)

(408) 987-7000 T/S

America On-Line BBS

Colorado Memory Systems

(Hardware)

(800) 346-9881 T/S

(303) 635-6650 BBS

Creative Labs

(Sound Cards/Hardware)

(408) 428-6622 T/S

(408) 428-6660 BBS

CTX

(Hardware)

(800) 289-2189 T/S

Diamond Computer

(Hardware)

(408) 736-2000 T/S

(408) 730-1100 BBS

Dove Computer

(Computer/Hardware)

(919) 343-5610 T/S

(919) 343-5616 BBS

Everex

(Computer/Hardware)

(510) 498-1115 T/S

(510) 226-9694 BBS

Gateway 2000

(Computer/Hardware)

(800) 846-2301 T/S

(605) 232-2109 BBS

Genoa

(Hardware)

(408) 432-8324 T/S

(408) 943-1231 BBS

Hayes

(Hardware)

(404) 440-1617 T/S

(800) 874-2937 BBS

Hercules Computer

(Hardware)

(510) 623-6050 T/S

(510) 623-7034 BBS

Hewlett Packard

(Software/Hardware)

(408) 720-4040 T/S Software

(208) 323-2551 T/S Hardware

(408) 720-3963 BBS

Hitachi

(Hardware)

(800) 241-6558 T/S

IBM

(Hardware/Software)

(908) 329-7131 T/S Multimedia

(800) 765-4747 T/S PS/1 PRO

(800) 772-2227 T/S Valuepoint

(213) 621-5576 T/S Software

Intel

(Hardware)

(800) 538-3373 T/S

(503) 645-6275 BBS

Kraft

(Hardware)

(619) 724-7146 T/S

Leading Edge

(Computer)

(800) 225-2283 T/S

(503) 836-3971 BBS

Logitech

(Hardware)

(510) 795-8100 T/S

(510) 795-0408 BBS

Lotus

(Software)

(800) 223-0303 T/S

(617) 693-7000 BBS

Magnavox

(Computer/Hardware)

(800) 722-6224 T/S

(310) 532-6436 BBS

Maxell

(Hardware)

(201) 794-5900 T/S

Media Vision

(Hardware)

(800) 638-2807 T/S

(510) 770-0968 BBS

Micronics

(Hardware)

(510) 651-2323 T/S

(510) 651-6837 BBS

Microsoft

(Software/Hardware)

(206) 646-5103 T/S MS-DOS

(206) 635-7245 T/S Windows

(206) 637-7096 T/S Mice

(206) 454-2032 T/S Other

(206) 936-6735 BBS

(206) 936-4082 BBS Multimedia

MicroStep

(Hardware)

(818) 336-8991 T/S

(818) 961-9992 BBS

Mitsubishi

(Hardware)

(800) 344-6352 T/S

(714) 236-6286 BBS

Mitsumi

(Hardware)

(408) 970-9699 T/S

NEC

(Hardware)

(708) 860-0335 T/S

(508) 635-6328 BBS

Norton/Symantec

(Software)

(408) 252-5700 T/S

(408) 973-9598 BBS

Novell

(Hardware)

(800) 221-6402 T/S

(801) 429-3030 BBS

Oak Technology

(Hardware)

(408) 737-0888 T/S

(408) 524-9014 BBS

Orchid Technology

(Hardware)

(510) 683-0323 T/S

(510) 683-0327 BBS

Packard Bell

(Computer/Hardware)

(800) 733-4466 T/S

(818) 773-7207 BBS

Panasonic

(Hardware)

(800) 222-0584 T/S

(201) 863-7845 BBS

Paradise

(Hardware)

(800) 832-4778 T/S

(415) 968-1834 BBS

PC Kwik

(800) 888-5945 T/S

Phillips/Magnavox

(Hardware)

(615) 475-8869 T/S

(310) 532-6436 BBS

Pheonix

(Hardware)

(617) 551-4000 T/S

Pioneer

(Hardware)

(800) 527-3766 T/S

PLI

(Hardware)

(800) 288-8754 T/S

(510) 651-5948 BBS

Practical Peripherals

(Hardware)

(805) 496-7707 T/S

(805) 496-4445 BBS

Procom

(Hardware)

(800) 800-8600 T/S

Prometheus Products

(Hardware)

(503) 692-9601 T/S

(503) 691-5199 BBS

Qualitas

(Software)

(301) 907-7400 T/S

(301) 907-8030 BBS

Quarterdeck

(Software)

(310) 392-9701 T/S

(310) 341-3227 BBS

Quantum

(Hardware)

(408) 894-4000 T/S

(408) 434-1664 BBS

Reveal

(Hardware)

(800) 473-8325 T/S

Roland

(Hardware)

(213) 685-5141 T/S

Seagate

(Hardware)

(408) 438-8222 T/S

(408) 438-8771 BBS

Sierra On-Line

(Software)

(206) 644-4343 T/S

Sigma Designs

(Hardware)

(510) 770-0100 T/S

(510) 770-0111 BBS

Sony

(Hardware)

(714) 826-6410 T/S West

(201) 368-3774 T/S East

(408) 955-5107 BBS

Stac Electronics

(Software)

(619) 431-7474 T/S

(619) 431-5956 BBS

STB

(Hardware)

(214) 234-8750 T/S

(214) 237-9615 BBS

Swan Technologies

(Hardware)

(800) 468-7926 T/S

(814) 237-6143 BBS

Symantec

(Software)

(408) 252-5700 T/S

(408) 973-9598 BBS

Tandon

(Hardware)

(805) 523-0340 T/S

Tandy Computer

(Computer/Hardware)

(817) 878-6875 T/S

Teac

(Hardware)

(213) 726-0303 T/S

Texas Instruments

(Computer/Hardware)

(512) 250-7407 T/S

(512) 250-6112 BBS

ThrustMaster

(Hardware)

(503) 639-3200 T/S

Toshiba

(Hardware)

(800) 999-4273 T/S

(415) 656-5159 BBS

Trident

(Hardware)

(415) 691-9211 T/S

(415) 691-1016 BBS

Turtle Beach

(Hardware)

(717) 843-6916 T/S

(717) 845-4835 BBS

US Robotics

(Hardware)

(800) 982-5151 T/S

(708) 982-5274 BBS

Video Logic

(Hardware)

(617) 494-0530 T/S

(617) 494-4960 BBS

Video Seven

(Hardware)

(800) 248-1850 T/S

(510) 656-0503 BBS

VidTech Microsystems

(Hardware)

(800) 752-8033 T/S

(612) 780-3564 BBS

Western Digital

(Hardware)

(800) 753-1234 T/S

(714) 753-1068 BBS

Zenith

(Computer/Hardware)

(800) 227-3360 T/S

(800) 888-3058 BBS

Zoom Telephonics

(617) 423-1076 T/S

(617) 451-5284 BBS


Standard Windows Boot Disk

The following instructions have been prepared by Sierra's Technical Support Department as an added service to our customers.  PLEASE NOTE: Sierra does not make any claims, guarantees, and/or promises that the following instructions will work on any and/or all computer systems.

These instructions are only for 386, 486 and Pentium computers using MS DOS 5.0 and above.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please read the entire instructions prior to starting at Step 1.

STEP 1

FORMATTING THE DISK

PLEASE NOTE: It is necessary to format the disk even if the disk is already formatted.  The /S switch will transfer files to the boot disk which are necessary for the disk to work correctly.

To make a Boot Disk, format a high density diskette in the A: drive.  (Use /F:360 or  /F:720 parameter if using a low density diskette)  For more information on using the FORMAT command, consult your DOS manual.  Note: This will not work in the B: drive.  Type the command as follows:

FORMAT  A:/S  <ENTER>

If after entering this command the system responds with a "Bad command or file name" error, then type:

PATH=C:\DOS  <ENTER>

Now retype the FORMAT command above.  If you still receive the same error, the MS DOS FORMAT command may not be on your system or it may have been renamed.  Programs such as PC Tools and Norton Disk Utilities can rename the format command to prevent accidental loss of data.

STEP 2

CREATING THE CONFIG.SYS FILE

Once you are at the C> again, type: A: and then <Enter> to move to the A: drive.  At the A:\> prompt, type :

COPY  CON  CONFIG.SYS  <ENTER>

The cursor should appear one line below the line you just typed. Now type:

FILES=50  <ENTER>

BUFFERS=20  <ENTER>

DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS  <ENTER>

STACKS=9,256 <ENTER>  {NOTE: This line is required for Windows 3.1 only}

Then press the <F6> key.  A ^Z should appear.  Hit the <Enter> key, and the computer should respond "1 file(s) copied".

STEP 3

CREATING THE AUTOEXEC.BAT FILE

When you are back at the A>, then type:

COPY  CON  AUTOEXEC.BAT  <ENTER>

Again, the cursor should appear one line below the line you just typed.  Enter the following lines:

SET  COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM  <ENTER>

PROMPT  SIERRA  BOOT  DISK  $_$P$G  <ENTER>

PATH=C:\;C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS  <ENTER>

SET TEMP=C:\  <ENTER>

Then hit your <F6> key.  Again a ^Z will appear.  Hit <Enter> and the computer will respond "1 file(s) copied".  You will be back at the A>

STEP 4

REBOOT THE SYSTEM:

Reboot your system by depressing the <RESET> button on your computer or by using the <CTRL>, <ALT>, <DEL> key sequence on your keyboard.  Once you get to an A:\>, then type C: and <Enter>.  Start Windows by typing:

WIN  /3  <ENTER>

If the problem persists and you are using Windows 3.1, try starting Windows (while booted from the boot disk) in the following manners:

WIN  /3  /D:X  <ENTER>

WIN  /S  <ENTER>


Windows Boot Disk with Disk Compression

STEP 1

FORMATTING THE DISK

PLEASE NOTE: It is necessary to format the disk even if the disk is already formatted.  The /S switch will transfer files to the boot disk which are necessary for the disk to work correctly.

To make a Boot Disk, format a high density diskette in the A: drive.  (Use /F:360 or  /F:720 parameter if using a low density diskette) For more information on using the FORMAT command, consult your DOS manual.  Note: This will not work in the B: drive.  Type the command as follows:

FORMAT  A:/S  <ENTER>

If after entering this command the system responds with a "Bad command or file name" error, then type:

PATH=C:\DOS  <ENTER>

Now retype the FORMAT command above.  If you still receive the same error, the MS DOS FORMAT command may not be on your system or it may have been renamed.  Programs such as PC Tools and Norton Disk Utilities can rename the format command to prevent accidental loss of data.

STEP 2

LOCATING THE MOUSE DRIVERS

If you plan to use a mouse with your game, it will be necessary to first load the mouse driver.  To do this, locate the mouse driver and copy it to the boot disk in your A: drive.  There are two types of mouse drivers available, MOUSE.SYS, which must be loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file and MOUSE.COM which must be loaded in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.  You do not need to load both MOUSE.SYS and MOUSE.COM.  Locate the MOUSE.SYS or MOUSE.COM file.  Because the file MOUSE.SYS is usually smaller than MOUSE.COM we recommend that the MOUSE.SYS file be used in order to free more memory.

a) Locating the mouse drivers:

If you do not know where the MOUSE.SYS or MOUSE.COM files are located on your system, the command below should help in locating your mouse drivers.  For users of MS DOS 5.0 or above, type the following at the C:\> prompt:

DIR  \MOUSE  /S  <ENTER>D

This command only works with MS-DOS 5.0 or above and will cause the system to search all sub directories for a file called mouse.  If the system locates a file called mouse, it will display the path where the mouse files are located.  For instance, if the MOUSE.SYS file is located in a C:\MOUSE> directory, the system will display:

Directory of C:\MOUSE

MOUSE    SYS   55160 03-10-92   3:10a

MOUSE    COM   56408 03-10-93   6:00a

If the system does not locate a mouse, your driver may have a different name or these files may not be currently installed on the system.  Some other common names for mouse drivers are IMOUSE, GMOUSE, and HPMOUSE.  Your mouse drivers may have been included on a floppy disk which came packaged along with your mouse.  For information on the proper name for your mouse, check the owners manual which came with your mouse.

b) Copying the mouse driver:

Once you have located the mouse driver, you will need to copy it to the boot disk.  In this step, we will assume that the mouse drivers were located in the C:\MOUSE> directory as shown in the step above.  To copy the MOUSE.SYS file to the boot disk, type the following at the C:\> prompt:

COPY  C:\MOUSE\MOUSE.*  A:  <ENTER>

STEP 3

CREATING THE CONFIG.SYS FILE

Now switch to the A: drive and type the following:

COPY  CON  CONFIG.SYS  <ENTER>  (The cursor will drop down one line and blink)

DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS  <ENTER>

Many Dynamix games use EMS memory.  Check your Dynamix game manual to see if your game needs EMS memory.  If your game needs EMS memory, use the following EMM386.EXE line:

DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE  RAM  1024  <ENTER>

Sierra games do not require EMS memory.  If your game does not use EMS memory, add the following  EMM386.EXE line:

DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE  NOEMS  <ENTER>

DOS=HIGH,UMB  <ENTER>

FILES=30  <ENTER>

If you are using the MOUSE.SYS file to load your mouse, add the following line to the CONFIG.SYS:

DEVICEHIGH=MOUSE.SYS  <ENTER>

SPECIAL NOTE:  MS DOS 6.0 users who have compressed the hard drive using DoubleSpace or Stacker 3.1, add the appropriate line listed below.

For DoubleSpace, add:

DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\DBLSPACE.SYS /MOVE  <ENTER>

For Stacker 3.1, add:

DEVICEHIGH=C:\STACKER\STACHIGH.SYS  <ENTER>

Complete the file by pressing the  F6  Function key <ENTER>

STEP 4

CREATING THE AUTOEXEC.BAT FILE

Now create an AUTOEXEC.BAT file by typing:

COPY  CON  AUTOEXEC.BAT <ENTER>  (the cursor will drop down one line)

SET  COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM  <ENTER>

PROMPT  SIERRA  BOOT  DISK  $_$P$G  <ENTER>

PATH=C:\;C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;  <ENTER>

If you are using the MOUSE.COM file to load the mouse, add the following line to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file:

LH  MOUSE.COM  <ENTER>

Complete the file by pressing the  F6  Function key <ENTER>

STEP 5

REBOOT THE SYSTEM:

Reboot your system by depressing the <RESET> button on your computer or by using the <CTRL>, <ALT>, <DEL> key sequence on your keyboard.  Once you receive an A:\>, go to your hard drive and follow the instructions to begin the game.


Windows CD Boot Disk

STEP 1

FORMATTING THE DISK

PLEASE NOTE: It is necessary to format the disk even if the disk is already formatted.  The /S switch will transfer files to the boot disk which are necessary for the disk to work correctly.

To make a  CD-ROM Boot Disk, format a high density diskette in the A: drive.  (Use /F:360 or  /F:720 parameter if using a low density diskette) For more information on using the FORMAT command, consult your DOS manual. Note: This will not work in the B: drive.  Type the command as follows:

FORMAT  A:/S  <ENTER>

If after entering this command the system responds with a "Bad command or file name" error, then type:

PATH=C:\DOS  <ENTER>

Now retype the FORMAT command above.  If you still receive the same error, the MS DOS FORMAT command may not be on your system or it may have been renamed.  Programs such as PC Tools and Norton Disk Utilities can rename the format command to prevent accidental loss of data.

STEP 2

LOCATING THE MOUSE DRIVERS

If you plan to use a mouse with your game, it will be necessary to first load the mouse driver.  To do this, locate the mouse driver and copy it to the boot disk in your A: drive.  There are two types of mouse drivers available, MOUSE.SYS, which must be loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file and MOUSE.COM which must be loaded in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.  You do not need to load both MOUSE.SYS and MOUSE.COM.  Locate the MOUSE.SYS or MOUSE.COM file.  Because the file MOUSE.SYS is usually smaller than MOUSE.COM we recommend that the MOUSE.SYS file be used in order to free more memory.

a) Locating the mouse drivers:

If you do not know where the MOUSE.SYS or MOUSE.COM files are located on your system, the command below should help in locating your mouse drivers.  For users of MS DOS 5.0 or above, type the following at the C:\> prompt:

DIR  \MOUSE  /S  <ENTER>

This command only works with MS-DOS 5.0 or above and will cause the system to search all sub directories for a file called mouse.  If the system locates a file called mouse, it will display the path where the mouse files are located.  For instance, if the MOUSE.SYS file is located in a C:\MOUSE> directory, the system will display:

Directory of C:\MOUSE

MOUSE    SYS   55160 03-10-92   3:10a

MOUSE    COM   56408 03-10-93   6:00a

If the system does not locate a mouse, your driver may have a different name or these files may not be currently installed on the system.  Some other common names for mouse drivers are IMOUSE, GMOUSE, and HPMOUSE.  Your mouse drivers may have been included on a floppy disk which came packaged along with your mouse.  For information on the proper name for your mouse, check the owners manual which came with your mouse.

b) Copying the mouse driver:

Once you have located the mouse driver, you will need to copy it to the boot disk.  In this step, we will assume that the mouse drivers were located in the C:\MOUSE> directory as shown in the step above.  To copy the MOUSE.SYS file to the boot disk, type the following at the C:\> prompt:

COPY  C:\MOUSE\MOUSE.*  A:  <ENTER>

Please substitute the appropriate path and file name for your mouse driver in the command line above.  You should then see a message indicating some files were copied.

STEP 3

LOCATING THE MSCDEX CD ROM EXTENSION

MSCDEX is the Microsoft extension for CD ROM drives.  It must be loaded in order for your CD ROM drive to operate.  The following steps should assist you in locating this file on your system   To locate MSCDEX, at the C:\> prompt, type:

TYPE  AUTOEXEC.BAT  |  MORE  <ENTER>

NOTE: The | is called a "pipe" command and is created by pressing <SHIFT> \ (backslash).

Now look for the line which loads "MSCDEX".  This line should look something like one of the following lines:

C:\DOS\MSCDEX  /D:MSCD001

LH  C:\DOS\MSCDEX  /D:MSCD001

LOADHIGH  /L:14429  \DOS\MSCDEX  /D:MSCD001

Your line may differ from the ones listed above.  Please write down the entire line before proceeding.  Be sure and include the full drive and path to your MSCDEX file.

STEP 4

LOCATING THE CD ROM DEVICE DRIVER

Along with MSCDEX, the CD ROM also needs a device driver.  This driver is loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file.  To determine the correct CD ROM device driver, at the C:\> prompt type:

TYPE  CONFIG.SYS  |  MORE  <ENTER>

Now look for the line that contains CD ROM device name which immediately follows the same "/D:" switch as the MSCDEX line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.  Using the example above, we would be looking for a line containing "MSCD001".  This line should look something like one of the following lines:

DEVICE=C:\DRV\CDROMDRV.SYS  /D:MSCD001  /P:220

DEVICEHIGH=C:\DRV\CDROMDRV.SYS  /D:MSCD001  /P:220

DEVICEHIGH  /L:14652  =C:\DRV\CDROMDRV.SYS  /D:MSCD001  /P:220

Your line may differ from the ones listed above.  Please write down the entire line before proceeding.  Be sure and include the full drive and path to your CD driver file.

STEP 5

CREATING THE CONFIG.SYS FILE

Now switch to the A: drive and type the following:

COPY  CON  CONFIG.SYS <ENTER> (The cursor will drop down one line and blink)

DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS  <ENTER>

DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE  NOEMS  <ENTER>

FILES=30  <ENTER>

BREAK=ON  <ENTER>

DOS=HIGH,UMB  <ENTER>

LASTDRIVE=Z  <ENTER>

DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE  <ENTER>

If you are using the MOUSE.SYS file to load your mouse, add the following line to the CONFIG.SYS:

DEVICEHIGH=MOUSE.SYS  <ENTER>

SPECIAL NOTE:  MS DOS 6.0 users who have compressed the hard drive using DoubleSpace or Stacker 3.1, add the appropriate line listed below.

For DoubleSpace, add:

DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\DBLSPACE.SYS /MOVE

For Stacker 3.1, add:

DEVICEHIGH=C:\STACKER\STACHIGH.SYS

Now add the CD ROM driver line as you wrote it down during the "Locating the CD ROM device driver" section (this is the line that does NOT include "MSCDEX").

Complete the file by pressing the  F6  Function key <ENTER>

STEP 6

CREATING THE AUTOEXEC.BAT FILE

Now create an AUTOEXEC.BAT file by typing:

COPY  CON  AUTOEXEC.BAT   <ENTER> (the cursor will drop down one line)

SET  COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM  <ENTER>

PROMPT  SIERRA  CD  BOOT  DISK  $_$P$G  <ENTER>

PATH=C:\;C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;  <ENTER>

Now add the MSCDEX line as you wrote it down during the "Locating the MSCDEX CD ROM extension" section.

If you are using the MOUSE.COM file to load the mouse, add the following line to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file:

LH  MOUSE.COM  <ENTER>

Complete the file by pressing the  F6  Function key <ENTER>

STEP 7

REBOOT THE SYSTEM:

Reboot your system by depressing the <RESET> button on your computer or by using the <CTRL>, <ALT>, <DEL> key sequence on your keyboard.  Once you receive an A:\>, go to your hard drive and follow the instructions to begin the game.


Glossary of Terms

APPLICATION

CPU

DAC

DLL

DRIVERS

DSP

FAT

MIDI

PROGRAM-GROUP

PROGRAM-MANAGER

RAM

SAMPLES

SHELL

SWAP-FILE

TSR

VIRTUAL-MEMORY

WAVE


APPLICATION

A program that is dedicated to achieving a specific task or operation.  Examples of applications include word processors, spreadsheets, database applications, and Sierra entertainment products.


CPU

An acronym for "Central Processing Unit".  The CPU is the brain of the computer system.


DAC

An acronym which stands for Digital Audio Converter.  This is a special chip found on the sound card which can convert Digital information into Audio signals.  Often, the DAC chip is used to play back real life sound effects or human speech.  These recorded SAMPLES are generally saved as WAVE files.  DAC capabilities can be accessed through special drivers.


DLL

An acronym for "Dynamic-link library".  A file which is invoked when the demand arises.  When the file is no longer needed for operation, it is unloaded from memory.


DRIVERS

A special instruction file written by hardware manufacturers which tells the computer how to communicate or use the features of the hardware device.  A Sound Card driver tells the computer how to take advantage of the sound card's music (or MIDI) and playback (or WAVE) capability.  Video Drivers instruct your computer how to display graphics and colors on your video monitor.


DSP

An acronym which stands for Digital Signal Processor.  The DSP chip is a special processor found on a variety of sound cards which can convert Digital information into Audio signals.  Often, the DSP chip is used to play back real life sound effects and/or human speech.  These recorded SAMPLES are generally saved as a WAVE file.


FAT

An acronym for File Allocation Table.  This table keeps track of the specific hard drive locations of all files currently stored on the hard drive.


MIDI

An acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.  MIDI is the standard interface for communication between a computer and/or multiple electronic musical instruments such as Synthesizers and Drum Machines.  MIDI files are instruction files which tells the synthesizer portion of a sound card the length of a note and the specific sound effect to play.


PROGRAM-GROUP

Related program icons that are grouped together within a single location of the Program-Manager.


PROGRAM-MANAGER

The main Shell of Windows which allows you to launch and/or use application programs.  Program-Manager displays all Program-Group icons and/or Application Icons.


RAM

An acronym for Random Access Memory and is a type of high-speed computer memory that allows editing of data but requires a constant electrical supply in order to store data.  Once the electrical supply is eliminated, all data stored in this memory location is erased.


SAMPLES

A term used to describe the capture or recording of a real life sound effect or human speech segments.  SAMPLES are saved in a special file format (usually in the form of a WAVE file) which allows sound cards with DAC or DSP chips to play back the live recordings.


SHELL

The front end Graphical User Interface which you see when running Windows.  The shell replaces typed in command prompt entries with the ability to invoke DOS like commands by manipulating icons on the screen.


SWAP-FILE

The Specific location of the hard drive that is set up with Virtual-Memory addresses.  SWAP-Files are used to simulate RAM when the Virtual-Memory option is used.


TSR

An acronym for "Terminate and Stay Resident" software.  TSRs are often invoked when starting the computer and stay resident in memory until the computer is turned off.  Hardware drivers such as those used for your CD ROM and Mouse drivers are specific examples of a TSRs.


VIRTUAL-MEMORY

Virtual-Memory utilizes a SWAP-File which allow you to use part of you hard drive space as simulated RAM.


WAVE

A Wave file is the file structure used to save real life recordings and human speech segments.  The WAVE file is utilized by a DAC chip or a DSP chip found on many sound cards.  Wave files are invoked using special Drivers for a sound card.