RalliSport Challenge Trial Version Readme
© 2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Developed by Digital Illusions for Microsoft Corporation.

Welcome to RalliSport Challenge Trial Version
Thank you for purchasing RalliSport Challenge Trial Version. This readme contains late-breaking information about this game that might not be covered in the manual. 

Contents
A.	3-D Graphics Card Issues
B.	Configuration Issues
C.	Gameplay and Multiplayer Issues
D.	Game Performance Issues
E.	Viewing the Online Support Documents 

A. 3-D Graphics Card Issues
Any known 3-D graphics hardware configuration issues are listed in this section.

Selecting Supported Display Resolutions
On some video card and monitor combinations, users might be able to select resolutions that their monitor or video card might not support. If these resolutions are selected, RalliSport Challenge Trial Version will default back to a resolution that the hardware is capable of displaying.

Desktop Color Depth and Video Card Detection
If the desktop color depth is set to less than 16 bit color, the game might not detect the video card as a hardware T&L capable card.  To resolve this issue, change the Microsoft® Windows® desktop color depth to a setting greater than or equal to 16 bit.

Display Resolution and Older Video Cards
If the resolution of the game is set very high on older video cards, the RalliSport Challenge Trial Version menu interface might become less responsive than normal.  To work around this issue please lower the game resolution to a level of 1024 x 768 or less.
Dynamic Shadows Are Not Available for Video Cards without Pixel Shader Support
Video cards without pixel shader support do not support dynamic shadows in RalliSport Challenge Trial Version. If you have a non-pixelshader card, the option to activate dynamic car shadows will not be available in the Advanced Display Settings menu. GeForce3, Radeon 8500, and later cards generally support pixel shaders, while GeForce2, Radeon 7500, and earlier cards do not.

Setting Your Refresh Rate 
Your monitor’s refresh rate might not be supported by RalliSport Challenge Trial Version. To resolve this issue, you can adjust your refresh rate settings manually.
To adjust the refresh rate for your display adapter

1.	Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. In Windows XP, you can click Start and then click Control Panel.
2.	Double-click Display.
3.	On the Settings tab, click Advanced.
4.	On the Adapter tab, under Refresh Rate, select Adapter default. In Windows XP, you should select the Monitor tab and select the lowest refresh rate available. 
5.	Click OK, and then click OK again.
Note: After changing your refresh rate, you might have to adjust your monitor settings so your screen displays correctly. See your monitor documentation for more information.

Specific 3-D Graphics Accelerator Issues
There are a number of known issues for 3-D graphics accelerators. If a problem affects all or most cards of a particular chipset, the chipset is listed below. If the issue only affects specific cards of a chipset, then the card name and chipset are listed. It is usually a good practice to install the latest certified drivers for all of your hardware (unless otherwise noted below).
•	Asus v6600 - On Windows Millennium (Me), the game might have stability problems on older drivers.  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from nVidia.
•	Asus v8200 - On Windows 2000, flashing triangles can occur in the game menus on this card.  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from nVidia.
•	ATI Radeon DDR - On Windows XP, older drivers might cause the game to launch to a black screen.  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from ATI.
•	ATI Radeon 7500/8500 - Older drivers might cause stability issues on these cards.  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from ATI.
•	ATI Radeon 9700 - On older drivers, objects in the world might appear/disappear as your car approaches them.  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from ATI.
•	Creative Annihilator Pro – The game might have graphical and stability issues on Windows 98 with older drivers.  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from nVidia.
•	GeForce256 – The game might have graphical and stability issues on Windows 98 with older drivers.  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from nVidia.
•	GeForce256/2 - On Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, and Windows Me older drivers might cause stability issues.  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from nVidia.
•	GeForce3/4 - The drivers provided with Windows XP might cause an error message to be displayed when launching RalliSport Challenge Trial Version stating that the card does not support Hardware Transform & Lighting (T&L).  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from nVidia.
•	GeForce4 - On Windows XP, if the monitor refresh rate is set to 60 Hz and the Windows desktop resolution and the game resolution are set to the same number, users might not be able to successfully use the ALT+TAB key combination.  To work around this issue, either change the monitor refresh rate or change the Windows or game resolution.
•	GeForce4 MX – The game might have stability issues with older or beta drivers. To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from nVidia.
•	Winfast A170 (GeForce4 MX 440) - On Windows Me, older drivers might cause stability issues.  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from nVidia.
•	Winfast GeForce2/3 - The 21.83 drivers for this card might cause errors when running the game.  To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from nVidia.

3-D Graphics Chipset Drivers and Manufacturers
Listed below are the Web sites for some common video chipset manufacturers. Please note that some or all of the chipsets produced by a particular manufacturer might not be supported by RalliSport Challenge Trial Version.
·	ATI - http://support.atitech.ca/
·	nVidia - http://www.nvidia.com/

B. Configuration Issues
Any known hardware and operating system configuration issues (except 3-D card and connectivity issues) are listed in this section. 3-D card and connectivity issues are listed earlier in this Readme.
Aureal Vortex 2 Sound Card Issues
If you have an Aureal Vortex 2 sound card, you might experience a loss of engine and race sounds during game play. To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from Aureal.
Creative ES1371, ES1373 Chipsets
The game might not launch with the default drivers for this audio card that are installed on Windows 98 SE. To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from Creative Labs.
Date Set to the Year 2036 or Later in Windows 2000
In Windows 2000, setting the date to the year 2036 or later might cause RalliSport Challenge Trial Version to exit without fully loading upon launch. To resolve this issue, make sure the date on your computer is set to the current year or to a year earlier than 2036. 
Diamond Monster MX300 Sound Card Issues
You might experience inconsistent or stuttering sound performance during game play. To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from www.diamondmm.com.
Music and Stability Issues
On Windows 9x systems, game performance might be improved by disabling the music in RalliSport Challenge Trial Version. 
1.	Start RalliSport Challenge Trial Version.
2.	Select Options.
3.	Select Sound Options.
4.	Select Volume Settings.
5.	Drag the Music slider to the left bar to reduce music volume to zero. This will disable music in the game.
Ensoniq PCI Card
You might experience difficulty starting the game if you are using an Ensoniq PCI sound card with Windows 98 SE. To resolve this issue, download and install the latest audio PCI drivers from www.creative.com.

Intel Processors with SpeedStep
Intel Processors that utilize SpeedStep technology might trigger an erroneous warning message which states that your processor falls below the recommended minimum speed. 
Logitech Wingman Formula Force Wheel
Users attempting to play RalliSport Challenge Trial Version with this wheel may notice unusually large volumes of force feedback which may make the game more difficult to play.  To work around this issue, please uncheck the Force Feedback checkbox (with the wheel as the selected controller) in the Controller Settings menu.
Microsoft® SideWinder® Force Feedback Wheel (USB)
When using this device, your car might accelerate in reverse during game play without any pedal input. To resolve this issue,
1.	Access the Controller Settings menu from the Game Menu.
2.	Select the steering wheel icon.
3.	Select Customize controls.
4.	Select Brake. (The value should change to <binding>.)
5.	Press the brake pedal of your Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel.
6.	Select the Back button at the bottom of the screen to exit and save your changes.

Multiple Game Controllers
If you install more than one game controller at one time, the second controller might not be recognized by RalliSport Challenge Trial Version. To resolve this issue, reset your controller settings to default within RalliSport Challenge Trial Version. 
1.	Start RalliSport Challenge Trial Version.
2.	Select Options.
3.	Access the Controller Settings menu from the Game Menu.
4.	Select the controller type that matches the controller that is not being recognized by RalliSport Challenge Trial Version.
5.	Select Reset to Default.
RalliSport Challenge Trial Version will now recognize your controller. 
Nvidia nForce Chipsets 
Crackling audio can sometimes be heard on older driver versions when run on Windows XP. To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from nVidia.
Silicon Integrated Systems (SIS) 7180 
During gameplay, you might experience crackling or static instead of normal co-driver speech commentary. Engine sounds might be corrupted also. To resolve this issue, disable hardware acceleration on your computer.
 
1.	Click Start, and then click Run.
2.	In the Open box, type dxdiag, and then click OK.
3.	Click the Sound tab.
4.	Under DirectX Features, move the Hardware Sound Acceleration Level slider all the way to the left (the No acceleration setting). Click Exit and then start the game. If sounds can be heard, repeat these steps and increase the hardware sound acceleration level setting a notch at a time.

Sound Blaster Live Chipsets 
Crackling audio can sometimes be heard on older driver versions when run on Windows XP. To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from Creative Labs.

Switching Game Controllers
If a user plays a multiplayer session with the keyboard and then returns to single gameplay with a controller, the selected controller might not function properly.  To work around this issue, please use the Reset to Default button for the selected controller, in the Customize controls section of the Controller Settings screen.
VIA AC/97 (onboard integrated audio)
You might experience sounds that seem to play faster and at a higher pitch than expected. To resolve this issue, disable hardware acceleration on your computer.
 
1.	Click Start, and then click Run.
2.	In the Open box, type dxdiag, and then click OK.
3.	Click the Sound tab.
4.	Under DirectX Features, move the Hardware Sound Acceleration Level slider all the way to the left (the No acceleration setting). Click Exit and then start the game. If sounds can be heard, repeat these steps and increase the hardware sound acceleration level setting a notch at a time.

VIA Motherboard Issues
Older drivers might cause stability issues with this motherboard. To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from VIA Technologies (http://www.viatech.com/) 
VIA Technologies Audio Issues (Onboard Integrated Audio)
You might experience sounds that seem to play faster and at a higher pitch than expected. To resolve this issue, download and install the latest drivers from Microsoft Windows Update. 

Viewing Distance Settings and Performance
If you are playing RalliSport Challenge Trial Version on the Low graphics setting, and still experiencing performance issues, performance may be improved by selecting the Custom graphics setting and reducing the viewing distance to the minimum setting. 
1.	Start RalliSport Challenge Trial Version.
2.	From the Game Menu, select Options.
3.	Select Display Options.
4.	Select Graphics Setup.
5.	Select the Custom radio button, and then select Modify.
6.	Drag the Viewing distance slider to the left bar to minimize viewing distance.

Yamaha Onboard Sound Chip
During gameplay, you might experience crackling or static instead of normal co-driver speech commentary. Engine sounds might also be corrupted. To resolve this issue, disable hardware acceleration on your computer.
 
1.	Click Start, and then click Run.
2.	In the Open box, type dxdiag, and then click OK.
3.	Click the Sound tab.
4.	Under DirectX Features, move the Hardware Sound Acceleration Level slider all the way to the left (the No acceleration setting). Click Exit and then start the game. If sounds can be heard, repeat these steps and increase the hardware sound acceleration level setting a notch at a time.

C. Gameplay and Multiplayer Issues
Known issues about gameplay, the user interface, and multiplayer are listed in this section.
Assigning Pause Button Functionality to A or B Controller Buttons
Assigning Pause functionality to the A or B button of your controller might cause the Pause menu to open and close again with a single button press. It is recommended that Pause functionality not be assigned to the A or B button on your controller. 
Choosing a Connection Rate for Multiplayer Game Sessions
For optimal multiplayer game experience, it is strongly recommended that all users set their online connection speed to the appropriate setting before beginning a multiplayer game. This setting can be adjusted in the Rate drop menu in the RalliSport Challenge Trial Version Lobby.
1.	Select Multiplayer from the Game Menu.
2.	Select Host or Join.
3.	Select the appropriate setting from the Rate list.

Hosting on a 56 KBps Modem
Only two players should be in a game that is hosted by a computer that connects with a 56 KBps modem (one host and one guest). To start a multiplayer game with more than two players, it is recommended that the host connect through a broadband connection (DSL or cable) or a LAN.
Hosting on an Internet Connection Sharing Connection
Users attempting to join a game hosted on an ICS connection may not be able to connect to the host. To work around this issue, the host user can disable ICS and host with a direct connection to the Internet.

Hosting Behind a Hardware Network Address Translation (NAT) Device
Users attempting to host a game behind a hardware NAT device might not be able to have clients successfully connect to their server.  To work around this issue, the host user can disable the NAT device and host with a direct connection to the Internet.

Using ALT+TAB During a Multiplayer Game Session
Using ALT+TAB to minimize the game for more than 30 seconds during a multiplayer session will cause you to be disconnected from the session. 
Preventing Other Users from Creating New Game Rooms on Your Host Server
To prevent others from creating game rooms on your server, you can set a password and/or change the MaxGames to 1 in the server.cfg file.
·	To set a password, fill in the Password field when creating a new game.
·	To change MaxGames to 1 in the server.cfg file, edit server.cfg in Microsoft® Notepad or a similar text-editing application.  This file can be found in the \server directory.  Change the MaxGames value to 1.
Avoiding Special and International Characters In Chat
Certain international or special characters might appear only as a thick, black line, or not at all, when used in multiplayer chat. 
Dual Network Interface Card Issues
If you have a computer with two or more Network Interface Cards, you might not be able to locate local servers. To resolve this issue, manually enter the URL of the game you are trying to join. An alternative option is to disable your secondary Network Interface Card before attempting to search for local servers. 
D. Game Performance Issues
Known issues regarding the performance or speed of the game are listed in this section.
Configuring Your Settings for Optimum Performance
The following steps are recommended to optimize game performance. 

·	Download and install the latest drivers for your sound card, video card, and motherboard. 
·	Download and install the latest Windows updates and service packs.
·	Make sure your AGP bus is configured properly in the BIOS.
·	Download and install the latest AGP drivers.
·	Monitor your system’s performance when using antivirus software and during other system processes. 
·	Use a disk defragmenter tool on a regular basis to maintain optimal system performance. 
·	Try modifying the advanced Graphics settings in RalliSport Challenge Trial Version to better match your system’s capabilities. 
o	To adjust advanced graphics features in RalliSport Challenge Trial Version
1.	Start RalliSport Challenge Trial Version.
2.	From the Game Menu, select Options.
3.	Select Display Options.
4.	Select Graphics Setup.
5.	Select the Custom radio button, and then select Modify.
From this menu, you can disable advanced graphics features to improve game performance. 

Low Graphics Setting
If a user encounters an instance where the program crashes, on next launch it might be started in a Low graphics setting.  If you choose to alter these graphics settings, you should access the Options menu, select Display Options, and then choose a graphics setting other than Low.
100 MB of Free Hard Drive Space is Required to Run RalliSport Challenge Trial Version
To ensure proper operation, RalliSport Challenge Trial Version automatically checks for at least 100 MB of free space on your computer’s hard drive when launched. If less than 100 MB of free space is detected, the following error message is displayed, and the game will shut down: 
"You have less than 100 MB of physical disk space. This is below the minimum guaranteed specification and the game will be shut down"
To resolve this issue, make sure there is at least 100 MB of free space on the hard drive on which you have installed RalliSport Challenge Trial Version.

Setting Monitor Refresh Rate
If the refresh rate setting is at Optimal in the Advanced settings of Windows Display Properties, image tearing might occur. To work around this issue, set the refresh rate to a fixed number within the range allowed by your monitor.

E. Viewing the Online Support Documents
Additional support information can be found in two support documents that have been included with this product. These documents are located in the RalliSport Challenge Trial Version folder and describe troubleshooting tips for display and stability issues.