Sierra Technical Support provides this documentation as a reference to Sierra customers using Sierra software products. Sierra Technical Support makes reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this documentation is accurate. However, Sierra makes no warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, effectiveness, or completeness of the information contained in this documentation.
Sierra On-Line, Inc. does not warranty or promise that the information herein will work with any or all computer systems. Sierra does not assume any liability, either incidental or consequential, for the use of the information herein, including any and all damage to or lost use of computer hardware or software products, loss of warranties, or lost data by the customer or any third party. No oral or written information or advice given by Sierra, its employees, distributors, dealer or agents shall change the restriction of liability or create any new warranties. In no case shall Sierra's liability exceed the purchase price of the Sierra software product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 - HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
SECTION 3 - COMMON INSTALLATION PROBLEMS
SECTION 4 - COMMON GAME PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
SECTION 5 - SOUND ISSUES AND SOUND CARD CONFIGURATION
SECTION 1 - HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED
486 with 4 MB RAM
CD ROM drive
1 MB hard drive space (for small installation)
MS-DOS 5.0 or higher and Windows 3.1 or higher
SVGA 640x480@256 colors
Mouse
Windows compatible sound card with DAC RECOMMENDED FOR BEST PERFORMANCE:
Insert the CD into the appropriate drive. From Program Manager, click on File, then Run. In the Command Line field, type the drive letter followed by \SETUP. Ex: D:\SETUP. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Problem: Your computer fails the Sound Card test; you cannot hear the voice and/or fanfare in the Wave and MIDI tests.
Solution: Your sound card is incorrectly configured for Windows. See Section 5, Sound Issues and Sound Card Configuration for information on setting up your sound card.
Problem: Your computer fails the Display test; you get a message saying "Your video display supports 16 colors...". (Number of colors may vary.)
Solution: Sierra's Windows games require that Windows is running in 256 color mode. Even though your monitor and video card may be capable of displaying 256 colors, Windows may not be set up to use this resolution. To check, double-click on Windows Setup in the Main program group. If the Display line reads "VGA" or "16 color", you will need to change to a driver that supports 256 colors. ("VGA" is a default Windows video driver that only supports 16 colors and will not work with Sierra's Windows games.) To change video drivers, select Options, then Change System Settings. Open the Display box to see the list of video drivers that are currently available. You should check your video card documentation for information on what 256 color driver to select. Do not use more than 256 colors with Lost Mind of Dr. Brain. Although the game may run, you will not be able to view some of the visual effects in the game.
Warning: Be careful when changing video drivers! If you choose one that is not designed for your particular video card, Windows will not display properly. If this occurs, change to your Windows directory, type: SETUP, and choose the "VGA" driver again. You should then contact your video card manufacturer for the correct driver.
Problem: Your computer fails the Memory test in Windows; you get a message stating you do not have enough memory to run the Lost Mind of Dr. Brain.
Solution: First, create a boot disk for MS-DOS, Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. Reboot the system using the boot disk, then create a clean Windows environment. Make sure that there are no other Windows programs running. Disable all screen savers, virus scans, etc. If you are using an alternate Windows desktop (PC Tools, Dashboard, Packard Bell Navigator, etc.), use plain Program Manager instead. If you have sound-related Windows programs installed (IconHearIt, SoundBits, etc.), make sure they are disabled before starting the game. Also, turn off your Wallpaper in Desktop in Control Panel. Wallpaper can sometimes take up a considerable amount of memory. These steps should give you enough memory to run the game.
Problem: The Dr. Brain icon was not created during game installation. Sierra group and other icons are created fine.
Solution: This is usually caused by an alternate Windows desktop, like Norton Desktop, PC Tools or Tabworks. You must disable these desktops before installing the game. The easiest way to do this is to type PATH=C:\WINDOWS at the DOS prompt, then start Windows. This should start Windows with Program Manager as the desktop. When you are back in Windows, reinstall the game. The icons will be created normally. To restart Windows using your normal desktop, exit Windows and reboot the computer. The next time you go into Windows, the alternate desktop will display. PLEASE NOTE: Dr. Brain has not been tested under any alternate desktop environment, therefore Sierra cannot guarantee that the game will function properly under these desktops.
SECTION 4 - COMMON GAME PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
Problem: Lockups, "Application Errors" or "General Protection Faults" during the game.
Solution: These problems are usually caused when two programs conflict in memory. The following steps will clear up most game errors of this type.
Step 1 - Create a clean Windows environment: You should make sure that all screen savers, virus scans, and sound-related Windows programs (IconHear It, Wired for Sound, etc.) are disabled before starting your game. In addition, if you are using an alternate Windows desktop like Norton Desktop or PCTools, disable this and use standard Program Manager.
Step 2 - Check the Swap File: Establish a permanent swap file at about 8MB. This will help free up memory. Do not set the swap file too high, 8-10 MB permanent should be enough. Follow these steps to change the Windows swap file:
1. Close all Windows applications.
2. Open the "Main" folder on your Windows desktop.
3. Double-click on the "Control Panel" icon.
4. Double-click on the "386 Enhanced" icon.
5. Click on the "Virtual Memory . . ." button.
6. Click on the "Change>>" button.
7. Type "6000" in the "New Size" selection box, under the "New Settings" heading.
8. Select "Permanent" from the "Type" pull down combination box, if it is available. If "Permanent" is not available, select "Temporary".
9. If "32-bit File Access" is checked, un-check it. This should remain turned off. If you have a "32-bit Disk Access" option, leave it checked.
10. Click the "OK" button.
11. Click the "Restart Now" button.
Windows will restart and take you back to the main Windows desktop.
Step 3 - Create a boot disk: A boot disk is a tool that can be used to resolve most conflicts. Boot disks will free up more system resources and memory for your games. The boot disk for MS-DOS, Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 also creates an environment that is free of extra TSR and utilities that can cause conflicts.
Step 4 - Reinstall the game in a clean boot environment: Lockups and other technical problems can be caused by corrupted game files. No program will run correctly if the data or the files are corrupted. Due to conflicts with TSRs or other utilities, most data corruption occurs during the installation of the game. To prevent this, install the game in a "clean" boot environment.
Booting your computer from a boot disk for MS-DOS, Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, will create a clean boot environment for installation purposes. Once you have your computer in a "clean" boot environment, you can reinstall the game using the instructions in Section 2 - Installation Instructions.
Step 5 - Turn Off 32-Bit File Accessing: Windows for Workgroups and Windows 3.11 include a setting for 32-bit File Access in the Virtual Memory settings. This should be turned off. If you are using Windows 3.1, you will see 32-bit Disk Access instead. Leave this on.
Step 6 - Update your Video and Sound Card Drivers: Check with your video and card manufacturers to make sure you have the latest version of their Windows video drivers. Outdated drivers are a common cause of program errors.
Problem: The cows are invisible in the Synaptic Cleft game.
Solution: This is caused by outdated or incompatible video drivers. Contact your video card manufacturer to obtain the latest version of their Windows drivers.
Problem: The game suddenly crashes to a black screen. There may be a blinking white cursor in one corner.
Solution: This is caused by outdated or incompatible video drivers. Contact your video card manufacturer to obtain the latest version of their Windows drivers.
Problem: When you double-click on The Lost Mind of Dr. Brain icon, you get an error message "Watcom Win386 - Not running on a 386 DPMI implementation"
Solution: Windows is probably in Standard mode. Exit to DOS and restart Windows by typing WIN /3. When you are back in Windows, check your swap file settings under Virtual Memory in the 386Enhanced section of Control Panel. You should have a permanent swap file of 5-10 MB set up.
Problem: When starting the game, you receive an error message "The Lost Mind of Dr. Brain requires support for 256 colors".
Solution: Sierra's Windows games require that Windows is running in 256 color mode. Even though your monitor and video card may be capable of displaying 256 colors, Windows may not be set up to use this resolution. To check, double-click on Windows Setup in the Main program group. If the Display line reads "VGA" or "16 color", you will need to change to a driver that supports 256 colors. ("VGA" is a default Windows video driver that only supports 16 colors and will not work with Sierra's Windows games.) To change video drivers, select Options, then Change System Settings. Open the Display box to see the list of video drivers that are currently available. You should check your video card documentation for information on what 256 color driver to select.
Warning: Be careful when changing video drivers! If you choose one that is not designed for your particular video card, Windows will not display properly. If this occurs, change to your Windows directory, type: SETUP, and choose the "VGA" driver again. You should contact your video card manufacturer for the correct driver.
Problem: When starting the game, Windows displays "Insufficient memory. Close one or more applications and try again."
Solution: First, make sure you are not running any other programs in Windows. Disable all screen savers, virus scans, IconHearIt, etc. Then, make sure your swap file is at 5-10 MB permanent. You can change the swap file through the Virtual Memory Setting in the 386 Enhances section of Control Panel. In addition, if you're using an alternate Windows desktop like Norton or PCTools, use plain Program Manager instead. You can also make a Windows boot disk. Windows boot disk instructions are included with this document.
Problem: The Lost Mind of Dr. Brain window does not fill the whole screen.
Solution: You are running Windows in a resolution higher than 640x480. In 800x600 and 1024x768, the game window will be smaller than the screen. Switching to 640x480 will cause the window to fill the whole screen.
SECTION 5 - SOUND CARD CONFIGURATION AND SOUND ISSUES
The Lost Mind of Dr. Brain supports any Windows-compatible sound card provided the sound card's drivers are installed and configured correctly. In addition to your sound card's proprietary drivers, the following Windows drivers must be installed as well:
MIDI Mapper
Timer
[MCI] MIDI Sequencer
[MCI] Sound
[MCI] CD\Audio
If you are missing any of these drivers, they can be installed by choosing the Add button in the Drivers window and installing them off of your Microsoft Windows installation disks or CD. To check and see if the drivers are installed correctly, open the Media Player in the Accessories group. Choose Device from the menu, and in the list that pops down, you should see at least a MIDI Sequencer and Sound listing. If they are not in the list, your drivers are still not installed correctly and you should contact your sound card manufacturer for additional help.
Problem: When starting the game, you get the message, "STOP, DR. BRAIN requires a sound card ..." error message.
Solution: This error message indicates that your sound card drivers are not installed correctly in Windows. If any of the needed drivers are missing from your system, you will receive this message.
Problem: Starting the game gives you a "Waveout Open" or "Waveout Prepare Header" error message.
Solution: A "Waveout" error message indicates that your sound card is in use by another program. Programs like After Dark, Icon Hear It, Wired for Sound or Packard Bell Navigator can cause this type of problem. You should disable all programs of this type before playing the game.
If you still receive this error after trying the above, you may need to update your sound drivers. If you do not have the current Windows drivers for your sound card, you may need to contact the manufacturer of your sound device or your local hardware supplier for an updated set of sound drivers. Check your Windows documentation or your sound card documentation for full instructions on updating your sound drivers
CONTACTING SIERRA
=======================
A) Customer Service, Support, and Sales
B) Technical Support
C) Legal Information
A) Customer Service, Support, and Sales
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United States
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International Sales: (425) 746-5771
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Fax: (0118) 987-5603
Disk/CD replacements in the U.K. are ú6.00,
or ú7.00 outside the UK. Add "ATTN.: Returns."
2 Beacontree Plaza,
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On-Line Sales
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THE SIERRA NO-RISK GUARANTEE
The Promise: We want you to be happy with every Sierra product you purchase from us. Period. If for any reason you're unhappy with the product, return it within 30 days for an exchange or a full refund...EVEN IF YOU BOUGHT IT RETAIL. (Hardware ordered direct must be returned within ten days.) Please send back your product, signature required if mailing via US Postal Service.
The Only Catch: You've got to tell us why you don't like the game. Otherwise, we'll never get any better. Send it back to us and we promise we will make things right. (If you bought it at a retail outlet, please send your original sales receipt.)
* Returns valid in North America only.
Disk and or Manual Replacement:
Product Returns:
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NOTE: To replace your disk(s) please send only Disk #1 (or the CD) and copy of your dated Receipt, if less then 90 days. After 90 days please include a $10 handling fee along with Disk / CD #1. For Documentation, please include a $ 5.00 handling fee and a photocopy ONLY of disk #1. Payment should be made at the time of your request. Sorry, no credit cards.
* Returns to this address valid in North America only.
B) TECHNICAL SUPPORT
-------------------------
North America
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 (425) 644-4343, 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 our Web site.
Sierra On-Line
Technical Support
P.O. Box 85006
Bellevue, WA 98015-8506
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http://www.sierra.com
support@sierra.com
United Kingdom
Cendant Software International Limited offers a 24-hour Automated Technical Support line with recorded answers to the most frequently asked technical questions. To access this service, call (0118) 920-9111, 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 our Internet or CompuServe sites.
Cendant Software International Limited
2 Beacontree Plaza,
Gillette Way,
Reading, Berkshire
RG2 0BS United Kingdom
Main: (0118) 920-9111
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fax: (0118) 987-5603
http://www.sierra-online.co.uk
France
Cendant Software International Limited
Parc Tertiaire de Meudon
Immeuble "Le Newton"
25 rue Jeanne Braconnier
92366 Meudon La ForΩt Cedex
France
TΘlΘphone: 01-46-01-46-50
Lundi au Vendredi de 9h α 19h
Fax: 01-46-30-00-65
http://www.sierra.fr
Germany
Cendant Software International Limited
Robert-Bosh-Str. 32
D-63303 Dreieich
Deutschland
Tel: (0) 6103-99-40-40
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Contattare il vostro distribotore.
C) Sierra Warranty & Legal Information
-----------------------------------
You are entitled to use this product for your own use, but may not copy, reproduce, translate, publicly perform, display, or reduce to any electronic medium or machine- readable form, reproductions of the software or manual to other parties in any way, nor sell, rent or lease the product to others without prior written permission of Sierra. You may use one copy of the product on a single computer. YOU MAY NOT NETWORK THE PRODUCT OR OTHERWISE INSTALL IT OR USE IT ON MORE THAN ONE COMPUTER AT THE SAME TIME.
UNAUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIONS: SIERRA WARRANTS ONLY THAT THE PROGRAM WILL PERFORM AS DESCRIBED IN THE USER DOCUMENTATION. NO OTHER ADVERTISING, DESCRIPTION, OR REPRESENTATION, WHETHER MADE BY A SIERRA DEALER, DISTRIBUTOR, AGENT, OR EMPLOYEE, SHALL BE BINDING UPON SIERRA OR SHALL CHANGE THE TERMS OF THIS WARRANTY.
IMPLIED WARRANTIES LIMITED: EXCEPT AS STATED ABOVE, SIERRA MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THIS PRODUCT. SIERRA DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY THAT THE SOFTWARE IS FIT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE NINETY (90) DAY DURATION OF THIS LIMITED EXPRESS WARRANTY AND IS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
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