Most problems are due to the computer's RAM becoming oversaturated with data, and this usually can be resolved by simply saving and restarting your game.
-- SAVE your game
-- QUIT Total Distortion
-- RESTART Total Distortion
-- LOAD your saved game and pick up from where you left off.
2) Adjustments you can make to Windows 3.1 / 3.11
(Note: if you are using Windows 95 or Windows NT, please consult its documentation about improving performance).
If you are using Windows 3.1 / 3.11, verify that your Virtual Memory controls are properly set:
i) These Virtual Memory controls are located in the"386 Enhanced" file of the "Control Panel" section in Windows. Select the button marked "Change >>"
ii) You should have a Permanent Swap File set to at least 20,000 KB (more is better).
iii) If you have 32-bit File Access or 32-bit Disk Access available, you should use them.
iv) If your system has 8 MB of installed RAM and your Cache Size is adjustable (if it isn't, you won't see any such controls), set the it to 1,024 KB (do not set the cache higher unless you have more than 8 MB of installed RAM available).
Please consult you Windows documentation for any additional information on the use of these controls.
If you are familiar with making adjustments to your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files (using the EDIT function in DOS), you can try:
i) inserting "REM" in front of the line that activates SMARTDRV.EXE in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, if your computer utilizes SmartDrive.
ii) inserting "REM" in front of the line that activates "EMM386" in the CONFIG.SYS file, if your computer uses this memory manager.
(Remember, if you make any changes to either of these two files, you need to restart your computer for them to take effect).
Additionally, 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 PC Tools, disable this and use the standard Windows Program Manager.
3. Create a special Boot Disk for Total Distortion
(Note: Once again, this is for Windows 3.1 / 3.11 ONLY. If you are using Windows 95 or Windows NT, please consult your documentation about improving performance).
You will need to print these directions or otherwise transcribe them, as we will need to close this file and Windows in order to proceed!
If you do not have an "A:\" floppy disk drive, you cannot make a boot disk!! Do not attempt to use these instructions to make changes to any files on your "C:\" drive!!
Personal Computers are often as individual as the people who use them, and they can contain many different files and software drivers that have a major impact on the performance of games like Total Distortion. Your computer requires several files to run and this document can help you create a floppy disk that will contain streamlined versions of these files. Please note that following these directions will not make any changes to your computer's files. It is perfectly safe!!!
Step A: Formatting the Disk
If you are in Windows, select EXIT WINDOWS and go to DOS (that dark place where you usually see the C:\ prompt. If it reads "C:\Windows" or something else, type "cd C:\" to get back to the "C:\" (or root) directory.)
The only floppy disk drive that most computers can boot up from is the A:\ drive -- so choose a floppy disk that is appropriate for that drive. (The files that you will put on it will probably amount to less than 100 KB in size).
Once you've inserted a disk into the A:\ drive, type
FORMAT A: /S and press the enter key ( <ENTER> )
(The "/S" switch at the end will automatically transfer your COMMAND.COM file to the floppy disk after formatting. This is called "creating a system disk").
{Problem: I got a "Bad Command or File name" error message when I did this, and I typed it just as it is written above. If this is the case, type Path=C:\DOS and <ENTER>. Then try the FORMAT command again. If you receive the error a second time, 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" sometimes rename the FORMAT command to prevent accidental loss of data. If you are using a program of this type, check your documentation to find out how to format a SYSTEM DISK.}
Once formatting is complete, the computer will ask you the following:
"Volume Label: 11 Characters or press ENTER for none:"
Type:
Pop Rocket <ENTER>
It will then ask you if you want to format additional disks. Type "N" for "No".
Step B: Identify Your Peripheral Drivers
Most devices that you connect to your computer require special installed software called "Drivers" to run properly. Since you may have many different devices connected, you may also have a lot of software drivers installed as well -- and each of them requires a bit of your computer's precious memory to run. The purpose of this Boot Disk is to load ONLY those drivers you absolutely need to run Total Distortion. First we will find which ones you are currently using before creating your Boot Disk files.
Driver #1: Software for your CD-ROM
Your CD-ROM requires a device driver loaded in your current CONFIG.SYS file. This driver must be loaded correctly or you will be unable to access your CD-ROM drive. You will need to look at your current CONFIG.SYS file and copy the driver line from there.
At the C:\ prompt, type:
TYPE CONFIG.SYS | MORE <ENTER> (Note: Type the word "TYPE" !)
The "|" symbol is called a "pipe" command and is created by pressing <SHIFT> <BACKSLASH> -- and a backslash is "\", not "/". If your file is very long, the "|MORE" will force the screen to stop scrolling when it is full -- to continue scrolling, just press any key.
The CONFIG.SYS file will display on the screen. Look for the line that loads the CD-ROM device driver -- usually it includes "MSCD0001". Some samples to look for include:
Yours may differ slightly. Copy the line you find down onto a piece of paper, exactly as it is written on the screen. Call it "CD-ROM Device Driver".
{Note: if you have an external CD-ROM, there may be an additional driver in your CONFIG.SYS file that must be loaded for the CD-ROM driver to load correctly. Check your CD-ROM and SCSI Board documentation for more information}.
Driver #2: The MSCDEX extension
In addition to the CD-ROM device driver, your CD-ROM also requires the Microsoft Extension for CD-ROM Drives, or MSCDEX. If this extension is not loaded correctly into the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, you will be unable to access your CD-ROM drive.
At the C:\ prompt type:
TYPE AUTOEXEC.BAT|MORE <ENTER>
The AUTOEXEC.BAT file will display on the screen. Look for the line that loads the MSCDEX extension. It should look something like this:
C:\DOS\MSCDEX /D:MSCD0001
LH C:\DOS\MSCDEX /D:MSCD0001
LOADHIGH /L:14429 C:\WINDOWS\MSCDEX /D:MSCD0001
Once again, carefully write down the line for use later in your boot disk. Call it "MSCDEX Extension".
Driver #3: The Sound Card
Many sound cards -- such as the Sound Blaster 16, MAD16, and Aria 16 -- have drivers or initialization lines that must be loaded when the computer starts up. Depending upon the card, some load drivers into CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, or both.
At the end of these instructions is an Appendix which lists the information which is usually included in the Boot Disk files for many common sound cards. Check it now to see if your card is on the list; if it is, note whether it has command lines in the CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, or both files.
Open your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files as you did earlier. Find the lines that are present in the Appendix -- they may not match exactly.
Write down the lines as you see them on your computer screen, paying particular attention to the values listed for "A", "I", "D", "T", and any others that are provided.
(If your sound card was not listed in the Appendix, you should check its documentation concerning what needs to be included in the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files, then verify their current settings by reviewing your computer's current version of those two files, as was done above).
STEP C: CREATING THE CONFIG.SYS FILE
After you have located all of the necessary peripheral device drivers, you can now create the CONFIG.SYS file on the boot disk. Switch to the A:\ drive and type the following:
COPY CON CONFIG.SYS <ENTER>
The cursor will drop down one line and blink. Now type:
DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS <ENTER>
DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\IFSHLP.SYS <ENTER>
FCBS=1,0 <ENTER>
DOS=HIGH,UMB <ENTER>
FILES=70 <ENTER>
BUFFERS=4 <ENTER>
STACKS=9,256 <ENTER>
+ Now, referring to the piece of paper where you wrote down the "CD-ROM Device Driver", copy the line exactly as you wrote it down -- then press <ENTER>.
+ If you determined that some sound card drivers were required to placed into the CONFIG.SYS file, add them now, exactly as you wrote them down -- then press <ENTER>.
Complete the file by pressing the F6 button at the top of the keyboard and press <ENTER>.
STEP D: CREATING THE AUTOEXEC.BAT FILE
To create the AUTOEXEC.BAT file on the boot disk, verify that your prompt is still "A:\" and type the following:
COPY CON AUTOEXEC.BAT <ENTER>
The cursor will drop down one line and blink. Now type:
@ECHO OFF <ENTER>
C:\ <ENTER>
PROMPT POP ROCKET BOOT DISK $_$P$G <ENTER>
PATH=C:\DOS; C:\WINDOWS <ENTER>
+ Now add the MSCDEX line that you wrote down earlier, exactly as it is written. When you are finished, press <ENTER>.
+ If you determined that some sound card drivers were required to be placed into the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, add them now, exactly as you wrote them down -- then press <ENTER>.
+ Now type:
WIN <ENTER>
Complete the file by pressing the F6 button at the top of the keyboard and press <ENTER>.
NOW YOU'RE DONE!!!
Using Your New Boot Disk
Whenever you want to play TOTAL DISTORTION, just put your new Boot Disk into Drive A:\ of your computer and:
-- if it is off, turn it on.
-- if it is on, exit Windows and press the RESET button, or type the <CTRL><ALT><DEL> sequence to restart it.
Your computer will now use the files present on the floppy disk for its start-up sequence and you should find that the computer is now running Total Distortion more efficiently than before. When using the boot disk, please remember that not all of the other equipment that may be connected to your computer -- such as printers and scanners -- may function correctly. This Boot Disk should be used only while playing Total Distortion. To return to normal use, simply exit Windows, remove the floppy, and restart your computer.
IF YOU STILL HAVE PROBLEMS. . .
A very good (and cheap!) source of information is the Pop Rocket Home Page on the World Wide Web (http://www.poprocket.com). There you'll find answers to many Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's), as well as information regarding product updates and upcoming promotions.
If you continue to experience problems, or if you have any question concerning any of the above steps, Pop Rocket Technical Support will be happy to assist you. You can reach us at (415) 731-9112 between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Pacific Coast Time, Monday through Friday.
Pop Rocket, Inc.
1320 7th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122
Tel: (415) 242-2157
Fax: (415) 731-1710
America OnLine: POPROCKET
World Wide Web: http://www.poprocket.com
If you decide to write or fax us, please fill out the attached "Technical Support Form" and send it to us as well. This will give us the information we need to help you as efficiently as possible.
Thank you for purchasing Total Distortion. We hope you enjoy it!
The Pop Rocket Technical Support Team
The Legal Stuff:
Pop Rocket Technical Support offers this documentation as a reference to Pop Rocket customers using Pop Rocket software products. Pop Rocket Technical Support makes reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this documentation is accurate. However, Pop Rocket makes no warranty, either expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, effectiveness, or completeness of the information contained in this documentation.
POP ROCKET INC. DOES NOT WARRANTY OR PROMISE THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN WILL WORK WITH ANY OR ALL COMPUTER SYSTEMS. POP ROCKET 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 POP ROCKET, ITS EMPLOYEES, DISTRIBUTORS, DEALERS OR AGENTS SHALL CHANGE THE RESTRICTION OF LIABILITY OR CREATE ANY NEW WARRANTIES. IN NO CASE SHALL POP ROCKET'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE POP ROCKET SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
Copyright 1995 by Pop Rocket, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sound Card AUTOEXEC.BAT CONFIG.SYS .
Aria 16 SET ARIA=C:\ARIA DEVICE=C:\ARIA\BIN\SOUNDCFG.SYS
SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 DEVICE=C:\ARIA\BIN\SNDSAVER.SYS
C:\DOS\SOUNDCLT.COM
Boka Sound Express SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 DEVICE=C:\SE1440\CSACMOD1.EXE
Crystal Clear SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 DEVICE=C:\CCLEAR\CSAMOD1.EXE
Wave Table by C:\CCLEAR\CSACMAX1
Crystal Lake C:\CCLEAR\CSACHMX1
Diamond LX SET SONIC=C:\SONIC NONE
C:\SONIC\SONIC /B/C
SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5
Ensoniq Soundscape SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 NONE
SNDSCAPE=C:\SNDSCAPE
C:\SNDSCAPE\SSINIT /I
ESS Audio Drive SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 NONE
Forte 16 SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 NONE
SET GALAXY= **
SET SOUND=C:\FORTE16
C:\FORTE16\UTILITY\EMUTSR
Galant SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 NONE
Galaxy SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 NONE
SET GALAXY=**
SET SOUND=C:\MMP16P
Gateway 2000 C:\G2KAUDIO\UTILITY\GWBVOL NONE
Audio Drive SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5
SET GALAXY=**
SET SOUND=C:\G2K
Gravis Ultrasound SET ULTRASND=** NONE
SET ULTRADIR=**
C:\ULTRASND\ULTRINIT
SBOS.BAT
SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5
IBM PS/1 SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 NONE
ISP 16 C:\ISP16\ISPINIT /B/M NONE
Jazz 16 SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 DEVICE=C:\JAZZ\JAZZ.SYS D:** Q:**
MAD 16 SET MAD16=C:\MAD16 NONE
SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5
C:\MAD16M16INIT /B /M
Magic S20 SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 NONE
SOUND16=C:\MAGICS20
C:\MAGICS20\SNDINIT /B /M
Magitek Green 16 SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 NONE
Media Concept SET MC=C:\MC NONE
Media Vision SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 DEVICE=C:\MEDVSN\PROS.SYS
Monte Carlo by SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 DEVICE=C:\MCARLO\MCMODE -S -W
