Please be sure to deactivate any Virus scanning software when you install and play the game. This could potentially save you a LOT of headaches.
Be sure to install the game to a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) that contains a minimum of 25% more than what the space on the box lists. Commonly, memory errors are related to (a lack of) space on the HDD. The levels in DEAD MAN'S HAND are robust and quite large. And take up a lot of memory / HDD space.
===== 2.2 Sound Issues =====
Any DirectX 8 card will be compliant with DEAD MAN'S HAND. If you are encountering any sound issues, verify that your sound card is compatible with DirectX 8 and above.
===== 2.3 Networking =====
Obviously, the faster your connection, the better. Most folks these days have broadband, however, if you have a modem, you will encounter lag issues. If you are forced to try and play on-line with any speed under 56K, you will get killed. A lot.
Things to note during on-line play;
- When one match ends, you will be thrown momentarily to the main menu, slower connections will see this for a few moment's longer than faster connection. This is normal, please give it a few seconds before you get impatient and hit the [ESC] key.
- Dedicated Servers will generally run better than [Public Servers]
- The lower the Ping number, the better.
- Selecting "Fast Run" can cause more lag.
- You may encounter a 'stutter lag' when a new player joins an existing game.
===== 2.4 DirectX =====
If you're not sure (don't know) what version of DirectX you have, click on [Start] then [Run]. Type in...
There is a discrepancy between the manual and the actual keyboard layout. The Scoreboard is actually displayed by pressing the [F1] key, not the [TAB] key.
To get the best performance out of your PC for the game, you will certainly want to make the game 'Dedicated'. This will certainly help make the game run smoother. But unless you have another PC - you cannot play in the game.
===== 3.1.2 Publish =====
If you want your Server (Dedicated or not) to appear on GameSpy; select this. If you do not select it, it will be a LAN server.
Anybody may freely run dedicated servers on the Internet; you don't need
to get permission or fill out any paperwork.
===== 3.2 Execution =====
When you "Launch" your server, if you select "Dedicated" it will appear to crash to the desktop. However, you will be able to see the game running via the small Dead Man's Hand icon in the lower right corner of your screen (near the clock). Dedicated is perfect when you have an office with a spare computer. Note; even though you are not playing in the game, the PC still has to meet minimum specs. If you don't select "Dedicated" when you launch the server, you will be able to play in the game on that particular PC.
When you select "Publish" you are advertising the presence of your server to the outside world (depending upon any firewall setting you may have). If you just want to play with your pals in the office* then do NOT select this.
* = Atari does not condone flagrant computer game useage during normal business hours~! ;^)
