Aces The Critical Mission (C) Copyright 1994 Aces Research, Inc. Trouble Shooting Guide ---------------------- All the games require a 100% IBM compatible computer equipped with 640k of memory and a video graphic at least 256 colors with 640x480. Your version of DOS must be at least version 5.0 or greater. This CD- ROM's default setting for sound card is (IRQ=7; DMA=1; BASE I/O=220h) These programs have been tested for many hours and have gone through strict quality checks and free of virus, but because of the diversity of hardware and software combinations that exist with PC's there may be problems that we could not possibly test. Here is a list of the most common problems that may arise. If you still have problems, we recommend that you call your dealer for assistance. MEMORY RELATED PROBLEMS ----------------------- Q1. When I execute the game the program tells me that there is insufficient "Conventional Memory" A1. "Conventional Memory" refers to the memory that is up to the 640k limit. This situation arises when your computer has programs that are permanent in memory. These programs are normally loaded through your CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT files. The most common categories are TSR'S, device drivers or network utilities. * If you have a version of DOS that allows you to load DOS high (5 upwards) you may be able to move these programs into the "extended" or "expanded" area of memory. Because of the number of permutations we cannot suggest a full CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT layout and can only refer you to your DOS manual. The lines to add to CONFIG.SYS must be (DOS 5.xx or greater): DEVICE=HIMEM.SYS DOS=HIGH,UMB Change also all the DEVICE=... to DEVICEHIGH=... * Another solution is to create a "BOOT DISK": 1. Insert a blank diskette in drive A 2. Type FORMAT A: /S 3. Reboot the computer without removing the floppy diskette 4. Go to the CD-ROM drive (e.g."D:") 5. Type "GO" and press ENTER Save this boot diskette, and you will need to use this boot diskette to boot your system before run this CD-ROM disc. WRITE PROTECT ERROR MESSAGE OCCUR WHEN SAVING GAMES --------------------------------------------------- Q1. When I try to save the game, a write protect error message appears. A1. You can solve this problem by copying entire game to your hard drive, and run it from hard drive. GAME STOPS WORKING OR BEHAVES ERRATIC OR GAME IS SLOW ----------------------------------------------------- Q1. When I run the game it "hangs". A1. The most common causes of this are :- 1. You do not have the correct files or files are missing that are needed to run the game. 2. If you have a SOUND BLASTER or compatible sound card and the program cannot detect it , or it's not using it, this can lead to a "hangs". Please refer to SOUND RELATED problems in this document. 3. You have specified that you have a JOYSTICK and it is not connected properly. This causes the program to switch off important interrupts and will either slow down the computer or hang up. Check that the joystick is connected properly. There is no reliable way for the software to check that the joystick is fully connected. Q2. The program runs slowly and the scrolling is strange. A2. Old VGA cards can also be slow and were not designed for todays modern applications. Some 386SX computers are actually slower than 286 based machines! This is because graphic based programs need to move large amounts of data in a very short time and some SX based processors take longer to process these type of loops than a 286 would. It seems a crazy situation but we have had direct experience of this. Q3. I have set the JOYSTICK option but the character "drifts" on the screen. A3. The programs requires you to "CALIBRATE" your joystick and you have not followed this procedure correctly or you have changed the joystick or altered the speed of your machine since you last calibrated. Somejoysticks have "trim" controls and these may have moved after you calibrated. As a final measure check that the joystick is fully connected. The default setting for this CD-ROM disc is without joysticks. If you wish to play the game with joystick, you have to copy the entire game to your hard drive and change the configuration. INSTALLATION RELATED PROBLEMS ----------------------------- Q1. When I click the install button to install the game to my hard drive and type the installation path as D:\games\xargon, there is an error message says "Path not found". A1. The installation function will automatically creats one level of sub-directory. (For instance: C:\xargon or D:\xargon). If you wish to install the game to your hard drive in multiple sub-directory like D:\games\xargon, you have to make the GAMES sub-directory prior installation. Example: Logon to D drive. D:\>MD GAMES Press Enter. SOUND RELATED PROBLEMS ---------------------- The game supports the ADLIB and SOUND BLASTER standards as well as providing support for the internal speaker. The SOUND BLASTER provides an additional function to allow "DIGITAL voice capability". Any problems that may arise will be mainly to do with this voice capability. Incorrect settings can cause your computer to "hangs" up. Q1. My SOUND BLASTER or Compatible Card does not seem to be recognised by the program. A1. The program needs to know two important items of information about your sound card before it can operate properly. The game automatically looks for a SOUND BLASTER card using the default settings of these cards. If your card is set up different from this defaults you will need to run the SOUND BLASTER SETUP utility. Q2. I have the SOUND BLASTER option set, but when I am playing the game the program "hangs" A2. Again this means that the SOUND BLASTER may have been detected but the IRQ and BASE I/O address settings are still incorrect or there is a conflict with some hardware or software. Refer to your technical information on your sound card to determine how to find these two numbers. After leaving this program you will be asked if you want to alter these default numbers. The default settings in this CD-ROM disc for IRQ is 7, for DMA is 1, BASE I/O address is 220h. SOME GAMES ARE VERY SENSITIVE TO USE IRQ 10, PLEASE DON'T USE IT. IMPORTANT --------- This game supports cards that are 100% compatible with the Sound Blaster. If you are sure that the settings are correct and the program still refuses to recognise the card then it is most likely that the card is not 100% compatible. We hope that these notes will clear up any problems that you may have if this is not the case then please contact the author of the program. SOUND BLASTER is a registered trademark of Creative Labs Inc ADLIB is a registered trademark of Adlib Inc IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines (C) Copyright 1994 Aces Research, Inc. 4480-C Enterprise Street Fremont, California 94538 USA