SimSafari – Windows Readme – English

SimSafari Classic
For Windows 95 or 98
by Maxis, Inc., an Electronic Arts company


ReadMe Text and Last-Minute Information

Thanks for taking the time to read this SimSafari ReadMe file.  This document contains important 
information regarding SimSafari.  In some cases, the information supplied here was discovered 
after we printed the manuals.  In other cases, this ReadMe gives us the chance to give you 
information too detailed to print in a manual.

How to view this file.
This file should be viewed using Microsoft Wordpad or any word processor which can read 
Microsoft Word documents.  Wordpad comes with Windows 95 or 98 and should be located in 
your Programs/Accessories menu.  Use the arrows on the scrollbars to browse this entire 
document.  To quit Wordpad or your word processor, click on File in the menu bar and select Exit 
or Quit.


Be sure to read this ReadMe and all other supplied documentation before installing and 
running SimSafari.



Table of Contents
This ReadMe contains the following important information about SimSafari:

?	Table of Contents
?	Disclaimer
?	Notes on Speed and Performance
?	Installation Notes
?	Starting SimSafari
?	Gameplay Issues
?	Errors and Technical Notes
?	Further Assistance



Disclaimer - Please Read
Although this ReadMe was read and reread by many Maxoids in order to ensure accurate 
information, changes in the industry happen too quickly for us to keep up.  By the time you read 
this document, the average home computer might be a 700MHz GazillaComp 2000 with 58 
gigabytes of memory.  Therefore the information contained in here is as accurate as possible as 
of this date, but you may want to consult a computer vendor, manufacturer, or village computer 
geek if you don't understand something fully.  What holds true today may be entirely different in a 
few months.


A note about Technical Difficulties.
Technical difficulties are usually due to the wide variety of PC components in the marketplace.  
Variance in PC quality and design will affect performance and usability of any product.  SimSafari 
was programmed and tested (by us as well as independent testing labs) using quality PC 
components.  The game is designed to run on Windows 95 or 98 as supplied by Microsoft.  Any 
changes by an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to the Windows 95 or 98 operating 
system may affect the game, and other applications you install may conflict with SimSafari.  This 
is a feature of the Windows 95 or 98 architecture.  


A note about the Windows 95 or 98 Registry.
All programs installed to Windows 95 or 98 are referenced in the operating system's Registry.  
The Registry is a map of settings and locations used to keep track of each installed product.  It 
also serves as a general location to store preferences and options for the Windows 95 or 98 
desktop and environment.  Under no circumstances should you tamper with the Registry 
unless you are trained to do so.  If you make a booboo, Windows 95 or 98 may not function 
properly or start at all.  Contact a trained professional for help if you think you need to make 
adjustments to your system's Registry.



Notes on Speed and Performance
SimSafari was developed for PCs meeting or exceeding the game's requirements as stated on 
the box.  The faster the computer, the better performance you can expect.  For smooth 
animations and quick input response, we recommend running SimSafari on a PC meeting or 
exceeding the recommended requirements.  PCs meeting the minimum requirements can expect 
the program to work as designed, however speed and response will be substantially slower on a 
minimum requirements machine, varying from system to system.

If you experience sluggish performance, there are a few things you can try.  First, check the 
SimSafari box and make sure your PC does indeed meet the minimum system requirements.  
Next, close out any applications which are currently running, such as screen savers, anti-virus 
software, or other programs that are open.  Although it isn't necessarily the best solution, you can 
always turn off the sound from the Options menu in order to gain a bit of gaming performance.  
Sound uses quite a bit of your system's resources.


Installation Notes
This section deals with installing SimSafari.  The word "installation" describes using or attempting 
to use the SimSafari Setup program.  This section does not include information on starting 
SimSafari or issues that occur while playing the game.  For those issues, see Starting SimSafari 
or Gameplay Issues later in this document.


What is AutoPlay?  
AutoPlay is a feature of your CD-ROM drive that allows Windows 95 or 98 to automatically launch 
a program as soon as the CD is inserted into the CD-ROM drive.  Upon inserting a CD-ROM into 
your drive, our AutoPlay feature reads the Windows 95 or 98 Registry (a giant map of where 
programs are stored) to see if SimSafari is already installed.  If the AutoPlay runs successfully 
you will see the AutoPlay screen with options to Install/Play, view this ReadMe, view the Manual, 
Register, go to the Customer Support screen, or Quit. To use the features on the AutoPlay screen 
at any time, simply insert the SimSafari Classic CD in your CD drive and wait for the AutoPlay 
screen to appear.  If Autoplay does not launch, then open the Windows Explorer and locate your 
CD drive containing the SimSafari CD.  Double-click on the autorun.exe file and the AutoPlay 
screen will appear.


What if AutoPlay doesn't work?
If AutoPlay doesn't launch when you insert the CD-ROM, then chances are your brand CD-ROM 
drive doesn't support the AutoPlay feature, or AutoPlay is turned off.  If this is an important 
feature for you, you may wish to contact your computer vendor or CD-ROM manufacturer for help 
in setting up your particular CD-ROM drive for AutoPlay functionality.

Also, AutoPlay may not function properly if you install or uninstall the program incorrectly.  If you 
merely delete the SimSafari folder from your hard drive, the Windows 95 or 98 Registry will not 
reflect that and consequently will not know how to interpret AutoPlay correctly.  Never touch the 
Windows 95 or 98 Registry unless you're absolutely sure what you're doing.  (Seek the help 
of a skilled professional or Technical Support for assistance.)  Always use the SimSafari Setup 
program to install SimSafari, and the Uninstall SimSafari icon to remove the program from your 
hard drive.  (You may also use the Add/Remove Programs icon in the Control Panel to remove 
SimSafari.)


If the SimSafari Setup program doesn't work.
In the abnormal event that the Setup program fails to function, there is a "back door" feature in 
getting SimSafari to run without installing it.  We've left all the necessary files on the CD-ROM, 
ready to go, so you can copy them to your hard-drive yourself.  Here are the steps:

1.  The main files are located in the SMSAFARI folder on the CD-ROM.  Copy this entire folder 
(including subfolders) to your hard drive, preferably to the root directory of Drive C:, so all files are 
stored in C:\SMSAFARI.

2.  If you put the SMSAFARI folder on a different drive or in a different location, you will need to 
modify the SMSAFARI.INI settings file (located in the SMSAFARI folder).  Use a text editor and 
make the appropriate changes to the lines which contain directory paths.  You'll know which lines 
to change when they contain drive paths such as C:\SMSAFARI\DATA, etc.  For example, if you 
rename the folder as 'SAFARI' and put it on Drive D:, the first entry under [Smacker] would be 
`path=d:\safari\data'.

3.  Run the Microsoft DirectX installation program located in the root directory of the SimSafari 
CD-ROM.  The name of the Setup program is dxsetup.EXE, which will install and configure your 
PC for DirectX performance.  Once DirectX is properly installed, your system will be configured to 
run SimSafari at optimum performance.

4.  Create a shortcut icon on your desktop for the file SMSAFARI.EXE, which is the main program 
used to launch SimSafari.


How can I run Setup without AutoPlay?
Setup can be run the old fashioned way by double-clicking on the SETUP.EXE icon located in the 
root directory of the SimSafari CD-ROM. This will manually engage the AutoPlay program. If you 
are having trouble with re-installing the game or for some other reason have deleted the 
SimSafari directory from your hard drive you need to use the ENSETUP.EXE file.  If you wish to 
detour AutoPlay and force Setup to run, run the ENSETUP.EXE icon located in the D:\Setup 
folder of the SimSafari CD-ROM, D being the letter of your CD-ROM drive.


Will installing SimSafari harm my computer or other applications?
No.  SimSafari has passed independent quality checks, as well as having passed a thorough 
testing matrix in our facilities.  SimSafari copies files to your hard drive in its own folder, not 
overwriting or removing any other files on your computer.  The only exception is the 
SMSAFARI.INI settings file, which we create and copy to your Windows directory. This file is not 
necessary to the operation of Windows 95 or 98 and doesn't take much space (only about 400 
bytes).

If you experience a situation where installing SimSafari has ill side-effects on your computer, it is 
entirely coincidental.


How do I uninstall SimSafari?
Should you wish to remove SimSafari from your computer's hard drive, there is more than one 
way to effectively remove it from your system.  The easiest way to uninstall SimSafari is to 
choose the Uninstall SimSafari icon located in the Start Menu location that contains the SimSafari 
program icons.  This icon will launch UnInstallShield which will remove all files, folders, and 
Registry entries for SimSafari.

Another way to remove SimSafari is to uninstall it by using the Add/Remove Programs icon 
located in your Windows 95 or 98 Control Panel.  This also will launch UnInstallShield and will 
remove all files, folders, and Registry entries for SimSafari.



Starting SimSafari
Here are some helpful hints and things to remember when starting SimSafari:

?	If SimSafari does not start properly, restart your computer and then try again.  Sometimes 
restarting your computer frees up memory and allows SimSafari to start in a clean memory 
environment.

?	If you installed SimSafari using the Minimum or Average installation option, make sure the 
SimSafari CD-ROM is in the CD-ROM drive before starting the game.  Unless you opted for 
the Full installation option, SimSafari will not run properly without the CD-ROM in the drive.  

?	Check the SimSafari CD-ROM for any scratches or surface dust which may impair your CD-
ROM drive from reading the CD-ROM properly.  Use a soft lint cloth to wipe off any smudges 
or dust, always wiping from the center of the CD-ROM to the edge, never in a circular motion 
as if you were following the grooves of an audio record.



Gameplay Issues
This section addresses questions on features of the game and how to use them.  If you're looking 
for technical hints or tips, you may wish to skip to the Errors and Technical Notes section below.


Cheat Codes
Cheat codes and Easter Eggs are undocumented features of a program which are not critical to 
the gameplay, but rather add a special feature or enhancement to your gaming experience.  To 
use a cheat code, simply type it in on the keyboard while the game is running.  You won't see 
anything on the screen, but SimSafari knows you typed it!  

Cheat codes are not published, but may be available through our hint and gameplay hotline.  
Refer the Further Assistance section for information on gaming hints.

Note:  Cheat codes are not an official part of the game, therefore no assistance can be 
given on using cheat codes. They may or may not work, depending on the version of the 
software and the operating system you're using.  If you have difficulty using them, simply 
don't use them.  We have no further information on this topic.  Placing a call to Technical 
Support for cheat codes will result in a wasted long-distance phone call.  Use the hint 
hotline instead.


Saved games are ready to go!
On the SimSafari CD-ROM, as well as the place you installed SimSafari on your hard drive, you'll 
find some saved Safari games that we've produced for you to enjoy.  Just look for the Savegame 
folder.  Take a back seat in your buggy and test drive our adventures.  You never know what 
you'll find!


Playing the missions.
Some of the SimSafari missions are more difficult than others.  Here are some suggestions if 
you're trying to decide which ones to work on first:

Beginning players:  try "Endangered Species:  Zebra," "Endangered Species:  Rhino," or 
"Holy Hopping Hares."

Advanced players:  try "Safari Camp Self-Barbecue," "Endangered Species:  Cheetah," 
"Endangered Species:  Elephant," or "Stop the Poaching."


Endangered Species missions.
You may notice that the Endangered Species mission randomly selects the type of animal for 
you.  If you want to control the animal species that are available, simply go back a screen and try 
it again.  It shouldn't take more than a few tries to get the species you want.


Additional gaming help
If you need further assistance with gameplay questions, you may wish to call the hints and 
gameplay hotline.  See Game Hints and Information below.



Errors and Technical Notes
Although we strive to make SimSafari as trouble-free as possible, some computers may 
experience difficulties when using the game.  Please read the Disclaimer section above for more 
information on the reasons for technical difficulties.  This section concentrates on specific known 
issues and solutions.


Q:  When starting SimSafari, I get a small box with an exclamation point and an OK button.  
Clicking the button quits the game.  What's going on?

A:  Typically, SimSafari is having problems finding all of its resources.  In most cases, this 
problem will occur if the SMSAFARI.INI settings file is missing or corrupt.  When you install 
SimSafari, a settings file is created and placed in your Windows directory.  This file tells SimSafari 
where to look for its resources.  

Also, did you remember to put the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive?  


Q:  I'm having problems printing things to a laser printer on a network.  Either it hangs and 
won't print, or it only prints part of the page.  How can I fix this?

A:  This can occur if you're printing to a printer located on a network.  In a network environment, a 
network server manages printer memory.  In a typical household environment where no network 
is used, the computer manages the printer memory.  Sometimes when printing across a network, 
there may not be enough memory allocated by the server to print large graphics files.  (Text 
documents usually print fine, however, because they are much smaller in size.)  In this event, try 
to use a printer connected directly to the PC, or contact your network administrator to see if more 
memory can be allocated to the print spooler.

This condition shouldn't happen on an ink-jet type printer in a typical household environment.


Q:  I'm not printing on a network, but I'm still having problems printing to my laser printer.  
Can you help?

A:  If you have problems printing SimSafari maps with your Laser Printer, you may be able to 
eliminate those problems by reducing the quantity of data sent to the printer.  

Here are some things to try.

1.  Adjust the spooler settings under Printer Setup.  For both stand-alone and network printing, 
this should reduce memory or hard disk space related problems because spooler file sizes will 
remain small.  Here's the specifics.

In Control Panel, choose Printers.
Double Click on your printer's icon and choose Printer.
Click on Properties and then choose Details.
Under Spooler Settings. choose "Spool print jobs ." and "Start printing after first page 
is spooled"

2. If print problems persist such as printer memory errors or partially printed pages, then reduce 
the Dot Per Inch resolution to 150 or even 75 DPI and try reprinting.  


Q:  The sound is really poor.  It sounds choppy, drops out, or screeches.  What causes 
this?

A:  Older PCs may experience sound difficulties, varying from system to system.  Minimum 
requirement PCs, such as a 486 or low-end Pentium systems, may not have enough performance 
power to keep track of all SimSafari events.  To help fix this problem, try closing out any 
applications which are currently open, such as screen savers, anti-virus software, or any other 
program that may be open on your desktop.  Also, make sure your PC meets the minimum 
system requirements, as stated on the box.  Although it is not perhaps the best solution, you will 
gain a bit of performance if you turn off all sound while playing the game.


Q:  What is all this "DirectX" business?

A:  SimSafari uses Microsoft DirectX technology in order to bring you better gaming performance.  
DirectX allows SimSafari to talk directly to your PCs hardware, which is much faster than going 
through various drivers and software loaded by Windows 95 or 98.  Here's an analogy.  Imagine 
yourself talking to a foreign diplomat.  Is it easier to talk through an interpreter, or would it be 
easier if you spoke his/her native language?  DirectX allows us to bypass the interpreter, saving 
valuable processor time.

SimSafari uses DirectX 5.  It's produced by the good folks at Microsoft, and it's included on the 
SimSafari CD-ROM under license.  When you install SimSafari, you will be prompted to install 
DirectX as well.  The only reasons you would not want to install DirectX 5 are if you already have 
it (or a newer version) already installed, or if you know for a fact that DirectX 5 is not compatible 
with your hardware.  After installing DirectX 5, you must restart your computer for the changes to 
take effect.

SimSafari Classic also includes a version of DirectX 6.  DirectX 6 is the most recent version of 
DirectX as of the time the game was shipped.  DirectX 6 is fully backwards compatible with 
DirectX 5.  Although SimSafari Classic uses DirectX 5 is is perfectly all right to install DirectX 6.  
DirectX 6 provides greater compatibility with a larger number of games.  To install DirectX 6 insert 
the SimSafari Classic CD-ROM.  Choose SUPPORT from the AutoPlay screen.  Click on the 
Install option of the Direct X 6 section of the Customer Support screen.  Then click on the 
Reinstall DirectX box.  You will be asked to restart your computer.

For more information about DirectX and how it pertains to software, you may wish to check out 
Microsoft's Web site:

	http://www.microsoft.com/directx

You can even download the latest version of DirectX, should Microsoft update it in the future.



Further Assistance
For more help with SimSafari or any Maxis or Electronic Arts product, refer to your SimSafari 
Reference Card included in the SimSafari box.  The reference card contains specific information 
on obtaining additional help and contacting Technical Support, as well as various troubleshooting 
hints for SimSafari and Microsoft DirectX.  Addresses, Internet addresses, phone numbers, and 
hint hotlines may be able to assist you with your question or difficulty.


Contacting Technical Support.

TROUBLESHOOTING DOCUMENTS ONLINE!

Electronic Arts Product Support now offers troubleshooting guides that help overcome some 
common difficulties. If you have access to the World Wide Web, you can find these guides at:
http://www.ea.com/techsupp/troubles.htm

Here you will find troubleshooting information on DirectX as well as information on regular system 
maintenance and performance.  For game-specific information and additional troubleshooting, 
visit our main page at:

	http://www.ea.com/techsupp

If you have questions about the program, our Technical Support Department can help.  Our Web 
site contains up-to-date information on the most common difficulties with our products, and this 
information is the same as that used by our product support technicians.  We keep the product 
support pages updated on a daily basis, so please check our Web site for no-wait solutions.

If you are unable to find the information you need on our Web site, please feel free to contact 
Technical Support via e-mail, phone, Fax, or letter.  All messages are responded to in kind -- if 
you send in a request by Fax, response will also come by Fax.  Windows 95 or 98 Users:  please 
be sure to include the support utility's report in your e-mail message, Fax, or letter:

?	To run the support utility, select the Contact Support icon in the folder you installed 
SimSafari to.

If you need to talk to someone immediately, call us at (650) 628-4325, Monday through Friday, 
between 8:30-11:45am or 1:00-4:30pm, Pacific Time.  Please have the utility's report printed and 
ready when you call.  This will help us answer your question in the shortest possible time.


How to reach us online.

Internet e-mail:  [email protected]
Warranty inquiries:  [email protected]
World Wide Web:  http://www.ea.com
FTP:  ftp.ea.com


How to reach us by mail or phone.

If you have any questions or comments you may get in contact with an Electronic Arts
Product Support Technician in the following ways:

If you live in the United States:

EA Tech Support mailing address:

	Customer Support
	P.O. Box 9025
	Redwood City, CA 94063-9025
	(650) 628-4325

	HOURS: (Pacific Standard Time)
	8:30 - 11:45 AM and 1:00 - 4:30 PM M-F

EA Tech Support Fax:  (650) 628-5999

If you live outside of the United States, you can contact one of our other offices:

In Australia, contact:			In the United Kingdom, contact:
Electronic Arts Pty. Ltd.			Electronic Arts Ltd.
P.O. Box 432				P.O. Box 835
Southport Qld 4215, Australia		Slough SL3 8XU, UK
					Phone:  (753) 546465

In Australia:  For Technical Support and Game Hints and Tips, phone the EA HOTLINE:  1 902 
261 600 (95 cents per min.) CTS 7 days a week 10 am-8pm.  If you are under 18 years of age, 
parental consent is required.


Game hints and information..

Need Help?  Call EA's HINTS & INFORMATION HOTLINE for recorded hints, tips, and 
passwords 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

In the US:  Dial 900-288-HINT (4468). 95c per minute.
In Canada:  Dial 900-451-4873.  $1.15 (Canadian) per minute.

If you are under 18, be sure to get a parent's permission before calling.  Hotline requires a touch-
tone telephone.  Call length is determined by user; average length is four minutes.  Messages are 
subject to change without notice.


----------

Thank you for reading this lengthy ReadMe document.  If you like, you can memorize it and recite 
portions to your friends.  They may not think you're any cooler for memorizing it, but at least you'll 
be armed with knowledge about SimSafari.  Hmm. on second thought, they will think you're 
cooler!

On behalf of all of us Kids in the Kids Group at Maxis, we hope you have fun playing this game as 
much as we've had fun making it.

Writing this ReadMe was a real SimSafari adventure.  (That is to say:  Fun!)


Jeffrey J. Feil, Release Engineer
Maxis, Inc.

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