HOYLE® CLASSIC GAMES TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS Thank you for purchasing Hoyle® Classic Games (Hoyle®). In order for you to receive the best possible performance with this product, Sierra has included technical tips and information. The following supplemental information should be considered the documentation in this CD. IMPORTANT Sierra highly recommends not running other Windows applications at the same time as Hoyle® Classic Games. ATTENTION BRIDGE PLAYERS Sierra is always interested in your input in how we can improve our games. We are providing a `save hand' feature in Hoyle® Classic Games Bridge that will facilitate you providing Sierra with beneficial information on `interesting' situations you may encounter while playing. When you find a `bid' or `play' you would like to comment on, you may save your hand using the SAVE HAND feature within the OPTIONS menu. Please send this file along with your comments (include bidding sequence and card play) to the following email address: Sierra BBS: 425-644-0112 "hoyle" Library ftp: bbs.sierra.com "hoyle" Library telnet: bbs.sierra.com. Or you can mail your save file to: Sierra On-Line Attn: Hoyle Development Team 3380 - 146th Place SE. Bellevue, WA 98007. Thank you in advance for your valuable input and keep an eye out for a new release of Hoyle® Bridge in the near future. TABLE OF CONTENTS: * "General Protection Fault caused by GROWSTUB in POINTER.DLL" dialog box. * Hoyle® Classic Games plays too slow. * Insufficient memory to play Hoyle® Classic Games . * Hoyle® Classic Games play-screen is too small. * Other Common Troubleshooting Steps. __________________________________________ Problem: "General Protection Fault caused by GROWSTUB in POINTER.DLL" when game starts. Explanation: This is caused by a Microsoft mouse driver version 9.01 GROWSTUB component. Solution: One of the three suggestions should correct the problem. 1. Remove POINTER.EXE from the load= line in the file WIN.INI and then restart Windows. 2. Download the file HD1061.EXE from the Microsoft BBS at (206) 936-6735. This file is self-extracting. Run "HD1061" and follow the instructions in the newly created README.TXT file. 3. Upgrade to the Microsoft Mouse IntelliPoint software version 1.0. For information about obtaining this upgrade, call the Microsoft Sales Information Center at (800) 426- 9400. There is a charge for this upgrade. Problem: Insufficient memory in Windows to play Hoyle® Classic Games. Explanation: Hoyle® Classic Games was not able to find enough free memory on your computer to run the game properly. Even though your computer might meet the system requirements to run the game, it may not have the memory set up correctly to run Hoyle® Classic Games. Solution: Try the following suggestions: 1: Make a boot disk if you are using Windows 3.1 or 3.11. NOTE - the boot disk will not work for Windows `95 users. 2: Experiment with the VIRTUAL MEMORY setting. You might want to increase the size of your SWAP file. To do this, go into Program Manager, and double-click on the Main Program Group. From this window, double-click on your Control Panel icon. Within the Control Panel Window, double-click on the 386 Enhanced icon, and click on the Virtual Memory button. Please consult your Windows documentation for information about configuring your SWAP file. Problem: Hoyle® Classic Games play-screen is too small. Explanation: Hoyle® Classic Games was designed to play in a full screen with a 640X480 256 color Windows video driver. If you have configured Windows to operate in a higher resolution (such as with an 800X600 256 color or 1024X768 256 color driver), the game play area will appear smaller and will be surrounded by a black background. Solution: In order to view the game in the full dimensions of your computer screen, you will need to load a 640X480 256 color video driver that is created for your specific brand of video card. For more information about configuring Windows or obtaining this driver, please contact your video card manufacturer. Question: I have looked at all the tips listed above, yet I still do not see a specific tip that helps my particular problem. What should I do? Answer: Try the following Troubleshooting Tips guide. It should help you solve your problem running Hoyle® Classic Games. TABLE OF CONTENTS: SECTION 1 - INSTALLATION PROCEDURES SECTION 2 - COMMON INSTALLATION PROBLEMS SECTION 3 - MEMORY TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION 4 - COMMON PROBLEMS SECTION 5 - SOUND ISSUES SECTION 6 - HOYLE® CLASSIC GAMES BOOT DISK INSTRUCTIONS - WINDOWS 3.1 and 3.11 ONLY SECTION 7 - TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION SECTION 1 - INSTALLATION PROCEDURES Insert the CD into the appropriate drive. From Program Manager, click on File, then Run. In the Command Line field, type the letter of the drive followed by \SETUP. Ex: D:\SETUP. SECTION 2 - COMMON INSTALLATION PROBLEMS Problem: Your computer fails the Display test; you get a message saying "Your video display supports 16 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: Your computer fails the Memory test; you get a message stating you do not have enough memory to run Hoyle® Classic Games. Solution: 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. If they do not, please refer to Section 3, Memory Troubleshooting. Problem: Hoyle® Classic Games icon not created during game installation. Hoyle® group and other icons are created fine. Solution: This is usually caused by an alternate Windows desktop, like Norton Desktop or PCTools. 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: Hoyle® Classic Games has not been tested under any alternate desktop environment, therefore Sierra cannot guarantee that the game will function properly under these desktops. SECTION 3 - MEMORY TROUBLESHOOTING Some game players have experienced difficulty getting enough memory to run Hoyle® Classic Games . This usually occurs on computer systems with 8 Megabytes of RAM, but can happen on machines with more memory. If you are having trouble starting the game because of memory problems or are receiving memory-related errors during the game (such as an "Out of Hunk" or "Out of Memory" message), here is a list of troubleshooting steps to try. NOTE - THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL ONLY WORK FOR WINDOWS 3.1 AND 3.11 USERS. IF YOU ARE USING WINDOWS `95, THE FOLLOWING BOOT DISK INSTRUCTIONS WILL NOT WORK. Check the Swap File: Establish a permanent swap file at about 8 MEGS. This will help free up memory. Do not set the swap file too high, 6-8 MEGS permanent should be enough. Follow these steps to access and 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". 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. 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. 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. SECTION 4 - COMMON GAME PROBLEMS Problem: When game starts, it displays a black screen or throws you out to DOS. Solution: Try creating a clean Windows environment. Please see "Create a Clean Windows Environment" under Section 3, Memory Troubleshooting. In addition, the problem may be caused by outdated or incompatible video or sound card drivers. You should check with your video and sound card manufacturers to make sure you have the latest versions of their drivers. Problem: "General Protection Fault in Module ... " The module name will vary. Solution: A General Protection Fault (GPF) in a module other than POINTER.DLL is usually caused by a memory conflict. 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. Problem: "The instruction at (memory address) referenced memory at (memory address). The memory could not be read from." Solution: This is called a "bad pointer." It happens if you don't have the latest SoundBlaster 16 drivers for Windows. Download the file SB16UP.EXE from the Creative Labs BBS at (405) 742-6660. This file is self-extracting. Run "SB16UP" and follow the instructions in the newly created README.TXT file. If you do not have a modem, you can contact Creative Labs at (405) 742-6622 and request the latest SoundBlaster 16 Windows drivers. If you do not have a SoundBlaster 16 card, the message probably indicates a memory conflict. See Section 3, Memory Troubleshooting for information on resolving memory conflicts. If you don't see your question listed in this document: Most difficulties, including Fatal or Panic errors can be resolved by simply running the game with a clean Windows environment. Please see "Create a Clean Windows Environment" under Section 3, Memory Troubleshooting. SECTION 5 - SOUND CARD CONFIGURATION AND SOUND ISSUES Problem: Starting the game gives you a "Waveout Open" or "Waveout Prepare Header" error message. Solution: The Windows error message you are receiving indicates that your sound card is in use by another program. This is occasionally caused by another sound program taking control in Windows and not sharing the sound card properly. Programs like Icon Hear It, Wired for Sound or Packard Bell Navigator can cause this type of problem. Some screen savers like After Dark will also access the sound card directly instead of using Windows to produce sounds. You should disable all programs of this type before playing the game. If you are still experiencing sound problems, you may need to update your sound drivers. If you do not have the current Windows drivers for your sound device, 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 device documentation for full instructions on updating your sound drivers. SECTION 7 - Updated Technical and Customer Support Information Customer Service Support and Sales CONTACTING SIERRA ======================= A) Customer Service, Support, and Sales B) Technical Support C) Legal Information A) Customer Service, Support, and Sales ---------------------------------- United States U.S.A. Sales Phone: (800) 757-7707 International Sales: (425) 746-5771 Hours: Monday-Saturday 7AM to 11 PM CST, Sundays 8 AM to 9PM CST FAX: (402) 393-3224 Sierra Direct 7100 W. Center Rd STE 301 Omaha, NE 68106 United Kingdom Cendant Software International Limited Main: (0118) 920-9111 Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fax: (0118) 987-5603 Disk/CD replacements in the U.K. are £6.00, or £7.00 outside the UK. Add "ATTN.: Returns." 2 Beacontree Plaza, Gillette Way, Reading, Berkshire RG2 0BS United Kingdom France Cendant Software International Limited Phone: (01) 46-01-46-50 Lundi au Vendredi de 9h à 19h Fax: (01) 46-30-00-65 Parc Tertiaire de Meudon Immeuble "Le Newton" 25 rue Jeanne Braconnier 92366 Meudon La Forêt Cedex France Germany Cendant Software International Limited Tel: (0) 6103-99-40-40 Montag bis Freitag von 9h - 19Uhr Fax: (0) 6103-99-40-35 Robert-Bosh-Str. 32 D-63303 Dreieich Germany On-Line Sales CompuServe United Kingdom:GO UKSIERRA CompuServe France: GO FRSIERRA CompuServe Germany: GO DESIERRA Internet USA: http://www.sierra.com Internet United Kingdom: http://www.sierra-online.co.uk Internet France: http://www.sierra.fr Internet Germany: http://www.sierra.de 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: Sierra On-Line Returns 4100 West 190th Street Torrance, CA 90504 Sierra On-Line Fulfillment 4100 West 190th Street Torrance, CA 90504 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 Main: (425) 644-4343 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. PST Fax: (425) 644-7697 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 Forêt Cedex France Téléphone: 01-46-01-46-50 Lundi au Vendredi de 9h à 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 Montag bis Freitag von 9 - 19Uhr Fax: (0) 6103-99-40-35 Mailbox: (0) 6103-99-40-35 http://www.sierra.de Spain Cendant Software International Limited Avenida de Burgos 9 1º-OF2 28036 Madrid Spain Teléfono: (01) 383-2623 Lunes a Viernes de 9h30 a 14h y de 15h a 18h30 Fax: (01) 381-2437 Italy Contattare il vostro distribotore. 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