ACES OF THE DEEP TECHNICAL FAQ AND GAME PLAY TIPS Sierra Technical Support Phone: (206) 644-4343 PO Box 85006 FAX: (206) 644-7697 Bellevue, WA 98015-8506 BBS: (206) 644-0112 Sierra Technical Support provides this documentation as a reference to Sierra customers using Sierra software products. Sierra Technical Support makes reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this documentation is accurate. However, Sierra makes no warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, effectiveness, or completeness of the information contained in this documentation. SIERRA ON-LINE, INC. DOES NOT WARRANTY OR PROMISE THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN WILL WORK WITH ANY OR ALL COMPUTER SYSTEMS. SIERRA 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 SIERRA, ITS EMPLOYEES, DISTRIBUTORS, DEALER OR AGENTS SHALL CHANGE THE RESTRICTION OF LIABILITY OR CREATE ANY NEW WARRANTIES. IN NO CASE SHALL SIERRA'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE SIERRA SOFTWARE PRODUCT. TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 - HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION PROCEDURES SECTION 3 - COMMON INSTALLATION PROBLEMS SECTION 4 - COMMON GAME PROBLEMS SECTION 5 - SOUND ISSUES SECTION 6 - GAME PLAY TIPS SECTION 7 - OBTAINING A SIERRA PATCH DISK SECTION 9 - BOOT DISK INSTRUCTIONS SECTION 10 - SOUND CARD DRIVER INFORMATION SECTION 11 - IF YOU STILL HAVE PROBLEMS... SECTION 1 - HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS FLOPPY DISK (3.5) VERSION: REQUIRED 386DX\33 4MB RAM (XMS: 3320k or 3,400,00 Bytes) 10MB hard drive space (compressed 20MB) MS-DOS 5.0 or higher VGA (256 color) Mouse RECOMMENDED FOR BEST PERFORMANCE 486DX 8MB RAM CD ROM VERSION REQUIRED 386DX\33 4MB RAM (XMS: 3320k or 3,400,00 Bytes) Large Install: 10MB hard drive space (compressed 20 MB) Medium Install: 7MB hard drive space (compressed 14MB) Small Install: 5MB hard drive space (compressed 10MB) CD ROM drive MS-DOS 5.0 or higher VGA (256 colors) Mouse RECOMMENDED FOR BEST PERFORMANCE 486DX 8MB RAM Double speed CD ROM SVGA SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION PROCEDURES If you are in Windows, close Windows completely and exit to a DOS prompt. Insert Disk 1 and switch to the floppy disk prompt by typing A: or B:. If you are playing the CD version, insert the CD and switch to the CD drive by typing the drive letter followed by a colon (ie. D:). Then type INSTALL to begin the installation program. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Default directory for Aces of the Deep 3.5” disk version: C:\DYNAMIX\AOD Default directory and name of saved games: C:\DYNAMIX\AOD\SIM\SAVE GAME00.SAV to GAME19.SAV Default directory for Aces of the Deep CD-ROM version: C:\DYNAMIX\AODCD Default directory and name of saved games C:\DYNAMIX\AODCD\SIM\SAVE GAME00.SAV to GAME19.SAV NOTE: there are 20 save game slots. You have access to the first 19; the 20th is used by the program for the Autosave feature which automatically saves every 20 minutes during a career mission. SECTION 3 - COMMON INSTALLATION PROBLEMS PROBLEM: After typing INSTALL, a row of dots goes across the screen and stops. The computer is locked up with this row of dots appearing on the screen. SOLUTION: The dots indicate the hardware detection portion of the installation program. You can bypass the hardware detection (and therefore the lockup) by typing INSTALL /M. If this entry doesn’t work, try INSTALL /F. One of these entries should get you past the lockup. If this does not work, create a boot disk using the boot disk instructions included with this document. After booting up with the boot disk, install the game. PROBLEM: During installation of the 3.5" Disk version you receive the error DISK ERROR / READ ERROR or NOT READY READING DRIVE X (Where X is the drive you are installing from). SOLUTION: This usually indicates a bad disk. If you have had the product less than 90 days, Sierra will replace your game disks for free. Send Disk #1 with a copy of a dated receipt and a letter requesting disk replacement. Be sure to include your full name, mailing address and a phone number. If you have had the product over 90 days you will need to include a check or money order for $10.00. The address is: Sierra On-Line Fulfillment, PO Box 485, Coarsegold, CA 93614-0485. PROBLEM: (CD VERSION ONLY) Installation program locks up as it is copying files to the hard drive. This usually occurs at the file MELODIC.BNK, but may happen with other program files. SOLUTION: Some computers have difficulty reading the the Aces of the Deep CD. Sierra will gladly exchange your CD for the 3.5” disk version of the game. This will allow you to install and play Aces of the Deep. The game itself is the same in the floppy version; however, this version does not include the on-line manual. The historical information is included in the printed manual that comes with the game. To exchange your CD version for floppy disks, send the CD to: Sierra On-Line Customer Service, PO Box 53210, Bellevue, WA 98015-3210. Please be sure to include a letter stating that the CD will not run on your system and that you would like to exchange it for the floppy version. Your letter should also include your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number. If this is unsatisfactory, and you purchased the game within the last 30 days Sierra will refund the purchase price. Please consult your game manual for information on obtaining a refund. SECTION 4 - COMMON GAME PROBLEMS PROBLEM: (CD VERSION ONLY) Distorted graphics in the on-line manual. SOLUTION: This is usually due to an outdated, incompatible or missing VESA driver. Without VESA support the on-line manual will appear in low resolution and the pictures of the U-boat captains and the lettering will be blocky. The video interviews will overflow the window and take up about one quarter of the screen. The subtitles will be illegible. Contact your video card manufacturer to obtain a current VESA driver. Install the new VESA driver and rerun the install from the directory C:\DYNAMIX\AODCD. From the Choices screen change the GRAPHICS to VESA - High Resolution (640x480) with 256 Colors. This usually corrects the PROBLEM. PROBLEM: (CD VERSION ONLY) When starting Aces of the Deep you get the error message CDR101 NOT READY READING DRIVE X: (where X is the CD drive letter). SOLUTION: There are several possible causes for this error. The most common is a dirty or scratched CD. You should check the CD to make sure that there are no smudges, fingerprints, scratches or cracks on it. If you see any smudges on the CD, clean it off with a soft cloth and try it again. The PROBLEM may also lie with the CD ROM drivers. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause this type of PROBLEM. You should make sure that you are loading the latest version (v2.23) of MSCDEX in your AUTOEXEC.BAT. If you're using DOS 6.20 or higher, use the MSCDEX in your C:\DOS directory, this one is version 2.23. You should also check with the CD ROM drive manufacturer to make sure that you are loading the latest version of their CD-ROM drivers in your CONFIG.SYS. There are some systems that have trouble reading the Aces of the Deep CD. Edit the AOD.BAT file in the directory C:\DYNAMIX\AODCD and change the last line: AODCD.EXE -PC:\DYNAMIX\AODCD\ -DE to AODCD.EXE \DYNAMIX\AODCD\ and remove the line: CALL INTRO.BAT The game will play without the CD but you won't have any sound. You can also exchange your CD version for the 3.5 disk version. Send the CD to: Sierra On-Line Customer Service, PO Box 53210, Bellevue, WA 98015-3210. Please be sure to include a letter stating that the CD will not run on your system and that you would like to exchange it for the floppy version. Your letter should also include your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number. If this is unsatisfactory and you purchased the game within the last 30 days Sierra will refund the purchase price. Please consult your game manual for information on obtaining a refund. PROBLEM: Random lockups. SOLUTION: Lockups can be caused by a number of factors. If you are getting lockups during the game, try the following: MAKE A BOOT DISK. You can use the automatic boot disk creator by running INSTALL in the game directory or you can make one manually using the boot disk instructions included with this document. The boot disk will eliminate any possible memory conflicts that could be causing lockups. Be very careful that your sound card and CD ROM drivers are loaded onto the boot disk! CHECK THE SOUND CARD CONFIGURATION. Run the SOUNDSET program in the game directory and choose "No Digital Sound Driver". Run the game. If the game does not lock up, then the PROBLEM is probably in the sound card configuration. Re-run SOUNDSET and manually choose your sound card and its settings. Occasionally, the auto-detect feature of SOUNDSET will detect your sound card incorrectly and this can cause the game to lock up. If you don’t see your sound card listed under the Digital Sound Driver section of the SOUNDSET program, refer to your sound card documentation or contact the manufacture of your sound card for help in setting up your card to run in a Sound Blaster compatible mode. CHECK FOR CORRUPTED FILES. At the DOS prompt, run CHKDSK /F for DOS versions up to 6.0 or SCANDISK for DOS version 6.20. This will allow to you to detect and correct any lost allocation units, crosslinked files or any other hard drive errors. If you find any, fix them, then delete and reinstall the game. Errors on the hard drive can corrupt files and this can cause lockups. USE THE PATCH DISK. If you are running the 3.5" disk version 1.0 there is a patch disk available that addresses random lockups. This patch is for the 3.5 disk version ONLY - it will not work for the CD version. Please see SECTION 7 - Obtaining a Sierra Patch Disk. PROBLEM: Lockups trying to access on-line manual when using an ATI Video Card. SOLUTION: Contact ATI to received the most current VVESA driver for your video card. You can reach ATI’s Customer Support at (905)882- 2626 or their BBS at (905)764-9404. PROBLEM: While running Aces of the Deep, you get an error "Interrupt 0DH, General Protection Fault, Possible Illegal Address:C800...". The memory address will vary on different computers. SOLUTION: The above error message is usually caused by a conflict between the game and a Cyrix processor. Sierra has researched the situation with Cyrix and has determined that there are two situations in which you will have this conflict with a Cyrix processor. 1) Older 486 DLC chips. If you have a 486 DLC chip, you should get the lot number and contact Cyrix. They will do their best to help you eliminate the conflict. 2) 486 DLC chips on 386 motherboards. Cyrix does not recommend installing the 486 DLC chip onto a 386 motherboard because it can cause incompatibility PROBLEMs like the General Protection Fault in Aces of the Deep. The only way to eliminate the conflict in this instance is to install the 486 DLC chip onto a 486 motherboard. If you have an Intel processor in your computer, the General Protection Fault may be eliminated by creating a boot disk and running the game under the boot disk environment. To make a boot disk, change to the game directory on your hard drive and run the install program. Choose "Make a bootable floppy disk" from the main menu, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you have made the boot disk, leave it in your A: drive and press [CTRL]-[ALT]-[DEL]. The boot disk will automatically start the game for you after the computer is booted up. Play the game as you normally would from your hard drive. PROBLEM: Any of the following using the 3.5 disk version of Aces of the the Deep. 1) Random lockups or locking during sound or music segments while in a mission 2) When running on surface you hear the electric motor instead of the diesel motor sound 3) Teleporting to another area after running aground 4) Bobbing to the surface uncontrollably 5) Time compression can't be increased even though there are no contacts 6) Not being informed when out of compressed air SOLUTION: You need the AOD11 patch. Please see Section 7 - Obtaining a Sierra Patch Disk. PROBLEM: No DEMO or INN directories on the CD as mentioned in the Aces of the Deep manual SOLUTION: This does not in any way effect the way that Aces of the Deep plays. If you would like the Aces of the Deep CD that has these directories included on it and have had this product less than 90 days you can send in your Aces of the Deep CD along with your dated receipt and a letter with your name, address and a daytime phone number requesting disk replacement to: Sierra On-Line Fulfillment, PO Box 485, Coarsegold, CA 93614. If you are over the 90 day free replacement period or do not have the receipt, please include a check or money order for $10.00 for each game that requires a replacement. SECTION 5 - SOUND ISSUES Aces of the Deep supports a variety of different sound cards. The game’s sound and music configuration is set up through a program called SOUNDSET. This program is in the directory C:\DYNAMIX\AOD for the 3.5" disk version and C:\DYNAMIX\AODCD for the CD-ROM version. The SOUNDSET program is run automatically when you first install the game, but you can run it again at any time to change the sound card configuration. If you are having any kind of sound PROBLEMs during the game, Sierra recommends that you run the SOUNDSET program and choose your sound card and settings manually instead of letting the program auto-detect them. The auto-detect program occasionally detects the sound card incorrectly and this can cause PROBLEMs within the game. If you don’t see your sound card listed under the Digital Sound Driver section of the SOUNDSET program then refer to your sound card's documentation or contact the manufacturer of your sound card for help in setting your card to run in a Sound Blaster compatible mode. PROBLEM: No sound through the PC speaker. SOLUTION: The music and sound effects in Aces of the Deep are too complicated for the PC speaker to produce. Therefore, there will be no sound through the PC speaker if you do not have a sound card. The game should run fine without a sound card, you just won't have any music or sound effects. PROBLEM: Lockups or no sound while using a MAD16 sound card with SoundBlaster emulation. SOLUTION: Add a SET MAD16=C:\MAD16 line to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file on the boot disk. Run M16INIT from the C:\MAD16 directory and select Windows Sound System Emulation at the default settings (i.e. DMA 1, IRQ 7, PORT 530). Reboot the computer using the boot disk. Run SOUNDSET in the C:\DYNAMIX\AOD for the 3.5" disk version or C:\DYNAMIX\AODCD for the CD-ROM version directory and choose Microsoft Sound System for the sound driver (DMA 1, PORT 530, IRQ will be blank). Save the settings and start the game. PROBLEM: Lockups or no sound while using other sound cards that use some form of INIT.EXE file, (eg. SNDINIT.EXE, ISPINIT.EXE, etc...) to set your sound emulation mode. You should check your sound card documentation to see if your sound card uses one of these initialization files. These sound initialization files are in the directory where your sound card files are located. SOLUTION: Look in your AUTOEXEC.BAT on your C drive look for the lines that belong to your sound card. Example: SET (SOUND, M16, IPS16, etc...)=C:\(path to your sound card files directory) SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T4 C:\(path to your sound card files directory)\(some type of XXinit.exe file name) Add these lines to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file on the boot disk. Run the (XX)INIT file from the directory where your sound card files are located and select Windows Sound System Mode at the default settings (i.e. DMA 1, IRQ 7, PORT 530). Reboot the computer using the boot disk. Run SOUNDSET in the directory C:\DYNAMIX\AOD for the 3.5" disk version or C:\DYNAMIX\AODCD for the CD-ROM version and choose Microsoft Sound System for the sound driver (DMA 1, PORT 530, IRQ will be blank). Save the settings and start the game. PROBLEM: No sound in the game after booting up with a boot disk. This often occurs with the Creative Labs SoundBlaster 16, but occasionally happens with other sound cards. SOLUTION: This happens when sound drivers or configuration lines get left off the boot disk. The following lines are examples of the necessary lines for the Creative Labs SoundBlaster 16 card using the latest drivers. NOTE: These examples use standard SoundBlaster 16 settings, you should check your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS on your hard drive to verify your sound card settings. AUTOEXEC.BAT SET SOUND=C:\SB16 SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 H1 P300 T6 SET MIDI=SYNTH:1 MAP:E C:\SB16\DIAGNOSE /S C:\SB16\SB16SET (followed by your mixer settings--copy them from your C: drives AUTOEXEC.BAT) CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CSP.SYS /UNIT=0 /BLASTER=A:220 I:5 D:1 H:5 DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CTSB16.SYS /UNIT=0 /BLASTER=A:220 I:5 D:1 H:5 DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CTMMSYS.SYS Adding these lines to the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files on the boot disk should give you sound. If you have a sound card other than the Creative Labs SoundBlaster 16, check the sound card listings in Section 10 for information on what lines need to be in the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files on the boot disk. SECTION 6 - GAME PLAY TIPS PROBLEM: How do you quickly line up the sub on an acquired target? Tip: While in either the Binocular or Periscope view mode, center the lighted cross hairs in the center of your view and hit ALT-H PROBLEM: While running on the surface you are continually being detected by over-flying aircraft. Tip: Avoid running at flank speed for long periods of time. Flank speed produces a longer wake behind the sub which can be easily detected at greater distances PROBLEM: When engaging war ships my torpedoes continually miss their targets. Tip: Remember warships are much faster than merchant vessels and can easily out run your torpedoes. To increase your chances of sinking these ships, position your sub as close as possible to your target and fire slightly ahead of the vessel. As time goes by your targeting skills will increase, sending many tons of scrap metal to the icy depths. PROBLEM: You're playing a single mission during the last year of the war, and the manual states that a snorkel was usable during this period but that selection is grayed out. Tip: You need to be in a career mission during the end of the war, 1944- 1945. This option should be available by clicking on the CHIEF ENGINEER button from the VOICE TUBE icon. Remember, while using the snorkel you can replenish your sub's batteries and compressed air when submerged, however, the snorkel also increases your chances of detection by radar or human eye. Also be aware that the snorkel will not function correctly at speeds over seven knots. PROBLEM: You're having trouble finding convoys. Tip: The westward reaches of the NW tip of Britain in the zones around AM23 & AM16 are very heavily trafficked, as well as the zones due west of Bergen, Norway around AN23 & AN28. Try to keep close to the continental shelf, this will allow access to deep water in case escape is your only option. Be very careful hunting through the English Channel, it's very shallow and doesn't leave much room to maneuver. PROBLEM: I keep getting torpedoed by other friendly subs during wolfpack missions. Tip: With several subs after the same targets things can get confusing, and WWII torpedoes were not very accurate. Keep a close eye on your tactical chart to avoid putting your sub in the path of another sub's torpedoes. Remember also that torpedoes can only hit you if you are at periscope depth or on the surface. If you see a red line tracking across the tactical chart in your direction dive immediately below 50 meters and you should avoid becoming a casualty of war. The following symbol meanings for the tactical & strategic charts may help you: TACTICAL CHART SYMBOL DEFINITIONS Black cross=Your submarine Red cross=How far you can see Black Squares=Enemy ships White lines=Enemy course Gray Lines=Last known enemy course Cone-shaped "ping"=Enemy ASDIC seeking your sub STRATEGIC CHART SYMBOL DEFINITIONS Red square=Your U-boat Yellow square=Other U-boats Black squares=Enemy ships whose positions are reliably established Gray squares=Enemy ships whose positions are less reliable due to age of last sighting and other factors (seen only at higher combat levels) Black lines=Courses of enemy ships whose positions are reliably established Gray lines=Courses of enemy ships whose positions are less reliable (seen only at higher combat levels) White lines=Courses of convoys and escorts (seen only at easy combat levels) Blue squares=Enemy airbases Blue circles=The potential range of air patrols at enemy airbase Green squares=Friendly bases Green circles=The scope within which you can radio for an escort to base PROBLEM: What's the secret behind racking up promotions and earning medals? Tip: Lots of sunken ships, including warships that chock up the points very quickly. The amount of points you receive for a kill is determined by 1) what type of ship you sink and 2) how your realism panel is set; more realism equals more points. How you acquire targets is also a key to earning the more points. When you have more than two torpedoes ready to fire, target the largest ships. If you have two torpedoes or less go after the smaller ships, this will afford you more kills in the least amount of time. Identify as many ships as possible before choosing your targets, the best targets are usually those ships inside the convoy that are being protected by those around the outside. When it comes to submarine warfare the element of surprise is your most valuable weapon. Always be aware of what is above; remember you are almost completely blind when submerged. You should also keep an eye out below you as the bottom of the ocean can be very unforgiving. Sharp wit, quick thinking, and a whole lot of luck were the secrets to bringing a U-boat and her crew home safely. Remember, as soon as you fire a torpedo the enemy will know where you are, so strike quickly and then hide. This is best accomplished by diving below 200 meters and reducing your speed to one third. The manual contains a wealth of information on both strategy and history; for the first few missions we suggest following the Tutorial starting on page 124 of the Aces of the Deep manual that comes with the 3.5" disk version and page 20 of the Aces of the Deep manual that comes with the CD-ROM version. Good Hunting! SECTION 7 - OBTAINING A SIERRA PATCH DISK There is currently one patch available for Aces of the Deep. This patch (AOD11) is for the 3.5” floppy version ONLY and addresses the following issues: -Random lockups or locking during sound or music segments while in a mission -Running on the surface on electric motors -Teleporting after running aground -Bobbing to the surface uncontrollably -Time compression can be used even if the sim reduces time compression first. -You will now be informed when out of compressed air (and you better not be stuck on the bottom!) When you get the patch, take a look at the README file for complete details on how to install the patch. The fastest way to obtain a Sierra patch disk is to download it from one of the following on-line services: the Sierra BBS (206-644-0112), CompuServe (GO SIERRA) or America OnLine (KEYWORD SIERRA). The file name is AOD11. You can also request a patch disk be mailed to you by writing to Sierra On-Line Patch Disks, Dept. 10, PO Box 485, Coarsegold, CA 93614-0485 or faxing Technical Support at (206)644-7697. Aces of the Deep Floppy Disk Manual Installation Instructions for IBM PCs and compatibles using MS-DOS 5.0 and above If you are experiencing PROBLEMs with the Aces Of the Deep INSTALL program the following instructions will allow you to manually copy the game to your hard disk drive. NOTE: The following instructions should be used only as a last resort and are for the floppy disk version of AOD only. Try using an Aces Of the Deep Boot Disk first. Start the INSTALL utility from the \DYNAMIX\AOD directory on your hard drive and choose the "Make bootable floppy disk" option. After creating the Boot Disk, reboot your computer and run the AOD install program. If the install program continues to fail then use these directions to manually copy the program to your computer's hard disk drive. 1) Check your hard disk drive to confirm that you have at least 10 Megs of disk space available. Run the CHKDSK utility to verify "bytes available on disk". If CHKDSK reports any errors found on the hard drive, you will need to correct these errors before installing the program. Please consult your MS-DOS manual for information on how to correct these errors. 2) Create the game directories using the following steps: A) Type: CD\ B) Type: MD DYNAMIX C) Type: CD DYNAMIX D) Type: MD AOD E) Type: CD AOD F) Type: MD SAVE G) Type: MD SOUND H) Type: MD SIM I) Type: CD SIM J) Type: MD SAVE K) Type: CD.. L) Type: MD SHELL M) Type: CD SHELL N) Type: MD SW O) Type: MD SCORES P) Type: MD PROTYPER Copy all the files from each disk into the \DYNAMIX\AOD subdirectory by typing: COPY A:*.* C:\DYNAMIX\AOD . AT WHAT PROMPT? NOTE: The above statements assume you are installing the game from game disks on your A drive and to your C hard drive. If you are installing from or on a different drive, then substitute the appropriate drive letters in all the above copy statements that require drive letters. 3) Go to the \DYNAMIX\AOD directory on your hard drive. 4) Type: UNCHUNK RESOURCE.000 . NOTE: Please remember to include the " ." after the 000 in step 4. 5) There will be a long pause while this process is working. If this process is successful, unchunk will notify you. Use UNCHUNK again on RESOURCE.001, RESOURCE.002, RESOURCE.003 and RESOURCE.004 by substituting the appropriate resource number extension in the unchunk statement in step 4. NOTE: Be sure to UNCHUNK these resource files in order. If you make a mistake, or if the unchunked files are in the wrong order, you will need to erase all of the files from the \DYNAMIX\AOD subdirectory and follow steps 2 through 5 again. 6) After all resource files have been "unchunked", run the INSTALL program from the \DYNAMIX\AOD subdirectory by typing install at the AOD prompt. Check to confirm that the sound and music settings are correct. Choose "Accept these choices" from the options in the program. Follow all the other prompts as they appear. 7) Exit out of the INSTALL program and try running the AOD program. If the game works, delete all resource files RESOURCE.000-002. Consult your MD-DOS manual for information on how to accomplish this step if you need further assistance. SECTION 9 - BOOT DISK INSTRUCTIONS IMPORTANT NOTE: Please read the entire instructions prior to starting at Step 1. You can skip Steps 3 and 4 if you are not playing the CD version of Aces of the Deep. STEP 1 FORMATTING THE DISK To make a boot disk, format a high density diskette in the A: drive. (It is necessary to reformat the disk if it is already formatted.) Formatting the disk with the /S switch will transfer the system files to the disk and allow the computer to boot up correctly. The disk must be in the A: drive; the computer will not boot from the B: drive. Type the FORMAT command as follows: FORMAT A: /S If you get a "Bad command or file name" error message, type: PATH=C:\DOS Then retype the FORMAT command above. If you receive the error again, 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, then proceed to Step 2. STEP 2 LOCATING THE MOUSE DRIVER Sierra games require that a Microsoft compatible mouse driver be loaded into memory before playing the game. There are two kinds of mouse drivers available: those that load in the CONFIG.SYS file and those that load in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. CONFIG.SYS mouse drivers have an extension of .SYS (MOUSE.SYS) and AUTOEXEC.BAT drivers have either a .COM or .EXE extension (MOUSE.COM, MOUSE.EXE). You must load at least one of these drivers, but it is not necessary to load them all. If you do not know where the mouse drivers are located on your system, the command below should help you locate them. Type the following at the C:\ prompt: DIR MOUSE* /S This command will cause the system to search all subdirectories for a file called MOUSE. If the system locates a MOUSE file, it will display the path where the file is located. For example, if the MOUSE.COM file is located in a C:\MOUSE directory, the system will display: Directory of C:\MOUSE MOUSE.SYS 55160 03-10-92 3:10a MOUSE.COM 56408 03-10-03 6:00a If this procedure does not locate a MOUSE file, your mouse driver may have a different name; some common names for mouse drivers are IMOUSE, GMOUSE and HPMOUSE. Your should check your mouse documentation for the exact file names and how to install them. Once you have located the mouse driver, you must copy it to the boot disk. The following example assumes that the mouse drivers are located in the C:\MOUSE directory as shown above. To copy the MOUSE files to the boot disk, type: COPY C:\MOUSE\MOUSE.* A: Substitute the appropriate path and file names for your mouse drivers in the command above. After you press ENTER, you should see a message indicating that some files were copied. STEP 3 LOCATING THE CD ROM DEVICE DRIVER (skip if not playing the CD version of AOD) The CD ROM drive requires a device driver loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file. This driver must be loaded correctly or you will be unable to access your CD ROM drive. To make sure that the device driver loads correctly on the boot disk, look at the CONFIG.SYS on the hard drive and copy the driver line from there. At the C:\ prompt, type: TYPE CONFIG.SYS|MORE NOTE: The | is called a "pipe" command and is created by pressing . The CONFIG.SYS file will display on the screen. Look for the line that loads the CD ROM device driver. This line will contain the same “/D:” switch as the MSCDEX line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Using the MSCDEX example above, you would be looking for a line containing “/D:MSCD001”. The line should look something like this: DEVICE=C:\DRV\CDROMDRV.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:220 DEVICEHIGH=C:\DRV\CDROMDRV.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:220 DEVICEHIGH /L:14652 =C:\DRV\CDROMDRV.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:220 The device driver in your CONFIG.SYS may differ slightly from those listed above. Carefully write down the line for use in your boot disk. Leave out the "HIGH" in "DEVICEHIGH" and the "/L:" information, if any. Your CD ROM device line should appear as follows: DEVICE=C:\DRV\CDROMDRV.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:220 NOTE: If you have a SCSI CD ROM drive, there may be an additional driver in your CONFIG.SYS that must be loaded for the CD ROM device drivers to load correctly. Check your CD ROM drive documentation for more information. STEP 4 LOCATING THE MSCDEX CD ROM EXTENSION (skip if not playing the CD version) In addition to the CD ROM device driver in the CONFIG.SYS, your CD ROM drive requires MSCDEX, the Microsoft extension for CD ROM drives. If this extension is not loaded correctly in the AUTOEXEC.BAT, you will be unable to access your CD ROM drive. To make sure that MSCDEX loads correctly on the boot disk, look at the AUTOEXEC.BAT on the hard drive and copy the MSCDEX line from there. At the C:\ prompt, type: TYPE AUTOEXEC.BAT|MORE 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:MSCD001 LH C:\DOS\MSCDEX /D:MSCD001 LOADHIGH /L:14429 C:\DOS\MSCDEX /D:MSCD001 The MSCDEX line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT may differ slightly from the ones above. Carefully write down the entire line following the drive letter. Include the full drive and path to the MSCDEX file and leave out any LH or LOADHIGH commands. For example, any of the above lines should appear as follows: C:\DOS\MSCDEX /D:MSCD001 This is how the line will appear in the AUTOEXEC.BAT on your boot disk. STEP 5 LOCATING THE SOUND CARD DRIVERS Many sound cards have drivers or initialization lines that must be loaded in the AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS. Some sound cards that require these drivers or initialization routines are: SoundBlaster 16, MAD16 and the Aria 16. Section 10 contains lists of the sound card lines for many common sound cards. Check to see if your sound card is on the list. If it is, then you will need to add the appropriate lines to the AUTOEXEC.BAT and/or CONFIG.SYS on your boot disk. If your sound card is not on the list, you should check your documentation for information on what needs to be loading in the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS. STEP 6 CREATING THE CONFIG.SYS FILE To create the CONFIG.SYS file on the boot disk, switch to the A: drive and type the following: COPY CON CONFIG.SYS (the cursor will drop down one line and blink) DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS DOS=HIGH,UMB FILES=30 BUFFERS=20 If you are using the MOUSE.SYS file to load your mouse, add the following line to the CONFIG.SYS: DEVICE=A:\MOUSE.SYS If you're playing the CD version of AOD, add the CD ROM device driver as you wrote it down in the “Locating the CD ROM Device Driver” section. For example: DEVICE=C:\DRV\CDROMDRV.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:220 If you need to load any sound card drivers, copy them from the "Sound Cards" section now. The following example lines are for the SoundBlaster 16: DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CTSB16.SYS /UNIT=0 /BLASTER=A:220 I:5 D:1 H:5 DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CTMM.SYS Complete the file by pressing . STEP 7 CREATING THE AUTOEXEC.BAT FILE To create the AUTOEXEC.BAT file on the boot disk, switch to the A: drive and type the following: COPY CON AUTOEXEC.BAT (the cursor will drop down one line and blink) @ECHO OFF C:\ SET COMSPEC=C:\COMMAND.COM PROMPT SIERRA BOOT DISK $_$P$G PATH=C:\;C:\DOS;C:\SIERRA If you are using the MOUSE.COM or MOUSE.EXE file to load your mouse driver, add the appropriate line: A:\MOUSE.EXE If you're playing the CD version of AOD, add the MSCDEX line as you write it down in the "Locating the MSCDEX CD ROM Extension" section. For example: C:\DOS\MSCDEX /D:MSCD001 If you need to run any sound card initialization programs or load any drivers, copy them from the "Sound Cards" section now. The following example lines are for the SoundBlaster 16: SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 H5 T6 SET SOUND=C:\SB16 SET MIDI=SYNTH:1 MAP:E C:\SB16\SB16SET /M:220 /VOC:220 /CD:220 /MIDI:220 /LINE:220 C:\SB16\DIAGNOSE /S Complete the file by pressing . STEP 8 REBOOT THE SYSTEM AND START THE GAME Reboot your system by pressing the button on your computer or by using the key sequence on your keyboard. Follow the instructions in the game manual to start the game. SECTION 10 - SOUND CARD DRIVER INFORMATION NOTE: The sound card drivers and initialization lines in this section are the default settings for these devices. You should check your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS on your hard drive to see if you are using any non-default settings. ARIA 16 (Common on IBMs) AUTOEXEC.BAT SET ARIA=C:\ARIA SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 C:\DOS\SOUNDCLT.COM* CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\ARIA\BIN\SOUNDCFG.SYS DEVICE=C:\ARIA\BIN\SNDSAVER.SYS BOKA SOUND EXPRESS AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\SE1440\CSACMOD1.EXE* CRYSTAL CLEAR WAVETABLE BY CRYSTAL LAKE AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 C:\CCLEAR\CSACMAX1 C:\CCLEAR\CSACHMX1 CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\CCLEAR\CSAMOD1.EXE DIAMOND LX AUTOEXEC.BAT SET SONIC=C:\SONIC C:\SONIC\SONIC /B/C* SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 CONFIG.SYS NONE *Use /C switch for SB mode *Use /B switch for MSS mode ENSONIQ SOUNDSCAPE (Common on Gateways) AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 Ixx Dx SET SNDSCAPE=C:\SNDSCAPE C:\SNDSCAPE\SSINIT /I* CONFIG.SYS NONE *older drivers use /FM for Soundblaster mode, /GM for General Midi mode. ESS AUDIO DRIVE (Common on Compaqs) AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 CONFIG.SYS NONE FORTE 16 (Common on Packard Bells) AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER= SET GALAXY= SET SOUND=C:\FORTE16 C:\FORTE16\UTILITY\EMUTSR CONFIG.SYS NONE GALANT AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 CONFIG.SYS NONE GALAXY - See Multi-Media Pro 16 GATEWAY 2000 AUDIO DRIVE AUTOEXEC.BAT C:\G2KAUDIO\UTILITY\GWBVOLO SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T5 SET GALAXY=* SET SOUND=C:\G2K CONFIG.SYS NONE *Check the AUTOEXEC.BAT on your hard drive for the full SET GALAXY line. GRAVIS ULTRASOUND AUTOEXEC.BAT SET ULTRASND=* SET ULTRADIR=* C:\ULTRASND\ULTRINIT SBOS.BAT** SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 CONFIG.SYS NONE *Check the AUTOEXEC.BAT on your hard drive for complete SET lines for the GUS. **The SBOS.BAT line must be loading to enable the card's Soundblaster emulation. IBM PS/1 AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 CONFIG.SYS NONE ISP 16 AUTOEXEC.BAT C:\ISP16\ISPINIT /B/M* CONFIG.SYS NONE *Use /B switch for SB mode *Use /M switch for MSS Mode JAZZ 16 BY MEDIAVISION AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 DEVICE=C:\JAZZ\JAZZ.SYS D:* Q:* CONFIG.SYS NONE *D: DMA CHANNEL. *Q: IRQ SETTING. Specific values and directories may change - check your hard drive's AUTOEXEC.BAT. MAD 16 AUTOEXEC.BAT SET MAD16=C:\MAD16 SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 C:\MAD16\M16INIT /B /M* CONFIG.SYS NONE *Use /B switch for SB mode *Use /M switch for MSS Mode MAGIC S20 AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 SET SOUND16=C:\MAGICS20 C:\MAGICS20\SNDINIT /B /M* CONFIG.SYS NONE *Use /B switch for SB mode *Use /M switch for MSS Mode MAGITEK GREEN 16 AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 CONFIG.SYS NONE MEDIA CONCEPT AUTOEXEC.BAT SET MC=C:\MC CONFIG.SYS NONE MEDIA VISION AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\MEDVSN\PROS.SYS MONTE CARLO BY TURTLE BEACH AUTOEXE.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 C:\MCARLO\MCHKMIX CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\MCARLO\MCMODE -S -W* *Use -S switch for SB mode *Use -W switch for MSS Mode MOZART SOUND CARD (Common on Cannons) AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 SET SOUND=C:\MOZART C:\MOZART\MTZVOL.EXE CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\MOZART\MZTINIT.SYS WSS /530* *WSS /530 Puts the card into WSS mode port 530 MULTI-MEDIA PRO 16 AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 SET GALAXY=* SET SOUND=C:\MMP16P CONFIG.SYS NONE *Check the AUTOEXEC.BAT on your hard drive for the full SET GALAXY line. ORCHID GAMEWAVE AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 SET SOUND=* C:\GW32\GW32.EXE CONFIG.SYS NONE ORCHID SOUNDWAVE AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=* SET SOUND=* C:\SW32\SW32.EXE CONFIG.SYS NONE *Check the AUTOEXEC.BAT on your hard drive for the complete SET SOUND line. PRO AUDIO SPECTRUM 16 AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\SPECTRUM\MVSOUND.SYS D:*Q:* D: DMA CHANNEL. Q: IRQ SETTING. may be PROAUDIO on older drivers. PRO SONIC AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\PROSONIC\PROSYS.SYS SOUNDBLASTER AWE 32 AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 SET SOUND=C:\SB16 C:\SB16\SB16SET /P/Q C:\SB16\DIAGNOSE /S C:\SB16\AWEUTIL /S CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CTSB16.SYS /UNIT=0 /BLASTER=A:220 I:5 D:1 H:5 DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CTMM.SYS** **This line is only required to enable the sound card's cd-rom interface. SOUNDBLASTER PRO AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 SET SOUND=C:\SBPRO* C:\SBPRO\SBP_SET* CONFIG.SYS NONE *on newer cards the drivers and such may look like the SB16 except loading out of a different directory. SOUNDBLASTER 16 AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 H5 T6 SET SOUND=C:\SB16 SET MIDI=SYNTH:1 MAP:E C:\SB16\SB16SET* C:\SB16\DIAGNOSE /S** CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CTSB16.SYS /UNIT=0 /BLASTER=A:220 I:5 D:1 H:5 DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CTMM.SYS*** *Check the AUTOEXEC.BAT on your hard drive for the complete SB16SET line as the values may vary. **May be C:\SB16\SBCoFIG /S on older cards. ***This line is only required to enable the sound card's cd-rom interface. SOUND EZ See Mad 16 See Mad 16 SOUND 16A (Common on Packard Bells) 1 OF 2** AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 SET GALAXY= C:\SOUND16A\UTILITY\SETMODE /MSS* SET SOUND16=C:\SOUND16A CONFIG.SYS NONE *Use /SB switch for SB mode *Use /MSS switch for MSS Mode SOUND 16A (Common on Packard Bells) 2 OF 2** AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 SET GALAXY=* C:\AUDIO\SNDINIT.EXE /B** SET SOUND16=C:\AUDIO CONFIG.SYS NONE *Check the AUTOEXEC.BAT on your hard drive for the complete SET GALAXY line. **Use /B switch for SB mode **Use /M switch for MSS Mode SOUND 144 (Common on Packard Bells) AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 SET GALAXY=* SET SOUND=SOUND144 CONFIG.SYS NONE *Check the AUTOEXEC.BAT on your hard drive for the complete SET GALAXY line. VIBRA 16 AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 H5 T6 SET SOUND=C:\VIBRA16 SET MIDI=* C:\VIBRA16\DIAGNOSE /S C:\VIBRA16\MIXERSET /P/Q CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\VIBRA16\DRV\VIBRA16.SYS DEVICE=C:\VIBRA16\DRV\CTMMSYS.SYS** *Check the AUTOEXEC.BAT on your hard drive for the complete SET MIDI line. **This line is required for CD ROM compatibility. VOYETRA SOUND AUTOEXEC.BAT SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 SET ISP16=ISP16* C:\ISP16\ISPINIT /B CONFIG.SYS NONE *May be SET ISP16=VOYETRA SECTION 11 - SHOULD YOU STILL HAVE PROBLEMS If you continue to experience any problems with Aces of the Deep, or if you have any questions concerning any of the above steps, Sierra Technical Support will be happy to assist you. You can reach Technical Support at (206) 644-4343 between 8:15 am and 4:45 pm, Monday through Friday. We can also be reached by fax at (206) 644-7697 or by mail at the following address: Sierra On-Line Technical Support PO Box 85006 Bellevue, WA 98015-8506 In Europe, please contact our office in England. The Customer Service number is (44) 1734-303171, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The BBS number is (44) 1734-304227 and the fax number is (44) 1734-303201. Customer Service can also be reached at the following address: Sierra On-Line Limited 4 Brewery Court The Old Brewery Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5AJ UNITED KINGDoM You can also contact our Technical Support Team on one of the following online services: Sierra BBS (206) 644-0112 CompuServe GO SIERRA America Online KEYWORD SIERRA When you contact Tech Support, please provide the following information: Your Name Game name, version number and S/N number (from disk #1): What problem are you having? Be VERY specific. Is there an error message? What is it? Where does it occur? Does it happen the same way each time? Floppy or CD? Are you playing in Windows or DOS? Type of computer (386, 486, etc.) Brand of video card (Trident, Diamond, etc.) Amount of RAM (4 meg, 8 meg, etc.) DOS version (MS-DOS 6.0, PC-DOS 6.2, etc.) Windows version (3.1, WFWG, Win95, etc.) Brand of sound card and sound card settings (SoundBlaster Pro, Forte16, Mozart, etc. Please be VERY specific with the brand name. Sound card settings include DMA, IRQ and I/O values.) Any disk compression? What kind? (Doublespace, Stacker, etc.) Any third-part memory manager? What kind? (QEMM, 386MAX, etc.) Largest executable program size or bytes free after booting with the boot disk. (Type MEM to find out.) What have you tried so far? (Boot disk, no sound, etc.) Copies of your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT from your hard drive and the boot disk are also helpful information.