Below is a list of problems you may encounter while running the WING COMMANDER I software. In most cases, a boot disk should correct any problem you may encounter. We strongly urge you to boot from a floppy disk with one of our suggested configurations listed below. Problem: My joystick won't calibrate when I hit the "J" key. Solution: This may be caused by one of two things: first, the program may be having trouble locating a joystick. Be sure only ONE joystick port is active at any time. Also, this program may have trouble finding a joystick that is plugged into a soundcard. If your joystick responds, but drifts across the screen, and you can't get the calibration routine to appear, you may need a patch file to correct this. Problem: My joystick/mouse won't go more than halfway across the screen. Solution: This is usually caused by a non-Microsoft mouse driver in the wrong "mode" or resolution. Switching to a true Microsoft mouse driver should correct this problem. Problem: I used to run WING COMMANDER on my 386 just fine, but it runs way too fast on my 486. Solution: This is a common problem for older software being run on newer, more powerful systems. Unfortunately there is no patch available to correct this problem, however, there are two things you can try to make the game more playable on your system. First, try to "turbo down" your computer to make it run slower. Most computers have a turbo button that allows you to switch between two different clock speeds, we suggest using the slower of the two. If you don't have a turbo button, or it doesn't seem to make any difference in the game speed, you may need to run some slow-down software with this game. Most slow-down utilities can be obtained through local bulletin board systems. We have a version called MO'SLO.COM available as freeware on our own BBS. Other distributors of slow-down software are: (Synectech) Bitwise Slowdown 1-800-875-1666/(508) 655-5430 and Better Software Co. (803) 295-4971. Problem: I keep getting kicked out of the game with an error: MUSIC.MID #27 (PS-5853 LB-????????). (note the PS-5853) Solution: This error usually occurs when one of two conditions are met: a) the soundcard is sharing an IRQ with another device in the system, or b) you are possibly using EMS on a 1 meg machine. If you have more than 1 meg, check the soundcard for an IRQ conflict and change to an open IRQ channel if necessary. If you only have 1 meg, use the following lines in a CONFIG.SYS on a boot disk: FILES=15 BUFFERS=6 SHELL=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM C:\DOS /P With this configuration, the game should run fine, but without full features. You will need a 2 meg machine to get the full features of WING COMMANDER. Problem: I keep getting an error message "Abnormal Program Termination" when playing WING COMMANDER. Solution: This error usually means that a virus has been detected in one of the files in the WING COMMANDER directory. You may want to test the system for viruses and purge any that are found. If the installation diskettes came into contact with an infected computer they will also become contaminated. You can send us your set in exchange for a new set at no charge if this is the case. Just be sure to include a short note explaining why you need your disks exchanged. Problem: During the installation, I get an error: "Installation Aborted, reason #14 (or #16)." Solution: This usually means you have a bad set of disks. But before attempting to get a new set, try this: use the DOS DISKCOPY command to make exact copies of the original disks. Then try installing with the copies of the originals. If they won't DISKCOPY, then they truely are bad disks. If the copies install fine, you will be able to play normally. Problem: During the installation, I keep getting prompted for disk 2, even though it is in the right drive. Solution: The installation program checks the files during the install and if it finds any corrupted, it may not recognize the disk as disk 2. If this is the case, you should send your set to ORIGIN for replacement, free of charge. ****************************************************************************** WING COMMANDER Boot Disk information: To make a floppy disk bootable, type FORMAT A:/S CONFIG.SYS (with QEMM) COPY CON CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\QEMM386.SYS RAM DOS=HIGH FILES=20 BUFFERS=20 CONFIG.SYS (1 meg system with DOS 5.0) COPY CON CONFIG.SYS FILES=15 BUFFERS=6 SHELL=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM C:\DOS /P CONFIG.SYS (2+ meg system with DOS 5.0) COPY CON CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE 1024 RAM DOS=HIGH,UMB FILES=20 BUFFERS=20 AUTOEXEC.BAT (1+ meg system) COPY CON AUTOEXEC.BAT @ECHO OFF PATH=C:\DOS PROMPT $P$G -If you have Windows 3.1, you may substitute "WINDOWS" for "DOS" in the first two "DEVICE=" lines of the CONFIG.SYS for 2+ meg systems. -If you have DOS 4.01, you will need to substitute the line: DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.SYS 1024 for the third line of the CONFIG.SYS for 2+ meg machines ******************************************************************************