Microsoft KB Archive/183687

Golf 98: Contents of Readme.txt File

PSS ID Number: Q183687 Article last modified on 05-24-1999

WINDOWS:

WINDOWS

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The information in this article applies to:

 == Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition == 

= SUMMARY =

This article contains a copy of the Readme.txt file included with Golf 98. This file is located in the root folder of the Golf CD-ROM.

NOTE: This Readme document refers to the Microsoft Download Service (MSDL). As of 12/31/1998, the MSDL service is no longer available. To download support files, visit one of the following Microsoft Internet sites:

http://support.microsoft.com/support

ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/softlib/mslfiles

= MORE INFORMATION =

Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition README File March 1998 (c) Copyright Microsoft Corporation, 1998

This file contains information about Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition as well as the Internet Multiplayer capabilities included in Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition.

To get news and product updates for Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition or other Microsoft games, check out the following World Wide Web sites:

http://www.microsoft.com/games/

http://www.microsoft.com/sports/golf/

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NOTE: To read this file in Notepad, click Word Wrap on the Edit menu. For the best readability, maximize this window.

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============================================ CONTENTS

A. Hardware and System Requirements Requirements Improving Performance on machines with 16 MB of RAM B. Installation Troubleshooting Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition Setup C. Video Troubleshooting Displaying 16-bit colors Resolving Other Video Driver Conflicts D. Audio Troubleshooting E. Game Play Issues F. Multiplayer Multiplayer Troubleshooting Multiplayer Tips G. Product Support When You Have a Question Microsoft Technical Support: Product Support Within the United States and Canada Support for MSN Gaming Zone Information Services Standard Support Text Telephone Other Services

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============================================ A. Hardware and System Requirements

Requirements

To play Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition, you need:


 * A computer with a Pentium 90 MHz processor
 * Microsoft Windows 95 or later operating system, or Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 3 or later operating system (will not run on earlier versions of Windows)
 * Quad-speed or faster CD-ROM drive
 * 16 MB of RAM for Windows 95 or 24 MB for Windows NT 4.0 with a 60 MB swap file
 * 55 MB of available hard disk space
 * A 16-bit sound board and speakers or headphones to hear audio
 * 28,800-baud modem for Internet or modem play
 * A Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
 * 16-bit video system
 * An ActiveX and frame-compatible Web browser such as Internet Explorer 3.02 or later for play over MSN Gaming Zone

Improving Performance on Machines with 16 MB of RAM

If performance is slow on your computer with 16 MB of RAM, the following tips may help:


 * Quit all other applications.
 * Go to Start Up screen/Options/Game Preferences and click Game Sounds to No.
 * Go to Start Up screen/Options/Game Preferences and click Shadows to No.
 * Go to Start Up screen/Options/Game Preferences and click Auto Flyby to No.
 * Go to Start Up screen/Options/Game Preferences and click Commentary to No.
 * Add more RAM.
 * If you didn’t use a Full installation to set up Golf ’98, uninstall Golf ’98 and reinstall it using a Full installation.

Consider leaving Commentary on until you’ve tried turning off other features first.

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============================================ B. Installation

We recommend installing Golf 98 in a different folder than Microsoft Golf 3.0.

If you are using 16-bit CD-ROM drivers for your CD-ROM drive, Autorun may not work properly. To manually run Setup, use the Windows Explorer to locate the SETUP.EXE on the Golf 98 compact disc. Double-click Setup.exe to start installation.

If you are using PC Tools Desktop as your Windows shell, you will need to restart Windows manually after you install Golf 98. Just exit Windows and type win at the prompt.

Regarding audio, if you choose a Minimum installation and you remove the Golf 98 compact disc from the CD-ROM drive during game play, you will not hear course ambient sounds. To hear all sounds, you must have the Golf 98 compact disc in your CD-ROM drive.

Golf 98 has three installation options to choose from: Full, Typical, and Minimum. Here is what each type will install to your hard drive and which Golf 98 features will always be run from the Golf 98 compact disc.

Full: With a Full installation, Golf 98 installs 10 model types, 4 courses, commentary, and all ambient sounds.

Typical: A Typical installation includes 4 model types, 2 courses (Teeth of the Dog and Bay Harbor Golf Club), commentary, and random ambient sounds at various points on the golf courses. Other Golf 98 courses (The Links at Casa de Campo and The Preserve 9) and sounds will run from the compact disc.

Minimum: A Minimum installation includes 2 model types. None of the courses are installed; they must be run from the Golf 98 compact disc. Commentary and ambient sounds are not installed but are available from the compact disc.

Game sounds and user interface sounds will always be installed to your hard drive, regardless of which installation you choose (Full, Typical, or Minimum). To hear music or see flybys and demos, you must have the Golf 98 compact disc in your CD-ROM drive. To hear ambient sounds that are not installed in a Typical or Minimum installation, you must have the Golf 98 compact disc in your hard drive.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition Setup

Following are the most common errors encountered while installing Golf 98. Follow the instructions for each error message you encountered when you tried to install Golf 98, and then run Setup again.

Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition does not run under Windows 3.1. You must have Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 or later to run Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition.

You must install Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows NT Workstation 4.0 with Service Pack 3. To purchase a Windows upgrade, see your local retailer.

Golf 98 does not run under Window NT 4.0 with a Service Pack earlier than 3. You should upgrade your Windows NT 4.0 system to SP3 or later as soon as possible.

Service Pack 3 is included on your Golf 98 compact disc in the Goodies folder.

Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition high-resolution golf courses require a 16-bit video system. For more information on display issues, see Video Troubleshooting, below.

If you chose not to install DirectX during Setup, you may receive the following error message:

If you chose not to install DirectX now you will not be able to run Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition when Setup completes. See the Readme file to learn how to install DirectX at a later time.

To install DirectX you can run Dxsetup.exe from the DirectX folder on the Golf 98 compact disc.

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============================================ C. Video Troubleshooting

Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition high-resolution golf courses require a 16-bit high-color video display that supports 800x600 screen resolution.

During game play, Golf 98 runs in 800x600 display resolution and 16-bit color. If you set your Windows settings to 800x600 and 16-bit color before you start the game, Golf 98 will not have to switch into this mode when it begins a game. To select these settings, go to the Windows taskbar, click Settings, click Control Panel, and then click Display. In the Display Properties dialog box, click the Settings tab.

If you minimize Golf 98 (by pressing ALT+TAB) from some of the dialog boxes, the dialog boxes may not be restored when you return to the game. Clicking anywhere on the screen will bring the dialog box back. If you open a dialog box in the Main View of the game, then press ALT+TAB to minimize the game, you may not be able to see the dialog box when you restore Golf ’98. To see the dialog box, click Rotate on the toolbar in the Main View, then click OK. This should restore the dialog box.

It is possible to corrupt the Main View of the game when you use the Golf 98 Player’s Guide and run flybys, or make changes to inset views. The result is that the Main View elements, such as the scenery and the golfer animations, are not redrawn between shots. Follow the steps below to correct this condition without exiting the game:

Click Menu on the toolbar, point to Views, and click Main Only to turn all inset views off temporarily. Open the Player’s Guide using the (?) button in the upper-right corner of the Main View window. Then, close the Player’s Guide using the Close button (X) in the upper-right corner of the Player’s Guide viewer. Click Grid on the toolbar to turn the grid off. Click Grid again to turn the grid back on. Click Flyby on the toolbar. When the flyby window appears, point the cursor in the window and click the mouse to dismiss it. Click Rotate on the toolbar, and then click OK.

The graphics in the Main View should be restored, and they should now operate correctly when using the inset views.

Displaying 16-bit color.

Your computer must display at least 16-bit color to run Microsoft Golf 98.

To display 16-bit color in Windows 95, follow these steps:

Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click Display. Click the Settings tab. Under Color Palette, click High Color (16-bit), and then click OK. If you are prompted to restart the computer, do so. Restart Golf 98.

Resolving Other Video Driver Conflicts

If you install different video drivers after installing Microsoft Golf 98, these drivers may change the performance of the game.

If you experience distorted colors, ghosting, or other irregular video problems, refer to the Display.txt or Readme.txt files that are included with Windows 95 and Windows NT Workstation 4.0 with Service Pack 3 for hardware-specific display problems. Most video problems can be resolved by updating the operating system’s display drivers. You should contact your hardware manufacturer to inquire if an updated display driver is available. Many manufacturers post updated drivers on their Web sites.

Some computer systems may have display problems when used with incorrect or generic Windows video drivers. Be sure you have installed the correct video driver for your video card.

To determine which video driver is being used when running Windows 95 or Windows NT Workstation 4.0, follow these steps:

Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click Display. Click the Settings tab. Click Display Type (in Windows 95 click Change Display Type) and note the Adapter Type displayed.

If your computer has a Diamond Stealth 3D video card with driver version 4.2.12.0, Golf 98 may stop responding. To fix the problem, go the Diamond Stealth Web site and download the latest drivers. The Diamond Stealth Web site is at http://www.diamondmm.com/products/drivers/stealth3d-2000.html

If your computer has a Matrox video card (with the Power Desk driver) and you want to change your color palette setting from 256 Color to High Color (16-bit) you will need to close Golf 98 before making the change.

You may experience video display problems if your computer is using an ET4000 video card. We suggest you visit Tseng Labs’ Web site and download the most recent version of its software. The address of Tseng Labs’ Web site is http://www.tseng.com

Your monitor’s energy-saving feature may cause Golf 98 to stop responding if your computer has an S3 Trio 64V+ video card. If this happens, restart the machine.

Contact your video-card manufacturer for verification of the latest video driver and for information about obtaining the latest driver.

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============================================ D. Audio Troubleshooting

If Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition does not play sound properly, first verify that:


 * You’ve correctly installed the Windows 95 or Windows NT sound drivers.
 * Your speakers are on, turned up, and properly plugged in.
 * The Windows 95 volume control is enabled and turned up and the Mute check box is not selected.
 * Game sounds are turned on in the Game Preferences dialog box.

If the game still doesn’t play sound properly, verify that Windows 95 can play .wav audio files. To do so, follow these steps:

Quit Microsoft Golf 98, as well as any other programs that use sound. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click Sounds. Under Events, click an event that has a loudspeaker icon next to it. In the Name text box, be sure that the three-letter file extension is “.wav”. Under Preview, click the play button to hear the sound.

If you don’t hear any sound, or if Windows 95 is not able to play a .wav audio file, check to see that a sound driver is enabled. To do so, follow these steps:

Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click System. Click the Device Manager tab. Click the PLUS SIGN (+) next to Sound, Video And Game Controllers.

If you don’t see this entry or you have no sound card listed under this entry, contact the manufacturer of the computer or sound card and request help on reinstalling the sound-card drivers.

Some 16-bit sound cards may have difficulty playing the advanced sound effects in Golf ’98. You might eliminate periodic or random freezes by disabling the Game Sounds and Commentary options in the Game Preferences dialog box. To disable these options, follow these steps:

If you’re not playing a game yet, go to the Start Up Screen and click the Options button. If you are playing a game, go to the Game Menu on the toolbar, and click Options. Click Game Preferences. Set Game Sounds and Commentary to No.

NOTE: If you are having audio problems and your computer uses a Creative Labs Sound Blaster AWE32 or AWE64 sound card, you may need to download new drivers from Creative Labs’ Web site. The address of Creative Labs’ Web site is http://www.creaf.com/home.html. Or, you can go directly to the following Web page to download the drivers:

http://www.creaf.com/wwwnew/tech/ftp/ftp-sb16awe.html#95

Advanced users may want to adjust the volume and frequency of the sound components in Golf 98. From Windows Explorer, open the Goodies folder on the Golf 98 compact disc. Copy the Cmtfreq.txt file to the Golf 98 folder to your hard drive. Open the Cmtfreq.txt file with any text editor, such as Notepad, and then follow the instructions.

If you are playing a Multiplayer game over MSN Gaming Zone and find you don’t have any sound in Golf 98, open the Game Preferences dialog box from the Options menu on the Start Up screen, set Game Sounds to Yes, and then close the dialog box. This should reactivate the sound.

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============================================ E. Game Play Issues

Before you start Golf 98, close all other applications, especially other network applications such as Microsoft Outlook or other e-mail programs.

We recommend that you do not change screen resolutions while playing Golf 98 and that you do not press ALT+TAB to minimize the screen during game play.

Golf 98 has 10 player models, but unless you chose the Full installation option, all 10 player models were not installed to your hard drive. If you chose the Minimum installation option, two player models are installed to your hard drive. Four models are installed when the Typical installation option is chosen.

To install more player models to your hard drive, follow these steps:

Place the Golf 98 compact disc in your CD-ROM drive. Use Windows Explorer to locate the Goodies folder at the root of the Golf 98 compact disc. Open the Models folder. There are prepared player files that are associated with each golfer animation that are named Model01.pin through Model10.pin. Copy the .pin file(s) associated with the models you want into the folder where you installed Golf 98. These files may have read-only attributes which need to be removed. Do this by selecting the .pin files copied to your Golf 98 folder, and then following these steps: a. On the File Menu, click Properties. b. Under Attributes, click the Read Only check box to clear it. c. Click OK. Start Golf 98. Click New Round. On the next screen, the player model file name, for example Model05.pin, will appear in the Available list. Click the player name to select it, and then click Edit. The following message will appear: “The model for Model05.PIN is not installed on your system, would you like to install it now?” Click Yes and that model will be installed from the Golf ’98 compact disc, which must remain in the CD-ROM drive.

Repeat this process to add more player models.

If you want to play a Scramble with four players on the same team, you need to set Teams to No. Otherwise, Golf 98 will automatically set up the game with two separate two-player teams. You can play a Scramble with one three-player team.

The Cumulative Statistics screen will not display the results of a Bingo Bango Bango game.

Golf 98 uses a different variable to calculate putts per greens hit in regulation. Instead of dividing the number of putts a player took on the greens he or she reached in regulation, Golf 98 uses the total putts a player took in a round and divides that total by the number of greens reached in regulation.

If a hole is conceded during a match game in Golf 98, the stroke totals will not be recorded on the scorecard.

Using the Natural Swing meter may be easier than using the 2- and 3-click Swing meters on slower machines. You can also try the Sim Swing.

If you minimize Golf 98 (using ALT+TAB) during a swing, the screen may be corrupted when the game is restored. To get back in the game, press ENTER.

If you have two CD-ROM drives on your computer, Golf 98 may not be able to detect your Golf 98 compact disc if it is not in the same CD-ROM drive that was used to install the game.

In a Multiplayer game, all players will have a remote icon next to their names, regardless of whether they are computer players or human players.

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============================================ F. Multiplayer

Multiplayer Troubleshooting

To use MSN Gaming Zone’s Web-based matchmaking services to play Golf 98 Multiplayer games over the Internet, you must have Windows 95 and an ActiveX and frame-compatible Web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.02 or later.

If you have problems with modem games, try reconfiguring your modem as a standard 28,800-baud or 14,400-baud modem instead of any modem-specific configuration you may be using.

We recommend that all players in a Multiplayer game have different names. If multiple golfers have the same name, the computers may not display the correct golfers.

In an Internet game, it’s not unusual for a blank screen to appear temporarily after the host clicks Start Game. This is part of the Golf 98 Multiplayer loading process.

When you attempt to join a Multiplayer game, you may need to know your Internet IP address. You can press the F9 key to find out your IP address. However, if you are, or were, formerly connected to a local area network (LAN) with a DHCP server, your network IP address, not your Internet IP address, will be identified when you use this option. In that case, run Winipcfg.exe (in the Windows folder) to determine your Internet address when trying to connect directly over the Internet.

If you are trying to locate a LAN TCP/IP Multiplayer game session hosted by a specific host and the session you’re looking for is not listed in the Game Sessions dialog box, you will need to find out the host’s IP address (the host can find out his or her IP address by pressing the F9 key while at the Connection Types dialog box). Once you have the host’s IP address, follow the steps below to join his or her game:

Go back to the Start Up screen and click Multiplayer. Under Connection Type, click Network, then click Next. On the Network Options screen, select either TCP/IP or IPX, depending on the network transfer protocols you’re using, and then click Next. In the Game Sessions dialog box, click Show Games, which will open the Locate Session message box. Enter the host’s IP address and click OK. Choose the game in the list and then click Join in the Game Sessions dialog box.

If you have problems connecting to MSN Gaming Zone from Golf 98, you may need to contact the technical support service provided by your Web browser. You might also be blocked by a firewall on your proxy server; in this case, you may need to use an Internet service provider to access the MSN Gaming Zone. Contact your network administrator to resolve this problem.

You can also try starting a Multiplayer game by going to the Internet Gaming Zone at http:/zone.msn.com before you start Golf 98. Follow the Zone instructions for starting Golf 98 from the Zone.

Multiplayer Tips

Do not switch to other applications while playing Multiplayer games. If you have one or more applications running while playing Golf 98, you will be using up virtual memory that Golf ’98 might need to run correctly.

If you are running another application, or if you minimize Golf 98 for any reason, the operating system (OS) resolution will switch back to the resolution setting in use before you launched Golf 98. If, for example, the earlier resolution was 1024x768, the OS will switch resolution from 800x600 to 1024x768 when you minimize the application and will switch resolution back to 800x600 after you restore Golf 98.

On slower computers, to improve game performance disable certain game features, such as Game Sounds and Commentary. You can also reduce game display detail features to improve performance.

To change these settings, click Options on the Start Up screen, and then click Game Preferences. From the Main View in the game, click Menu on the toolbar, point to Options, and then click Game Preferences. In the Game Game Preferences dialog box, change the settings.

Add computer players to a Multiplayer game with only two or three players to fill out a foursome and enable additional scoring options.

The host should not click through the pregame screens too quickly, doing so will not give the guests enough time to join the game.

The host should not rapidly change settings (such as weather, courses, and holes) on the New Round screen because the guests’ computers may not register all the choices if the host selects them too quickly.

If a guest is taking too long to hit the ball, the host can remove him or her from the game by doing the following: Select Menu on the toolbar, point to Player, and click Remove Player.

Play a shorter Multiplayer game by choosing Practice on the New Round screen and selecting only a few holes. Once you become familiar with the courses in Golf ’98, you can select just the par 3 holes on a course or the signature holes.

If you’re having problems connecting to a Multiplayer game, such as not seeing game sessions listed or the game not launching, quit Golf 98. Make sure Msgolf98d.exe is in the computer’s memory. If it isn’t there, select Msgolf98d.exe from the list and click the End Task button before retrying your Multiplayer game.

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============================================ G. Product Support

When You Have a Question

If you have a question about Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition, first consult the online Golf ’98 Player’s Guide (Help). If you cannot find the answer, contact Microsoft Product Support.

Outside the United States and Canada, contact Microsoft Product Support at the Microsoft subsidiary office that serves your area. For information about Microsoft subsidiary offices, see Microsoft Technical Support Worldwide in the Golf 98 Player’s Guide.

Microsoft Technical Support: Product Support Within the United States and Canada

If you can’t install Microsoft Golf 98, please refer to the support offerings below. Microsoft’s support offerings range from no-cost and low-cost online information services (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to annual support plans. Microsoft support services are subject to Microsoft’s then-current prices, terms, and conditions, which are subject to change without notice.

Support for MSN Gaming Zone

If you need support for Internet game play or for the Internet Gaming Zone, go to the Zone Web site at http://zone.msn.com/ and click the Support button. This opens a Web page where you can browse customer-to-customer newsgroups, read Frequently Asked Questions, post your own questions, and get other information.

Information Services

Information Services provides you with easy access to the latest technical and support information for Microsoft products. You can access a variety of low- and no-cost Information Services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

INTERNET SERVICES AND THE MICROSOFT NETWORK (MSN)

Access the Microsoft Frequently Asked Questions, Software Library, Knowledge Base, customer-to-customer newsgroups, and other technical information on our Internet sites.


 * To access the World Wide Web and MSN, go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/


 * For FTP access, go to:

ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/

MICROSOFT DOWNLOAD SERVICE (MSDL)

Direct modem access to a variety of technical information is available on MSDL by dialing (425) 936-6735 in the United States and (905) 507-3022 in Canada. Connect information: 1200, 2400, 9600, or 14400 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit.

MICROSOFT FASTTIPS

This automated service provides quick answers to your common technical questions via an automated toll-free telephone number, fax, or mail. To access FastTips or to receive a map and catalog, dial the following FastTips number: (800) 936-4100.

Standard Support

In the United States and Canada, unlimited no-charge support is available from Microsoft support engineers (toll charges apply). In the United States, call (425) 637-9308 between 6:00 A.M and 6:00 P.M. Pacific time. In Canada, call (905) 568-3503 between 8:00 A.M and 8:00 P.M. Eastern time. These services are available Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Text Telephone

Microsoft text telephone (TT/TDD) services are available for the deaf or hard-of-hearing. In the United States, using a TT/TDD modem, dial (425) 635-4948. In Canada, using a TT/TDD modem, dial (905) 568-9641.

Other Services

For more information on these and additional services available, call Microsoft Support Sales and Information at (800) 936-3500 between 6 A.M. and 6 P.M. Pacific time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, or visit our Internet site at:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/

Additional query words: 1998 msgame read me

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========================================================= Keywords : kbreadme kbimu Version : WINDOWS: Platform : WINDOWS Issue type : kbinfo ============================================================================= Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1999.