System memory is critical and is the main reason some programs willnot work. Remember DOS has only 640K conventional memory and when all your drivers are loaded, including your CD-ROM driver, there isn't enough memory for some games to run. Try removing some device drivers from your config.sys and autoexec.bat files, or loading them in high memory. (Refer to DOS manuals regarding load high), ( you could also run this menu within OS/2 which provides more memory to DOS programs). To check your free base memory, reboot your computer and type MEM at the DOS prompt. Your system should show at least 570K free Conventional Memory to run most games, although it may need as much as 610K free for some games. If it shows less then 570K, you should consider modifying your autoexec.bat and config.sys files to free up more memory.
Aside from base or conventional memory as discussed above, your system may also need more extended memory. Although many programs will work with 1 megabyte of RAM, some programs require 4 Megabytes or more. In general, 4 Megabytes is the minimum desirable RAM to run the latest games, and 8 Megabytes is even better.
SYSTEM CONFLICTS
If this CD-ROM or many of its programs fail to run on your computer, you may have a system conflict. For example, some fax modem programs may conflict with our CD-ROMs. If this occurs, disable your fax modem temporarily by typing REM in front of the applicable lines in your autoexec.bat and config.sys files. The same may apply to various TSR programs, disable temporarily as above.
RECOMMENDED SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
Here are some good basic autoexec.bat and config.sys files which have worked well for us using a Creative SoundBlaster 16 Sound Card and double speed CD-ROM drive with 386 or 486 and DOS 6.2. Even if you don't follow them exactly, they may contain some ideas for improving your system configuration. (These files may or may not be appropriate for your system and we disclaim all responsibility for any problems from their use).
CONFIG.SYS
DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS
DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE NOEMS
DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE
DOS=HIGH, UMB
FILES=50
BUFFERS=10,0
DEVICE=C:\CDROM\CDROM.SYS /D:MSCDOO1 (Make sure .SYS file match according to your CD-ROM driver)
One of the great convenience features of Explore the World of Software CD-ROMs is that most of the programs are not compressed and can be run directly from your CD-ROM drive without hard drive installation, unless MUST COPY is indicated in which case you must click on the COPY TO DISK button and proceed with the hard drive installation routine.
However, it is important to realize that CD-ROMs are by definition read only, so if programs on this CD-ROM attempt to write data back to the disk, for example: high scores, this will cause an error. These programs should be copied and run from hard drive. Please note that we indicate MUST COPY when the program must be installed on the hard drive to function properly, but we do not indicate MUST COPY when it is only needed in order to record scores. If you wish to record scores, you must ALWAYS copy the program to the hard drive.
In general, running a program directly from the CD-ROM is fine to quickly try out a game. But as soon as you decide to play it seriously, it is best to copy it to your hard drive. This way the program will run faster, you can record scores, and you can get into the program directory which gives you access to documentation, setup, and alternative command files. Anytime you have trouble running a program directly from the CD-ROM, first reboot your computer, check that you have enough memory, then go into the CD-ROM menu and copy the program to your hard drive. If it still doesn't run from the hard drive, go into the program directory and check out the different documentation, setup and command files.
OTHER COMMON PROBLEMS
Canot exit program: With most programs, you can exit by hitting ESC, ALT-X, or by following the program exit command (such as Q for quit). There are few programs which have no exit, in this case just reboot your computer by typing CTRL-ALT-DEL.
Programs runs too fast or too slow: Some programs may run too fast using a 486 computer, in this case try switching off your TURBO button to slow the program down. On the other hand, if the program runs too slow ( eg. DOOM ), make sure that your TURBO button is switched on. Nevertheless, you may encounter a few programs which are too fast or too slow for your computer, no matter what you do. For example, a few old programs may simply run too fast on a 486, and a few newer programs may run too slow on a 286 or 386sx.
COPY TO DISK COMMAND PROBLEMS
"Copy to disk" command fails to copy files, "Insufficient memory" message received. If you experience this problem, edit your autoexec.bat file as follows: Go to the line containing the MSCDEX.EXE command. In this line you will find the CD-ROM memory setting such as M:15. Change this to M:10. Save this configuration and reboot your computer. The "Copy to Disk" routine should now work.
TSR PROGRAMS
With some fax modems or TSR programs, the HRS menu system may not run. You then have two choices:
a) Disable the fax modem or TSR program by editing your Autoexec.bat and Config.sys files by typing REM in front of the applicable TSR lines and resetting your computer, or
b) If the HRS menu doesn't run and you don't want to disable your fax modem or other TSR programs, you can access all the programs in this CD-ROM by using the traditional DOS " navigate the directories" method. Just go into the GAMES directory in the CD-ROM and then the applicable subdirectory for the program in question such as DISK001 to DISK426, and then run the applicable .EXE file.
