Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia 6/Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia (Version 6.0)(Windows)(CIE844EE-CD)(1997).ISO/readme.txt

Text File | 1997-08-11 | 24.7 KB | 586 lines

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Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia, 1998 Edition
Version 6.0.0 for Windows 3.1/Windows 95
August 1997
*********************************************************

Welcome to Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia, 1998 edition!

We would like to thank you for your purchase. It is our goal to
make you a happy and satisfied customer, so we have created this
file with useful information and solutions to problems you may
encounter.

This file contains information that was not available at the
time the User's Guide and on-disc help were prepared. It also
contains other important information to help you use this
product successfully. If you are uncertain how to make a
recommended change, please refer to the documentation that came
with Windows and/or your computer system.

CONTENTS

  I. Installation Instructions and Suggestions

 II. Troubleshooting

III. Contacting Technical Support

 IV. Other Important Information


I. Installation Instructions and Suggestions
*********************************************************

A. Disk Compression

If you are using a disk compression utility, the available hard
disk space reported by the installation program may not be
accurate. Disk compression utilities can only ESTIMATE available
hard disk space. If the installation process is not successful,
you may need to free additional hard disk space by removing
unneeded files or applications from your hard drive.


B. Network Installation

This product is designed as a "stand-alone" application and does
not support use by multiple users over a network.


C. Under Windows 3.1, Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia works
best with Windows operating in a 386-enhanced mode with a 20 MB
permanent swap file established on a non-compressed drive.


D. Installation Instructions

Compton's suggests that you exit all applications before
installing this product. Other programs and drivers running on
the computer may interfere with the installation process.

1. Installation for Windows 95

Simply place the Compton's CD in the CD-ROM drive. The Windows
95 AutoPlay function automatically offers the option to install
the program. Click on "Install" to begin the installation.

If the Compton's CD is already in the CD-ROM drive and you have
bypassed the AutoPlay function, follow these steps to begin the
installation: Click on "Start" and select "Run ...". In the
"Open" box, type "D:\SETUP.EXE" and press Enter. If your CD-ROM
drive is not drive "D", substitute the letter of your CD-ROM
drive when you type this statement. For example, if your CD-ROM
drive is drive "E", type "E:\SETUP.EXE" and press Enter.

When the program has finished installing the files, you are
notified that the installation has been completed. Then,
whenever you want to use Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia,
simply insert the Compton's CD into your CD-ROM drive and click
on "OK" when asked if you want to run the program. To start the
program when the CD is already in your CD-ROM drive, click on
"Start", choose "Programs", choose "Compton's Home Library",
choose the "Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia" folder, and then
choose "1998 Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia".

2. Installation for Windows 3.1

From the Program Manager, open the "File" menu and select
"Run...". In the "Command Line" box, type "D:\SETUP.EXE" and
press Enter. If your CD-ROM drive is not drive "D", substitute
the letter of your CD-ROM drive when you type this statement.
For example, if your CD-ROM drive is drive "E", type
"E:\SETUP.EXE" and press Enter.

Once the program files have been installed, the installation
program scans for Video for Windows. If Video for Windows
version 1.1e (or later) is already installed on your system, the
program offers you the option of starting the encyclopedia or
returning to the Program Manager. If Video for Windows is not
installed on your system, the installation program offers to
install it for you. Once Video for Windows 1.1e is installed,
simply open the "Compton's Home Library" group and double-click
on the "Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia 1998" icon to start
the program.

To exit the installation program at any time, click Exit or
press F3.


E. Meeting the Minimum System Requirements

The encyclopedia installation program automatically determines
if your computer system meets the minimum requirements to run
the encyclopedia. If your system fails to meet the requirements,
the installation program tells you exactly which requirements
were not met. Three potential problems you may encounter and
their solutions are described below:

  --"Detected: No suitable wave device"
                 or
    "Detected: No MIDI device"
                 or
    "Detected: No suitable MIDI device"

     If you get any of these messages, make sure that you have
     installed the Windows drivers that came with your sound
     board. The encyclopedia requires at least one wave device
     capable of at least 8-bit mono at 22.050kHz, and at least
     one MIDI device with FM synthesis, all channels.

     NOTE: Because of their special hardware setup, certain IBM
     Aptiva and Thinkpad systems may generate these messages
     even though they DO have the proper equipment and software.
     If you own one of these systems and encounter one of the
     above messages, disregard the message and proceed with the
     installation.

To check that your system has met the minimum requirements, you
can run the program CNMSYSI.EXE, located in the "\WIN32"
directory (Windows 95 users) or the "\WIN" directory (Windows
3.1 users) on the encyclopedia CD-ROM.

Alternatively, load the encyclopedia and click on the "Help"
button. Then, while holding down the "Ctrl" key on your
keyboard, click on the "About CIE" button. A screen will display
the minimum program requirements and the components found on
your system.


F. Running Directly from the CD-ROM

It is possible to run Compton's directly from the CD-ROM without
installing it on your hard drive. This is not recommended
because the program performance will be significantly slower
than normal. Also, any settings or preferences you change while
using the encyclopedia, such as the desired online service, will
not be recorded; the program will return to the default settings
the next time you start it. You will also not be able to
subscribe to some of the online features available.


II. Troubleshooting
*********************************************************
This product has been successfully tested with a wide variety of
hardware and peripheral equipment. It should be noted, however,
that Microsoft Windows is a "device-independent" operating
system that relies on device drivers to communicate with the
various devices on your system. Occasionally, issues may occur
with one of these drivers. Conflicts with sound cards, video
displays, and printers are often resolved by reconfiguring or
updating the device drivers supplied by the manufacturers. This
product is not designed specifically for compatibility with any
particular hardware item.


A. Troubleshooting for both Windows 95 and Windows 3.1

1. Font Problems/Font Error Messages when Starting the
Encyclopedia

The encyclopedia requires that certain fonts be present on your
system to display text correctly. If the program is unable to
find the fonts it needs, some text may display poorly or in
unreadable fonts. (If you are using Windows 95, please also see
the section "Encyclopedia Text Is Illegible or Displays in Wing
Ding or Symbol Font" under "Troubleshooting for Windows 95"
below.)

If the encyclopedia cannot find the proper fonts, you may see
one of the following error messages after the introductory
screen:

  --"The following TrueType Fonts were not found: ..."
                    or
    "The following Fonts were not found: ..."

      To correct this problem, make a note of the missing font
      or fonts listed, then exit the encyclopedia program.

      If you are using Windows 95, click on the "Start" button,
      choose "Settings" and then "Control Panel". In the
      "Control Panel" window, double-click on the "Fonts" folder.
      Then from the "File" menu choose "Install New Font...".
      Then follow the instructions after the Windows 3.1 paragraph
      below.

      If you are using Windows 3.1, double-click on the
      Control Panel icon located in the Main group on the
      Windows desktop. In the Control Panel, double-click on the
      "Fonts" icon, and then click on the "Add ..." button.

      Move to the "\WINDOWS\SYSTEM" directory on your hard
      drive. A list of available fonts should appear; click on
      the font that was listed as missing in the error message
      and then click on the "OK" button. Then click on the
      "Close" or "Cancel" button; there is no need to restart
      Windows.

      If no list of fonts appears in "\WINDOWS\SYSTEM", consult
      your Windows documentation for assistance in loading
      Windows fonts.

  --"The TrueType Rasterize is NOT enabled. ..."

      If you are using Windows 3.1, to correct this problem,
      first exit the encyclopedia program. Then double-click on
      the "Control Panel" icon located in the "Main" group on the
      Windows desktop. In the "Control Panel", double-click on
      the "Fonts" icon, and then click on the "TrueType ..."
      button. Click in the check box "Enable TrueType Fonts" to
      place an "X" in the box. "Show Only TrueType Fonts in
      Applications" should NOT be checked. Click on the "OK"
      button. You must restart Windows for the change to take
      effect, so click on the "Restart Now" button.

2. Changing the MIDI Playback Device

The encyclopedia program automatically detects the MIDI device on
your system upon loading. To change the MIDI device used by the
encyclopedia, click on the "Help" button on the encyclopedia
program's control bar, and then click on the "Preferences" button.
Click on the "Sound & Media" tab, and then click on "Setup
MIDI Device ..." to manually select a MIDI device.

3. Boosting Performance

While it is possible to run the program directly from the CD,
performance will be sluggish because of the CD-ROM access time.
The encyclopedia runs best when installed on a hard drive using
the "medium" or "large" installation setting.

Turning off button sounds will also boost performance. To turn
off button sounds, click on the "Help" button on the
encyclopedia's control bar, choose "Preferences", choose the
"Sound & Media" tab, and then remove the "X" or checkmark from
the "Play sounds when buttons are clicked" checkbox.

4. Program Installed Successfully but Will Not Launch

You need to make two changes: First, locate the "PREFS.INI" file
in the  program directory on your hard drive. In the "[view]"
section, insert a semicolon (;) at the start of the line reading
"SplashFile=.\splash.spl". Next, go to the "[Prefs]" section and
change the line reading "ButtonSounds=1" to "ButtonSounds=0".
The encyclopedia should now launch successfully.


B. Troubleshooting for Windows 95

1. Movies Do Not Play: "Cannot find VIDS:CVID Decompressor"

To address this problem, click on the Windows 95 "Start" menu,
select "Settings", then select "Control Panel". In the resulting
window, double-click on the "Add/Remove Programs" icon, and then
click on the "Windows Setup" tab. Scroll down the list to
"Multimedia" and double-click on it. In the new list that
appears, scroll to "Video Compression" and make sure that the
box next to it is checked. Click on the "OK" button, and then
click on "OK" again.

When you change these settings, you may have to restart Windows
95 in order for the changes to take effect. Click on "Yes" if
you are offered this option.

2. Encyclopedia Text Is Illegible or Displays in Wing Ding or
Symbol Font

Certain Lotus or IBM products, such as Lotus Wordpro, install a
font that interferes with the fonts used by Windows 95. This
problem can be resolved by removing the Monotype Sorts Font
version 2.0 from your system.

To remove the font, click on the Windows 95 "Start" menu, select
"Settings", then select "Control Panel". In the resulting
window, double-click on the "Fonts" icon. In the resulting list
of fonts, find "Monotype Sorts Font" (sometimes listed as
"Mtsorts_.ttf") and remove it by dragging it into the Windows 95
recycle bin on your desktop.

3. Problems Reading CD

If you have trouble with your CD-ROM performance, the problem
may be solved by adjusting the cache settings on your CD-ROM
drive. To change these settings, click on the Windows 95 "Start"
menu, select "Settings", and then select "Control Panel". In the
resulting window, double-click on the "System" icon, and then
click on the "Performance" tab. Make sure that in the resulting
box both "File System" and "Virtual Memory" indicate "32-bit".
Click on the "File System ..." button, and then click on the
"CD-ROM" tab. Move the slider in the "Supplemental cache size"
setting all the way to "Large". Make sure that the contents of
the "Optimize access pattern for" box matches the speed of your
CD-ROM drive; for example, if you have a double-speed (2X)
CD-ROM drive, this box should read "Double-speed drives".

When you change these settings, you may have to restart Windows
95 in order for the changes to take effect. Click on "Yes" if
you are offered this option.

4. Optimizing Performance

To make sure your system is operating at its peak graphic
abilities, click on the Windows 95 "Start" menu, select
"Settings", and then select "Control Panel". In the resulting
window, double-click on the "System" icon, and then click on the
"Performance" tab. Click on the "Graphics ..." button. In the
resulting box, make sure the "Hardware acceleration" slider is
set all the way to "Full".

To make sure your hard drive is operating to its fullest
potential, click on the Windows 95 "Start" menu, select
"Settings", and then select "Control Panel". In the resulting
window, double-click on the "System" icon, and then click on the
"Performance" tab. Click on the "File System ..." button, and
then click on the "Hard Disk" tab. Make sure that "Typical role
of this machine" reads "Desktop computer". Also make sure that
the slider bar for "Read-ahead optimization" is all the way to
the right at "Full".

When you change these settings, you may have to restart Windows
95 in order for the changes to take effect. Click on "Yes" if
you are offered this option.

5. Locating Possible Conflicts

To find potential conflicts with your hardware that might be
causing problems with the encyclopedia, use the Windows 95
Device Manager. Click on the Windows 95 "Start" menu, select
"Settings", and then select "Control Panel". In the resulting
window, double-click on the "System" icon, and then click on the
"Device Manager" tab. In the resulting list, look for yellow
warning triangles with an exclamation point (!) in them. If you
find any such triangle, click once on the item to highlight it
and then click on the "Properties" button. Windows 95 will
display a dialog box that explains the status of that device.
Consult your Windows 95 or computer system documentation for more
information.

6. Working with the Windows 95 Taskbar

If you are using the "Always on Top" and "Auto Hide" settings
for the Windows 95 Taskbar, the Taskbar may obscure some of the
encyclopedia interface. To keep the Taskbar from appearing on top
of the encyclopedia program, turn off the "Always on Top" and
"Auto Hide" settings by clicking on the Windows 95 "Start"
button, then "Settings", then "Taskbar...".


C. Troubleshooting for Windows 3.1

1. "GPF in Module ???.DRV"

This type of error message is often related to the video driver
being used by Windows. It can often be resolved by changing the
video resolution to "640x480 with 256 colors".

An alternative is to use Microsoft's Super VGA video
drivers. These can be obtained from Microsoft.

2. "CDR-lOl" or "Not Ready Reading (CD-ROM drive)"

Error messages related to the computer's ability to read the CD
can often be resolved in one of the following ways:

      --Make sure that the CD is clean and free of scratches.
        CDs can be washed in warm water and dishwashing liquid.
        Scratched CDs should be replaced.

      --Don't cache the CD-ROM drive. If your computer is using
        DOS version 6.20 or later and the SMARTDRV caching
        driver, add a "/U" argument to the line that loads
        SMARTDRV in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. The line may appear
        as "C:\DOS\SMARTDRV.EXE /X /U". For more information on
        SMARTDRV, type "HELP SMARTDRV" at the DOS prompt.

      --Assign 20 buffers to reading the CD. This is done by
        setting the "/M:" argument on the MSCDEX line to 20. The
        line may appear as "C:\DOS\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001 /M:20".
        For more information on MSCDEX, type "HELP MSCDEX" at
        the DOS prompt.

3. Videos Do Not Play

Windows 3.1 usrs should ensure that Video for Windows is
installed. Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia includes
Video for Windows version 1.1e. This can be installed from the
Program Manager by opening the File menu and selecting "Run...".
In the "Command Line" box, type "D:\VFW11E\SETUP.EXE" and press
Enter. If your CD-ROM drive is not drive "D", substitute the
correct letter for your drive when you type this statement. For
instance, if your CD-ROM drive is drive "E", type
"E:\VFW11E\SETUP.EXE" and press Enter.

PLEASE NOTE: The Video for Windows software supplied on the
encyclopedia CD is for Windows 3.1 ONLY. Do not install it on a
Windows 95 system; Windows 95 already includes the necessary
Video for Windows software.


D. Accessing the Internet

To get the most out of this product's Internet features, we
recommend using Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer,
or America Online version 3.0. Compton's can launch any Web
browser or commercial online service you may have, but unless
one of these three programs is used, we cannot guarantee that we
will be able to take you to the proper places on the Internet.

Please make sure that your Web browser or online service is
properly and completely installed before you attempt to use the
Compton's Internet features. Additionally, you may need to make
sure that you have already established an Internet connection
via modem prior to trying to access the Internet through
Compton's. Consult the documentation that came with your
Internet software for information about this.

Specific details about using America Online, the "Other"
setting, and Prodigy Internet follow below.

1. Using America Online -- Versions Supported

At the time this product shipped, the most recent version of the
America Online software for Windows was version 3.0. The
Internet features of Compton's have been tested extensively and
successfully with version 3.0. This is the only version of
America Online that will work correctly with Compton's.

To use America Online version 3.0 with Compton's, select
"America Online" from the list of online applications in the
"Internet" section of the "Preferences" screen. Selecting
"Other" and then browsing to your America Online software will
NOT work properly; users with this setup may see America Online
open a text editor instead of launching to the desired Internet
site.

Users of America Online version 2.5 or earlier can obtain a free
upgrade to version 3.0; simply sign on to America Online and you
should be offered the chance to upgrade automatically.

Attempting to use Internet features in Compton's with America
Online version 2.5 can result in the following type of error
message: "WAOL caused a general protection fault in module
FILER ..."

America Online periodically upgrades their software, and they
may have done so since this product was shipped. There is a
strong possibility that America Online will not make the new
version backward compatible with version 3.0, and this could
cause problems when using America Online with this product.
Compton's will make every effort possible to provide an upgrade
solution if this should happen; consult our technical support
Web page as described in "Contacting Technical Support" below
for the most up to date information on this issue.

For technical support in using America Online, please call
1-800-827-3338.

2. Using America Online -- Making Sure Compton's Can Find Your
   America Online Software

If you install America Online version 3.0 onto your computer in
one location on your hard drive, and then later move the America
Online program files to a different location on your hard drive,
Compton's  will not be able to locate your America Online
software. To fix this, re-install America Online to the new
location on your hard drive.

For technical support in using America Online, please call
1-800-827-3338.

3. Using the "Other" setting

If you wish to use a program other than Netscape Navigator,
Microsoft Internet Explorer, or America Online version 3.0 to
connect to the Internet, you must pick "Other" from the list of
online applications in the "Internet" section of the
"Preferences" screen. You will then need to enter or browse to
the location of your online software on your hard drive. Consult
the on-disc help for more detailed instructions.

Please note: When the online application is set to "Other", the
Compton's program will not be able to take you directly to Web
sites or other Internet features. One option with browsers or
services of this type is to copy the Internet address listed in
Compton's to the Windows clipboard and then paste it into the
proper part of your online application.

4. Using Prodigy Internet -- Error message "Prodigy Internet is
   already running on your system"

If you have chosen "Other" as your online application and have
instructed Compton's to use Prodigy Internet, you may get this
error message when you click on an Internet link in Compton's.
To work around this, copy the desired Internet address in
Compton's to the Windows clipboard, open Prodigy Internet, paste
the copied text into the address field in Prodigy, and press
Enter.


III.  Contacting Technical Support
*********************************************************
We are here to assist you with any issues regarding this
product. The Learning Company Technical Support Center can be
reached via e-mail, U.S. mail, fax, or phone. Support is also
available on an electronic bulletin board system.

When contacting technical support, please provide as much
information as you can about your computer system and the
problem you are experiencing. Include your phone number so we
can reach you if we need more information.

Check our Web site, http://www.learningco.com, for answers to
frequently asked questions and other technical support
information.

E-mail us at [e-mail]. Reach The Learning Company
Bulletin Board System via modem at 423-670-2023.

Mail correspondence to:

      The Learning Company Technical Support Center
      9715 Parkside Drive
      Knoxville, TN  37922 USA
      Attn: Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia '98

Contact us by fax at 423-670-2021.

Call 423-670-2022 24 hours a day for automated technical
support. Call 423-670-2024 24 hours a day for fax-on-demand
solutions to common problems.

Call [phone] between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern
time, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), to speak to a
technical support agent. Please be at your computer when you
call.


IV. Other Important Information
*********************************************************

A. Reinstalling or Removing Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia

Under Windows 95

If you installed Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia under
Windows 95, the operating system can help you remove the program
and its associated files. From the "Start" menu, select
"Settings", and then "Control Panel". Then double-click on the
"Add/Remove Programs" icon. Follow the instructions in the
"Install/Uninstall" section to remove the encyclopedia.
Uninstalling the encyclopedia will not remove any files you may
have created yourself, such as bookmark lists or ShowMaker
shows.

Under Windows 3.1

Once you have installed the encyclopedia, you may use the
SETUP.EXE program to change the configuration or the location of
the encyclopedia files on your hard drive, or to remove the
program and its associated files from your system. To do so,
make sure your encyclopedia disc is in your CD-ROM drive, and
then use the Program Manager or the File Manager to launch the
SETUP.EXE program located on the CD-ROM. You will then be guided
through the available options. Uninstalling the encyclopedia
will not remove any files you may have created yourself, such as
bookmark lists or ShowMaker shows.