Westwood Studios Official Command & Conquer: Red Alert Frequently Asked Questions List Last Update: October 24th, 1997 Version 1.9 About this document.... This FAQ file contains information regarding Westwood Studios' newest Command & Conquer game, RED ALERT. Most of this information is not available in either the game manual or readme file. This FAQ is available from our web site (www.westwood.com). All information contained herein is copyright 1996-7 by Westwood Studios. You are allowed to distribute it freely, but not to make changes. (support@westwood.com) --- PART 1 : GENERAL INFORMATION ------------------------------------------- 1.1 What is Red Alert? 1.2 System Requirements. 1.3 Is this Command and Conquer 2? 1.4 When is the game going to be released in North America? Elsewhere? 1.5 Are there screenshots or maybe a Demo available to download? 1.6 Where are GDI and Nod? --- PART 2 : NEW FEATURES -------------------------------------------------- 2.1 What new units and structures are there? 2.2 What kind of missions are there? 2.3 How is the computer AI in comparison to C&C? 2.4 What new controls are there? 2.5 How do I set waypoints? 2.6 Are there any cheat codes? 2.7 Is there any kind of editor included? 2.8 The Engineer 2.9 The Spy 2.10 The Chronosphere ---PART 3: MULTI-PLAYER OPTIONS--------------------------------------------- 3.1 Can I play Command & Conquer against a friend? 3.2 What kind of Internet support is there? 3.3 What is Westwood Online? 3.4 Can DOS and Wind95 play together? 3.5 How many players, IPX, modem, null modem? 3.6 Does the AI build bases in multiplayer games? 3.7 What is "skirmish" mode? 3.8 Are the crates back? --- PART 4 : TROUBLESHOOTING ----------------------------------------------- 4.1 Read Me First! 4.2 What is DirectX? 4.3 Video Card Problems 4.4 Sound Card Problems 4.5 DirectX STILL doesn't work for me! 4.6 DOS and Win95 LAN connection 4.7 DOS and Win95 saved games 4.8 Does Red Alert work with Windows NT or OS/2? 4.9 "Letterbox Screen" Effect 4.10 Crash on the score screen 4.11 Help! My units are stuck in a wall! 4.12 The game keeps asking me to insert the CD when it is already there! 4.13 ESS Audiocard problems 4.14 The use of unofficial editor programs 4.15 Primary Video Buffer Allocation error 4.16 Internet play connection problems. 4.17 "8MB free space required" error message (DOS version only) --- PART 5 : GETTING MORE INFO --------------------------------------------- 5.1 How to Order Red Alert. 5.2 Contacting Westwood Studios directly. 5.3 Our Internet WWW and ftp sites. --- PART 6 : REVISION HISTORY ---------------------------------------------- --- PART 7 : IN THE FUTURE ------------------------------------------------- 7.1 When is C&C2: Tiberian Sun going to be released? 7.2 What is Counterstrike? 7.3 What is Aftermath? **************************************************************************** ** GENERAL INFORMATION ***************************************************** **************************************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.1 WHAT IS RED ALERT? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Red Alert is a real-time strategy-combat game developed by Westwood Studios, the creators of DUNE II and the original COMMAND & CONQUER: TIBERIAN DAWN; Red Alert is a prequel to the latter game. The Press Release : With the release of Command & Conquer last year, Westwood Studios broke new ground in the computer real-time strategy genre. C&C has been heralded as one of the year's best, selling over 1 million copies to date worldwide. Thousands of people challenge each other daily, with the war raging over phone lines and Internet as all strive for supremacy over their peers. Now, Westwood Studios prepares to once again re-define the real-time strategy game with Command & Conquer: Red Alert. The prequel to C&C, Red Alert probes deeper into the mystery of the C&C universe, giving the player all new strategies and elements to further their conquests in solo, LAN, and modem play. At least, not the way we think of it. Hitler never rose to power and threatened all of Europe - something more terrible happened: Joseph Stalin. The Soviet empire is storming into Europe. Towns are falling and countries collapsing before the overwhelming might of the Soviet forces. Does anyone stand a chance, or will the red storm engulf all of Europe? New Features for Red Alert include : Enhanced AI - The computer is smarter than ever! Base construction and management are the smallest of the enhancements. New settings will allow the player to set the difficulty of the opponent they want. New Units & Structures - Thieves, Medics, Attack dogs, Spies, Land mines, Tesla Coils, Mobile Radar Jammers, Saboteurs, Destroyers, Cruisers, Bombers, Paratroopers, and Submarines... to name just a few. We won't even hint at what the Chronosphere and Gap Generators do. Improved unit control - Complete control over air, land and sea. Formations control for those with specific tactics in mind, and waypoint plotting for all those that want units to get to their destination in a certain way. Enhanced Multiplay - New Internet head-to-head and 8 Player IPX multiplay. Improved chat interface that allows for longer messages and more transmission of information to the player. New setup options make starting a game even faster. Skirmish Mode - Want a little practice? Take on one to five computer opponents in a solo Multi-player game. Detailed, interweaving story-line - an Allied and a Soviet path through the game with 13+ missions per path. A large cast of characters, including Stalin and Einstein, brings it all to life, drawing you into the C&C universe. Play in standard VGA and Super VGA screen modes with detailed graphics like you have never seen before! Add to this the superb 3D cinematics and audio that people expect from Westwood Studios, and the result is obvious - A game so addicting you'll swear the history books are wrong. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Red Alert will be released in both a DOS version and a Windows 95 version, both of which are included in each box on 2 CDs. ** DOS VERSION: MS-DOS 5.0 or higher 486 DX2/66 or higher Double Speed CD-ROM 8MB RAM 30MB of free HD Space VGA compatible video card (320x200 with 256 colors) Keyboard & Mouse 100% Sound Blaster compatible sound card. (Gravis Ultrasound, Ultrasound Max, ESS Audiodrive, Ensoniq Soundscape, Roland RAP-10, Gold Sound Standard, Pro Audio Spectrum, Microsoft Sound System) Multiplayer Requirements: * 2-8 Players over IPX compatible network * 2 Players over Null modem cable * 2 Players over minimum 14.4 baud modem * SORRY, the DOS version does not support SVGA. ** WINDOWS 95 VERSION : Pentium Required Windows 95 Required 8MB RAM (16 recommended) 30 MB HD space Double-Speed CDROM 1MB Local BUS video card with MS DirectDraw compatibility. Sound Card: Sound Blaster (all models), ESS: 488, 688, 1488, 1688 Mediavision (most models), Aztech: Nova 16, Washington 16, Rocky 2 or any Microsoft DirectSound supported card Keyboard & 100% Microsoft Compatible Mouse Multiplayer requirements: * 2 players over Winsock 1.1 compliant Winsock stack (requires ISP connection over 28.8 baud modem or direct Internet connection such as ISDN or T1). * 2-8 players over IPX compatible Network * 2 players over null-modem cable * 2 players over minimum 14.4 baud modem ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.3 Is this Command & Conquer 2? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Red Alert is commonly mistaken for Command & Conquer 2: Tiberian Sun. C&C 2 will be out early in 1998. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.4 When will Red Alert be released? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Red Alert is available now! Thanks to everyone for making Red Alert one of the best selling computer games of all time (4 million copies and counting!) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.5 Is there a demo or screenshots available? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- There is no demo available yet to download. There should soon be a demo available via various magazine cover-disks: be sure to keep an eye out for them. We do have movie files, plenty of screenshots, and music from the game available at our website : http://www.redalert.net ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.6 Hey! Where are GDI and the Brotherhood of Nod? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Red Alert takes place early in the history of the alternate Earth where the Command and Conquer saga takes place. At that time, GDI was not yet formed, and Nod was still hiding in the shadows. Red Alert will show you the beginnings of these two powers. In addition, the mineral Tiberium has not yet been discovered, so the wars and technology surrounding that mysterious substance are not yet around. **************************************************************************** ** NEW FEATURES *********************************************************** **************************************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.1 What new units and structures are there? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lots! There are many new units and structures in the game such as Badger Bombers, Mine Layers and the Chronosphere, and a few that will be familiar to C&C players like the Mammoth Tank, Artillery and Barracks. Also new for Red Alert is the addition of several naval units, so you can take the battles to the high seas. As with C&C, each side has different units, strengths and weaknesses, so strategies will vary. Check the quick-reference cards included with the game for unit types and info for both sides. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.2 What kind of missions are there? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are many different styles of missions in Red Alert - protection, assassination, sabotage, search and rescue, etc. Also new for Red Alert is the addition of timed missions - you need to be quick to finish the objective before time runs out! - and multiple mission goals. To help you out, EVA will state your goal periodically on screen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.3 How is the computer artificial intelligence compared to C&C? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The AI has been enhanced since its C&C days. It will now use all of its options to the fullest. In multiplayer games and Skirmish mode, the AI players will build bases, form alliances, and will generally make your life difficult. Don't think that your tried and true Command and Conquer strategies will work here! For those that find the AI a little TOO tough, there are 3 difficulty level settings to choose from. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.4 What new controls are there? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are many new ways to control your units. You can still use the group hot-keys and map bookmarks that were in Command & Conquer. In addition, you can now keep your groups in formation, so that keeping those grenadiers or rocket troops behind the tanks is a snap. Air units can now be selected in the air, for ease of control. And for those that want their units to follow a specific route, you can now set way-points for each unit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.5 How do I set Waypoints? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Waypoints are set using the "Q" key. You will not see the waypoints appear on the map, but your unit(s) will begin following the path you set immediately. You can set up to 10 waypoints per unit/group. For other command keys, see the Red Alert manual or README file. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.6 Are there any cheat codes? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are as many cheat codes in Red Alert as there were in C&C - that is to say, none at all. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.7 Is there any kind of editor included? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes! Red Alert will include a Terrain Editor, which can be used to create your own multiplayer maps. The maps can now be twice as large as they were in C&C. With some creativity, you need never run out of terrain to battle your friends! You can find help and tips for the terrain editor on our web site at http://www.westwood.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.8 The Engineer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The engineers in Red Alert work a little differently than they did in Command and Conquer. Engineers have three uses now: 1) Capture: To capture an enemy structure, you must first damage that structure into the red before sending your engineer in. If the structure is damaged enough, the engineer's 'enter' cursor will be green. Otherwise, you will only damage the structure. 2) Damage: You can damage an enemy structure by running an engineer into it. The engineer's 'enter' cursor will be red. It may take several engineers to damage the structure enough for a capture. 3) Repair: An engineer's cursor will change to a green wrench if you place it over one of your own structures that has been damaged. If you send the engineer to that structure, he will heal it to full. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.9 The Spy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Allied Spy has many functions. To the other player, the spy will appear as an infantry unit of his own color. The only indication that the opponent will have that the unit is a spy is the fact that it cannot be selected. Because of this, the spy is effectively invisible to all units, with the exception of the attack dog, which will attack them on sight. While the spy is useful in scouting out your opponent's base, it can also give you a lot of useful information, depending on which of your enemies' structures you send it into. 1) Production Facility (Construction Yard, Barracks, War Factory): If one of these is infiltrated, clicking on the structure will tell you what unit/structure is currently in production. 2) Sub Pen: Infiltrating this structure places the Sonar Pulse icon on your scrollbar. When ready, it will temporarily reveal the positions of all enemy subs on the map. 3) Refinery/Silo: Infiltrating this structure will tell you how many credits the enemy has when you click on it. 4) Radar Dome: Infiltrating this structure has two effects. First, you can track all of the enemy's units as if you had his radar, and his visible portions of the map will also be visible to you. Second, if you are in a multiplayer game, you will be able to see all of the messages your enemy sends and receives. If the structure your spy has infiltrated is sold by your opponent, your spy will emerge along with the other riflemen, and you can use him to infiltrate another structure (if he isn't caught). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.10 The Chronosphere ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The allied structure called the Chronosphere manipulates time such that it is possible to teleport units across the map for a limited amount of time. To use the Chronosphere: 1) Click the Chronosphere icon on the sidebar. 2) Click on the unit that you want to teleport (the cursor will then change shape) 3) Click on the map at the location you want the unit to teleport to. Note that you CANNOT teleport infantry - if you do, they die a horrible death, even if placed in a transport or APC. Also, over-using the Chronosphere can cause the dreaded Time Vortex, so be careful. **************************************************************************** ** MULTIPLAYER OPTIONS ***************************************************** **************************************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.1 Can I play RED ALERT against a friend? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes! Westwood has built lots of multiplayer support into Red Alert. Get ready to face battles with generals via the Internet (Win95 version only), IPX network, modem, or direct connection via null-modem. As with C&C, each copy of Red Alert comes with two CDs, so that you can loan one to a friend for instant multiplayer action. Each player must have one of the Red Alert CD-ROM's in their system before play can begin. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.2 What kind of Internet support is there? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the most exciting additions is our built-in Internet support for the Windows 95 version of Red Alert which allows you to go head-to-head against people all over the world. This is all done through our Westwood Online service. Because Westwood Online and Red Alert are tightly integrated, starting a game is as easy as clicking a button! We'll let everyone know when any arrangements have been made with other multi-player services. Westwood does not test with IPX emulators such as KALI and KAHN, but for those people who cannot run the Windows 95 version, you may want to check them out. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.3 What is Westwood Online? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Westwood Online is an IRC server designed specifically to allow players to meet and play games via the Internet. Westwood Online has been in service for over a year, playing host to thousands of Monopoly games. Westwood Online is constantly updated to provide for new game releases (such as Red Alert and Command & Conquer Gold) and to provide a great place to meet friends and have a good time. How can I join you ask? All you need to do is visit the web site at http://www.westwood.com/wchome and download the client software. Follow the instructions, and soon you too will be member of Club Westwood! Westwood Online requires Windows 95. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.3 Can DOS and Windows 95 play together? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The DOS and Windows 95 versions of Red Alert are compatible for modem head-to-head, IPX network, and null modem connections. Internet connections are available only in the Windows 95 version. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.5 How many players, IPX, modem, null modem? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internet, modem, and null modem connections support 2 players head-to-head. IPX network connections support up to 8 players. All connection types can add AI players up to a total of 8. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.6 Does the AI build bases in multiplayer games? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes! The AI will now build a base, and use every trick it knows to grind you into the dirt. The computer is no longer the pushover it used to be. You can ally with your human companion against the computer, or go at it no holds barred. Rest assured, the computer players just might gang up on you! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.7 What is "skirmish" mode? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skirmish mode is a way for you to practice multiplayer games against AI opponents. You can play on any of the multiplayer maps with all of the same options that are in the multiplayer game setup (tech level, ore re-growth, starting units, etc.) You can then add 1 to 7 AI players, and set the difficulty level. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.8 Are the crates back? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes! The crates are back for multiplayer games! The following crates are available in Red Alert: Armor ........... Armor of nearby objects increased Darkness ........ Cloak entire radar map Explosion ....... High explosive hits nearby objects Firepower ....... Firepower of nearby objects increased Heal All ........ All buildings and units are healed to full strength ICBM ............ Nuke missile appears in scrollbar, one time shot Money ........... Player gets random amount of cash Napalm .......... Fire explosion hits nearby objects ParaBomb ........ Para-bomb raid appears in scrollbar, one time shot Reveal .......... Reveal entire radar map Sonar ........... Sonar Pulse appears in scrollbar, one time shot Speed ........... Speed of nearby objects increased Squad ........... Squad of random infantry Unit* ........... Random vehicle* Invulnerability . Invulnerability (as Iron Curtain) Time Quake ...... Time Quake affects area * As with C&C, if you have no structures left and have enough credits to buy a Power Plant and an Ore Refinery, you have an good chance of getting an MCV in your next crate. **************************************************************************** ** TROUBLESHOOTING ********************************************************* **************************************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.1 READ ME FIRST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Included on both Red Alert CD's, and installed to your hard drive is a file called README.TXT. This file contains important information for both troubleshooting and gameplay. Please check the README.TXT file before writing mail, as your question is probably covered there. If your question isn't covered by the README.TXT file, or by this FAQ, you may write us mail at support@westwood.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.2 What is DirectX? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- DirectX is a set of drivers used for Windows 95 and Windows NT which allow for the easy setup of hardware devices. If your hardware devices support DirectX (and most do) you can play any DirectX compatible program without fear of having to go through a tedious setup process. Red Alert contains the newest version of DirectX - 3.0. Red Alert uses only the DirectDraw (for video) and DirectSound (for sound cards) portions of the DirectX set. To be fully compatible with DirectX, you must have certified drivers. To check if your drivers are certified, you can run the DirectX setup program from the CD in the following directory: D:\DEXSETUP\DIRECTX\DXSETUP.EXE (Where D is your CDROM drive) This will open a window showing your current driver sets. ALL of the drivers must have the word CERTIFIED in the right column for your hardware to work correctly with the DirectX drivers. If you do not see a certified label next to a driver, contact the manufacturer of the device for updated drivers that are DirectX 3.0 compatible. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.3 Video Card Problems ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Most Video card problems are caused by drivers that are not DirectX certified (see above). If you get a blank screen or an error message when you run the game, try reinstalling DirectX from the Red Alert CD and rebooting. If you still get a blank screen or error message, your video drivers are likely not compatible with DirectX. Contact Microsoft, or the manufacturer of your video card. There is a comprehensive listing of video card manufacturer's web sites at : http://www.windows95.com/drivers/video.html Other things you can try: 1) Change your resolution: We suggest 640x480 or 800x600. Some video cards will cause problems in the game if you set it to 1024x768 or higher. 2) Colors: With some cards, having the color amount set above 256 can cause problems in the game. Try lowering the amount of colors on your desktop. 3) Bus Mastering: Some video card (especially Matrox cards) have this feature. disabling it will sometimes fix 'black screen' problems. Some video cards, particularly those using the S3 Virge or ET6000 chipset seem to cause problems in the game when the "Back buffer in video memory" option is turned on. If you experience a "smearing" effect on the radar or game maps when playing, turn this option OFF in the setup. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.4 Sound Card Problems ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- DirectX related sound card problems include stuttering sound and pauses. Incompatible sound card drivers can sometimes affect the video playback as well. A full listing of sound card drivers can be found at : http://www.windows95.com/drivers/sound.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.5 DirectX STILL doesn't work for me! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you absolutely cannot get DirectX 3.0 to work for you, even after installing new drivers from your sound and video card manufacturers, then there is something else you can try. Many users have reported that the DirectX 2.0 version will work with Red Alert, and virtually every device on the market now supports the 2.0. We warn you that this has not been tested by Westwood, and should only be used as a final resort. You can download the DirectX 2.0 drivers from the Microsoft web site: http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/ieadd/00000.htm Remember, the game will run optimally with the 3.0 version and updated drivers. Use the 2.0 version at your own risk. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.6 DOS and Win95 LAN Connection ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The DOS and Win95 versions of Red Alert are fully compatible in an IPX LAN environment. In some cases, you may find that your DOS machine will not see your Win95 machine in the multiplayer setup, and vice-versa. Try the following to correct this problem (thanks to Tom Wright for these tips!) 1) On the DOS machine, you must run LSL, your card driver, and the IPXODI protocol. 2) On the Win95 machine, make sure you are running the Client for MS Networks, your card driver, and the IPX/SPX protocol. 3) You will need to adjust the Win95 machine to see DOS. To do this: a) Open the Network Icon in the control panel. b) Select the properties for the IPX/SPX protocol in the list. c) Select Advanced. d) Change the default of AUTO to the Frame type used by your DOS machines (this is generally stated when you load the card driver on the DOS side). e) Hit OK, until Windows asks you to restart. f) It is suggested to turn off the machine and restart it to reinitialize the net card. 4) Run the game on the DOS machine, then the Win95 machine, and it should connect. 5) Have fun! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.7 DOS and Win95 Savegames ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOS and Windows 95 version savegames are NOT interchangeable - they will only work with their respective versions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.8 Does Red Alert work with Windows NT or OS/2? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Westwood Studios does not test or support games under Windows NT or OS/2. From user feedback, the Win95 version does not work with either operating system. The DOS version seems to work fine on OS/2. The DOS version seems to run on NT, but will not support sound or multiplayer functions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.9 "Letterbox Screen" Effect ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some monitors/video cards do not automatically adjust to the resolution of the game. When this is the case, the game can appear to have large black gaps at the top and bottom of the screen, similar to letterbox format in some videos. The only cure for this, short of a new monitor, is to manually adjust (stretch vertically) the picture until it fills the screen. Some monitors will remember the setting after manually adjusting it the first time, others won't. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.10 Crash on the score screen ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a known bug, which was fixed in the 1.08 patch, and in Counterstrike or Aftermath. Until then, you can usually get past it by saving your game about half way through the mission. If the game crashes on the score screen, exit the game and restart then load the mission. The game should not crash a second time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.11 Help! My units are stuck in a wall! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- In some cases, units can become stuck in a wall, or in the terrain (cliffs, water, etc.) If they are stuck in a wall, you can destroy the wall to release them. If it is a terrain feature, you can select them and hit the scatter ('X') key to dislodge them. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.12 The game keeps asking me to insert the CD when it is already there! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This can be caused be a few things. Also related to this problem are the so called "hall of mirrors" effect (a black map with only the units visible; when they move, they leave a trail of after images) and the "black screen/please stand by" lockup. The possible causes of these problems are: 1) The CD is dirty, scratched, or bad. Clean or replace the CD. 2) The CDROM drive is dirty or faulty. If you can get a directory of the CD, it is probably not a defective drive. 3) You are using Windows 95 Powertools, such as FlexiCD, QuickCD, etc. Be sure to disable ALL Powertools and Tweaks before running the game. 4) You are using a 16bit driver for your CDROM drive. Windows 95 gives the best CDROM performance when you use a 32bit CDROM driver. To check this, go to CONTROL PANEL/SYSTEM/DEVICE MANAGER. Open the properties for your CDROM drive. If the status Window mentions MSDOS emulation, you are using a 16bit driver. To fix this, open your CONFIG.SYS file to see if you are using an old DOS CD driver. It will look something like this: DEVICE=C:\CD\VIDE-CDD.SYS /D:MSCD001 REM this line out, and reboot your machine. Your CDROM should still be accessable in Windows, though it may not be available in DOS mode. If your CDROM drive is NOT accessable in Windows, you may have to run the "install new hardware" wizard to get Windows to recognize it. It this fails, your drive may not be supported by the Windows drivers, in which case, you may be able to find a 32bit driver by contacting your CDROM manufacturer. Otherwise, you can take the REM out and return your machine to the original configuration. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.13 ESS Audiocard problems ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are several models of the ESS audiocards that are not compatible with DirectX, but there is a way to get around the problem. The easiest and best thing to do is to get the Newest AudioDrive drivers and Media Pilot (version 4.2 or higher) From Compaq. You can also do the following: 1) Open the SYSTEM icon in the control panel. 2) In device manager, open the sound devices. Remove your ESS card from the system. 3) Close the device manager. 4) Open the Add New Hardware icon. Choose manual (don't let Windows scan). 5) In the Hardware Type box, choose f, Video and Game controllers, then click next. 6) In the Manufacturer's box, click ESS Technology, Inc. 7) In the models box, click ESS ES688 AudioDrive (no matter what model you have), and click next. 8) Click next to accept default settings. 9) Click finish. 10) Click yes to restart. This should work for most models of ESS cards. If it doesn't, you will have to contact Compaq or ESS Technology for drivers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.14 The use of unofficial editor programs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Westwood Studios does not condone the use of unofficial editor programs in Red Alert, including the RULES.INI file. If you use these files, you do so at your own risk - Westwood and EA tech support will not help with problems caused by them. Among other things, these files are known to cause the following problems: 1) 'Wrong version' error in multiplayer games. 2) 'Out of sync' errors in multiplayer games. 3) Soviet subs as well as other units refuse to fire. If you experience any of these, remove the RULES.INI file from the RedAlert directory, or reinstall the game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.15 Primary Video Buffer Allocation error ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This error is addressed in the Red Alert readme file, but many people are missing it, so it will be repeated here. The "unable to allocate primary video buffer" error is caused by one of two things: 1) The DirectX drivers were not installed correctly. Run DXSETUP.EXE from the Red Alert CD to reinstall. 2) Your video card drivers are not compatible with DirectX. You will need to contact the manufacturer of your video card and download new drivers that are DirectX 3.0 certified. This error can also sometimes occur even with certified drivers if you are running Windows 95 in a very high resolution (higher than 800x600). If you have problems with 1024x768 resolution or higher, try dropping to 800x600. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.16 Internet play connection problems. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some people are having problems connecting Red Alert over the Internet: when they try to start a game, it hangs at the "Connecting" screen. There are a few things you can try: 1) Start Red Alert before starting WOL. With the game running in the background, it leaves less time that the connection has to wait before establishing itself. It is also best if your opponent does the same. 2) Make sure your modem is listed BY NAME in the Device Manager. If it is listed as 'standard serial modem', try reinstalling the modem with the correct name and drivers. 3) If possible, get the IP address of your opponent, and PING him before starting the game. If the PING time is much over 400ms, you will likely have a hard time connecting. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.17 "8MB free space required" error message (DOS version only) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This message is a generic message meaning you need more space free on your hard drive to accomodate the temporary swap file for the game. As a rule of thumb, you should have at least 25 to 30MB free on your drive to run Red Alert, more if you use a drive compression program such as Stacker or DriveSpace. **************************************************************************** ** GETTING HELP / ORDERING INFORMATION ************************************* **************************************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.1 What is the purchase price/How can I order Red Alert? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The price of Red Alert varies depending on the package you buy. For current pricing, check call one of the numbers below, or check with your favorite retail outlet. In the United States, call..................1-800-874-4607 Everywhere else.............................1-303-739-4041 You can also purchase it via the Westwood Studios web site at http://www.westwood.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.2 How to contact Westwood Studios ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can contact Westwood Studios at : http://www.westwood.com/techsupport/ For other help, visit the support section of our web site. --------------------------------------------------------------------------* 5.3 Westwood FTP / WWW site. --------------------------------------------------------------------------* You can get to our web site at : http://www.westwood.com Or our FTP site at : http://ftp.westwood.com **************************************************************************** ** REVISION HISTORY ******************************************************** **************************************************************************** Version 1.04 - The original version of Red Alert Version 1.07 - Counterstrike install version 1) Advanced modem setup options 2) Enhanced Internet play 3) Modem/Network save game capability 4) Bug fixes for score-screen lockup and other problems Version 1.08 - Now available via patch file or auto-update from WOL 1) All Counterstrike enhancements for those without the add-on disk. 2) Mission difficulty settings for Counterstrike 3) Slow unit build option for Internet play Version 2.00 - Aftermath version. Includes: 1) All enhancements from prior versions 2) Seven new units for multiplayer and solo play 3) Several multiplayer enhancements to gameplay (see Aftermath readme.txt file for more details) **************************************************************************** ** IN THE FUTURE *********************************************************** **************************************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7.1 When will "Command & Conquer II: Tiberian Sun" be released? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- There is no official date set yet, but we expect to release it some time in 1998-9. As soon as details are available about the game, we will let everyone know through the Westwood Studios WEB site. Tiberian Sun is an entirely new game, not a data disk for C&C:Tiberian Dawn. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7.2 What is Counterstrike? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Counterstrike is the add-on mission disk for Red Alert. It contains the following features: * 16 new solo missions from the original designers * Over 100 new multiplayer maps * New units, including Tesla Tanks, Wonder Dogs and Superjets (Available only in the solo missions) * The key to unlock the secret Ant missions! * New nuclear technology (available only in the solo missions) * 8 new songs (both in-game, and Redbook Audio) * Play the new missions in any order * Red Alert theme pack (MS Plus! Pack required for full use) It is available in stores everywhere, or order it from the web store (www.westwood.com) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7.2 What is The Aftermath? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aftermath is the second add-on mission disk for Red Alert. It contains the following features: * 7 New Units playable in both solo play missions and multiplayer games * 18 all-new solo missions * 100 new multiplayer maps * Specially-designed maps for 2 and 4 player multiplayer matches * Larger size multiplayer MEGA maps * 8 new in-game battlesongs expanding the Red Alert soundtrack to 35 tracks! * Play the new missions in any order * Red Alert theme pack (MS Plus! Pack required for full use) The new units and mega-maps require both players to have Aftermath installed and in the drive. Aftermath players can use the new multiplayer maps with other Red Alert and Counterstrike players without both players needing the Aftermath CD. Please note that because Aftermath makes large changes to the Red Alert code, the Aftermath CD must replace all other CDs when used for a multiplayer game (including Skirmish mode). It is available in stores everywhere, or order it from the web store (www.westwood.com) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- END OF DOCUMENT 10/28/96 -PP