Q. I get an out of memory error when I run the program. Can
this be avoided?
A. You can get this error if the CD is not inserted properly or has not had time
to spin up to speed. This can also happen with machines that only have 8 Meg
RAM. The problem can be caused by several things. Is there another program
running at the same time? This could be a virus checker or simply odd windows
left open such as file manager or windows explorer.
Q. I am having sound problems. What should I do?
A. If you experience any problems with the sound or video then it was probably
not set up fully when windows was installed. You will need to repeat the windows
installation making sure that you ask it to install all the multimedia
facilities. In windows 95 this can be done using the control panel.
Q. Can I move the task bar out of the way in Windows 95?
A. If the task bar does not minimise itself at the bottom of the page then some
settings need a change. Click on START then SETTINGS then TASKBAR there is now a
form to be filled in. There should be a mark beside TASKBAR OPTIONS and if there
is a blank small check box then click on this. When you move the mouse near the
bottom of the screen you get the taskbar reappearing.
Q. I am having problems with poor quality pictures and unexpected colour
changes.
A. This is normally due to windows not being set up to show true colours. In Win
95 you can check this by going to the control panel and clicking on display then
on the settings tab. On the left is a box indicating how many colours can be
shown. Change this to any setting greater than the 256 colours e.g. 16 million
colours. You will need to restart the computer after this change. The results
should be worth it.
This is a common problem since Windows 95 tends to default to 256 colours when
it is installed. In windows 3.1 there is an icon called Set-up in the main
window. Clicking on this will allow you to change the display drivers. You will
normally need the disk that was provided with your graphics card in order to
change the performance to the best possible. Choose a graphics driver that
supports true colour or any number of colours greater than 256. You will have to
re start your computer after this change.
Q. I am having problems installing the program . I get a conflict message.
A. If you get a problem during installation which says that it can't finish
because of a conflict with a program that is running then try the following:-
1. Press alt and Tab together. This should show an icon for each of the programs
that is running. Close each application in turn. Now try to install The energy
House.
2. If the above does not help then check whether there is a virus checker
working. This type of program often has small programs running in the
background. Switch off the virus checker and try again. Don't forget to start it
again as soon as you have finished the installation.
3. If you still have problems then in Windows '95' try pressing Ctrl alt and
delete at the same time. After a short time a window should appear which lists
all the programs and routines that are running.
This normally contains Explorer, Findfast, Watchdog, Rundlg. These should not be
stopped. Any other entries might be the cause of the problem. One by one try
clicking on the title of an entry and then clicking on 'End Task'.
After each program removed try to install the Energy House again. Do not
re-start the computer before trying the installation.
Once The energy house is installed then you will not need to do this again.
Q. Can I run the program on a network.
A. Provided you have purchased the multi-user version then the energy house will
run on a network. If the windows files are being kept on each station rather
than taken from the server then you will need to install the program on each
station individually.
If each workstation draws its windows files direct from the server then it need
only be installed once on the server.
If you choose to copy the entire disc to a hard disc on the server this will of
course speed up execution. NB. If this is done then the CD must either be copied
to a root directory or a new drive must be mapped to the directory where it is
installed. There are many different configurations for networks and you may have
to consult your network manager to get a full multi-user setup.
If you have problems with the loader program not finding the CD then you can run
the program directly from the CD. Single click on the energy house icon. In
windows 95 if you now click the right mouse button you can choose properties
then the shortcut tab. RM networks are sometimes a problem and RM themselves may
need to be contacted since the problem lies with the way the network is
installed.
Q I have bought the single user version and I want to upgrade to a full site
licence can this be done?
A. Yes. Simply pay for the difference in cost of the 2 versions (£40). Send a
cheque for this amount and we will update our records to show which version you
have and also sent a receipt as proof.
Q Why is the domestic user cheaper than the school single user version?
A. This is because the school will use the program with many individuals one at
a time while a domestic user will only have 1 or 2 users. In total.
Q I am not in the UK. Can I get a trial version for a school?
A. Sometimes this is possible. The problem is the cost of postage and packing.
If you will refund the cost of postage if you return the disc then this can
sometimes be arranged. Try us and see.
Q. I need more than 1 copy of the CD.
A. Purchasers of the site licence can purchase additional copies of the CD at £10
each + P&P at cost.
Q. How can I run the program simultaneously on many machines which are not
networked?
A. Buy a site licence for the school and then several additional CD's.
Alternatively you can down load the full CD onto the hard disc of each machine
provided there is about 350Mb of free disc space. This takes time to do but the
program runs much faster this way. NB. If this is done then the CD must either
be copied to a root directory or a new drive must be mapped to the directory
where it is installed.
Q. Active Forces does not install and I get the message cannot
find setup.lst
A. This problem is usually caused by having the wrong CD
drivers installed on your computer. Active Forces uses 650 Mbytes of the CD and
if you have installed a windows generic CD drive it does not recognise all this
disc. The answer is to go to control panel then system and click on the icon for
the CD. You should then install the CD driver that came with your computer or CD
player.
Please E mail any other useful comments or points you have discovered and they
can be included on this page E-mail
to:-enquiries@active-education.co.uk
