COMMAND & CONQUER: RED ALERT
Copyright (c) 1996 WESTWOOD STUDIOS, INC. All rights reserved
Command & Conquer, Command & Conquer: Red Alert and
Westwood Studios are trademarks of Westwood Studios, Inc.
November 9 1996
For latest goodies, news and updates visit WWW.WESTWOOD.COM
============================================================================
Contents:
1. DOS
1.1. Autodetection of Sound Cards
1.2. Sound Card Troubleshooting
1.2.1. Creative Labs - Soundblaster 1.0/1.5 card
1.2.2. Soundblaster Compatible Cards
1.2.3. Compaq Computers
1.2.4. Sound Galaxy Basic 16
1.2.5. ESS AudioDrive
1.2.6. Adlib Gold
1.2.7. Golden Sound Pro 16
1.2.8. Gravis Ultrasound
1.3. Modem Play
1.3.1. Initialization Strings
1.3.2. Modem Performance Hints
1.3.3. 486 Machines With External Modems
1.3.4. Plug and Play Modems
1.3.5. Modem initialization problems
1.4. Network Play
1.4.1. Homogeneous Environment
1.4.2. MSIPX.COM
2. DOS box under Windows 95
2.1. Running C&C:RA in a Windows 95 DOS box
2.2. Improving movie playback performance
2.3. Autodetecting Soundcards in a Windows 95 DOS box
2.4. Microsoft Natural Keyboard
2.5. Running DOS setup
3. Windows 3.XX
3.1. Launching C&C:RA
3.2. Westwood Chat
4. Windows 95
4.1. Microsoft DirectX
4.2. Known video card problems
4.2.1. S3 TRIO video cards
4.2.2. Screen distorts after installing Microsoft DirectX
4.2.3. Unable to allocate primary video buffer
4.3. Network Drivers
4.3.1. Novell Client32
4.3.2. THIPX32 DLL
4.4. Uninstalling Red Alert
4.5. Virtual Memory Settings
4.6. Microsoft PowerToys
5. General Troubleshooting
5.1. CD-changers and multi-drives
5.2. Microsoft Home Mouse and Natural Keyboard
6. Game updates and patches
7. General Gameplay Information
7.1. Multiplay Notes
7.1.1. Multiplay Tech Levels
7.1.2. Multiplay Map Size Descriptions
============================================================================
1. DOS
1.1. Autodetection of Sound Cards
The DOS version of C&C:RA will attempt to autodetect your sound card.
Because of the vast number of machine configurations possible on PC's,
C&C:RA may not autodetect your sound card correctly. For this reason
you should treat the detected card as a suggestion only. If you know
that the detected card is definitely wrong you can override the
selection and pick the correct card from the SETUP program.
If you select a sound card that is not present in your machine, your
machine may lock-up, or the sound card may stop responding. Either of
these situations may be corrected by simply turning off the computer,
waiting 15 seconds and then turning it back on.
1.2. Sound Card Troubleshooting
Here are some hints and tips for specific sound cards found
while testing C&C:RA under DOS.
1.2.1. Creative Labs - Soundblaster 1.0/1.5 card
These early Soundblaster cards do not support some of
the features which are built into later versions of the
card. This may result in lower audio quality on
these cards.
1.2.2. Soundblaster Compatible Cards
The Soundblaster code in C&C:RA is written for 100%
Soundblaster compatible sound cards made by Creative Labs.
If you have a Soundblaster compatible sound card from
another manufacturer you may experience stuttering or
popping in the sound, or even no sound at all.
If you are unsure of the correct Port, IRQ and DMA settings
for your Soundblaster compatible card, try typing SET from
the DOS prompt. If your machine has been configured with a
BLASTER environment variable in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file you
should see a line similar to:
SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 H5 T4
The number after the A (i.e., 220 in this case) is your port
address; the number after the I (5 in this case) is your IRQ
and the number after the D (1 in this case) is your DMA channel
setting. Armed with these numbers you can go ahead and manually
select your soundcard from the SETUP program and enter the Port,
IRQ and DMA in the boxes when prompted. If you have a Soundblaster
16 or AWE32 soundcard and you are having difficulty with
autodetection, these same comments apply except that you may
have to enter the number after the H as your DMA setting,
depending on your configuration.
1.2.3. Compaq Computers
Some Compaq machines may not autodetect the installed sound
card. If this occurs, try selecting Sound Blaster Pro/Pro2
from the SETUP program.
1.2.4. Sound Galaxy Basic 16
This Soundblaster compatible card can sometimes be incorrectly
autodetected as a Soundblaster Pro or Soundblaster 16, causing
unpredictable results. We recommend that you manually select
Soundblaster and enter the Port, IRQ and DMA values that
correspond to your card. See the comments under Soundblaster
compatible cards above.
1.2.5. ESS AudioDrive
Under certain circumstances the autodetect code can incorrectly
identify this card as a Soundblaster 16. If this occurs you will
need to override this driver by selecting ESS AudioDrive with
the correct values for your system.
1.2.6. Adlib Gold
Under certain circumstances the autodetect code can return
incorrect Port, IRQ and DMA settings. If you are having difficulty
obtaining sounds on this sound card try manually selecting the
card in the SETUP program and entering the correct Port, IRQ and
DMA settings.
1.2.7. Golden Sound Pro 16
We have found that better results may be obtained on this
sound card by reducing the game volume from the in-game
sound control menu. Volume levels should be set to about
half way.
1.2.8. Gravis Ultrasound
Some Gravis Ultrasound owners may experience audio clipping
and/or reduced game performance. We recommend that you turn
the volume for musical scores all the way down (off) to see
if this helps.
1.3. Modem Play
1.3.1. Initialization Strings
We get best modem performance with modem data-compression
and error-correction turned off. You can do this by going
to the serial game settings dialog and entering the appropriate
initialization string for your modem. This should be entered on
the host (dialing) machine, the guest (receiver) should use ATZ.
If you use these init strings the modem speed may have to be set
to the exact speed of your modem, for example 14400 bps or 28800
bps. Here are example init. strings for some popular modems:
Modem Init. String
US ROBOTICS SPORTSTER 9600/14400/28800 . . . AT&M0&K0
DIGICOM SCOUT 288VFCi . . . . . . . . . . . AT\N1
BEST DATA SMART ONE 14400 . . . . . . . . . AT\N1
HAYES ACCURA 28800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . AT&Q0
SUPRA 14400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AT\N1
PRACTICAL 14400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AT&Q0
ZOOM 28800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AT&Q0
1.3.2. Modem Performance Hints
With music playing during a modem game, there is a possibility
of pausing or very slow game play. For optimum performance,
music volume under the options menu should be set to zero
(far left), this is the default setting. The game speed should
be satisfactory with sound effects on and music set to zero.
1.3.3. 486 Machines With External Modems
If you have a 486 system with an external modem you might
experience pausing or very slow game play. This is due to
the 8250 UART chip which is in most 486 class machines, this
chip causes the CPU to work harder in null modem and modem
games. There are several work-arounds:
1. Turn off both music and sound effects in the setup program
prior to playing the game. This will improves performance at
the expense of losing all game sounds.
2. Install an internal modem. These modems have their own
UART chips which are designed for higher performance.
3. Install a high performance serial card in your system.
If you are using a 14400 or 28800 bps external modem with
your 486 class system you should seriously consider installing
a high performance serial card. These cards usually have a
16550A type UART chip which outperforms the 8250 UART in all
serial communications applications by buffering data more
efficiently.
1.3.4. Plug and Play Modems
Certain Plug and Play modems require a Plug and Play device
manager to be installed before they will function under DOS.
One source for such Plug and Play managers is Intel's WWW
site at www.intel.com. Failing this you should contact your
modem manufacturer for updated driver information.
1.3.5. Modem initialization problems
If you encounter errors while initializing your modem
(for example the message, "Cannot disable modem
auto-answer") make sure that the modem speed is set to
an appropriate value.
1.4. Network Play
1.4.1 Homogeneous Environment
For multiplayer network games we strongly caution you to use a
homogeneous network environment - that is, to use the same type
of IPX compliant network drivers (e.g., IPX, IPXODI etc.) on each
system. We have found incompatibilities between drivers from
different manufacturers so you should bear this in mind if you
are having network game troubles.
1.4.2 MSIPX.COM
C&C:RA should work with any IPX compliant network but we have
found problems running with Microsoft MSIPX.COM. We strongly
recommend that you avoid MSIPX and use either IPX.COM from Novell,
or use IPXODI drivers compatible with your card. If in doubt you
should ask your network administrator to upgrade your system.
============================================================================
2. DOS box under Windows 95
2.1. Running C&C:RA in a Windows 95 DOS box
The DOS version of C&C:RA will run as a DOS box process under
Windows 95. This might be useful if:
- You have a 486 class machine running Windows 95 and
performance of the Windows 95 version of C&C:RA is too
slow in the native Windows 95 environment.
- You do not have Microsoft DirectX compatible video drivers
installed on your Windows 95 system.
If you install C&C:RA in Windows 95 but wish to play the DOS
version, the setup program will launch to set up the sound
settings.
2.2. Improving movie playback performance
The performance of C&C:RA in a Windows 95 DOS box is slightly
slower than in a real DOS environment. You may be able to improve
movie playback performance by going into the Windows 95 START
menu and selecting SETTINGS\CONTROL PANEL, then double-click
SYSTEM and click PERFORMANCE\FILE SYSTEM\CD-ROM. There is a menu
here which allows you to enable read-ahead buffering of the
CD (this seems to be disabled by default). Select the setting
that matches your CD-ROM drive (2X, 4X etc.). You can also
change the size of the buffer, usually the bigger this is
the better the performance will be, although this does take
away memory from the rest of the system.
2.3. Autodetecting Soundcards in a Windows 95 DOS box:
Because the Windows 95 DOS box is really just emulating
DOS (Windows continues to run in the background) you may
experience problems autodetecting your sound card in this
mode. There are two things you can do to address this:
1. Do not autodetect, but pick your soundcard manually and
enter the correct PORT, DMA and IRQ settings, or
2. Run through Windows 95 DOS mode.
2.4. Microsoft Natural Keyboard
This keyboard, and other keyboards which feature the
"Windows Key", can cause problems when playing the DOS
version of C&C:RA in a Windows 95 DOS box. When the
Windows Key is pressed and then another key is pressed,
the behavior is as if the Windows Key has never been
released, causing further keystrokes to be ignored. The
solution is simply to press the Windows Key again which
will clear the depressed key state.
2.5. Running DOS setup
To run the DOS setup under Windows 95 (to change your
sound card settings) you should first open an MS-DOS
prompt, change to the drive where you installed C&C:RA,
change to the directory where C&C:RA is installed (by
default C:\WESTWOOD\REDALERT) and type SETUP.
============================================================================
3. Windows 3.XX
3.1. Launching C&C:RA
C&C:RA uses special code to launch itself in the Windows 3.XX
environment, and will attempt to close any active Windows applications
prior to running. You will not be able to access other Windows
programs when C&C:RA is active. Windows is automatically restarted
when you exit C&C:RA.
3.2. Westwood Chat
To run Westwood Chat under Windows 3.XX, you must first ensure
that Win32s version 1.3 or higher is installed on your system.
Once you have Win32s installed, you should install Westwood Chat
by selecting Run from the File menu, then select Setup.exe from
the PlanetWW directory at the root of the CD. This will automatically
install Westwood Chat on your drive.
Please note that you will also need to have a Winsock 1.1 compliant
TCP/IP stack and an account with an Internet Service Provider in
order to run Westwood Chat.
You cannot play C&C:RA over the Internet under Windows 3.XX, but
you are able to chat with other C&C:RA players, as well as players
of other Westwood Studios games.
============================================================================
4. Windows 95
4.1. Microsoft DirectX
The Windows 95 version of C&C:RA is a Microsoft DirectX application.
Version 3.0 of Microsoft DirectX is included on the CD and you have
the option to install it when C&C:RA is installed.
If you have difficulty running Windows 95 after these new
Microsoft DirectX drivers have been installed, please contact
your local Microsoft subsidiary, or write:
Microsoft Customer Sales and Service,
One Microsoft Way,
Redmond, WA 98052-6399, USA
USA telephone: 1-800-426-9400
International telephone: ++1-206-882-8080
All Microsoft DirectX drivers are located in the Dxsetup folder
off of the root of the CD. To reinstall the Microsoft DirectX
drivers go into the Dxsetup folder and run Dxsetup.exe. You can
explore the CD by choosing the "Explore the CD" option in the
autoplay title screen.
4.2. Known video card problems
Here are some hints and tips for specific video cards found
while testing C&C:RA under Windows 95.
4.2.1. S3 TRIO video cards
We have noticed corruption on screen during both game and movies
with some (but not all) examples of video cards with this chipset.
There is no specific workaround but you should check with your
video card manufacturer for updated driver information.
4.2.2. Screen distorts after installing Microsoft DirectX
We've found that video monitor settings may need to be
adjusted after installing the Microsoft DirectX video drivers.
If your screen distorts, or is shifted horizontally or vertically,
you can return it to normality by adjusting the controls on your
monitor. You should only need to do this once.
4.2.3. Unable to allocate primary video buffer
If you receive an "Unable to allocate primary video buffer
- Aborting." error message try reinstalling the Microsoft DirectX
drivers. If reinstalling the Microsoft DirectX drivers does not solve
this problem, then that means that your video card manufacturer has
not updated their video drivers to be Microsoft DirectX compliant.
Call your video card manufacturer for updated drivers.
4.3. Network Drivers
Here are some hints and tips found during network game testing
of C&C:RA for Windows 95.
4.3.1. Novell Client32
C&C:RA may not detect the presence of IPX drivers if you have
installed Novell Client32 for Windows 95. There is currently
no known workaround other than to reinstall the Microsoft
IPX protocol which is shipped with Windows 95.
4.3.2. THIPX32.DLL
C&C:RA uses a custom DLL file for network play. If you see an
error message which mentions "THIPX32.DLL", you should reboot
your system and start C&C:RA again. If the problem persists,
you may need to reinstall C&C:RA.
4.4. Uninstalling Red Alert
After running the Uninstall program, if the Red Alert group is
still present, try rebooting your computer. This should clean up
the Red Alert start menu folder.
4.5. Virtual Memory Settings
C&C:RA may need to use more RAM than is present on your system.
Windows 95 automatically takes care of this by using what is
known as "Virtual Memory" - it uses space on your hard disk
to simulate the memory it needs and swaps data back and forth
from your hard disk as required. Windows 95 allows you to manually
set the amount of hard drive space it uses for Virtual Memory:
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT DO THIS! To let Windows 95
manage the Virtual Memory, go to the Windows 95 START menu,
select SETTINGS\CONTROL PANEL, then double-click SYSTEM, click
PERFORMANCE\FILE SYSTEM\VIRTUAL MEMORY and then select "Let
Windows manage my virtual memory settings (recommended)".
4.6. Microsoft PowerToys
If you have the Microsoft PowerToys system extensions installed
on your system (including QuickRes and FlexiCD) you may experience
a black screen upon booting C&C:RA, although the sounds may still
be audible. If this happens, you should remove the MicroSoft
PowerToys while playing C&C:RA.
============================================================================
5. General Troubleshooting
5.1. CD-changers and multi-drives
C&C:RA does not support multiple CD-ROM drives or CD-changers and
assumes that you only have one CD-ROM drive. If you have more than
one CD-ROM drive, you should insert the C&C: Red Alert CD you are using
into the first CD driver letter. For example, if you have drives E:, F:
and G:, your C&C:RA CD should be inserted into the E: drive.
5.2. Microsoft Home Mouse and Natural Keyboard
If you are using a Microsoft Home Mouse, the Microsoft Natural
Keyboard or are using Microsoft's IntelliPoint Tools and
Controls Software, having the "Sonar" setting on under "Visibility"
in the "Mouse Properties" section in the "Control Panel" can cause
C&C:RA to crash. Please turn this setting off when playing
C&C:RA.
============================================================================
6. Game updates and patches
If it becomes necessary to update your game, you can find game updates
on our web page at http://www.westwood.com or at our FTP site
(ftp.westwood.com). Please mail all questions to our internet mailing
address: mail@westwood.com
============================================================================
7. General Gameplay Information
7.1. Multiplay Notes
7.1.1. Multiplay Tech Levels
This chart shows what units, structures, and abilites become available
at the various tech levels in multiplay.
TL Allied Unit Allied Structure Soviet Unit Soviet Structure
-- ----------- ---------------- ----------- ----------------
1 Rifle Infantry Tent Barracks Grenadier Barracks
1 Rocket Soldier Power Plant Rifle Infantry Power Plant
1 Medic Ore Processor Rocket Soldier Ore Processor
1 Ore Silo Ore Silo
1 Sandbag Wall Fence
1 Pillbox Flame Tower
1 Barbed Wire
2 AT Mine Layer Radar AP Mine Layer Radar
2 Ranger War Factory Ore Truck War Factory
2 Ore Truck Service Depot. Transport Service Depot.
2 Transport Camo Pillbox Attack Dog Kennel
2 Light Tank Naval Yard Heavy Tank Sub Pen
2 Turret V2 Rocket
Launcher
3 PT Boat AA gun Yak Airfield
3 APC Spy Plane*
3 Engineer Engineer
3 Submarine
4 Medium Tank Sonar Pulse* Flame-Thrower Tech Center
4 Spy Soldier Tesla Coil
4 Destroyer
5 Artillery Advanced Power Parachute Advanced Power
Plant Plant
5 Concrete Wall Bombs* Concrete Wall
6 Longbow Apache Helipad Hind Helipad
6 SAM Site
7 Cruiser Tech Center Mammoth Tank
7 Gap Generator MIG
7 GPS Satellite*
8 MCV MCV
8 Tanya Tanya
8 Thief Chinook
8 Mobile Gap
Generator
9 Chronoshift* Chronosphere Invulnerability* Iron Curtain
9 Mobile Radar
Jammer
10 Atomic Bomb* Missile Silo Atomic Bomb* Missile Silo
(* = This item is a special game ability.)
7.1.2. Multiplay Map Size Descriptions
When you go to choose a map to play on in multiplay, you will notice
some characters at the end of each map name.
SM = Generally means a smaller map. Recommended for 2-4 players.
MED = Generally means a medium sized map. Recommended for 4-6 players.
LG = Generally means a large map. Anywhere from 6-8 players can play
on these maps.
Any number of players (from 2-8) can play on any of these maps. The
description is merely a recommendation.
(
geocities.com/timessquare/alley) (
geocities.com/timessquare)