*************************************** Westwood Studios Official Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 Frequently Asked Questions Version 1.0 *************************************** All information contained herein is copyright 2000 by Westwood Studios. You are allowed to distribute it freely, but not to make changes. PREFACE: This document is the official posting of frequently asked questions regarding the latest in our Command & Conquer universe, Red Alert 2. --- PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION ----------------------------------- 1.1 What is Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2? 1.2 System Requirements 1.3 Serial Number 1.4 Known Technical Issues 1.5 Faster Play 1.6 Miscellaneous --- PART 2: HINTS AND CHEATS--------------------------------------- 2.1 Any cheat codes? 2.2 Where can I get hints? --- PART 3: GETTING HELP ------------------------------------------ 3.1 Technical Support ******************************************************************* GENERAL INFORMATION *********************************************** ******************************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.1 WHAT IS COMMAND & CONQUER: RED ALERT 2? ------------------------------------------------------------------- Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a real-time strategy-combat game developed by Westwood Studios, the creators of Command & Conquer, Dune 2000, Red Alert, and Tiberian Sun. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------- Command & Conquer - Red Alert 2 REQUIRES: Pentium II 266MHZ or better Windows 95, 98, or NT 4.0 with Service Pack 3.0 installed 64MB of RAM 4x CDROM drive using 32 bit Windows 95/98 driver 350MB free hard drive space Graphics: 2MB or better Video Card, 16-bit Color, No Hardware Acceleration Required. Multiplayer: 2-Player: PII 266, 64MB RAM, 56 Kbps Modem; TCP/IP Internet Connection or Local Area Network running IPX. 3-8 Players (LAN) - 4 Players (Internet): PII 450, 128MB RAM, 56 Kbps Modem; TCP/IP Internet Connection or Local Area Network running IPX. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.3 SERIAL NUMBER ------------------------------------------------------------------- The serial number is required for installation of Red Alert 2. It can be found on the back of the jewel case. It looks like this: xxxxxx-xxxxxx-xxxxxx-xxxx. These numbers are unique. We allow each user to login TWICE with this serial number so that, in effect, you can play on two PCs online with one set of disks. We do keep track of the numbers and when we determine that more than two numbers are being used simultaneously, that number is deactivated. If you try to play online and you are told that your serial number is banned, you may have incorrectly entered your serial number during installation, or the serial number may actually have been banned and you will need to contact ra2help@westwood.com to make arrangements for a new serial number. If you have lost your serial number you may request a new one. In order to issue you a new serial number for your game, we will need proof of purchase. You can do this by sending us a photocopy of your original game disc(s). You can send us the photocopy either by fax, or by attaching a scanned copy to an email addressed to: ra2help@westwood.com. In addition to the copy of your game disc, we will require your name and current mailing address. Information faxed should be sent to the attention of "Customer Support". The fax number is: (702)-228-3939. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.4 KNOWN TECHNICAL ISSUES ------------------------------------------------------------------- A. Known Video Card Issues: Video monitor settings may need to be adjusted after installing the Microsoft DirectX video drivers. If you screen distorts, or is shifted horizontally or vertically, you can return it to normal by adjusting the controls on your monitor. Most video display problems can be corrected by installing the latest drivers for your particular card. Please consult your video card documentation for details on how to get the latest drivers for your card. If you are using the Microsoft Theme Pack and have selected a custom cursor, video corruption can occur. For best results, please use default cursors while playing Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2. Users with integrated Intel 3D graphic cards (2MB AGP) may experience refresh problems at high resolutions (above 640x480). In order to fix this problem, modify the [VIDEO] section of the RA2.INI file located in the RA2 root directory to include: VideoBackBuffer=no (This also includes any users with low end video cards, experiencing any trails or refresh problems at any resolution) B. Known Sound Card Issues: Old SoundBlaster AWE 64 and AWE 32 sound card drivers can cause skipping and repeating sound that may cause your computer to run Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 much slower than normal. If you have one of these sound cards and are experiencing these symptoms, please contact your card manufacturer for latest drivers. Audio may stutter on certain systems running Windows NT. To correct this problem you must install the latest audio driver for your sound card. Most sound card problems can be corrected by installing the latest drivers for your particular card. Please consult your sound card documentation for details on how to get the latest drivers. If you are using USB speakers, do not turn off the speakers during gameplay. Doing so may cause your system to become unstable and even crash. C. Known DirectX Issues: If another application is using the sound card while trying to install or run the game, a "DXSound Error" will appear. If this error occurs, please close all applications and run the install or game again. D. Gateway Computer Users: If you are using a Gateway computer with "Gateway GoBack" software by WildFile running in the background, you may experience lockups in Red Alert 2. GoBack is loaded in the Windows system tray (by the clock) and represented by two yellow arrows. To close out GoBack, right click on the double yellow arrows in the system tray, and select close. It is recommended that you close all programs running in the background before starting Red Alert 2. E. Virtual Memory Settings: Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 may need to use more RAM than is present on your system. Windows 95/98 automatically takes care of this by using what is known as "Virtual Memory" - which 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 95/98 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 95/98 manage the Virtual Memory, go to the Windows 95/98 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).' F. Known RealPlayer Issues: RealPlayer seems to have a conflict with the movie player used in Red Alert 2. With RealPlayer's "Start Center" feature enabled (which seems to keep RealPlayer resident in some form) we have found stability issues when exiting Red Alert 2 as it goes to the desktop. G. AutoPlay: If your CD does not AutoPlay when inserted in the drive, you may have this feature disabled. To Enable AutoPlay, right click on 'My Computer' and select 'Properties' then 'Device Manager'. Select your CD-ROM drive and click 'Properties'. Select 'Settings' and check the 'Auto insert notification' box. H. 16 bit CD-ROM drivers: Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 may fail to start if there is a 16- bit CD-ROM driver loaded from the AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS. If you have references to MSCDEX or equivalent drivers then try removing them from your autoexec.bat and config.sys files. Windows 95/98 does not generally need these drivers to work and in most cases will actually perform better without them. I. CD-Changers and Multi-Drivers: Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 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 Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 CD in the first CD drive letter. For example, if you have CD drives E:, F: and G:, your Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 CD should be inserted into the E: drive. J. Choppy movie performance: If you find that the movie performance is choppy or jerky, try reducing the Windows 95/98 CD caching by going to the Start/Settings/Control Panel and double-clicking the System applet. In the System Properties dialog, click the Performance tab and then click the File System button. From the File System Properties dialog, click the CD-ROM tab and note the Supplemental Cache Size setting (so that you can reset the cache size if need be). Now set the Supplemental Cache Size to Small. This should have a marked effect on movie performance. You can also try adjusting your detail settings in the Options Menu. Low Detail will remove effects like water wakes behind ships, smoke and effect lines. Red Alert 2 will also dynamically remove animations in certain situations on low spec machines to ensure a high quality game performance. K. Power Saving Modes: It is possible that your computer loses connection to your ISP due to long periods of inactivity. Sometimes this is caused by the sleep mode in your "Power Saving" options. This can cause problems during game play or when connected to Westwood Online. To avoid any problems please disable your screen saver or power-saving modes when running the game. L. Periodic Slowdowns: If periodic slowdowns occur while playing Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and the CD is not being accessed please insure that there are no other applications running during your game session. This includes anti-virus software. M. Game Updates and Patches: Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 contains an auto-updating feature. Updated versions of the game will be announced to you when playing Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 on Westwood Online. When an updated version of the game is available you will be able to receive it and automatically have it installed, if you wish. If you do not intend to play Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 on Westwood Online then please check www.westwood.com for update information. N. Connection Speed Slider: Red Alert 2 has a game-latency tolerance setting in the Game Options screen that allows players to increase the tolerance of network latency on laggy connections for internet gaming. To adjust, move the slider to the appropriate setting. For example, if you are connecting over a modem, the best setting for you would be "Normal" or "Poor". If you are connecting over a broadband connection (Cable Modem or DSL), move the slider to "Fast". This attempts to match your system with your connection for peak performance. Moving the slider from Poor or Normal to Fast can have an adverse effect on game performance. O. Dual Network Cards and IPX Issues: If you have two network cards in your computer and both have the IPX protocol bound to them, you can use the "Network Options" to choose the card which you'd like to use. Note: on some Windows 95 and 98 systems and in some configurations, Red Alert 2 can't see your second network card. A workaround to this problem is to disable your primary card in Windows device manager and reboot. Red Alert 2 should successfully see and utilize your second network card. Please refer to your Windows documentation for more information on how to disable your primary network card. P. Firewall Issues: If you are playing Red Alert 2 behind a firewall and wish to host a game, you must open the following ports: Port 1234, 1235, 1236, 1237. These ports use the UDP protocol. If you do not know how to configure your firewall consult your firewall documentation or contact your system administrator or Internet Provider. Q. Network Address Translation (NAT) Games: If your network is using Network Address Translation, two or more users behind the NAT'd firewall will be unable to play in the same game. They will, however, be able to play in different games. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.5 FASTER PLAY ------------------------------------------------------------------- A. Multiplay connection hints... Most people are under the assumption that the slow downs in games are because of the Westwood servers. This is entirely inaccurate. Westwood sets up the game so that when the game starts, it becomes a peer to peer connection. You aren't connected via Westwood in the game. In fact, some of you have no doubt received the message that your connection with Westwood had been lost, but you were still able to play the game with your online opponent. There are ways to increase the connectivity though. These options can be found under your options menu: * Have all players set their screen resolution to 640x480 * You can turn the music off. * You can change the visual detail settings to a low. * You can turn the targeting lines off. * When setting up a game you might mention your location and the type of connection you have. * Play people that are somewhat close to you with a better connection. If you play someone in your city with the same cable modem service, you're going to have a great connection. * Before accepting a game, make sure that all of the players have ping rates that appear as short green bars. The shorter, the better. * Always check your game speed settings before starting a new game. The setting that is current at the start of the game is the same setting that it was at the end of the last game. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.6 MISCELLANEOUS ------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Can the game be spawned? A: No. Q: Does the game work with a wheel mouse? A: Yes. The wheel can be used to scroll up and down the build list. Q: Is there a desktop theme for Red Alert 2? A: Yes! Go to our webpage at www.Westwood.com for more details on downloading it. ******************************************************************* HINTS AND CHEATS*************************************************** ******************************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.1 ARE THERE ANY CHEAT CODES? ------------------------------------------------------------------- NO! There are no official cheats, hacks, or editors for C&C: Red Alert 2. Westwood Studios does not condone their use as it takes away from the original gameplay. There is not support for any cheat, hack, trainer, or editor. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.2 WHERE CAN I GET HINTS? ------------------------------------------------------------------- There are a number of places to get hints for Red Alert 2. Some of these include the following: * Visit our website at www.Westwood.com * Call the hintline at 1-900-288-4744 (U.S., 95˘ a minute) or 1-900-451-4422 (Canada, $1.25 a minute). Callers under 18 must have parent or guardian's consent. Touch tone phone required. Charges are subject to change. * There are several hint guides that can be purchased. You can find some of these guides at the Electronic Arts website, www.EA.com. * Try hanging out in the Red Alert 2 game channel. You never know when someone will drop you a hint. ******************************************************************* GETTING HELP******************************************************* ******************************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.1 TECHNICAL SUPPORT ------------------------------------------------------------------- For online support, email webhelp@westwood.com. For telephone technical support, you can call (650) 628-4319 Monday through Friday between 8:30 - 11:45 AM or 1:00 - 4:00 PM, Pacific Standard Time. The following is a listing of all our contact information, world-wide: United States / Canada Westwood Technical Support Westwood Customer Warranty (M-F 8:30 - 11:45 AM and 1:00 - 4:30 PM PST) 650-628-4319 650-628-1900 Westwood Technical Support Email: webhelp@westwood.com (Please check our FAQ sheets or use the Technical Support home page before writing) U.S. Hint Line (.95 cents per minute. You must be 18 years of age or have your parent's permission to call.) 900-288-4744 Canada Hint Line $1.70 per minute (Canadian). Callers under 18 must get a parent or guardian's permission to call.) 900-451-4422 US and Canada Order Line 800-245-4525 Australia EA Technical Support 0061 (0) 29955 6868 Email ozsupport@ea.com Austria EA Technical Support 0190-572333 Denmark EA Technical Support 80 88 07 89 Email svsupport@ea.com Finland EA Technical Support 0800-508 225 Email svsupport@ea.com France EA Technical Support Hint Line(2.23f ttc/minute) 04 72 53 25 00 08-36-68-55-15 Email fr-support@ea.com Germany EA Technical Support (von 9.30 Uhr bis 17.30 Uhr) Hint Line (new games) Hint Line (old games) (2,40 DM/min. Jugendliche unter 18 Jahre dürfen nur mit Erlaubnis ihrer Eltern anrufen) 0190-572333 0190-787906 0190-900030 Email de-support@ea.com Holland EA Technical Support 00800 940 55555 Email nl-support@ea.com Norway EA Technical Support 800 13 897 Email svsupport@ea.com South Africa EA Technical Support (011) 803-1212 Email support@ea.co.za Spain EA Technical Support 917 545540 Sweden EA Technical Support (08) 594 106 80 Email svsupport@ea.com Switzerland EA Technical Support 0900/55 40 20 United Kingdom EA Technical Support Hint/Cheat Line (75p per min, ask permission of the person who pays the bill before calling) (01753) 546465 09067 53 22 53 Email uk-support@ea.com