Microsoft SideWinder Game Pad Readme.txt File
  
PSS ID Number: Q156436
Article last modified on 04-08-1997
 
1.00
 
WINDOWS
 

======================================================================
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The information in this article applies to:
 
 - Microsoft SideWinder game pad version 1.0
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SUMMARY
=======
 
This article contains a copy of the information in the Readme.txt file
included on the Microsoft SideWinder game pad CD-ROM.
 
MORE INFORMATION
================
 
      -----------------------------------------------------------
            Readme File for Microsoft SideWinder game pad
           and Microsoft Game Device Profiler, Version 1.0
                        September 1996
      -----------------------------------------------------------
 
                (c) Microsoft Corporation, 1996
 
THIS COMPUTER PROGRAM IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW AND INTERNATIONAL
TREATIES. UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THIS PROGRAM, OR ANY
PORTION OF IT, MAY RESULT IN SEVERE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES, AND WILL
BE PROSECUTED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE UNDER THE LAW.
 
This document provides late-breaking or other information that supplements
the printed and online documentation that came with your Microsoft
SideWinder game pad.
 
-----------------------------------
Where to Find Information
-----------------------------------
We recommend that you consult the documentation that came with your
software. It can help you become familiar with the capabilities of this
product and can help you figure out the answers to your questions.
 
*  The Getting Started booklet contains instructions for installing your
   software, plus an overview of both the SideWinder game pad and the Game
   Device Profiler.
 
*  The SideWinder Game Pad Online User's Guide, accessible from the Start
   menu, is a comprehensive online Help system containing conceptual and
   step-by-step information, as well as troubleshooting suggestions.
 
*  The Game Device Profiler Online User's Guide, accessible from the Help
   menu of the Game Device Profiler, contains step-by-step instructions and
   troubleshooting information.
 
*  To learn more about the SideWinder game pad, as well as other Microsoft
   hardware products and updates, visit our World Wide Web site at
   http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/
 
-------------------------
How to Use This Document
-------------------------
To view this Readme file on-screen in Windows Notepad, maximize the Notepad
window and click Word Wrap on the Edit menu. To print the Readme file, open
it in Notepad or another word processor, and then use the Print command on
the File menu.
 
-------------------------
CONTENTS
-------------------------
 
1.  USING SIDEWINDER 3D PRO WITH THE SIDEWINDER GAME PAD
    1.1  Don't Install the SideWinder 3D Pro Version 1.0 Software
    1.2  Updates to the SideWinder 3D Pro Digital Driver
    1.3  SideWinder 3D Pro--Sound Card and Game Port Issues
    1.4  Using SideWinder 3D Pro in Analog Mode
 
2.  GAME PORTS
    2.1  Don't Connect Your Game Pad to a Network Port
    2.2  Game Port Issues
    2.3  Game Port Cables
 
3.  USING PASS-THROUGH MODE FOR ANALOG DEVICES
    3.1  Pass-through Mode Is Not Supported for Add-on Devices
    3.2  Kraft Thunderstick Switches Out of Pass-through Mode
 
4.  GAMES--COMPATIBILITY NOTES
    4.1  Setting up the SideWinder Game Pad for MS-DOS-based Games
    4.2  Playing Games in an MS-DOS Box Under Windows 95
    4.3  Running Games Simultaneously
    4.4  Games That May Experience Problems
    4.5  Notes on Other Games
 
5.  DISPLAY COMPATIBILITY
    5.1  Use The Latest Drivers
    5.2  Diamond Edge 3D Nvidia Video Drivers
 
6.  MEMORY ISSUES
 
7.  KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS IN THE GAME DEVICE PROFILER
    7.1  Exit Keystroke Assignment Mode
    7.2  Display "Right-Click" Shortcut Menu
 
8.  TROUBLESHOOTING
    8.1  Game Pad Won't Work When Computer is Restarted in
           MS-DOS Mode
    8.2  Suspending the Game Device Profiler
    8.3  Device Is Connected but Gaming Device Properties
           Doesn't Show It
    8.4  Several Game Pads Are Connected but Gaming Device
           Properties Says One or More are "Not Connected"
    8.5  Can't Open Gaming Device Properties, or Devices
           Listed as "Not Connected"
    8.6  Control Panel Missing Joystick or Gaming Device
           Properties
    8.7  Selecting the Correct Executable File When Creating
           a Profile
    8.8  Profile Not Working for Game That Plays from
           CD-ROM Drive
    8.9  Game Device Profiler Doesn't Recognize More Than One
           Game Pad
    8.10 Minimum System Configuration Needed
    8.11 Strange Colors in the Game Device Profiler
    8.12 Keystroke Assignments Sometimes Do Not Work
    8.13 Profile Not Working for a Game That is Part of a
           Multi-Game Package
    8.14 Using Profiles for MS-DOS-based Games Started from
           the MS-DOS Prompt in Windows 95
 
9.  GAME DEVICE PROFILER ERROR MESSAGES
 
10. DEMO GAMES
 
============================================================
Part 1: USING SIDEWINDER 3D PRO WITH THE SIDEWINDER GAME PAD
============================================================
 
1.1 Don't Install the SideWinder 3D Pro Version 1.0 Software
 
    You don't have to install the SideWinder 3D Pro 1.0 software after
    you've installed the SideWinder game pad software. The SideWinder game
    pad software includes the newest version of the SideWinder 3D Pro
    software.
 
    If you install the SideWinder 3D Pro software after you install the
    SideWinder game pad software, your system will experience a general
    protection fault when you try to access the Test, Setting, or Device
    Assignment dialog boxes in Gaming Device Properties. You will need to
    uninstall both the SideWinder game pad software and the old SideWinder
    3D Pro software, and then reinstall the SideWinder game pad software to
    obtain the latest SideWinder 3D Pro drivers.
 
1.2 Updates to the SideWinder 3D Pro Digital Driver
 
    The SideWinder 3D Pro digital driver has been updated and is included
    with this release of the SideWinder game pad software. Calibration is
    now automatic and the rudder control is always on.
 
1.3 SideWinder 3D Pro--Sound Card and Game Port Issues
 
    SideWinder 3D Pro may not work in digital mode with the following game
    cards or sound cards:
 
    * TeleVideo TeleWave Q32/SRS
    * Media Vision ProSonic
    * Boca SoundExpression
    * Orchid Nusound PnP 32
    * Sound cards or systems using ESS chip sets
    * Sound cards or systems using OPTI 930, 930a, or 931 chip sets
 
    NOTE: Your SideWinder game pad will work fine with these cards without
    any modifications. The SideWinder 3D Pro will work if it's configured
    for analog mode. For more information, check the documentation that
    came with your SideWinder 3D Pro joystick.
 
1.4 Using SideWinder 3D Pro in Analog Mode
 
    If a particular game is not working properly in digital mode, try
    switching to analog mode. For more information, check the documentation
    that came with your SideWinder 3D Pro joystick.
 
===================
Part 2: GAME PORTS
===================
 
2.1 Don't Connect Your Game Pad to a Network AUI Port
 
    Network adapters with an AUI 15-pin port resemble the standard game
    port. If you plug your SideWinder game pad into a network port, you may
    damage the game pad or network card.
 
2.2 Game Port Issues
 
    If you plug your SideWinder game pad into one of the following game
    ports, the game pad may experience problems or may not work. (See Also:
    Section 1.3, "SideWinder 3D Pro--Sound Card and Game Port Issues.")
 
    In addition, the SideWinder game pad is designed to work with
    only one game port installed. Using multiple game ports may cause
    problems.
 
    * Various adjustable game cards
 
      If you've connected four SideWinder game pads together in a chain,
      and you have an adjustable game card (such as Computer City Dual Port
      Game Card MX-911), you may experience "phantom" button presses if
      your game card isn't set up correctly.  If you do experience this
      phenomenon, consult your game card documentation for help adjusting
      the game card's speed.
 
    * Diamond Edge 3D (Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc.) or other Nvidia-
      based 3D accelerator card.
 
      The onboard game port is incompatible with the SideWinder game pad
      digital drivers. To use the SideWinder game pad, you must install a
      standard game port.
 
    * Mwave sound card (IBM Corp.), used in the IBM Aptiva
 
      You may experience problems (such as erratic button presses) with
      games if you have the sound on. If you disable the sound, your game
      should play properly.
 
    * Sound cards or systems using the ESS chip sets
 
      You may experience problems (such as erratic button presses) with
      games if you have the sound on. If you disable the sound, your game
      should play properly.
 
    * Sound cards or systems using the OPTI 930a chip set
 
      This game port may experience problems with digital-only devices such
      as the SideWinder game pad.
 
    * Roland RAP 10/AT (Roland Corp.)
 
      This game port may experience problems with digital-only devices such
      as the SideWinder game pad.
 
    * TeleVideo TeleWave Q32/SRS (TeleVideo, Inc.)
 
      For the SideWinder game pad to work properly, you must load the MS-
      DOS drivers as well as the Windows 95 drivers.
 
    * Quick Shot PCMCIA (Bondwell Global, Ltd.)
 
      To properly configure this game port, you need to obtain one of the
      manufacturer's new drivers: JOYA.COM or JOYB.COM. For more
      information, contact Quick Shot.
 
    * Toshiba Tecra 700CT laptop computer (Toshiba America, Inc.)
 
      Uses a built-in game port which may produce erratic results.
 
    * Game Jammer PC Card (New Media Systems Corp.)
 
      This game port may experience problems with digital-only devices such
      as the SideWinder game pad.
 
    * Hewlett-Packard HP4000CT laptop docking station (Hewlett-Packard Co.)
 
      This game port may experience problems with digital-only devices such
      as the SideWinder game pad.
 
    * Sound Blaster 16 SCSI-1 (Creative Labs, Inc.)
 
      This game port may experience problems with digital-only devices such
      as the SideWinder game pad.
 
      NOTE: All other Sound Blaster game ports are compatible with the
      SideWinder game pad.
 
2.3 Game Port Cables
 
    * Y-Cables
 
      Don't use a y-cable to connect the SideWinder game pad to your
      computer because some y-cables can damage your gaming device.
 
    * Extender Cables
 
      Don't use a game port extender cable to connect the SideWinder game
      pad to your computer. Extender cables can severely reduce the
      performance of your gaming device.
 
===================================================
Part 3: USING PASS-THROUGH MODE FOR ANALOG DEVICES
===================================================
 
3.1 Pass-through Mode Is Not Supported for Add-on Devices
 
    The SideWinder game pad doesn't support Pass-through mode for add-on
    devices such as throttles, pedals, and so on.  Check the documentation
    for your add-on device to see if it needs to be connected directly to
    your computer.  For example, the Thrustmaster Rudder Control System's
    documentation specifically states that it should be connected directly
    to the computer. Therefore, the Thrustmaster will not work with the
    SideWinder game pad in Pass-through mode.
 
3.2 Kraft Thunderstick Switches Out of Pass-through Mode
 
    If you've connected a Kraft Thunderstick to your SideWinder game pad
    and the game pad is in Pass-through mode, pressing buttons 1 and 2
    simultaneously on the Kraft Thunderstick switches the SideWinder game
    pad out of Pass-through mode. To use the Kraft Thunderstick again,
    press the Mode button on your SideWinder game pad once. This puts the
    game pad back into Pass-through mode. Then avoid pressing buttons 1 and
    2 simultaneously on your Kraft Thunderstick.
 
===================================
Part 4: GAMES--COMPATIBILITY NOTES
===================================
 
4.1 Setting up the SideWinder Game Pad for MS-DOS-based Games
 
    Some MS-DOS-based games require you to choose either a joystick or a
    game pad in the setup program. In such cases, the SideWinder game pad
    may respond better if you choose "joystick" rather than "game pad."
 
4.2 Playing Games in an MS-DOS Box Under Windows 95
 
    *  Typically, buttons C and Z on the SideWinder game pad don't work for
       games played in an MS-DOS box. However, if your game supports the
       "PC-Fighter" 6-button game pad, to get the extra functionality that
       these two buttons provide, set your game for the PC-Fighter device.
 
       NOTE: This is true only if one SideWinder game pad is connected.
       (See the next bulleted item.)
 
    *  If you are playing a game in an MS-DOS box, the number of SideWinder
       game pad buttons that work depends on the number of SideWinder game
       pads connected, as well as the number of buttons your game supports.
 
       Number of Game Pads    Buttons that work if supported
       -------------------    ------------------------------
       One                    A, B, X, and Y
       Two                    A and B
       Three or Four          A and B (on the first two game pads;
                              additional game pads won't work)
 
4.3 Running Games Simultaneously
 
    The Game Device Profiler works best when you run only one game at a
    time. If you have more than one game open, your profile for your second
    or third game may not work correctly.
 
    If you do encounter this problem, close all open games, and then
    reload the game you want to play. Your profile should work
    correctly now.
 
4.4 Games That May Experience Problems
 
    The games below may experience problems with the SideWinder game pad.
    Because it is a fully digital device and designed specifically for
    Windows 95, the SideWinder game pad may potentially have problems
    establishing proper communication with these MS-DOS-based games. You
    may want to check with the game publisher for possible updates or
    patches to the product.
 
    GAME                                  Publisher
    --------------                        -------------------
    AH-64D Longbow                        Origin Systems, Inc.
    Alien Odyssey                         Argonaut Software, Ltd.
    Body Count                            Capstone (IntraCorp, Inc.)
    Corridor 7                            Capstone (IntraCorp, Inc.)
    Cyberia 2                             Interplay Productions, Inc.
    Delta V                               Bethesda Softworks, Inc.
    Earthworm Jim: The Whole Can of Worms Playmates Interactive
                                            Entertainment, Inc.
    Flight Unlimited (DOS version only)   Looking Glass
                                            Technologies, Inc.
    Football Pro '96                      Sierra On-Line, Inc.
    Full Throttle                         LucasArts Entertainment Co.
    Hardball 5                            Accolade, Inc.
    Iron Assault                          Virgin Interactive
                                            Entertainment, Inc.
    Mortal Kombat I                       Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
    Need For Speed                        Electronic Arts
    Raiden                                Imagitec Design, Inc.
    Savage Warriors                       Mindscape, Inc.
    Screamer                              Virgin Interactive
                                            Entertainment, Inc.
    Star Trek 25th Anniversary            Interplay Productions, Inc.
    Star Wars: Rebel Assault I and II     LucasArts Entertainment Co.
    SuperKarts                            Manic Media Productions,
                                            Ltd.
    System Shock                          Origin Systems, Inc.
    Terminator: Future Shock              Bethesda Softworks
    TFX                                   Ocean Software, Ltd.
    The Dig                               LucasArts Entertainment Co.
    Ultimate Body Blows                   European Leisure Software
                                            Publishers Assoc.
    Wetlands                              New World Computing, Inc.
    Zoop                                  Viacom International, Inc.
 
4.5 Notes on Other Games
 
    * Atari 2600 Action Pack for Windows (Activision)
 
      When you associate these games with your SideWinder game pad or
      SideWinder 3D Pro in the Game Device Profiler, make sure you select
      the 2600EMU.EXE executable file. For example, if you're creating a
      profile to work with Pitfall, select 2600EMU.EXE, and *not*
      PITFALL.EXE. Since all the games in this package use the 2600EMU.EXE
      executable file, you can have only one default profile for all of the
      games.
 
    * Descent and Descent II (Interplay Productions, Inc.)
 
      You need to run these games with the "-joypolled" command switch. For
      more information, check the Descent or Descent II Readme file.
 
    * Fury3 and Hellbender (Microsoft Corporation)
 
      If you change your device assignment from a legacy device to a
      digital device while one of these games is running, you may
      experience problems. Make sure you exit the game before you switch
      your device assignment.
 
    * Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (LucasArts Entertainment Co.)
 
      For the SideWinder game pad and SideWinder 3D Pro to work correctly,
      do not use the game's joystick calibration feature.
 
    * Lode Runner (Sierra On-Line, Inc.)
 
      To activate a move that your game has pre-assigned to a game pad
      button, you will need to press the button twice.
 
    * Silent Thunder (Sierra On-Line, Inc.)
 
      For the SideWinder game pad to work correctly, you need an updated
      version of the game (version 1.1) from Sierra.
 
    * Top Gun (Spectrum Holobyte, Inc.)
 
      If you're using SideWinder 3D Pro and the game is set for CH
      Flightstick Pro, this game interprets two or more simultaneous button
      presses as the hat switch command.
 
    * Triple Play 97 (Electronic Arts)
 
      The third and fourth SideWinder game pads stop functioning during
      game play. Check with Electronic Arts for a patch that solves this
      problem.
 
    * Ultimate Football '95 (Microprose Software, Inc.)
 
      If you want to use two SideWinder game pads with this game, you must
      connect them before you start the game.
 
    * Williams Arcade Classics (Williams Entertainment, Inc.)
 
      When you associate these games with your SideWinder game pad or
      SideWinder 3D Pro in the Game Device Profiler, make sure you select
      the GAME.EXE executable file if you're running the Windows 95
      versions. For example, if you're creating a profile to work with
      Joust, select GAME.EXE, and *not* JOUST.EXE. Since all the games in
      this package use the GAME.EXE executable file, you can have only one
      default profile for all six of the games.
 
    * Wing Commander 3 & 4 (Origin Systems, Inc.)
 
      For the SideWinder game pad and SideWinder 3D Pro to work correctly
      with these games, you need an alternate joystick DLL file (WC3JOY.DLL
      or WC4JOY.DLL) that is available from Origin Systems.
 
==============================
Part 5: DISPLAY COMPATIBILITY
==============================
 
5.1 Use The Latest Drivers
 
    In general, it is a good idea to make sure you have the latest release
    of the video drivers for your card.
 
    If you have the latest video drivers and still have display problems,
    try the following:
 
    * Switch to one of the drivers included with the Windows 95 software.
    * Change to a different display mode. An alternative to using a
      different driver is to change your video mode to a standard video
      mode such as 640x480 resolution with 256 colors.
 
    For details on how to change drivers or switch to a different display
    mode, see your Windows 95 documentation.
 
5.2 Diamond Edge 3D Nvidia Video Drivers
 
    If you use the Diamond Edge 3D video card with the video driver
    NVDISP.DRV (version 4.0, dated 10/25/95), you will notice a display
 
    problem in the Game Device Profiler. Specifically, the items in the
    list of devices, games, and profiles display initially as white boxes.
    Once you click an item in the list, all items and text appear
    correctly. To correct this problem, contact Diamond Multimedia Systems
    for the latest video drivers.
 
======================
Part 6: MEMORY ISSUES
======================
 
    The SideWinder game pad software should run on any personal computer
    with a 486/66 or higher processor with at least 8MB of RAM. However, if
    you have other applications running, you may not have enough memory
    available to start the Game Device Profiler and run your game at the
    same time. When your system doesn't have enough resources available,
    you will either receive an error message or you will notice that your
    screen won't redraw properly. If you encounter these problems, close
    any other open applications and try again.
 
    If you receive an error message that you do not have enough space on
    your hard disk to perform an action, you will need to delete
    unnecessary files from your computer to gain some free space.
 
=======================================================
Part 7: KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS IN THE GAME DEVICE PROFILER
=======================================================
 
7.1 Exit Keystroke Assignment Mode
 
    After recording a keystroke, you can press ESC to exit out of the
    keystroke recording mode.
 
7.2 Display "Right-Click" Shortcut Menu
 
    In the list of devices, games, and profiles, you can press SHIFT+F10 to
    display the shortcut menu in addition to using the right-click (or
    secondary button click) mouse method.
 
=========================
Part 8: TROUBLESHOOTING
=========================
 
    This section contains answers to specific questions you may have. For
    additional troubleshooting information, see the Trouble-shooting
    sections of the SideWinder Game Pad Online User's Guide and the Game
    Device Profiler Online User's Guide.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.1 QUESTION:  Why doesn't my SideWinder game pad work when I restart my
    computer in MS-DOS mode ("real mode")?
 
    ANSWER:  Unlike SideWinder 3D Pro, the SideWinder game pad is a
    digital-only device. Only games that run under Windows 95 or in an MS-
    DOS box under Windows 95 will work with the game pad.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.2 QUESTION:  My game is behaving strangely. Is there any way I can
    troubleshoot the game with the Game Device Profiler turned off?
 
    ANSWER:  Yes. You can "suspend" the Game Device Profiler. This allows
    you to troubleshoot in your game without having to delete any profiles
    for a device-game combination.
 
    >>>To "suspend" the Game Device Profiler:
 
    1  On the lower-right corner of the Windows 95 taskbar, right-click the
       Game Device Profiler icon.
    2  Click Suspend Game Device Profiler.
    3  Troubleshoot your game.
    4  To restart the Game Device Profiler, repeat Steps 1 and 2.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.3 QUESTION:  I just set up the SideWinder game pad software, but Gaming
    Device Properties shows that my device is not connected. What should I
    do?
 
    ANSWER: Try any of the following:
    * Make sure you have plugged your SideWinder game pad into the correct
      port. (See Section 2.1, "Don't Connect Your Game Pad to a Network
      Port.")
    * Make sure you have installed your SideWinder game pad software.
    * Reboot your machine.
    * Follow the procedure described in Section 8.5.
    If these things don't solve the problem, review Section 2.2, "Game Port
    Issues," or contact your game port manufacturer.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.4 QUESTION:  I have several game pads connected in a chain, but Gaming
    Device Properties shows that one or more of my game pads are "not
    connected." What should I do?
 
    ANSWER: Restart your computer without any game pads connected, and then
    connect and test each one in turn.
 
    >>>To test your game pads:
 
    1  Unplug all of your game pads, turn off your computer, and then start
       your computer again.
    2  Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
    3  Double-click Gaming Devices.
    4  Plug in a game pad, then click Test and ensure that all of your
       buttons are working properly.
    5  Continue plugging in your game pads (up to four in a chain), testing
       each game pad to ensure that it is working properly.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.5 QUESTION:  In the Control Panel, I see a "Gaming Devices" icon, but I
    can't open it; or, I can open it, but my devices are listed as "not
    connected."
 
    ANSWER:  If you previously had a game port, but it was removed, the
    SideWinder game pad installation program incorrectly detects that you
    still have a game port. Install a card with a game port (such as a
    sound card), and then run Setup again.
 
    If there is no response from the joystick, or Device Manager reports
    that the device is not present, not working properly, or does not have
    all its drivers installed, perform the following procedure.
 
    >>>To resolve your joystick problem:
 
    1  Start the computer in Safe mode since real-mode device drivers may
       conflict with the Windows 95 drivers and disable the game port. (For
       step-by-step instructions, consult your Windows 95 documentation.)
 
    2  Remove the GamePort Joystick from the Control Panel Device Manager
       and then add it again:
 
       a. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control
          Panel.
       b. Double-click the System icon and then click the Device Manager
          tab.
       c. Double-click Sound, Video, and Game Controllers, and then check
          for a GamePort Joystick. If one exists, click it and then click
          Remove.
       d. Click OK, and then click Close.
 
       To add the GamePort Joystick, or if there is no GamePort Joystick
       entry, run the Add New Hardware Wizard in the Control Panel. For
       more information, consult your Windows 95 documentation.
 
    3  Verify that the GamePort Joystick is working at the MS-DOS level. To
       do so, try to use the joystick with an MS-DOS-based game. Refer to
       the game's documentation for information about configuring the
       joystick.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.6 QUESTION:  I just turned on my computer and opened the Control Panel.
    Why don't I see Joystick or Gaming Device Properties?
 
    ANSWER:  Your sound card may not be initialized properly due to a game
    port or driver problem.
 
    >>>To reinitialize your sound card so that you can access Gaming Device
       Properties:
 
    1  Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control
       Panel.
    2  Double-click the System icon, and then click the Device Manager tab.
    3  Double-click Sound, Video, and Game Controllers, select Gameport
       Joystick (or the device that has an error), and then click
       Properties.
    4  Click the Resources tab, and then click Set ConfigurationManually.
    5  Clear the Use Automatic Settings check box, and then click OK.
    6  In System Properties, click OK, close the Control Panel, and then
       restart your computer.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.7 QUESTION:  I want to create a profile for my game, but the game comes
    with multiple executable files. When I'm associating the game with my
    gaming device, how do I know which executable file to select?
 
    ANSWER:  Select the main executable file for the game. Typically, games
    that come with more than one .EXE file are played in an MS-DOS box, or
    can be played in either Windows 95 or MS-DOS.
 
    * If the game is played only in MS-DOS, look for the .EXE or .COM file
      that is the largest.
 
    * If the game can be played in either Windows 95 or MS-DOS, look for an
      .EXE or .COM file that contains the name of the game and perhaps a
      "W" for "Windows."
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.8 QUESTION:  My game plays directly from my CD-ROM drive. I created a
    profile for this game, but it doesn't work. Why?
 
    ANSWER:  Your game may be one that temporarily copies its executable
    file to the \\Windows\Temp directory, and then deletes it when you quit
    the game. Therefore, when you associate this game with your gaming
    device, you must specify that the .EXE (or .COM) file is located in the
    \\Windows\Temp directory instead of on your CD-ROM drive.
 
    >>>To specify that the executable file is located in the \\Windows\Temp
       directory:
 
    1  Insert the game compact disc into the CD-ROM drive.
    2  After the game finishes loading, press ALT+TAB to switch to Windows
       95.
    3  Open the Game Device Profiler, and click the Add Game button.
    4  Under Look In, open the \Windows\Temp directory.
    5  In the list of files, select your game's executable file, and then
       click OK.
    6  Edit and save the profile, and then press ALT+TAB to return to your
       game.
 
8.9 QUESTION:  I connected two more SideWinder game pads to the one I'm
    already using, but the new ones don't show up in the Game Device
    Profiler. What's the problem?
 
    ANSWER:  The Game Device Profiler will not recognize game pads that you
    connect while the Profiler is open. With all your game pads still
    connected, close the Game Device Profiler and then start it again.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.10 QUESTION:  What's the minimum system configuration I need in order to
     run the SideWinder game pad software?
 
    ANSWER:  You must have a personal computer with a 486DX/66 or higher
    processor, with 8 megabytes of RAM, 6 megabytes of available hard disk
    space, 256-color VGA or better display, and running Windows 95.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.11 QUESTION:  I see strange colors in the Game Device Profiler. What do I
     do?
 
    ANSWER:  The Game Device Profiler is designed to run at 640x480
    resolution, or higher, with a minimum of 256 colors. If your display is
    set to show 16 colors, change your display to show 256 colors or more.
    For details on changing your display settings, see your Windows 95
    documentation.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.12 QUESTION:  Why isn't one of my keystroke assignments working in my
     game?
 
    ANSWER:  Your game may be one that in certain situations goes into a
    "non-polling" mode. This means that the game stops requesting
    information from the gaming device. (For example, this may happen when
    you press a gaming device button that you programmed to pause your
    game.) To make your game respond again, press the original keystroke
    that you had assigned to the gaming device button.
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.13 QUESTION:  My game is part of a multi-game package. I'm trying to
     create a profile for my game, but the profile isn't working. What
     should I do?
 
    ANSWER: Some companies that combine multiple games into one package use
    a single executable file for all of the games. To solve the problem,
    create one default profile for all of the games in the package using
    the single executable file. (Tip: The single executable file is usually
    the largest file that ends in .EXE.)
 
                    *  *  *  *  *
8.14 QUESTION:  I'm starting my MS-DOS-based games from the MS-DOS prompt.
     The profile for the first game works fine, but my profiles for all the
     games that I start after that don't work. Why?
 
    ANSWER: The Game Device Profiler can run only one game's profile per
    MS-DOS session. To use a profile for another MS-DOS-based game, you
    must close the MS-DOS window, and then start the next game from a new
    MS-DOS prompt.
 
============================================
Part 9:  GAME DEVICE PROFILER ERROR MESSAGES
============================================
 
Error #         Explanation
-------         ---------------------------------------------------------
100             The Game Device Profiler database was not found in its
                default location. A new database will be created for you.
 
101; 108        A general error has occurred. Either there is not enough
                disk space or the Game Device Profiler database file
                (PROFILES.GDP) is set as read-only.
 
                Free up some disk space, and make sure that the database
                file (PROFILES.GDP) is not set as read-only. For more
                information, see your Windows 95 documentation.
 
102; 105; 107   There may be a serious problem with the Game Device
                Profiler database.
 
                1. Exit the Game Device Profiler. Then restart your system
                   and the Game Device Profiler. If you still encounter
                   this error, continue with Steps 2 and 3.
 
                2. Delete the Game Device Profiler database file
                   (PROFILES.GDP), located in the directory where you
                   installed your SideWinder game pad software. (The
                   default location is:
                      \\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Gaming Devices.)
 
                3. Restart the Game Device Profiler.
 
104; 113        The Game Device Profiler database is full. The maximum
                number of profiles is 1,000.
 
                Delete the profiles that you don't need and then create a
                new profile.
 
106             The Game Device Profiler database is currently in use by
                another program.
 
                Restart your system, and then restart the Game Device
                Profiler.
 
====================
Part 10:  DEMO GAMES
====================
 
    Included on your SideWinder game pad compact disc are several demo
    games. Each of these demo games is playable and comes with its own
    readme file, located in its own directory.
 
    In order to play a demo game, you will have to install it on your
    computer. Browse the SideWinder game pad compact disc and open a game
    folder. Double-click the .EXE file in that folder. (It may be SETUP.EXE
    or another name.) Once the Setup program starts, click the Install
    button, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
 
Additional query words: side winder
======================================================================
Keywords            : gamepad
Version             : 1.00
Platform            : WINDOWS
Issue type          : kbreadme
=============================================================================
Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1997.