Knowledge Base - All Topics

The installation program does not run automatically.

After inserting the CD into the CD drive of the computer, the installation program does not run automatically.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation 1

You are using an Apple Macintosh with Max OS X.

Solution

Since the release of the Max OS X line of operating systems, Apple have dropped the feature of automatically running programs or opening files from a CD. First navigate to the CD drive, then run the installation program and follow the on-screen prompts.

Explanation 2

You are using a Windows operating system but Autorun is disabled.

Solution A

Navigate to the CD drive, then run the installation program and follow the on-screen prompts.

Solution B

Enable Autorun and re-insert the CD. The installation program should run automatically.

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Error: "Unable to write to file."

When logged on as a standard user on Windows XP, the following access errors occur when trying to use the program:

• "Unable to write to file. Press OK to continue."

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This is a permissions issue.

Solution

To resolve the problem do the following:

1. Log in as an administrator.
2. Right click the program folder and select "Properties".
3. Under the "Security" tab, you should see a section called "Group or user names". If you cannot see the "Security" tab, follow the instructions on Enabling the Security Tab.
4. Select the group or user that will be using the program folder. If you can't see the group or user in this list:
   • Click "Add..."
   • Click "Advanced..."
   • Click "Find Now"
   • Select the appropriate group or user, and click "OK".
5. In the permissions box, tick the "Allow" checkbox for "Full Control". The selected user will now have full control to the program folder.
6. If you had to change the permissions in Safe Mode, restart you computer in Normal Mode and log in as a standard user. Otherwise, log out of the administrator account and log back in as a standard user.
7. Run the program.

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The helper program doesn't work on a Macintosh OS X computer.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

Prior to version 1.1.1, the helper program is not a native OS X application, but a classic application. In other words, the application was written to run on the Mac OS 9 series of operating systems and not Mac OS X and later.

Solution A

Update the helper program to version 1.1.1.

Solution B

To run the helper program, you need to have classic mode enabled. Note that the Leopard version of Mac OS X (and later versions) do not support classic mode.

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Multiple errors occur when trying to run Spelling Force

When trying to run Spelling Force, the following errors appear:

• "error in app.saveinitprefs method"
• "error in app.load.initialprefs method"
• "error in app.open event"

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation 1

The user is trying to run the program directly from the CD.

Solution

Spelling Force is designed to be installed to (and run from) your local hard drive. If run from the CD, the program will try to write information back to the CD. As CDs are a type of read-only media, this will cause errors.

You can resolve this issue by installing Spelling Force to your hard drive (if it is not already installed), and running the program locally.

Explanation 2

In some cases the above errors are caused because the user does not have privileges needed to create the data files within the Spelling Force install folder.

Solution

You can resolve this issue by modifying user permissions.

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Error: "decompression error"

When trying to install the program, the following error appears:

• "decompression error"

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This problem may be caused by a variety of reasons.

Solution

If you are using an older version of the product, you can resolve this issue by performing a manual installation.

Newer versions of the product do not come with manual installation files. If this is the case, contact EdAlive for a replacement CD.

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No sound present when using the program.

On a Windows computer, there isn't any sound present when using the program.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation 1

System sound settings have been changed.

Solution A

Change the volume settings, making sure that the sound level is appropriate and that it is not muted.

Solution B

Spelling Force requires two codecs to be installed for the sounds to work. Check to see that the "Microsoft IMA ADPCM" and "Microsoft ADPCM" codecs are installed. These codecs may be available online or can be installed from your Windows installation CD.

Explanation 2

With a partial installation of Spelling Force, sound files are retrieved and played from the CD. With a full installation the sound files are retrieved and played from the hard drive.

Solution

If you are experiencing sound problems and have performed a partial install of Spelling Force, try running the program with the CD in the drive. Alternatively, you can re-install Spelling Force, specifying that you want to do a full installation.

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Full screen disabled

When the program starts, the entire screen cannot be seen, or parts of the screen are not visible (for example, the "Continue" button in the bottom right corner of the screen).

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This error occurs because the Spelling Force window has a width/height greater than your current screen resolution (which is probably 640x480). Try changing your screen resolution to 800x600 pixels before running Spelling Force.

Note that the system requirements for Spelling Force include a screen resolution of 800x600.

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Error: "The DSOUND.DLL file cannot start. Check the file to determine the problem."

When trying to start the program, the following error appears:

• "The DSOUND.DLL file cannot start. Check the file to determine the problem."

Possible Causes & Solutions

The latest version of DirectX resolves this issue.

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Invisible letters in the MagnoBeamer game

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

Windows 95 uses a different graphics system to other versions of Windows. This error is only applicable to some Windows 95 users, running version 1.0.7 of Spelling Force.

Solution

To resolve this issue, you have to enable the use of graphics compatible with Windows 95. Use the steps below:

1. Start Spelling Force.
2. From the Headquarters section, enter the Teacher/Parent area.

   The default password is either "home" or "school".

3. Put a tick in the check box next to "Use windows 95 compatible graphics".
4. Click "Save and return to headquarters".

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Installation error: "A needed file could not be installed..."

The following error occurs when installing the program:

• "A needed file file could not be installed. Please run the program once as the administrator to correct the problem."

Possible Causes & Solutions

1. Install and run the program once as the administrator.
2. Right-click the Spelling Force installation directory and select "Properties".
3. Under the security tab, you must change the change the permissions for the user(s)/group(s) that will be using Spelling Force. If you cannot see the security tab, you must first enable the security tab. To change the permissions, you must select the appropriate user(s)/group(s) and check "Allow" for the "Full Control" item.
4. Find the Real Basic DLLs, by searching for RB*.dll. For each DLL file beginning with "RB":
   1. Right-click and select "Properties".
   2. Change the file permissions by selecting the appropriate user(s)/group(s) (probably the same as above) and checking "Allow" for the "Full Control" item.
5. Repeat step 4, subsituting RB*.dll with MBS*.dll.

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Typed letters don't fit inside the text window.

Under "Test Yourself" in the Headquarters menu, the typed letters don't fit inside the text window.

Possible Causes & Solutions

To resolve this issue:

1. Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
2. Open the "Display" properties and view the "Settings" tab.
3. Click "Advanced".
4. Under the "General" tab, change the "Font Size" to use small fonts.
5. Click OK.
6. Start the program. The display issue should be fixed.

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Error: "The procedure entry point SetHandleContext could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll'

When trying to install Spelling Force, the following error message appears:

• "The procedure entry point SetHandleContext could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll."

Possible Causes & Solutions

These instructions from Microsoft may help resolve this problem.

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Installing Spelling Force on Smart-Tools/Connect

How can Spelling Force be installed on RM Smart-Tools/Connect 2.4?

Possible Causes & Solutions

1. Create the following folders:
   • p:apps32BitWinNewHoriz
   • p:apps32BitWinNewHorizRecords
   • p:apps32BitWinNewHorizSounds
2. Ensure that all users have:
   • Change Control (RWXD) on the records folder (p:apps32BitWinNewHorizRecords)
   • Read/Execute (RX) on the sounds folder (p:apps32BitWinNewHorizSounds)
3. Copy all the sound files and folders from the sounds folder on the CD to the sounds folder you created in step 1 (p:apps32BitWinNewHorizSounds).
4. On your build station, run RM Application Wizard 1st Scan and install the software as follows:
   1. Run the installer from the CD.
   2. When prompted, select "Minimum Install".
   3. Accept the default installation folder.
5. Start Spelling Force (your screen resolution must be at least 800x600
6. Log on as teacher/parent (the default password is "school") and set the file path for saving records to the records folder you created in step 1 (p:apps32BitWinNewHorizRecords).
7. Once logged in as teacher/parent set the file path for accessing sounds to the sounds folder you created in step 1 (p:apps32BitWinNewHorizSounds).
8. Optionally, you may also wish to change the teacher/parent password at this point.
9. Save your settings and exit the adminisitration section.
10. Start program again and change any other parameters according to your preferences, but do not create users at this time.
11. Run RM Application Wizard 1st Scan to test and allocate to any required stations.

ATTENTION: Are these folder names correct? Is this problem correct in general?

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How do I start the game?

Possible Causes & Solutions

The Windows version of the program automatically starts up with the "Counting to 5" game and uses yen symbols as the invaders. To start playing, press the "Begin Game" button on the main screen.

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How do I move to the next level in the game?

When I run the program, it always starts on the same level level. How do I move to the next level in the game?

Possible Causes & Solutions

The program does not automatically progress through the levels. The reason for this is so that players can practice any level they wish.

To change levels, manually select the new level from the menu bar.

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Accessing the senior level menu

The "senior" game types are grayed out. How can the senior game types be accessed?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Choices are grayed out before senior is chosen from level menu. Choose "senior" from the level menu. This will activate the senior game menu.

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Missing shortcuts from the Start menu.

The program has been installed but isn't listed in the Start menu.

Possible Causes & Solutions

The installer places shortcuts to the program in the Start menu under "Programs" (or "All Programs"), but it is called "Maths Invaders" not "Aussie Maths Invaders".

Note that the program installs fully onto the hard drive, meaning the CD is not required in the drive after installation. Also, the Autorun feature on the CD does not check whether or not the program is already installed, and will try to run the installation process again.

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The program freezes on a Mac.

The program freezes on a Mac, meaning the screen doesn't change and cursor doesn't move.

Possible Causes & Solutions

The program may freeze on a mac because of incompatible colour settings.

Change colour settings on your computer screen to 8-bit depth (256 colours).

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Not accepting correct answers and/or graphics errors.

On a Windows computer, the program does not accept the correct answers and/or graphical errors when the screen is redrawn.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

The reason correct answers are not accepted is that the graphical errors are causing the part of the necessary information to be obscured.

Solution

The most common solution to this issue is to update your graphics drivers. See the appropriate documentation for your operating system and/or graphics provider.

Change hardware acceleration settings may also resolve the issue. One way of changing the hardware acceleration settings is as follows:

1. Open the Control Panel and double-click Display.
2. Under the Settings tab, click "Advanced".
3. Search for, and enable, full hardware acceleration if available. Note that because there are a variety of graphics providers, hardware acceleration settings may be located in different places.

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Operating system compatibility

Does program work on NT, Me and Windows 2000?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Yes.

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Installation error

A setup error occurs during installation of the program.

Possible Causes & Solutions

This issue is most likely caused by a conflict.

A possible solution is to copy misetup.exe (or misetup) from the CD to desktop and try installing the program from there. Note that you may need to start your computer in safe mode to be able to do this.

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Numbers don't appear on the game screen.

When numbers are typed on the keyboard, they don't seem to appear on the game screen.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Check that the keyboard is connected to the computer. If the "Num Lock" key on the keyboard is not set to ON, you can type the numbers in the game using the keypad.

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Where do I type the answer?

Nothing happens when I push the space key or the enter key.

Possible Causes & Solutions

You must type an answer in the white spaceship area below the questions. Before pressing the space key or the enter key.

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The program doesn't make any sounds. How do I enable sound?

Possible Causes & Solutions

To enable sound, check the following.

1. The speakers are plugged in and turned on.
2. The speaker volume is turned up.
3. The volume settings on the computer are correct (turned up, not muted, etc).
4. Your computer has a sound card. Note that hearing system sounds does not mean your computer has a sound card, as system sounds are generated from a different internal speaker.

See this topic for more information.

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Running Aussie Maths Invaders over a network

Possible Causes & Solutions

A number of customers have reported issues (program freezes) when running the program from a server across a network.

The program is very small (about 1.3MB) and is best installed on individual machines. Additionally, the Windows version doesn't keep records so this is another reason why network use is not required.

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Some buttons and status indicators are not visible.

On Windows XP, some buttons and status indicators are not visible.

Possible Causes & Solutions

This error has to do with the default font settings and screen appearance in Windows XP.

To resolve this issue, you need to enabled Windows classic theme.

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Running the program from the hard drive

How can the program be run from the hard drive and not from the CD?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Older versions of the program come with "manual install files". If you are using one of these older versions, you can simply copy the folders from the CD to a location of your choice on the local hard drive.

Newer versions of the program come with an installer which automatically copies the correct files to a location on your hard drive.

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Networking the graphics browser program

Is the graphics browser program networkable?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Older versions of the product come with a FileMaker Pro graphics browser program. While this graphics program is not networkable, it can be copied from the CD to your computer's hard drive and run locally. Note that newer versions of the product come with a PDF document that provides an overview of the included graphics using thumbnail previews.

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Minimum system requirements

What are the minimum system requirements?

Possible Causes & Solutions

As the product contains an assortment of graphics, the only system requirements needed to be taken into account are the amount of disk space, and your normal applications' ability to display these images.

As an example, a computer with 1000MB free space and Microsoft Word should be able to use the graphics without any difficulty whatsoever.

Note that the FileMaker Pro graphics browser that comes with older versions of the product require Windows 95 or later, or OS 8.1 and above on a Macintosh. Newer versions of the product do not come with the FileMaker Pro graphics browser, but instead use a PDF document that provides an overview of the included graphics using thumbnail previews.

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How do I use the graphics in my favourite program?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Older versions of the product come with a FileMaker Pro graphics browser on the CD. The graphics browser may contain instructions for importing the graphics. However, if it does not, you may be able to find instructions within the help section of your favourite program, or by searching the web.

Newer versions of the products do not come with the FileMaker Pro graphics browser, but instead use a PDF document that provides an overview of the included graphics using thumbnail previews. This PDF overview does not include instructions on importing graphics into your favourite program. Again, you may be able to find instructions within the help section of your favourite program, or by searching the web.

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What are the different file types (formats) available on the CD?

Possible Causes & Solutions

The CD primarily uses 3 image formats, although in some cases, other formats may be used.

• Black & White GIF
• Colour GIF
• Colour JPG/JPEG

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Error: "This Application cannot run."

When trying to run the program, the following error message appears:

• "This Application cannot run."

Possible Causes & Solutions

Running the program in Compatibility Mode may fix this problem. You can either manually set the Compatibility Mode or use the Program Compatibility Wizard to do this.

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The font size doesn't appear correctly.

The font size doesn't appear correctly on a Windows screen.

Possible Causes & Solutions

This issue can be resolved by changing the DPI (dots per inch) settings to normal size on your computer. These are instructions for Windows Vista. A Web search may provide you with solutions for other Windows operating systems.

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The CD/DVD is not recognised in Windows 2000/XP/Vista

Possible Causes & Solutions

Sometimes after inserting a CD/DVD, the drive does not recognise the disc. CD/DVD read issues can have many causes.

After completing each of these possible solutions, test the CD/DVD to see whether or not the issue has been resolved. For any procedure that requires you to change current system settings, record the original settings before completing the procedure.

1. Verify that the correct disc (CD/DVD) is used when prompted to insert the disc.
2. For programs on DVD, verify that the drive containing the DVD is, in fact, a DVD drive and not a CD drive, as DVD drives can read both DVDs and CDs, while CD drives can only read CDs. Most DVD drives will have DVD printed on the front.
3. If multiple disc drives exist (e.g., CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD+/-/±RW, DVD-RAM), insert the CD/DVD into the other drive and try again.
4. If you are attempting to install a program and the installation does not begin after inserting the CD/DVD into the proper drive, refer to the program’s instructions for the installation procedure. Alternatively, try starting the installation in the following manner:
   1. Close all programs and windows
   2. Click Start, select Settings (Windows 2000/XP Classic Start Menu) and click Control Panel.
   3. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. Note that for Windows XP, if the Add/Remove Programs icon does not appear in the Control Panel, click Classic View on the left to see the Add/Remove Programs icon.
   4. Verify that the CD/DVD is in the correct drive and click the Add New Programs button.
   5. Click the CD or Floppy button (the Install from Floppy Disk or CD-ROM window will open) and then click "Next". Windows will begin scanning the drives for any Setup or Install files. After the drives are scanned, the install command will appear in the Open: line. If the Open: line is empty, stop here and continue with Step 5.
   6. Click Finish. The installation should begin. Follow the program instructions to complete the installation.
5. Clean the CD/DVD in the following manner:
   1. Place a small amount of nonabrasive liquid soap on the shiny side of the CD/DVD.
   2. Using your fingertips and warm water, gently rub the soap on the CD/DVD in a circular motion.
   3. Rinse the CD/DVD thoroughly and dry it using a clean, soft T-shirt or lint-free towel (do not use paper towels or tissue paper).
6. Verify that the CD/DVD driver is up to date.
7. Try to use a different CD or DVD in the drive to see if that disc can be read.
8. If possible, insert the problem CD/DVD into a CD/DVD drive of another computer to see if the issue persists.

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Error: "General Protection Fault"

When running the program on a Windows computer, the following error message appears:

• "General Protection Fault in Module ******.EXE at ****"

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This issue is probably caused by a conflict or lack of system resources.

Solution

1. Uninstall the program
2. Reboot your computer.
3. Disable any anti-virus and firewall programs that you have running.
4. Delete your temporary files.
5. Reinstall the program. Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements, and that all other programs have been closed before running the installer.

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Error: KRNL386.EXE

When trying to install the program on Windows 95/98/Me/XP, the following error appears:

• "Install has caused an error in KRNL386.EXE"

Possible Causes & Solutions

This problem may be caused by a conflict or lack of system resources. Check you have the correct system requirements and reinstall the program as follows:

1. Close all programs.
2. Disable any anti-virus and firewall programs you have running.
3. If you need to create some space on your hard drive, run the Disk Cleanup tool. We suggest you delete your temporary files and temporary internet files.
   • Windows 98/Me Disk Cleanup tool
   • Windows 2000 Disk Cleanup tool
   • Windows XP Disk Cleanup tool
   • Windows Vista Disk Cleanup tool
4. Try installing the program.

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Various graphical issues

When starting the program, one or more of the following graphical errors appear:

• The program window is not aligned to the edges of the screen.
• The screen splits in half.
• The screen moves to one side.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Lowering video hardware acceleration has been known to resolve these display issues.

Updating your video drivers, and changing the screen resolution and colour settings may also resolve this issue.

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Installation issues on a Windows computer

Possible Causes & Solutions

Sometimes issues can arise when installing on a Windows platform. Using safe mode may help resolve this issue.

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Error: "Set handle context entry point"

When running the program, the following error appears:

• "Set handle context entry point"

Possible Causes & Solutions

You can fix this error by deleting your temporary files..

You might also need to install the program manually.

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Error: "Not a valid win32 application."

When you run the program the following error appears:

• "Not a valid win32 application."

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This error can occur if the program installation becomes corrupted.

Solution

To resolve this issue:

1. Uninstall the program.
2. Empty the temporary files folder. This can be done using the Disk Cleanup tool.
3. Optionally, you may wish to run an anti-virus/anti-spyware program, de-fragment your hard drive and/or scan your hard drive for errors.

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Can Numbers Up! Volcanic Panic run from a network server?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Numbers Up! Volcanic Panic does not run from a network server. You will need to perform a full installation of the program on each client machine.

However, you can save student data on a network drive by following these instructions.

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How can Numbers Up! Volcanic Panic store student records on a network server?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Note: this topic applies to the network settings for School Site Versions only.

The procedure for setting up Numbers Up! Volcanic Panic to work over a network is similar to that of Spelling Force and involves using shared locations.

The process is different depending on your operating system, so first follow these instructions to configure a shared network location. Then for each client computer:

1. Run the program.
2. Log in to the administration section.
3. Click "Set records file path" and choose the shared network location.
4. Quite the program.

The next time you run Numbers Up! Volcanic Panic, student records will be read from and written to the shared network location.

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What is the QuickTime user registration code?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Some older versions of EdAlive programs use QuickTime to display movies. When you install QuickTime, you may be asked to register. Your QuickTime registration is not associated with EdAlive, and you can choose whether or not you will register at your own discretion.

Newer versions of EdAlive programs typically use the flash format for movies rather than the QuickTime format, which may mean that you do not have to register.

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Error: "Fatal exception error"

When running the program, the following error appears:

• "Fatal exception error"

Possible Causes & Solutions

There are many potential causes to a fatal exception error. This microsoft article may be of assistance in resolving it.

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Error: "Director player error, index out of range"

Upon answering a question, the following error is displayed:

• "Director player error, index out of range"

Possible Causes & Solutions

This error often occurs if:

• You have a computers that has multi-language support activated
• You are running a regional version of the operating system
• Double byte fonts are enabled

This issue only related to version 1.2.2 of Numbers Up! Volcanic Panic. This patch solves the issue.

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What are the minimum system requirements?

Possible Causes & Solutions

You can find the minimum system requirements on the product index page.

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Fonts appearing incorrectly

Some of the cursive fonts do not appear correctly or look bunched together.

Possible Causes & Solutions

In Aussie School Fonts Deluxe (version v1.1.1) you need to use the Helper Program to first convert the sentence and then copy and paste the converted sentence into a word processor program.

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Creating a shortcut/alias

How do I create a shortcut/alias to the program on the desktop?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Presently, the default settings for program installers create a shortcut/alias on the desktop for all user accounts (previously, the installer only created the shortcut/alias for the currently logged in user). Use these instructions if a shortcut/alias was not placed on your desktop and you would like to do so.

Windows

To create a shortcut on a Windows computer, see these instructions. If you want the shortcut to be available to all users, put the shortcut in the appropriate "All Users" directory.

• Windows 2000/XP: :\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop
• Windows Vista: :\Users\Public\Public Desktop
  Note that on Windows Vista, the public desktop for all users is a hidden folder. If you cannot view this folder, see these instructions.

Mac

To create an alias on a Macintosh computer:

1. Open a new Finder window.
2. Browse to the folder containing the program.
3. Control-click the program icon and select "Make Alias".
4. Drag the alias to the desktop.

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Changing the location of the EdAlive Server

How can I change the installation folder of the EdAlive Server and still use the existing group and user data?

Possible Causes & Solutions

If you have already installed and used the EdAlive Server (so that group and user data has been written to the hard drive) and now want to change the installation directory, you will need to re-install the EdAlive Server to a new location and copy the existing group and user data across.

1. Browse to and backup the "moduledata" folder (see below). For example, copy C:/Program Files/EdAlive Network Server OLD/moduledata to your desktop, or compress the folder and burn it to a CD. Backing up your group and user data allows you to make this data available to the new installation.
2. Uninstall the EdAlive Server.
3. Install a new copy of the EdAlive Server. We recommend you install the latest version.
4. If you are using a Windows operating system and have installed the EdAlive Server as a service, make sure the service is running. Otherwise, browse to the new installation directory and run the EdAlive Server as an application.
5. Exit the EdAlive Server application (or stop the service), and copy the backup of your group and user data to the "moduledata" folder in the new installation.

When you re-run the EdAlive Server (either as an application, or as a service), the old group and user data should be available. After you connect any of the client programs (Typing Tournament, BRAINtastic!, etc), you should be able to see all the original groups and users.

The "moduledata" folder has a different location depending on your platform.

Windows XP: C:\Program Files\EdAlive Network Server\moduledata\
    {EDALIVESERVERINSTALLFOLDER}\moduledata\
Windows Vista: C:\ProgramData\EdAlive\Server\moduledata\
    %ProgramData%\EdAlive\Server\
Mac OS X: Macintosh HD:Applications:EdAlive Server:moduledata:
    {EDALIVESERVERINSTALLFOLDER:moduledata:)

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Only a single user can login at any one time.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This issue is probably caused because you are trying to run Numbers Up! Volcanic Panic across a network - if you try to install a single copy onto your network server, with each client computer running it over the network, you will cause an error because files cannot be opened more than once at the same time.

Solution

You may be able to install and use the program to work with a network setup, storing user data in a central location. See this post.

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Error: "This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down"

When running the program, the following error occurs:

• "This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down."

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This problem may be caused by a conflict or lack of system resources. Check you have the correct system requirements and reinstall the program as follows:

1. Uninstall the program.
2. Reboot your computer.
3. Close all programs.
4. Disable any anti-virus and firewall programs you have running.
5. If you need to create some space on your hard drive, run the Disk Cleanup tool. We suggest you delete your temporary files and temporary internet files.
   • Windows 98/Me Disk Cleanup tool
   • Windows 2000 Disk Cleanup tool
   • Windows XP Disk Cleanup tool
   • Windows Vista Disk Cleanup tool
6. Reinstall the program.

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Error: 16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\AUTOEXEC.NT

An error message similar to the following appears when trying to install or run the program:

• "C:\WINDOWS\system32\AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application."

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

The AUTOEXEC.NT file may be missing or may have been corrupted, due to a variety of reasons.

One common cause of this error is during the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2, which may delete the AUTOEXEC.NT file. As a result, when trying to run certain applications which make use of 16-bit technology an error message like the one above may be displayed. The error message can be misleading, because it is displayed even if the AUTOEXEC.NT file is not actually missing.

This error may also be the result of corruption of the AUTOEXEC.NT file, in which case the following procedure may be helpful in restoring a valid file. If the corruption is due to hardware failure, try de-fragmenting your hard drive and/or scanning it for errors.

The "AUTOEXEC.NT" file being deleted has also been related to virus programs. You may want to virus-check your system.

Possible Solution

To verify whether you have the file, open a new Explorer window and type %windir%/system32/ in the address bar. If AUTOEXEC.NT is not listed:

1. Browse to %windir%/repair/ (this is usually C:\WINDOWS\repair).
2. Copy the AUTOEXEC.NT file, and browse to %windir%/system32/ (usually C:WINDOWS\System32).
3. Paste the copy of AUTOEXEC.NT.

Similar error messages include:

• "C:\Winnt\System32\config.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application."

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The program can't connect to the EdAlive Server.

The program can't connect to the EdAlive Server.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Possible Solutions

If the client program cannot find the EdAlive Server, check the following:

• That the EdAlive Server application is running. If the EdAlive Server is installed as an application, you should see a "module window" for each client application
• That you are using the correct version of the program
• That your firewall programs allows the EdAlive Server (and the client program) to communicate across the network. Make sure you properly configure the firewall on both the server computer and client computers.
• That the EdAlive Server and the client computers are on the same subnet. By default the client program will look for the EdAlive Server by scanning IP addresses in the same subnet (i.e., with IP addresses that vary only in the last octet). For example, if the EdAlive Server is on 192.168.1.7 and client is on 192.168.1.24 the client should be able to find and connect to the server. However, if the EdAlive Server is on 192.168.1.7 and and client is on 192.168.36.24 client will not be able to find the server. See the Advanced Subnet Information below for more details.
• That the EdAlive Server and client programs are configured properly and that your firewall program isn't blocking communication on these ports (typically port 1626 and the port range 2000-4000).

Advanced Subnet Information

A subnet is defined by the subnet mask. If the subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 then IP addresses in same subnet can only vary in the last octet of the IP address (i.e., the final number in the range 0-255). 255.255.255.0 is the most common subnet mask.

If the subnet mask is 255.255.0.0 or 255.255.x.0 then the pool of IP addresses available in the subnet is much larger (256², or 65 536, in the case of 255.255.0.0 and a lesser number for subnet masks like 255.255.248.0).

EdAlive does not support connections between the EdAlive Server and client applications across different subnets. However, if the EdAlive Server is on a different subnet (via choice or necessity), connecting the client applications is still possible provided that the client computer can ping the server on the EdAlive lobby port (port 1626 by default). To do this, you must force the IP address for each client computer.

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Opening Firewall Ports on Windows

Possible Causes & Solutions

What is a port?

A port is an opening into your computer through which information can flow. For example, if you are exchanging instant messages with someone who wants to send you a file, such as a photo, your firewall program (e.g., Windows Firewall) will ask you if you want to unblock the request so that the photo can reach your computer. Or, if you want to play a multiplayer network game with friends (either over the Internet or over your local area network), you must open a port so that the firewall can allow game information to be sent to your computer.

How ports work

Each port has a number, which is like an address. Many programs and services have a "permanent address" that is, they have predefined port numbers. You can find the correct port number for a program or service in the manufacturer's documentation or on their Web site. Some programs (many games, for example) do not have predefined port numbers, but rather open ports automatically as needed.

Risks of opening ports

Each time that you allow a program to communicate through your firewall, your computer is made more vulnerable. Opening a port is like poking a hole through the firewall. If there are too many holes, there is not much wall left in your firewall. Unknown intruders often use software that scans the Internet looking for computers with unprotected connections. If you have many open ports, your computer can become a victim of these intruders.

To help decrease your security risks:

• Only open a port when you really need it.
• Never open a port for a program that you do not recognize.
• Close a port when you no longer need it.

Opening ports in Windows Firewall

To help protect the security of your computer, you should keep Windows Firewall (or another firewall of your choice) turned on, so that unsolicited requests to connect to your computer are blocked.

To allow a type of connection, you must create an exception or open a port for the specific program or service. Performing a search should yield many resources that will help you manage your firewall and network communications.

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The keyboard doesn't seem to respond within the game.

When playing the game, the keyboard doesn't seem to respond. For example, the ship is unable to move when using the arrow keys.

Possible Causes & Solutions

This problem only seems to occur when using a Logitech or Microsoft wireless keyboard, and with some laptops.

The problem is easily resolved by pressing the F lock key (the key with the padlock icon) on and off.

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Running the EdAlive Server as a Windows service

Can the EdAlive Server be run as a Windows service, so that the Administrator does not have to be logged in all the time?

Possible Causes & Solutions

There are several options for running the EdAlive Server as a Windows service.

Solution A - Upgrade the EdAlive Server

Uninstall the old version of the EdAlive Server, and download and install the latest version, which comes with an option for installing the EdAlive Server as a Windows service.

As an important note, you may wish to backup your group and user data.

Solution B - 3rd Party Software

Some programs, like Fire Daemon allow you to install and run virtually any native Windows application or script as a service. See their site for more information. Note that EdAlive does not support or endorse this method of running the EdAlive Server as a service.

Solution C - User Defined Services of Windows Servers

It is possible to alter the registry in order to run the EdAlive Server as a service. See How To Create a User-Defined Service for more information.

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How can incorrectly spelled words in the custom list be deleted?

Possible Causes & Solutions

1. From the Headquarters screen, click Teacher/Parent for Version 1 or Admin for Version 2, and enter your administration password.
2. Click the Word List Editor.
3. Click Edit a Custom List on the right side


4. Click Select Custom List on the right hand side


5. Select the incorrectly spelt word


6. Click Delete word (this removes it from the custom list)


7. Replace the word, from the list on the left or create a new custom word (correctly spelt) and add it.


8. When the custom list is full, click Save the new lis. You can replace the old list, or create a new one.

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Error: 16-bit Windows Subsystem
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CONFIG.NT

An error message similar to the following appears when trying to install or run the program:

• "The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application."

Possible Causes & Solutions

This error message is similar to the 16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem error. Follow the same procedure, using the "CONFIG.NT" file.

Note that this file may also be located in the C:\WINNT\system32 folder.

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Error: "The ordinal 1334 could not be located..."

When trying to run the program, the following error appears:

• "The ordinal 1334 could not be located in the dynamic link library IML32.dll."

If the OK button is clicked, a second error follows:

• "This application cannot start as it cannot create needed files. There may not be enough free disk space."

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This problem is caused by a conflict between different versions of the same two files ("IML32.dll" and "DIRAPI.dll"). These files are used by Director programs or programs made with Director-related products, and they should only exist in the Application folder or Director folders - anywhere else and they cause problems.

See the following reports for more information.

• Adobe Knowledge Base
• Director-Online

Possible Solution

Important note:

The files listed above ("IML32.dll" and "DIRAPI.dll") are used by Director programs and programs made with Director products. Deleting or renaming them should not affect your computer but may affect programs like Flash Player. If you would prefer not to delete these files, you can rename them instead. We suggest names similar to "IML32_old.dll" and "DIRAPI_old.dll". This makes returning the computer to its original state easy. We also suggest you create a backup and/or system restore point before proceeding.

1. Search for "IML32.dll".
2. If you find any copies of this file in the "Windows", "System32" or "Temp" directories, delete them. (You can also rename them if you prefer.)
3. Copies of this file in other directories should not cause any problems.
   Note that files in Director directories should be OK even if those Director directories are located inside the "System32" directory.
4. Follow steps 1-3 for the file "DIRAPI.dll".

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Program doesn't appear correctly

The following errors are all related:

• Error during the initialization process of a new task or the opening of a game file.
• When visiting an environment, the buttons change but the graphic of the previous location still remains.
• Garbage characters appear in animal information.
• Animal bitmaps not appearing in the Library when an animal is selected in the list box

Possible Causes & Solutions

All of the above problems are due to a particular file becoming corrupted. The best solution is to reinstall the software.

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Client/Server installation instructions

How do I install the program on our network? Applies to the Client/Server version of the program only.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Overview

The Network version of the program has a Server and Client component and can run on both Windows or Mac networks.

EdAlive Server Installation:

1. Install the server program, called the EdAlive Server, on your network server computer, or another computer on your network.
2. Start the EdAlive Server. If you are using Windows and chose to install the EdAlive Server to run as a service, you will need to start the service from the Windows Services Window
3. If you installed the EdAlive Server on a Mac computer (or on a Windows computer as a regular application), you should see one or more module windows. (Each module window displays information about a particular type of client program. For example, if you are going to be using the network versions of both BRAINtastic! and Typing Tournament, you should see a module window for each of these two programs). When the module windows appear, the EdAlive Server is ready to accept connections from the client programs.
   Note: Once you install and run the EdAlive Server, a folder called "moduledata" is created (see this post to see where the "moduledata" folder is located on your system). All group/user data and settings are stored within the "moduledata" folder. If you experience some sort of permission issue, check to see that the appropriate users have full read/write access to this folder.

Client Installation:

1. Using the same Network CD, install the client program on each network computer.
   Note: See this post for information on network deployment of the client program.
2. Start the client program.
3. The client program should scan the network and automatically connect to the EdAlive Server. See this topic if the client application cannot connect to the EdAlive Server.

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Networking EdAlive Products

Can EdAlive products be used over a network so that any student data can be stored in a central location?

Possible Causes & Solutions

By "networking", we mean the ability of the program to send and receive information over the network for centralised storage. We do not mean the ability to install a single copy of the program on a server computer, with each client computer running the executable application from the server.

We also do not mean the ability to install the program to multiple computers over a network. Such network deployment is possible with some of our installers (using Microsoft Installer technology, or MSIs) on some platforms.

Some EdAlive programs do have the ability to send/receive information over the network for centralised storage. Networkable EdAlive programs generally have one of the two networking features:

A client/server method

This method uses two programs - the client program and the server program. The client program is the actual game and is installed on each of the computers. The server program is only installed on a server computer, and listens for requests from client programs concerning reading/writing student data. The programs that use the client/server method include:

• BRAINtastic!
• Numbers Up! 2 Baggin’ the Dragon
• Ultimate Maths Invaders
• Typing Tournament
• Words Rock

The file path method

This method involves creating a shared folder on your server computer to which all the clients connect. When the client program is run, it connects to this shared location as if it were a location on the local hard drive - the details of communicating over the network are handled by the operating systems. The programs that use the file path method include:

• Spelling Force
• Numbers Up! Volcanic Panic

These CDs are labelled "Licence version" or possibly "Network version".

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Installing the software on multiple computers over a network

Can the CD installer deploy the software on multiple computers over a network?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

Older versions of the installation program do not come with the ability to install the software on multiple computers over a network. However, there are several solutions to achieve the same result. These solutions are listed below. If none of these solutions are appropriate to your situation, we recommend you install the software individually on each client computer.

Note that the latest versions of EdAlive products should come with MSI installers that will enable deployment on multiple computers over a network using group policy.

Solution A

Install the software on one computer and ensure the settings are as you want them. For example, if you are using a network client program that connects to the EdAlive Network Server (such as BRAINtastic!), you may wish to make sure the server IP address is set correctly.

After you are happy with the installation, copy the installation folder to all the other computers on which you want the software. This can be done manually for each individual computer, or automatically using some type of batch process.

Notes

• On a Windows computer, the installation path will be the "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" folder on your system drive. On a Macintosh computer, the installation path will be the "Applications" directory on your system drive.
• For a network client program that connects to the EdAlive Network Server (such as BRAINtastic!), there is detailed information about customising the client program in the PDF manual included on the CD.

Solution B

If you are a network administrator, you can build your own network deployment installer for many EdAlive products. This process should take approximately 1 hour and can save you many hours work, depending on the numbers of computers on which you want the software installed.

Solution C

If there is an updated version of your product, it may come with an installer that allows the software to be deployed on multiple computers over a network. You can order a replacement CD containing the new network installer.

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How do I set up Spelling Force to work over a network?

Possible Causes & Solutions

The procedure for setting up Spelling Force to work over a network involves using shared locations, and is therefore different depending on the operating system you are using.

Firstly, follow these instructions to configure a shared network location. Then for each client computer:

1. Run Spelling Force.
2. Login to the administration section.
3. Click "Set File path for saving records".
4. Select the shared directory.
5. Exit Spelling Force.

The next time you run Spelling Force, student data should be automatically saved to the shared location on your network.

We are currently working on bringing out a client/server version of Spelling Force.

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The EdAlive Server crashes

When a user with custom settings tries to log on, the EdAlive Server crashes.

Possible Causes & Solutions

To solve this issue, upgrade to the latest EdAlive Server (this is a free download).

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Separate copies of the EdAlive Server

Do I need a separate copy of EdAlive Server for each program I am networking, and what are the programs that use the EdAlive client/server networking method?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Only a single copy of the EdAlive Server needs to be running on your network. Multiple clients can connect to the server, and the server manages the reading/writing of student data.

The EdAlive Server does not only support multiple connections, but it also supports multiple client programs! In other words, a variety of EdAlive programs have the capacity to make use of the centralised storage provided by the EdAlive Server (according to each programs version/licence). For each type of client program (for example, Numbers Up! 2 Baggin' the Dragon or BRAINtastic!), the appropriate module needs to be installed. A module handles the protocol for communicating with each type of client program, as well as reading/writing data to the hard drive.

The following programs can use the EdAlive Server. The modules for each of these client programs are located in the top level of the EdAlive Server folder.

BRAINtasitc!

Module filename: mod_btc.dxr

Numbers Up! 2 Baggin' the Dragon

Module filename: mod_nu2.dxr
Configuration filename: nu2_index.cfg

Ultimate Math(s) Invaders

Module filename: mod_umi.dxr

Typing Tournament

Module filename: mod_tpt.dxr

Words Rock

Module filename: mod_wrk.dxr

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Error: "Unable to create scan/connection port at :1626"

The EdAlive Server is installed, but the following error appears when the client tries to connect:

• "Unable to create scan/connection port at :1626"

Possible Causes & Solutions

This error message can occur if there is another copy of the EdAlive Server running on the same computer. You should only run the latest version of the EdAlive Server running on a single computer.

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What type of computer do I need to run the EdAlive Server program?

What type of computer do I need to run the EdAlive Server program? Do I need a server computer running an operating system like Windows Server 2003 or Mac OS X server?

Possible Causes & Solutions

No! The EdAlive Server can be run on any computer that is on the same subnet as the client computers.

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Novell compatibility

Will the EdAlive Server run on a Novell server?

Possible Causes & Solutions

No. The EdAlive Server requires a Windows or Mac OS X operating system.

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Linux compatibility

Can the EdAlive Server run on a Linux computer?

Possible Causes & Solutions

The EdAlive Server was designed to run on a Windows or Mac OS X operating system. However, Windows emulators for the Linux platform may be able to run the program.

The Ubuntu community help contains an example of someone who was able to run the EdAlive Server on Linux. This method may also work for other EdAlive titles.

EdAlive does not support or endorse the above method for running EdAlive software on Linux.

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Can the EdAlive Server work with an NT4 server?

Possible Causes & Solutions

All indications are that the EdAlive Server can not work with an NT4 server. Please note that NT4 is no longer supported by Microsoft.

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Can the Network version be used as a standalone product?

Can the Network version be used as a standalone product? If not, which version should I use?

Possible Causes & Solutions

If you want to use the program as a standalone product, we recommend you use the School/Home/Standard version. While it is possible to use the Network version like a standalone product by running both the EdAlive Server and the client software on the same computer, this is not recommended or desirable.

School site licences include a School version for standalone operation as well as a Network version for centralised data storage.

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The administration password cannot be changed.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

With version 1.1 of the EdAlive Server, there was an issue with the modules supplied for Numbers Up! 2 Baggin’ the Dragon, Ultimate Maths Invaders and Typing Tournament, whereby the administration password would revert to 'admin' when the server was restarted.

Solution

Download the latest version of the EdAlive Server, which comes with updated modules for all relevant products.

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Same user logged-in more than once.

The same user can be logged-in more than once.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

With version 1.1 of the EdAlive Server, there was an issue with the modules supplied for Numbers Up! 2 Baggin’ the Dragon, Ultimate Maths Invaders and Typing Tournament, whereby it was possible to have the same user logged in more than once.

Solution

Download the latest version of the EdAlive Server, which comes with updated modules for all relevant products.

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Converting/importing module data

Can group and user data be converted or imported from one EdAlive Server module to another?

Possible Causes & Solutions

It's currently not possible to convert student and class data from one module to another.

However, the latest version of BRAINtastic! Central Control allows you to import data from CSV (Comma Separated Values) format.

Otherwise, each group (class) and user (student) will have to be added manually to all installed products (Numbers Up, Words Rock,Typing Tournament etc...). The reason for this is because each product contains it's own user and group data to prevent compatibility issues.

Importing/converting user and group data is a feature that EdAlive planning to incorporate into later releases.

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How to print certificates in Typing Tournament

Possible Causes & Solutions

To print certificates in Typing Tournament, use the print screen capabilities of your operating system.

For example, on Windows press the "Print Screen" button on the keyboard and paste the screen shot into a graphics application, like Paint. On Mac, press "Command+Shift+4" on the keyboard to copy a portion of the screen and save it to a file.

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Read/write access errors on Mac OS X

When running the program on a Mac OS X, read/write errors occur.

Possible Causes & Solutions

To control access to your important information, Mac OS X automatically sets permissions for disks, folders, and files. You can change these permissions for an item using the information window (Apple+i) in Finder, so that users can run and save certain programs.

You can change permissions for an item using the Info window in Finder. Mac OS X provides distinct permissions for three types of users:

1. The "owner" of the item, which is usually the name of the person who created the item, or yourself.
2. Any member of the group assigned to the item by Mac OS X.
3. Any other user with access to the computer.

There are four levels of permission:

1. "Read & Write" allows a user to open the item to see its contents and change it.
2. "Read Only" allows a user to open the item to see its contents, but not change the contents or copy them.
3. "Write Only" makes a folder into a drop box. Users can copy items to the drop box, but cannot open the drop box to see its contents. Only the owner of the drop box can open it to take items out.
4. "No Access" blocks all access to the item so that users can't open the item, change its contents, or copy its contents.

To learn more about file permissions on a Mac OS X, search the web or look through Apple's support page.

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Error: "Maximum limit of 64 users has been reached."

When creating users, the following error appears:

• "Maximum limit of 64 users has been reached."

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

Each group can contain a maximum of 64 users. You are probably trying to create users in a group that already contains 64 users.

Solution

You can create up to 64 groups according to your own criteria. For example, you may create a group for a particular Year 2 class, or create several groups according to ability level. To stop receiving this error message, create all the groups you will need then create and add users to the appropriate groups. Using groups also makes it easier and faster for users to log in to the game.

Note that you can have a maximum of 2048 users across the 64 groups.

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Error: "The folder called WordLists seems to be missing from the location '...' "

When starting the program, the following error messages appear:

• "The folder called WordLists seems to be missing from the location '...' "
• "Error in app.checkexistenceofFolders method"

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

These error messages appear because the Spelling Force executable (usually SpellinForce.exe) has been moved to a different location. To resolve this problem, either move the executable back to the original folder or re-install the program.

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Error: "Program is having problems creating or writing to needed files."

When trying to run the program, the following error appears:

• "Program is having problems creating or writing to needed files."

Possible Causes & Solutions

This issue may be caused because you are trying to launch the program directly from the CD and not from the hard drive. Make sure that the program is installed onto your hard drive and that you are not running the application from the CD.

This issue may also be caused because user permissions have not been configured properly. Giving full control to the program's installation directory (and all items within it) for all users should fix the permissions issue.

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Fonts appear to be corrupted when using Microsoft Office 2004.

Possible Causes & Solutions

This error is due to a bug with Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac OS X 10.4 systems. To fix the issue, simply update the Microsoft Office pakage with the latest updates and patches.

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Multiple client connection issues on a Mac

When opening more than one EdAlive network program (e.g., BRAINtastic!, Typing Tournament, Ultimate Maths Invaders, Volcanic Panic!, Baggin' the Dragon, Words Rock!), the client fails with a connection error. However, if you click "Search again" the client connects to the EdAlive Server without difficulty.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Downloading and installing the latest EdAlive Server should fix this issue.

This topic may also provide assistance.

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The EdAlive Server (version 1.2) starts then shuts down when run as a service.

If the default installation path of the EdAlive Server is changed when installing the program as a service, the following error appears: "The EdAlive Server service on Local Computer started and then stopped. Some services stop automatically if they have no work to do, for example, the Performance Logs and Alerts service".

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This error message appears because the default installation path was changed.

Solution A - Upgrade to the Latest Version

The easiest solution to this issue is to upgrade to the latest EdAlive Server (this is a free download).

Solution B - Edit the Registry

A more difficult solution is to make a few changes in the registry.

CAUTION: Please do NOT change registry settings if you are not familiar with editing the registry, as any unwanted changes to the Windows registry may cause problems on your computer.

To correctly edit the registry, use the following procedure:

1. On the Start menu, click "Run" then type "regedit" and press enter.
2. Under the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Edalive\ParametersStep
3. Click the "Parameters" key, right click "Application" and click "Modify".
4. Under "Value Data" change the path to where you have installed the EdAlive Server application file (e.g., "C:\Program Files\EdAlive Network Server v1.2\EdAlive Network Server.exe").
5. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
6. View the Windows Services by clicking "Run" from the Start menu, typing "services.msc" and pressing enter.
7. Start the EdAlive Server service.

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Installation instructions (standalone version)

How do I install the program on the local hard drive?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Most EdAlive products come with a QuickStart card, which gives basic instruction for installing and using the program. See the QuickStart card that came with your CD.

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Can I create a custom word list?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Spelling Force comes with ability to create your own custom spelling lists. To create your own custom list:

1. Click the "Enter New List" button.
2. Start typing the word you would like in your new list. After you have typed the first three letters, similar words from the built-in word bank will appear in the box below.
3. If the word you would like appears, either double-click it to add it to your new list or select it and press the "Add to List" button.
   Note: You can enter words that are not in the built-in word bank but make sure you spell them correctly. When that word is presented in your missions, it will not be spoken out loud, and will have the sentence "I am trying to learn to spell the word (your word)".
4. A message will let you know that your list is full once you have entered 10 words. You may still change any words at this time.
5. If you are happy with the list press "OK".

The custom word list will be automatically saved. The filename will be your first name, last initial and the date that you entered the list, for example, "KylieK26Jul02". This means that each student can only create one custom word list each day, as the 2^nd, 3^rd, n^th word list will overwrite the first.

After you have created your custom list, you will be taken to the "Test Yourself" screen to take a test on your new list of words.

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Exporting and printing user statistics

How can I export and print user statistics?

Possible Causes & Solutions

To export use statistics, click the "Export Stats" button at the bottom of the "User Stats" screen. This will export (in text format) the results shown on the screen.

To print user statistics (such as results, statistics, etc), use the print screen capabilities of your operating system.

For example, on Windows you press the "Print Screen" button on the keyboard and paste the screen shot into a graphics application, like Paint. On Mac, press "Command+Shift+4" on the keyboard to copy a portion of the screen and save it to a file.

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Can BRAINtastic! import users?

Possible Causes & Solutions

In response to requests from schools, we have added the ability to import users from a tab-separated or comma-separated text file. Currently the format of the file is: First Name, Last Name. Select the "Import Users Option" from the "Global" menu. When users have been imported, you can place them in groups by using the "Add existing users to current group" option from the "Groups" menu.

If you are running an older version of BRAINtastic!, this feature may not be included. Download and install the latest version of BRAINtastic! to use this feature (this is a free download).

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What is the maximum number of users that can be created?

Possible Causes & Solutions

BRAINtastic! is limited to 64 groups with a maximum of 64 users in each group. A total of 2048 users can be added within the program.

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How can I add and remove users?

Possible Causes & Solutions

In order for BRAINtastic! to store settings and record progress, it is necessary to create a user account for each person who will be using the program. Only a first name is required, but a last name and password may also be entered.

Adding users from the administration section

To create a user, select the group to which you want the user to belong. Enter the first and last name into the two yellow boxes at the top part of the screen in the administration section, next to the text "New User". When you click the "Add User" button, a new user will be created and added to the currently selected group.

Adding users from the administration section is most useful for teachers.

Removing users from the administration section

To remove a user, select the user and click "Delete User" from the "User Menu". A message box will appear asking you to confirm whether or not you wanted to delete the user.

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Combining two BRAINtastic! installations

I already have BRAINtastic! installed. How do I add a new Reward Game or Content Module to the existing installation?

Possible Causes & Solutions

This PDF document explains the process of combining multiple BRAINtastic! installations.

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Some users are not visible.

When logged in to the computer with certain users, some user account within BRAINtastic! are not visible.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

On Windows XP, if standard users do not have read/write permissions on the installation folder, user profiles will be created in Document and Settings\User\Application Data\EdAlive\Braintastic rather that the installation folder (the default is C:\Program files\Braintastic). In this situation, some users will not be visible depending on which user is logged in.

Solution A

Update to the latest version of BRAINtastic!.

Solution B

To resolve this issue, enable standard user access to the BRAINtastic! installation direcotry.

1. Login as the Administrator of the computer.
2. Install the full program in its default location.
3. After installing the program, launch the program once then quit.
4. Navigate to the "Profiles" folder located within the BRAINtastic! installation folder and give "Full Control" to all users of the computer.
5. Logout as the Administrator and then login as a standard user.
6. Start the program.

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What is the Helper Program?

Possible Causes & Solutions

The Helper Program is a small application that allows you to type or paste text so that it can be converted to one of the handwriting fonts. You then copy the edited text back to your normal word processor (for example, to print the document). The Helper Program must be used to form correct letter shapes and joins for the fully cursive fonts. However, it can also be used for all the other fonts as well.

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Why is the Helper Program necessary?

Possible Causes & Solutions

If you look closely at the handwriting guidelines for the various states, you will notice that the shapes of some letters change depending on what letters are next to it. A normal font contains only one form of each letter. For the letters of a normal font to join then each letter must start and finish at the same relative position so that the end of one letter matches the start of the next. In Aussie School Fonts Deluxe, each fully cursive font contains a number of forms of each letter. The Helper Program determines which form of a letter to use depending on which letters are next to each other.

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Entering, converting and printing text

How can I edit, convert and print text with Aussie School Fonts Deluxe?

Possible Causes & Solutions

To use Aussie School Fonts Deluxe with your normal word processor, use the following steps:

1. Type your text directly into Helper Program or copy/paste existing text from your word processor.
2. Select the required font from the drop-down menu, located under "Convert to".
3. Press the "Convert" button. The text will now be seen in the selected font.
4. Copy the text from the Helper Program back to your word processor.
5. Print your word processor document.

Note that some Windows word processors only paste unstyled text from the clipboard, meaning that font information for blocks of text is lost. These word processors cannot be used with the Helper Program. However, Wordpad, which is supplied with Windows, does retain style information and so can be used to print text converted with the Helper Program.

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Why do the fonts appear perfectly when printed but poorly on my monitor?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Cursive style letters are thinner than normal font letters. When displayed on a low resolution monitor, there are not enough pixels to display the true quality of the font. However, because printers generally have a higher resolution than monitors, the fonts should be of quite a high quality when printed.

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Incorrect joins when editing converted text

When editing the converted text in a normal word processor (for example, to fix spelling mistakes), the joins between text become incorrect.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

With Aussie School Fonts Deluxe, the shape of a letter, including the joins, is determined by the surrounding letters. The Helper Program is necessary to decide the appropriate letter shape to use. If text is entered using your normal word processor rather than the Helper Program, the letter shapes displayed may contain incorrect joins.

Solution

Type the text using the Helper Program, then copy and paste it into your normal word processor.

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Changing converted text to full cursive or speedloops creates garbage letters.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Most normal fonts have 256 possible characters. Only 26 of these correspond to the lowercase letters from a to z. With text converted by the Helper Program, characters other than these 26 have been used to achieve fully cursive text. When this text is converted to another font, the characters displayed will not be the letters a to z.

For example, in the word "abracadabra" there are 4 different a's used. Only the first a corresponds to the lowercase a in normal fonts - because a letter's shape is determined by the surrounding letters, the second, third, fourth and fifth a's would actually correspond to different characters in a normal font.

The web contains much information on font formats and character encoding.

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Incorrect joins and letter/word spacing

Sometimes the text is spread out so that the letters don't join properly. Why?

Possible Causes & Solutions

If the letter spacing in your application has changed, the altered spacing between words and letters will destroy the fully cursive writing. The most common example of changed spacing is the justification of text in word processors. Making sure the spacing is normal will resolve this issue.

Some word processors justify text by increasing the spacing between letters rather than the spacing between words. The solution is to use left, right or centred justification rather than full (or forced) justification.

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Letter joins sometimes look cut off in the helper program.

The last part of a letter sometimes looks cut off in the helper program. Why?

Possible Causes & Solutions

The shape of a letter, including the joins, is determined by the surrounding letters. The Helper Program is necessary to decide the appropriate letter shape to use. To achieve correct joins some letters must extend past the normal ending point for a letter. This is a display problem, but the letters will still print correctly.

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Removing the fonts from the computer?

When you uninstall Aussie School Fonts Deluxe, only the helper application is removed. How can I uninstall the fonts themselves?

Possible Causes & Solutions

To uninstall the fonts themselves, you need to manually remove them from your system. This process is different for different platforms.

Windows

To manually uninstall a font on Windows, see How to install or remove a font in Windows.

Macintosh

To manually uninstall a font on Macintosh, see Mac OS X: Font Locations and Their Purposes.

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Error: "TB40RUN caused an access violation in TB40RUN.EXE at 0x00000005."

When running the program, the following error appears:

• Error: "TB40RUN caused an access violation in TB40RUN.EXE at 0x00000005. Click on 'Close' to terminate the application. Click on 'Ignore' to continue."

Possible Causes & Solutions

This issue has to do with file permissions. Use the follow steps to resolve the issue (note that file permissions can be changed on Windows XP using the security tab.

1. Log in as an administrator.

2. Give full read/write permissions on the windows TEMP folder to all users.
3. Navigate to the installation folder of Musicianship Basics.
4. Find the following 4 files:
   • MUSBASIC2
   • TB40NET
   • TB40RUN4
   • TBLOAD
5. For each of the above files, right-click and select "Properties". Under the "General" tab, tick "Read Only".
6. Start the program.

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BRAINtastic! Word Skills pre-release version doesn't run on Windows 98/XP.

The BRAINtastic! Word Skills pre-release version may not run on Windows 98/XP and generates errors.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This was an issue for the first version of the pre-release of BRAINtastic! Word Skills. A subsequent update was released which addressed this problem.

Solution A

Try downloading the pre-release patch.

Solution B

If you are using Windows XP, you can run the program as an administrator to avoid this issue.

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Unresponsive installations on a Mac OS X

When installing the program on a Mac OS X, clicking the "Install" button has no effect.

Possible Causes & Solutions

This is a permissions issue. Log in as a computer administrator and try installing the program.

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Error: "Error in IntroSplashw/open event."

When the program starts, the following error appears:

• "Error in IntroSplashw/open event."

Possible Causes & Solutions

This issue can be resolved by running the program in compatibility mode.

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Retrieving user passwords

When the user logs into the game, an "Input Alert" screen appears with the error:

• "Incorrect Password"

How can user passwords be retrieved?

Possible Causes & Solutions

User passwords can be retrieved from the administration section.

1. Simply login as the administrator by clicking the "Teacher/Parent" button for Spelling Force Version 1, or the "Admin" for Spelling Force Version 2.
   If you have lost your administration password, contact EdAlive for details on how to find or reset it.
2. Select the name of the user and press the "Show User Password" button to see that user's password.

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Error: "Macromedia projector has encountered a problem and needs to close."

When launching an EdAlive program, the following error occurs:

• "Macromedia projector has encountered a problem and needs to close."

Possible Causes & Solutions

To resolve this issue, try the following suggestions.

Possible Solution A

Run the program in compatibility mode.

Possible Solution B

Open the QuickTime Player and select "Preferences" from the "Edit" menu. Under "Video Change" on the "Advanced" tab, make sure "Safe Mode (GDI)" is selected.

Possible Solution C

Try reinstalling the software, possibly on another computer.

Possible Solution D

Download and install the latest version of Macromedia software from the URL given below.

• Flash Player Download
• Shockwave Player Download

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In BRAINtastic! Maths P-K, correct answers are marked as incorrect.

An issue has been identified with two questions contained in BRAINtastic Maths P-K V1.0 Standard. In both cases, the user gets these questions wrong even though they have answered them correctly.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Download and install the BRAINtastic! P-K Maths Patch.

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Client/Server Network Configuration

How can I change the network configuration of the EdAlive Server and the client programs?

Possible Causes & Solutions

The EdAlive Server works by listening for incoming connections on a "lobby" port (1626 by default) and passes each connection off to a new port in a specified range (ports 2000-4000 by default) for data communication.

By default, the client program tries to find the location of the EdAlive Server by scanning each IP address on the same subnet using port 1626. You can speed up the connection process by forcing the client program to connect to the right IP address (using the correct port) rather than having it scan the entire network. To do this:

1. Browse to the client program's installation folder and open the configuration file (which is called either "system.cfg" or "main.cfg"). On a Mac, this file opens with Text Edit by default. On Windows, Notepad is the default.
2. Edit the line that says ForceIP=0. Replace 0 with the IP address of the computer running the EdAlive Server, for example, 192.168.1.101.
3. Edit the line that says ForcePort=0. Replace 0 with the EdAlive Server's "lobby" port, for example, 1626.
4. Save and close the configuration file.

When you run the client program, it should immediately connect to the correct IP address using the EdAlive Server's lobby port. Note that Windows XP has a built in scan limit, so if the client program still doesn't connect to the EdAlive Server, let us know.

You can edit the configuration files of both the EdAlive Server and the client programs. However, we recommend you do so only if the client programs cannot create a connection.

The default format for the client program's configuration file is as follows.

[info]
buffer=none
GraphicsLevel=3
SoundLevel=7
DisableQuickTime=0
DisableScreenChange=0
UseSoundLevel=0
ForceIP=0
ForcePort=0

The default format for the EdAlive Server configuration file (called "server.cfg") is as follows.

[default]
buffer=none
ServerName=EdAlive Network Server
LobbyPort=1626
DynamicPortRange=2000-4000
MaximumPortCount=32
UseIP=any
ModuleSearchString=mod_
MaximumRunningModules=8
LoadingWait=3000

[performance]
cmInt=1
cmn=1
cpuHogTicks=20
sleep=25
FPS=30
ShowModules=1

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Enabling the security tab on Windows XP

Possible Causes & Solutions

To enabled the security tab on Windows XP, follow the steps below. Note that for Windows XP Home, you may need to follow these steps in Safe Mode.

1. Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
2. Double click "Folder Options".
3. Under the "Advanced settings" section of the "View" tab, de-select "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)".
4. Click OK.

When you open the file/folder properties dialog (right-click -> "Properties"), you should now be able to see the security tab. If you cannot see the security tab:

1. Restart your computer in Safe Mode (by holding down the F8 key while your computer is booting and selecting "Safe Mode" from the boot menu).
2. Log in as an administrator.

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Setting up a shared location for networking EdAlive programs

How can I set up a shared location for networking EdAlive programs?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Many EdAlive products come as standalone and client/server versions. The client/server versions are specifically designed to run over a network, while the standalone versions are not. However, some of the licence versions (Spelling Force and Volcanic Panic) can read/write files over a network using shared locations.

Mac

To configure an EdAlive program to work over the network with a Mac computer:

1. Make sure your network and file sharing is set up correctly.
2. Create a shared folder with read/write access for everyone who will be using the program.
3. On each of the client machines, add the shared folder as a login item so that it is available as soon as each computer starts up. We recommend you save the username and password in the keychain so that students don't need to remember this information.

Windows

To configure an EdAlive to work over the network with Windows:

1. Set up a shared folder/drive on one of your network computer.
2. Make this shared location on each client machine. We recommend that you set this up to automatically connect each time a user logs on.
3. Make sure that each client that connects to the mapped network drive had read/write privileges.

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Performing a manual installation

How can the product be installed manually if, for example, the installer program doesn't work?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Manually installing the program varies depending on the operating system you are using. It also depends on the version you are using, as not every version of EdAlive products provide manual installation files.

Macintosh

1. Copy the required files from the disc to an appropriate folder in the Applications folder of your system drive.

Windows

1. Create a new folder in which you want the program to be installed. For example, you may want to install the program to C:/Program Files/.
2. Copy the required files and folders from the CD to the newly created folder.
3. You can, optionally, customize the Start menu or create a desktop shortcut according to your personal preferences.
4. Run the program.

Newer versions of the program do not come with manual installation files. If this is the case, contact EdAlive for a replacement CD.

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Running a program in Compatibility Mode

Possible Causes & Solutions

On a Windows computer, some of the more common issues can be resolved by running the program in Compatibility Mode. Depending on your operating system, the following links may prove useful.

• Compatibility Mode in Windows 2000
• Compatibility mode in Windows XP
• Compatibility Mode in Windows Vista.

Try different compatibility settings until you find one which works for your system. For example, you may wish to select "Windows 98" compatibility with a 640x480 screen resolution with 256 colours.

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In BRAINtastic! version 1.x, the same question is repeated indefinitely

This is an issue with a couple of questions in the BRAINtastic! series. It is more common in the earlier BRAINtastic! Maths products.

Certain questions may start to appear more frequently as the current content selection is completed, and eventually those questions will repeat indefinitely.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Download and install the latest BRAINtastic Central Control Patch.

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Error Message: "The instruction at 'abc123' referenced memory at 'abc123'. The memory could not be 'written'."

Error Message:

• "The instruction at 'abc123' referenced memory at 'abc123'. The memory could not be 'written'."

This is an issue for Windows computers only.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This problem is caused by a memory setting that is rarely enabled on Windows client systems but seems to be enabled by default on Windows servers.

Solution

Add a D.E.P. exception for the EdAlive program's exectuable.

To do this:

1. Access the Control Panel, then select System

   If you're using a Windows Vista or 2008 server system, click "Advanced system settings".

2. Select the Advanced tab
3. Click the Performace Settings button
4. Select the Data Execution Prevention tab
5. Click the Add... button and select the program executable for the EdAlive product that is casuing the error.
6. click OK or Apply

Note: If you move the EdAlive program to a different location, the DEP exception will no longer apply because the absolute path of the executable has changed. In this case, reapply the exception.

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Program cannot find network save data location when run on Windows

This problem may occur when all of the following conditions are met.

• The program displays an error, usually straight after it is opened.
• The program is being run on a Windows operating system.
• The error says something about not being able to find the save data location or the save data location not existing.
• The save path is on another computer on the network.
• The network computer requires a username and password to access.
• The network connections seem to be working properly.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Solution

Add the appropriate username and password to each user's saved network passwords, using the network name of the computer in the "Log on to" field.

If this does not work, try adding it a second time, using the IP address in the "Log on to" field.

Information

EdAlive client software that saves data directly to a network location (i.e. not client-server software) save a path string to remember the location of its save data. It will try to connect to the network name or IP address in that path string using the username and password that Windows has saved for accessing that computer. If the path string uses an IP address, there needs to be a username and password remembered for the IP address, even if there is already a username and password remembered for the network name of the same computer, and vice versa.

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Error: "Unhandled exception: abc123 At address: abc123."

Error Message:

• "Unhandled exception: abc123 At address: abc123."

This is an issue for Windows computers only.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Explanation

This problem is caused by a memory setting that is rarely enabled on Windows client systems but seems to be enabled by default on Windows servers.

Solution

Add a D.E.P. exception for the EdAlive program's exectuable.

To do this:

1. Access the Control Panel, then select System

   If you're using a Windows Vista or 2008 server system, click "Advanced system settings".

2. Select the Advanced tab
3. Click the Performace Settings button
4. Select the Data Execution Prevention tab
5. Click the Add... button and select the program executable for the EdAlive product that is casuing the error.
6. click OK or Apply

Note: If you move the EdAlive program to a different location, the DEP exception will no longer apply because the absolute path of the executable has changed. In this case, reapply the exception.

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Network Deployment

How can I deploy the Network version of the program over multiple networked computers?

Possible Causes & Solutions

Network Deployment / Installation

Some of the more recent editions of EdAlive programs come with a new installation system for both Windows and Macintosh in order to ease the workload of school network administrators wishing to deploy the program to multiple computers on their network. To install to multiple networked Macintosh computers, use the Package installers with Apple Remote Desktop. To install to multiple networked Windows computers, use the MSI (Microsoft InStaller package) along with Group Policy.

When installing the Network version of of the program on standalone Windows computers, you have the option of specifying the IP address of the computer on which the EdAlive Server application is running, as well as the port number on which the EdAlive Server application will be listening. However, these properties cannot usually be specified when deploying the MSI over networked Windows computers using Group Policy. In order to specify the IP address and port settings, you must manually copy the system configuration file (called “system.ini” in the “Profiles” directory) or modify the MSI installer using an MSI modification tool, such as Microsoft’s Orca.

Copying the system configuration file to each client computer needs no explanation, but can be an ineffective method if you are installing the Network version on a large number of client computers. By using Microsoft’s Orca, you can modify the MSI so that you do not need to manually copy the system configuration file. To modify the MSI, follow the steps below.

Modifying the MSI with Orca

Step 1 – Download and Install Orca

Download and install Orca. Orca is only available in the Windows SDK Components for Windows Installer Developers. At the time of writing, Microsoft allows users to download and install this free of charge.

Step 2 – Run Orca and Open the MSI

Open the Start menu and click “Orca”. Once Orca is running, open the “File” menu, click “Open” and choose the appropriate MSI.

Step 3 – Change the IP Address and Port Properties

Once the MSI file is open, you will see a list of tables in the frame on the left. When you click a table, you will see a list of records displayed in the frame on the right. Each record will have values separated into columns. Click the “IniFile” table. For the record where the “Key” columns is “ForceIP”, change the “Value” column to the IP address of the computer on which the EdAlive Server application will be running (surround the IP address in double quotation marks). For the record where they “Key” column is “ForcePort”, change the “Value” column to the port on which the EdAlive Server application will be listening (again, surround the port number in quotation marks).

Step 4 – Save the MSI

Open the “File” menu and click “Save As”. Choose a name for the new MSI file, such as “Modified.msi”.

Step 5 – Install the MSI

You can now install the program over multiple networked computers via Group Policy and Active Directory. This installation will have use the IP address and port settings you specified, meaning that you do not have to manually copy the system configuration file to each client computer.

Note that EdAlive does not provide technical support for the usage of MSIs, Orca, Group Policy or Active Directory. Contact Microsoft for technical support (http://support.microsoft.com/).

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The EdAlive Server running as a service

A bug has been identified with EdAlive Server (v1.3.2r4) that prevents it from running as a service on Windows computers. Attempting to start the service causes the following error message:

• "Could not start the EdAliveServer service on Local Computer. Error 2: The system cannot find the file specified."

Possible Causes & Solutions

Solution:

We have released a new version of the EdAlive Server (v1.3.2r5) that rectifies this problem. This patch is available as a free download, and can be accessed here.

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Printing with V2 Products

On some Microsoft Windows computers, trying to print by choosing "Print" from the print dialogue does nothing except close the print dialogue.

Possible Causes & Solutions

This error occurs if you have Adobe Reader 9 or Adobe Acrobat 9 installed, or if you don't have Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat installed at all.

The print functionality will only work correctly if you have Reader/Acrobat 7 or 8 installed.

A patch will soon be available to resolve this issue.

In the meantime, if you have a different PDF reading application installed, you can instead choose "Save to PDF" from the print dialogue before opening and printing the PDF file using your PDF application.

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Error: "Error in LoginW/groupsBB/open"

When you are using Client/Server networking, you run the client and it takes 2 or 3 minutes to do anything, at which point you receive the error message:

• "Error in LoginW/groupsBB/open"

Possible Causes & Solutions

This is most likely to do with the accessibility of the SpellForce Server's save location, either due to a missing folder tree or permissions that do not allow "write" access.

If you have made several attempts at resolving this issues (such as fixing the permissions of the SpellForce Server's save location) and the error is still occurring, send us a technical support email by filling out the form at http://www.edalive.com/help.

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Saved Custom Lists Not Appearing On Client/Server Setup

In a school setting where Spelling Force is being used in conjuction with the SpellForce Server, some or all of the Custom Lists that teachers are creating are not available to be selected and changed.

Possible Causes & Solutions

This problem can occur if you have set the name of the Custom Lists you have created to include commas ( , ).

To overcome the problem, follow the steps below.

1. Find the location in which the custom word lists are saved.

   You can do this by running the Spelling Force Server as an application (if you are using Windows, you may need to stop the Spelling Force Server from running as a service). The save location for all data should be displayed in a text box on the main window. Navigate to this location then open the "Users/Players.sfg/customlists" folder (where "Players.sfg" is the folder name of the appropriate Spelling Force group.

2. For each file make sure there are no commas in the filename.

   You should also avoid using commas in the future.

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Volcanic Panic v2 and Baggin the Dragon v2 IUL conflict. Director Player Error on user login

This problem is only present if you have installed both Volcanic Panic version 2.0.4 or older, and Baggin the Dragon version 2.0.4 or older.

The program will display a Director Player Error and crash if you were to follow the steps below.

1. You log in to the administration section of either Volcanic Panic or Baggin' the Dragon.
2. You select all of the content for one of the ages, and apply that to one or more users.
3. You launch the other program (Volcanic Panic or Baggin' the Dragon) and try to login with the same user as above.

Possible Causes & Solutions

Version 2.0.5 of Volcanic Panic and Baggin the Dragon fixes this issue.

You will need to update both programs to fix the problem.

Note: content selection settings for both programs will be reset, so you will need to reapply content settings. User progress (Statistics) will not be affected.

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