***************************************
Westwood Studios
Official Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Version 1.0
***************************************
All information contained herein is copyright 2000 by Westwood
Studios. You are allowed to distribute it freely, but not to make
changes.
PREFACE:
This document is the official posting of frequently asked
questions regarding the latest in our Command & Conquer universe,
Red Alert 2.
--- PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION ------------------------------------
1.1 What is Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2?
1.2 System Requirements
1.3 Serial Number
1.4 Known Technical Issues
1.5 Faster Play
1.6 Miscellaneous
--- PART 2: HINTS AND CHEATS----------------------------------------
2.1 Any cheat codes?
2.2 Where can I get hints?
--- PART 3: GETTING HELP -------------------------------------------
3.1 Technical Support
*******************************************************************
GENERAL INFORMATION ***********************************************
*******************************************************************
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1 WHAT IS COMMAND & CONQUER: RED ALERT 2?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a real-time strategy-combat game
developed by Westwood Studios, the creators of Command & Conquer,
Dune 2000, Red Alert, and Tiberian Sun.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Command & Conquer - Red Alert 2 REQUIRES:
Pentium II 266MHZ or better
Windows 95, 98, or NT 4.0 with Service Pack 3.0 installed
64MB of RAM
4x CDROM drive using 32 bit Windows 95/98 driver
350MB free hard drive space
Graphics: 2MB or better Video Card, 16-bit Color, No Hardware
Acceleration Required.
Multiplayer:
2-Player: PII 266, 64MB RAM, 56 Kbps Modem; TCP/IP Internet
Connection or Local Area Network running IPX.
3-8 Players (LAN) - 4 Players (Internet): PII 450, 128MB RAM, 56
Kbps Modem; TCP/IP Internet Connection or Local Area Network
running IPX.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1.3 SERIAL NUMBER
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The serial number is required for installation of Red Alert 2. It
can be found on the back of the jewel case. It looks like this:
xxxxxx-xxxxxx-xxxxxx-xxxx. These numbers are unique. We allow each
user to login TWICE with this serial number so that, in effect, you
can play on two PCs online with one set of disks. We do keep track
of the numbers and when we determine that more than two numbers are
being used simultaneously, that number is deactivated. If you try
to play online and you are told that your serial number is banned,
you may have incorrectly entered your serial number during
installation, or the serial number may actually have been banned
and you will need to contact ra2help@westwood.com to make
arrangements for a new serial number.
If you have lost your serial number you may request a new one. In
order to issue you a new serial number for your game, we will need
proof of purchase. You can do this by sending us a photocopy of
your original game disc(s). You can send us the photocopy either
by fax, or by attaching a scanned copy to an email addressed to:
ra2help@westwood.com.
In addition to the copy of your game disc, we will require your
name and current mailing address. Information faxed should be sent
to the attention of "Customer Support". The fax number is:
(702)-228-3939.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1.4 KNOWN TECHNICAL ISSUES
--------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Known Video Card Issues:
Video monitor settings may need to be adjusted after installing the
Microsoft DirectX video drivers. If you screen distorts, or is
shifted horizontally or vertically, you can return it to normal by
adjusting the controls on your monitor.
Most video display problems can be corrected by installing the
latest drivers for your particular card. Please consult your video
card documentation for details on how to get the latest drivers for
your card.
If you are using the Microsoft Theme Pack and have selected a
custom cursor, video corruption can occur. For best results, please
use default cursors while playing Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2.
Users with integrated Intel 3D graphic cards (2MB AGP) may
experience refresh problems at high resolutions (above 640x480). In
order to fix this problem, modify the [VIDEO] section of the
RA2.INI file located in the RA2 root directory to include:
VideoBackBuffer=no
(This also includes any users with low end video cards,
experiencing any trails or refresh problems at any resolution)
B. Known Sound Card Issues:
Old SoundBlaster AWE 64 and AWE 32 sound card drivers can cause
skipping and repeating sound that may cause your computer to run
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 much slower than normal. If you have
one of these sound cards and are experiencing these symptoms,
please contact your card manufacturer for latest drivers.
Audio may stutter on certain systems running Windows NT. To correct
this problem you must install the latest audio driver for your
sound card.
Most sound card problems can be corrected by installing the latest
drivers for your particular card. Please consult your sound card
documentation for details on how to get the latest drivers.
If you are using USB speakers, do not turn off the speakers during
gameplay. Doing so may cause your system to become unstable and
even crash.
C. Known DirectX Issues:
If another application is using the sound card while trying to
install or run the game, a "DXSound Error" will appear. If this
error occurs, please close all applications and run the install or
game again.
D. Gateway Computer Users:
If you are using a Gateway computer with "Gateway GoBack" software
by WildFile running in the background, you may experience lockups
in Red Alert 2. GoBack is loaded in the Windows system tray (by the
clock) and represented by two yellow arrows. To close out GoBack,
right click on the double yellow arrows in the system tray, and
select close. It is recommended that you close all programs running
in the background before starting Red Alert 2.
E. Virtual Memory Settings:
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 may need to use more RAM than is
present on your system. Windows 95/98 automatically takes care of
this by using what is known as "Virtual Memory" - which uses space
on your hard disk to simulate the memory it needs and swaps data
back and forth from your hard disk as required. Windows 95/98
allows you to manually set the amount of hard drive space it uses
for Virtual Memory: WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT DO THIS!
To let Windows 95/98 manage the Virtual Memory, go to the Windows
95/98 start menu, select 'settings\control panel', then double-
click 'system', click 'performance\file system\virtual memory' and
then select 'Let Windows manage my virtual memory settings
(recommended).'
F. Known RealPlayer Issues:
RealPlayer seems to have a conflict with the movie player used in
Red Alert 2. With RealPlayer's "Start Center" feature enabled
(which seems to keep RealPlayer resident in some form) we have
found stability issues when exiting Red Alert 2 as it goes to the
desktop.
G. AutoPlay:
If your CD does not AutoPlay when inserted in the drive, you may
have this feature disabled. To Enable AutoPlay, right click on
'My Computer' and select 'Properties' then 'Device Manager'.
Select your CD-ROM drive and click 'Properties'. Select 'Settings'
and check the 'Auto insert notification' box.
H. 16 bit CD-ROM drivers:
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 may fail to start if there is a 16-
bit CD-ROM driver loaded from the AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS. If
you have references to MSCDEX or equivalent drivers then try
removing them from your autoexec.bat and config.sys files. Windows
95/98 does not generally need these drivers to work and in most
cases will actually perform better without them.
I. CD-Changers and Multi-Drivers:
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 does not support multiple CD-ROM
drives or CD-changers and assumes that you only have one CD-ROM
drive. If you have more than one CD-ROM drive, you should insert
the Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 CD in the first CD drive letter.
For example, if you have CD drives E:, F: and G:, your Command &
Conquer: Red Alert 2 CD should be inserted into the E: drive.
J. Choppy movie performance:
If you find that the movie performance is choppy or jerky, try
reducing the Windows 95/98 CD caching by going to the
Start/Settings/Control Panel and double-clicking the System applet.
In the System Properties dialog, click the Performance tab and then
click the File System button. From the File System Properties
dialog, click the CD-ROM tab and note the Supplemental Cache Size
setting (so that you can reset the cache size if need be). Now set
the Supplemental Cache Size to Small. This should have a marked
effect on movie performance.
You can also try adjusting your detail settings in the Options
Menu. Low Detail will remove effects like water wakes behind ships,
smoke and effect lines. Red Alert 2 will also dynamically remove
animations in certain situations on low spec machines to ensure a
high quality game performance.
K. Power Saving Modes:
It is possible that your computer loses connection to your ISP due
to long periods of inactivity.
Sometimes this is caused by the sleep mode in your "Power Saving"
options. This can cause problems during game play or when connected
to Westwood Online. To avoid any problems please disable your
screen saver or power-saving modes when running the game.
L. Periodic Slowdowns:
If periodic slowdowns occur while playing Command & Conquer: Red
Alert 2 and the CD is not being accessed please insure that there
are no other applications running during your game session. This
includes anti-virus software.
M. Game Updates and Patches:
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 contains an auto-updating feature.
Updated versions of the game will be announced to you when playing
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 on Westwood Online. When an updated
version of the game is available you will be able to receive it and
automatically have it installed, if you wish. If you do not intend
to play Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 on Westwood Online then
please check www.westwood.com for update information.
N. Connection Speed Slider:
Red Alert 2 has a game-latency tolerance setting in the Game
Options screen that allows players to increase the tolerance of
network latency on laggy connections for internet gaming. To
adjust, move the slider to the appropriate setting. For example, if
you are connecting over a modem, the best setting for you would be
"Normal" or "Poor". If you are connecting over a broadband
connection (Cable Modem or DSL), move the slider to "Fast". This
attempts to match your system with your connection for peak
performance. Moving the slider from Poor or Normal to Fast can have
an adverse effect on game performance.
O. Dual Network Cards and IPX Issues:
If you have two network cards in your computer and both have the
IPX protocol bound to them, you can use the "Network Options" to
choose the card which you'd like to use. Note: on some Windows 95
and 98 systems and in some configurations, Red Alert 2 can't see
your second network card. A workaround to this problem is to
disable your primary card in Windows device manager and reboot.
Red Alert 2 should successfully see and utilize your second
network card.
Please refer to your Windows documentation for more information on
how to disable your primary network card.
P. Firewall Issues:
If you are playing Red Alert 2 behind a firewall and wish to host
a game, you must open the following ports: Port 1234, 1235, 1236,
1237. These ports use the UDP protocol. If you do not know how to
configure your firewall consult your firewall documentation or
contact your system administrator or Internet Provider.
Q. Network Address Translation (NAT) Games:
If your network is using Network Address Translation, two or more
users behind the NAT'd firewall will be unable to play in the same
game. They will, however, be able to play in different games.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1.5 FASTER PLAY
--------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Multiplay connection hints...
Most people are under the assumption that the slow downs in games
are because of the Westwood servers. This is entirely inaccurate.
Westwood sets up the game so that when the game starts, it becomes
a peer to peer connection. You aren't connected via Westwood in
the game. In fact, some of you have no doubt received the message
that your connection with Westwood had been lost, but you were
still able to play the game with your online opponent. There are
ways to increase the connectivity though. These options can be
found under your options menu:
* Have all players set their screen resolution to 640x480
* You can turn the music off.
* You can change the visual detail settings to a low.
* You can turn the targeting lines off.
* When setting up a game you might mention your location and the
type of connection you have.
* Play people that are somewhat close to you with a better
connection. If you play someone in your city with the same
cable modem service, you're going to have a great connection.
* Before accepting a game, make sure that all of the players have
ping rates that appear as short green bars. The shorter, the
better.
* Always check your game speed settings before starting a new game.
The setting that is current at the start of the game is the same
setting that it was at the end of the last game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1.6 MISCELLANEOUS
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Can the game be spawned?
A: No.
Q: Does the game work with a wheel mouse?
A: Yes. The wheel can be used to scroll up and down the build
list.
Q: Is there a desktop theme for Red Alert 2?
A: Yes! Go to our webpage at www.Westwood.com for more details
on downloading it.
*******************************************************************
HINTS AND CHEATS***************************************************
*******************************************************************
--------------------------------------------------------------------
2.1 ARE THERE ANY CHEAT CODES?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
NO! There are no official cheats, hacks, or editors for C&C: Red
Alert 2. Westwood Studios does not condone their use as it takes
away from the original gameplay. There is not support for any
cheat, hack, trainer, or editor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
2.2 WHERE CAN I GET HINTS?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a number of places to get hints for Red Alert 2. Some
of these include the following:
* Visit our website at www.Westwood.com
* Call the hintline at 1-900-288-4744 (U.S., 95˘ a minute) or
1-900-451-4422 (Canada, $1.25 a minute). Callers under 18 must
have parent or guardian's consent. Touch tone phone required.
Charges are subject to change.
* There are several hint guides that can be purchased. You can
find some of these guides at the Electronic Arts website,
www.EA.com.
* Try hanging out in the Red Alert 2 game channel. You never know
when someone will drop you a hint.
*******************************************************************
GETTING HELP*******************************************************
*******************************************************************
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 TECHNICAL SUPPORT
--------------------------------------------------------------------
For online support, email webhelp@westwood.com.
For telephone technical support, you can call (650) 628-4319
Monday through Friday between 8:30 - 11:45 AM or 1:00 - 4:00 PM,
Pacific Standard Time.
The following is a listing of all our contact information,
world-wide:
United States / Canada
Westwood Technical Support
Westwood Customer Warranty
(M-F 8:30 - 11:45 AM and 1:00 - 4:30 PM PST)
650-628-4319
650-628-1900
Westwood Technical Support Email: webhelp@westwood.com
(Please check our FAQ sheets or use the Technical Support home
page before writing)
U.S. Hint Line
(.95 cents per minute. You must be 18 years of age or have your
parent's permission to call.)
900-288-4744
Canada Hint Line
$1.70 per minute (Canadian). Callers under 18 must get a parent or
guardian's permission to call.)
900-451-4422
US and Canada Order Line
800-245-4525
Australia
EA Technical Support
0061 (0) 29955 6868
Email ozsupport@ea.com
Austria
EA Technical Support
0190-572333
Denmark
EA Technical Support
80 88 07 89
Email svsupport@ea.com
Finland
EA Technical Support
0800-508 225
Email svsupport@ea.com
France
EA Technical Support
Hint Line(2.23f ttc/minute)
04 72 53 25 00
08-36-68-55-15
Email fr-support@ea.com
Germany
EA Technical Support
(von 9.30 Uhr bis 17.30 Uhr)
Hint Line (new games)
Hint Line (old games)
(2,40 DM/min. Jugendliche unter 18 Jahre dürfen nur mit Erlaubnis
ihrer Eltern anrufen)
0190-572333
0190-787906
0190-900030
Email de-support@ea.com
Holland
EA Technical Support
00800 940 55555
Email nl-support@ea.com
Norway
EA Technical Support
800 13 897
Email svsupport@ea.com
South Africa
EA Technical Support
(011) 803-1212
Email support@ea.co.za
Spain
EA Technical Support
917 545540
Sweden
EA Technical Support
(08) 594 106 80
Email svsupport@ea.com
Switzerland
EA Technical Support
0900/55 40 20
United Kingdom
EA Technical Support
Hint/Cheat Line
(75p per min, ask permission of the person who pays the bill before
calling)
(01753) 546465
09067 53 22 53
Email uk-support@ea.com
(
geocities.com/tesla_tank2001)