**************************************************************************** Blue's Clues (TM) Blue Takes You to School (TM) CD-ROM -- README.TXT **************************************************************************** Thank you for purchasing the Blue Takes You to School CD-ROM game. The following text describes the last minute changes that were made to the game and also contains errata for the manual. We hope that you enjoy playing the game as much as we enjoyed making it. If your text is not already wrapping for easier reading that will scale to your window size in WordPad, go to View/Options. From that menu, select the Word tab, then make sure the "Wrap to Window" option is clicked. If you're using NotePad, just click Edit and make sure Word Wrap is selected. The Read Me file is broken down into the following individual sections: Table of Contents 1. System Requirements 2. PC Install Instructions and Issues 3. Known Hardware Issues 4. Known Software Issues 5. Technical Support 6. Atari Product License Agreement ========================================================================================= 1. MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ******************************* PC: Processor : Pentium II (R) 300 MHz or higher Operating System : Windows (R) 98/Me/2000/XP CD-ROM Drive : 8X Speed Memory : 32 MB RAM (64MB RAM for XP) Minimum Hard Disk Space: 50 MB Free Video : 8MB Windows (R) 98/Me/2000/XP compatible SVGA card* Sound : Windows (R) 98/Me/2000/XP compatible sound card* DirectX : Requires DirectX (R) Version 9.0 (or higher) *Indicates device should be compatible with DirectX (R) version 9.0 or higher. 2. PC INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND ISSUES ******************************************* Blue Takes You to School is set to autorun on PC's that have this option turned on. If you place the Blue Takes You to School CD-ROM disc into the CD-ROM drive and the Blue takes You to School installation screen does not appear, it is very likely that your autorun option is not turned on. To install Blue Takes You to School, the player should do the following: Insert the Blue Takes You to School CD-ROM Disc into the computer's CD-ROM drive. Double left-mouse click on the 'My Computer' icon. Double left-mouse click CD-ROM drive icon. Double left-mouse click on 'autorun.exe'. Follow all screen prompts. Blue Takes You to School requires DirectX (R)9.0 in order to function properly. If the install detects an older version of DirectX (R) on your machine, it will prompt you to install the DirectX (R) 9.0 files. Once DirectX (R) has been installed on to your machine, you will need to reboot your machine. 3. KNOWN HARDWARE ISSUES ************************* 1) For any graphical or sound related problem observed, we strongly suggest that you download and install the latest drivers for your sound and video cards from the manufacturer's website. 2) SOME AUDIO AND ANIMATIONS SEEM TO PLAY VERY FAST -- Some rare combinations of sound cards, drivers, and operating systems result in certain animations and their corresponding sounds to play too quickly. If you experience these problems, quit the application. Click on your Start menu; click on Settings; click on Control Panel. Double click on the icon labeled "Multimedia" (for XP double click on "Sounds and Audio Device Properties"). Click on the tab labled "Audio" then click on the button labeled "Advanced Properties" under the "Playback" heading. Click on the tab labeled "Performance". If your hardware acceleration is set to "None" change the setting to "Full". If your hardware acceleration is not set to "None", change the setting to "Full". Close all windows and restart the Blue Takes You to School application. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to try all of the various settings between "None" and "Full" to find the setting that works best for your computer. 3) GAME DOES NOT DISPLAY CENTERED ON SCREEN -- The Blue Takes You to School application forces your monitor to 640 x 480 resolution. The resolution automatically resets to your default resolution when you quit the application. When changing screen resolution, monitors occasionally require manual adjustment to center the displayed area on screen. Refer to your monitor's manual or the manufacturer's web site for instructions on how to adjust your monitor's display. 4) MY GRAPHICS ARE FLICKERING, MY GRAPHICS ARE CORRUPTED, OR I JUST GET A BLANK SCREEN -- Try updating the drivers for your graphics card from the manufacturer's Web site and downloading the latest version of DirectX from Microsoft. If this solution doesn't work, you can set the Blue's Clues: Blue Takes You to School CD-ROM to bypass Microsoft DirectX and display graphics directly to the screen. This has solved those few cases where the game may not display graphics properly for some reason. To have the Blue's Clues: Blue Takes You to School CD-ROM bypass Microsoft DirectX, go to your Windows folder and open the BLUESCLUESSCHOOL.INI file with notepad. Change the following line under the [Engine] section: UseDirectDraw=1 Set this to zero, so it reads: UseDirectDraw=0 5) MY AUDIO DOESN'T WORK OR IS GARBLED -- Check that your speakers are turned on and connected to your computer. You can verify that your sound system is working by playing any audio file and making sure that you can hear it. Also, make sure you've closed any other programs that use audio, such as RealAudio or WinAmp. If the audio still doesn't work properly, try updating the drivers for your audio card from the manufacturer's Web site and downloading the latest version of DirectX from Microsoft. If this solution doesn't work, you can set the Blue's Clues: Blue Takes You to School CD-ROM to bypass Microsoft DirectSound, and play audio directly through your sound card. This has solved those few cases where the game may not play audio properly for some reason. To have the Blue's Clues: Blue Takes You to School CD-ROM bypass Microsoft DirectSound, go to your Windows folder and open the BLUESCLUESSCHOOL.INI file with notepad. Change the following line under the [Engine] section: UseDirectSound=1 Set this to zero, so that it reads: UseDirectSound=0 4. KNOWN SOFTWARE ISSUES ************************* 1) It is strongly recommended that you exit all Windows programs before running this application to get the best video and audio performance possible. To do this, click Cancel to quit the StartUp and then close any programs you have running. 2) MISSING SYS FILE MESSAGE -- When installing DirectX (R) 9.0 with a Windows (R) Me operating system, after reboot, you may receive a "Missing MSPQM.SYS File Missing" message. This file is required, and the user must insert the Windows (R) Me CD for Windows (R) to retrieve the file. 5. TECHNICAL SUPPORT (U.S. & Canada) ************************************* If you are having technical difficulties with the Blue Takes You to School CD-ROM game, please refer to the above release notes before calling or emailing Atari technical support. Help Via the Internet: Up-to-the-minute technical information about Atari products is generally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the Internet at: http://www.atarisupport.com Through this site you’ll have access to our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) documents, our FTP (File Transfer Protocol) area where you can download patches if needed, our Hints/Cheat Codes if they’re available, and an E-Mail area where you can get help and ask questions if you do not find your answers within the FAQ. Note: In the event we must send you a Hint Sheet, FAQ document, patch or update disc via E-mail, we may require verifiable consent from a parent or guardian in order to protect children’s privacy and safety online. Consent Forms are available at the web site listed above. Help Via Telephone in the United States & Canada: For phone assistance, call Atari Technical Support at (425) 951-7108. Our Interactive Voice Response system is generally available 24/7, providing automated support solutions immediately. Great News! We’ve improved our Automated Systems so that you can get product-specific Troubleshooting help more quickly. All you need to do is enter the product’s Part # when prompted to do so. This will take you directly to all of our known issues and solutions for this title. The product’s Part # is located in several places (on the CD label, package and/or plastic disc case) and is usually identified by a number such as 04-12345. When prompted by the Automated System, enter the last five digits of your product’s Part #. (For example, Part # 04-12345 would require that you enter the “12345” portion of the number for that product.) Note: Some products simply feature a five-digit Part # without an “04-” prefix. Live support is generally available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM (Pacific Time). Note: We may be closed on major holidays. Before making your call, we ask that you be at your computer, have the following information available, and be ready to take notes: · System Make and Model · Processor Type · Operating System, including version number if possible (such as Windows® 98; Windows® Me) · RAM (Memory) · Video and sound card data and drivers · Any screen or error messages you’ve encountered (and where) Product Return Procedures in the United States & Canada: In the event our technicians at (425) 951-7108 determine that you need to forward materials directly to us, please include a brief letter explaining what is enclosed and why. Make sure you include the Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA#) supplied to you by the technician, and your telephone number in case we need to call you. You will receive the mailing address when the technician gives you the RMA#. Any materials not containing this RMA# will be returned to you unprocessed. Warranty Policy in the United States & Canada: If our technicians determine that the product storage medium is found to be defective within ninety (90) days of original purchase, (unless otherwise provided by applicable law), Atari will replace the item free of charge, to the original purchaser, if the item is accompanied by the original dated receipt and packaging. 6. ATARI GENERAL END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT ************************************************************* END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT IMPORTANT — READ CAREFULLY: Please be sure to carefully read and understand all of the rights and restrictions described in this End-User License Agreement (“EULA”). AGREEMENT This document is an agreement between you and Atari, Inc. and its affiliated companies (“Company”). The enclosed software game disc(s), cartridge or Game Pak (“Software”) and any accompanying printed materials are licensed to you only on the condition that you accept all of the terms contained in this EULA. By opening this package and installing or otherwise using the Software you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA you may not install or use the Software and within 15 days of purchase you must call the Tech Support telephone number listed in the manual accompanying the Software (the “Manual”). Select the Automated Phone System’s Main Menu option for Consumer Services and follow the prompts. You will be given a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA #) by the technician. You then have 15 days from the date of this contact to return the Software in its protective covering, the Manual and the original sales invoice to the address supplied to you. If this is a PC product, when you install the Software you will be asked to review and either accept or not accept the terms of the EULA by clicking the “I Accept” button. By clicking the “I Accept” button you acknowledge that you have read the EULA, understand it and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions. COPYRIGHT The Software is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. All title and copyrights in and to the Software (including but not limited to any images, photographs, animations, video, music, text and “applets” incorporated into the Software) and any printed materials accompanying the Software are owned by the Company or its Licensors. GRANT OF LICENSE The Software is licensed and not sold to you and its use is subject to this EULA. The Company grants you a limited, personal, non-exclusive license to use the Software in the manner described in the user documentation. The Company reserves all rights not expressly granted to you in this EULA. PERMITTED USES 1. If the Software is configured for loading on a hard drive, you may install and use the Software on a single computer. 2. You may make and maintain one copy of the Software for backup and archival purposes, provided that the original and copy of the Software are kept in your possession. 3. You may permanently transfer all your rights under this EULA, provided you retain no copies, you transfer all of the Software (including all component parts, the media and printed materials and any upgrades) and the recipient reads and accepts this EULA. RESTRICTIONS 1. You may not delete or obscure any copyright, trademark or other proprietary notice on the Software or accompanying printed materials. 2. You may not decompile, modify, reverse engineer, disassemble or otherwise reproduce the Software. 3. You may not copy, rent, lease, sublicense, distribute, publicly display the Software, create derivative works based on the Software (except to the extent expressly permitted in the Editor and End-User Variation section of this Agreement or other documentation accompanying the Software) or otherwise commercially exploit the Software. 4. You may not electronically transmit the Software from one computer, console or other platform to another or over a network. 5. You may not use any backup or archival copy of the Software for any purpose other than to replace the original copy in the event it’s destroyed or becomes defective. EDITOR AND END-USER VARIATIONS If the Software includes a feature that allows you to modify the Software or to construct new variations (an “Editor”), you may use such Editor to create modifications or enhancements to the Software, including the construction of new levels (collectively the “Variations”), subject to the following restrictions. Your Variations: (i) must only work with the full, registered copy of the Software; (ii) must not contain modifications to any executable file; (iii) must not contain any libelous, defamatory or other illegal material, material that is scandalous or invades the rights of privacy or publicity of any third party; (iv) must not contain any trademarks, copyright-protected work or other property of third parties; and (v) may not be commercially exploited by you, including but not limited to making such Variations available for sale or as part of a pay-per-play or timesharing service. TERMINATION This EULA is effective until terminated. You may terminate this EULA at any time by destroying the Software. This EULA will terminate automatically without notice from the Company if you fail to comply with any provisions of this EULA. All provisions of this EULA as to warranties, limitation of liability, remedies and damages will survive termination. LIMITED WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES You are aware and agree that use of the Software and the media on which is recorded is at your sole risk. The Software and media are supplied “AS IS.” Unless otherwise provided by applicable law, the Company warrants to the original purchaser of this product that the Software storage medium will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase. The warranty is void if the defect has arisen through accident, abuse, neglect or misapplication. If the Software fails to conform to this warranty, you may at your sole and exclusive remedy, obtain a replacement free of charge if you return the defective Software. Follow the Product Return Procedures described in the Manual. The Company does not warrant that the Software or its operations or functions will meet your requirements, or that the use of the Software will be without interruption or error. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE, THE COMPANY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING AND WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE, THE COMPANY DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION REGARDING THE USE OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE IN TERMS OF ITS CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS OR OTHERWISE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF OR LIMITATIONS ON IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IN NO EVENT WILL THE COMPANY OR ITS EMPLOYEES OR LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR INJURY TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, LOSS OF PRIVACY, FAILURE TO MEET ANY DUTY AND NEGLIGENCE) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF THE COMPANY OR AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IN NO EVENT WILL THE LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY FOR DAMAGES WITH RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE EXCEED THE AMOUNTS ACTUALLY PAID BY YOU FOR THE SOFTWARE. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE This EULA is governed by the laws of the United States of America and the State of New York, exclusive of its conflicts of law provisions. The exclusive venue for litigation regarding or arising from this EULA is New York County, New York and you agree to submit to the Jurisdiction of the courts of New York County, New York for any such litigation. MISCELLANEOUS If any provision or portion of this EULA is found to be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, it will be severed from and in no way affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of the EULA. This EULA constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding the Software and its use. (c) 2003 Atari Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (c) 2003 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Blue's Clues and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Developed by ImaginEngine, Corp. Fox Libraries Copyright (c) 2003 by Vipah Interactive. All rights reserved. Uses Smacker Video Technology. Copyright (c) 1994-2003 by RAD Game Tools, Inc. Uses Miles Sound System. Copyright (c) 1991-2003 by RAD Game Tools, Inc. Windows and DirectX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Pentium is a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.