================================================================== Desperate Housewives™: the Game Read Me File (©2006 Touchstone Televsion) ================================================================== Thank you for purchasing Desperate Housewives: the Game. This readme file contains basic product and setup information. ================================================================== CONTENTS ================================================================== 1. System Requirements 2. Program Management 3. Troubleshooting 4. DirectX 9.0c Troubleshooting 5. Program Notes 6. Customer Support 7. END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT ================================================================== 1. System Requirements ================================================================== NOTE: The following system requirements have been updated. To run "Desperate Housewives: The Game", your system must meet the following requirements: MINIMUM SYSTEM CONFIGURATION Microsoft® Windows XP SP2 Pentium™ 4 class or Athlon XP processor, 1.4 GHz or greater 256 MB RAM 2.5 GB Hard Drive Space 128 MB DirectX™ 9.0c-compatible video card, 32-bit color (NVIDIA GeForce 3 or equivalent) 16-bit DirectX™ 9.0c-compatible sound card 8x cD-ROM drive DirectX 9.0c (included) MICROSOFT WINDOWS® XP DISCLAIMER: Although this program will install and run on a system running Microsoft Windows XP, users with "Limited User" privileges will encounter difficulties. This program's installer is not designed to work around the upgraded security features that Windows XP provides. Administrative Privileges are required to install and uninstall the program. Depending on your system configuration, you may also be required to have Administrative Privileges to play this program. Please refer to your Windows XP documentation for information about "Administrative Privileges." ================================================================== 2. Program Management ================================================================== --- Installing the Program Before installing Desperate Housewives: The Game, exit all open applications (including background applications such as anti-virus software and pop-up blockers). When all other applications have been closed, insert CD #1 into the CD-ROM drive. If your CD-ROM drive is AutoPlay-compliant, a launch window will automatically appear when the CD-ROM is inserted in the CD-ROM drive. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. During installation, you will be given an opportunity to electronically register the program. If the launch window does not automatically appear, open the My Computer folder (either from the Desktop or from the Start menu) and then open the Desperate Housewives CD-ROM drive folder. Double-click on the Setup.exe file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the program's installation. --- Getting Started If your CD-ROM drive is AutoPlay-compliant, a prompt will automatically appear when the CD is inserted in the CD-ROM drive. Click on Play to start the game. If the prompt does not appear, from the Windows Taskbar, click on Start and point to All Programs. From the Programs sub-menu, point to Buena Vista Games, select the Desperate Housewives folder, and then click on the Desperate Housewives program icon. --- Uninstall the Program Prior to uninstalling Desperate Housewives: The Game, make sure that you have exited all associated applications. To uninstall the program, click on Start and point to All Programs. From the resulting sub-menu, point to Buena Vista Games, select the Desperate Housewives folder, and then click on the Uninstall Desperate Housewives icon. ================================================================== 3. Troubleshooting ================================================================== There are several things you can do to make sure that your computer system realizes the full potential of the program. 1. Determine if any changes have been made to the system. A frequent source of conflict between hardware and software is a system configuration change. If an error occurs after making a change to the configuration of your system (i.e., adding new hardware, updating drivers, installing another program), then that system change is a likely source of the problem. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to verify that the proper installation procedure was used and note any incompatibility issue or system modifications listed in the documentation. 2. Isolate the source of the problem. The program itself does not necessarily cause errors that occur when running a software program. These errors may be caused by the operating system, a conflict between hardware settings, another program running in the background, or an obsolete driver, which has not been updated to work with the system’s newer components. Determine exactly when and where the problem occurs, and whether or not the problem also occurs with other software programs. Also determine what other system activities are taking place when the problem occurs. Determining the exact circumstances under which a problem occurs often points to a solution. 3. Determine if the error can be reproduced. Restart the program and test for the error. If the same error occurs in the same location, uninstall the program, reinstall the program, restart the system, and then run the program again. If the error recurs, determine if a similar error occurs with other software programs. If it does, the source of the problem may be one of the system’s hardware components. Refer to your hardware documentation or contact the manufacturer to determine if an updated driver or system modification will resolve the issue. 4. Verify that your system meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements of the program. If your system does not meet any one of the minimum requirements, the program will not run properly. 5. Verify that all external cables and connections are secure. Also ensure that power, settings, and option controls for all system components are set appropriately. Refer to your hardware documentation or consult your hardware manufacturer for additional information. 6. Exit all other programs and applications when installing or running the program. Exit any active screen savers, utility programs, anti-virus programs, or shell programs to ensure that the maximum amount of RAM is available for your system to run the program as quickly and smoothly as possible. Also exit any automatic power saving utilities or other timing programs like an anti-virus program that scans your hard disk every hour or a power management utility that shuts down all non-essential system functions during idle periods. If a timing program or screen saver activates during installation or during play, the program may crash or experience other technical difficulties. ================================================================== 4. DirectX 9.0c Troubleshooting ================================================================== This program is designed to use Microsoft's DirectX 9.0c or higher technology, which provides components and drivers to enhance every aspect of high performance applications. In order to run this program with the best possible performance, your video card and sound card should be DirectX 9.0c-compatible with certified DirectX 9.0c drivers properly installed. If you experience sound or display difficulties, a likely source of the issue is an outdated or incompatible driver. To verify that you have DirectX 9.0c certified drivers installed on your system, run the DirectX Diagnostics (DXDIAG) program that is copied to your hard drive when this program is installed. This program displays version and status information for your sound and display drivers, as well as all other DirectX components installed on your system. --- To open the DirectX Diagnostics Tool, proceed as follows: From the Windows Taskbar, click on Start and select Run. In the Open: field, type DXDIAG. Click on OK or press the Enter key on your keyboard. The program will begin to gather information about your system and the Diagnostics Tool will open with the System tab in the foreground. NOTE: If your system is unable to locate a copy of DXDIAG, it most likely means that a recent version of DirectX is not installed on your computer. You may download a recent version of DirectX from the Microsoft web-site at the following address: http://www.microsoft.com/directx/homeuser/downloads/default.asp When DXDIAG starts, the following tabs will be displayed: System, DirectX Files, Display, Sound, Music, Input, Network, and More Help. - The System tab contains system information about the computer and specifies the version of DirectX installed on your computer. The system information includes: system date, computer name, operating system version and language, processor type, memory, swapfile size, and DirectX version. - The DirectX Files tab contains the filenames and version numbers for all DirectX files installed on the computer. If DXDIAG detects any problems with any DirectX files, a warning will be displayed in the Notes box. - The Display tab contains detailed information about your display settings, and allows you to disable hardware acceleration for DirectDraw, Direct3D, and AGP Texture. On this tab, you can also test DirectDraw, Direct3D, and AGP Texturing. If DXDIAG detects any problems with any display settings or driver files, a warning will be displayed in the Notes box. Be sure to note the Name of your video card and the amount of video RAM that it contains. - The Sound tab contains detailed information about the sound card settings and driver. On this tab, you can test DirectSound and lower the Sound Hardware Acceleration Level. If DXDIAG detects any problems with the sound card or driver files, a warning will be displayed in the Notes box. - The Music tab contains the current MIDI settings. On this tab, you can test DirectMusic. If DXDIAG detects any problems with any MIDI settings, a warning will be displayed in the Notes box. - The Input tab contains the input devices (Joystick, Gamepad, Steering Wheel) connected to the computer and the input drivers installed on the computer. - The Network tab contains a list of the Network drivers installed and running on the computer. From this tab you may test DirectPlay. At any time during the troubleshooting, the DirectX information can be saved to a text file by clicking on the Save All Information button. NOTE: If your sound and display drivers are not listed as Certified, contact your computer manufacturer to verify that the drivers currently installed on your system are the latest available and that they are compatible with DirectX. If Certified drivers are not available, drivers that are compatible, but not certified, should run the program with an acceptable level of performance. If your sound and video card drivers are not compatible with DirectX, the program may not run properly. ================================================================== 5. Program Notes ================================================================== - Double-clicking to instantly move to another house only works while outside. ================================================================== 6. Customer Support ================================================================== If you could not find the solution to an issue in the Troubleshooting section, Buena Vista Games Customer Support offers a variety of support options. To help solve the problem quickly, efficiently, and accurately, please have the following information available: - Name and version of the program - Computer brand and model name - Sound card brand and model name - Video card brand and model name - Information on other peripherals you are using (printers, joysticks, etc.) - The length of time since the system’s drivers were last updated - A detailed description of the problem - Note any recent changes to your system Internet Support To access support for Buena Vista Games products on the World Wide Web, point your browser to www.bvg.com/support. You may also email us from this location. Automated Telephone Support You may contact Buena Vista Games Customer Support at (800) 228-0988. This service is available 24 hours a day in the US and Canada. Using a touch-tone phone, you can obtain answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Buena Vista Games programs. If you need additional information, our Customer Support staff for the US and Canada is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Pacific Time). Mailing Address Buena Vista Games Customer Support 500 South Buena Vista Street Burbank, CA 91521-8139. Fax Support Our fax machine is available 24 hours a day at (818) 553-5454. TDD Support Please contact us by telephone through your local relay service. Customer Support staff for TTY/TDD users is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Pacific Time). Our toll free number is (800) 228-0988. ================================================================== END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT ================================================================== PLEASE READ THIS END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT (this “License”) CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS SOFTWARE. For purposes of this License, the term “Software” shall mean the accompanying software itself and all images or data incorporated in the software and all related documentation and packaging (to the extent provided). By using this Software, you are agreeing to be bound by all terms of this License. 1. LICENSE In consideration of payment of the License fee, which is a portion of the price you paid when you acquired this Software, or for other good and valuable consideration in the case of promotional Software, demonstration Software or Software updates, you hereby acknowledge that this Software is licensed (not sold) to you by Buena Vista Games, Inc. (“Publisher”). Publisher does not transfer title to the Software to you; this License shall not be considered a “sale” of the Software. You own the media on which the Software is recorded, but Publisher retains full and complete title to the Software on the media and the accompanying documentation, and all intellectual and industrial property rights therein. This non-exclusive and personal License gives you the right to use and display this copy of the Software. You must treat the Software like any other copyrighted material. You may not copy the Software or the written material accompanying the Software. 2. SOFTWARE RESTRICTIONS The Software contains copyrighted material, trade secrets, and other proprietary material. You may not re-sell, decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble or otherwise reduce the Software to a human-perceivable form. Except as provided for in this License, you may not copy, modify, network, rent, lease, or otherwise distribute the Software; nor can you make the Software available by “bulletin boards,” on-line services, remote dial-in, or network or telecommunications links of any kind; nor can you create derivative works or any other works that are based upon or derived from the Software in whole or in part. Within the terms of this License agreement, you may transfer all of the license rights to the Software to another party, provided that the original media containing the Software, the related documentation, all copyright notices, and a copy of this License are transferred to that party, and provided that party reads and agrees to accept the terms and conditions of this License. If you transfer the Software, you may not retain any copies or elements of the Software for your own use. This Software is for your PERSONAL, NON-COMMERCIAL, and NON-GOVERNMENTAL use only. 3. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF THE OUTPUT GENERATED BY THE SOFTWARE A. Personal License/No Public Display. If the Software provides you with the ability to create, modify, print, send and/or save images or video clips containing Publisher’s copyrighted characters or other copyrighted material, this License only allows you to use such images or video for your own PERSONAL enjoyment, and not for any commercial or governmental purpose whatsoever. Further, you may not sell or publicly display such images or video (or any material containing such images or video), which means, without limitation, that you are not permitted to (i) sell any material containing printed images generated by the Software, (ii) post or make available any such images or video on any publicly accessible websites, “bulletin boards” or FTP sites, (iii) publicly transmit or publish the images or video in any manner, or (iv) make such images or video accessible to others by means of networking or sharing applications. Without limiting the foregoing, you may not use images generated by the Software in connection with any advertising or promotional materials, whether for profit or not for profit. You agree further that you will preserve all copyright notices that the Software imbeds within the output of all images and video. If any such image (a) is solely created by you, and (b) does not contain or is not based upon Publisher’s copyrighted characters or material, the restrictions in this Subsection 3(A) shall not apply. B. Appropriate Use. This License does not authorize you to combine images containing Publisher’s copyrighted characters or material with content that is not wholesome or that otherwise disparages Publisher or Publisher’s copyrighted characters or material, including without limitation, content that (a) contains nudity, pornography or sexually explicit materials; (b) promotes or portrays violence; (c) promotes or portrays discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age; (d) promotes or portrays illegal activities; (e) promotes or portrays tobacco, liquor, or gambling; (f) infringes any intellectual property rights of Publisher or any third party, or otherwise violates the rights of any third party; (g) contains material that is defamatory, fraudulent, or harassing to Publisher or any third party; (h) advocates the adoption or promotes the ideology of a specific religious or political viewpoint; or (i) is otherwise in conflict with The Walt Disney Company's image and reputation as a provider of family entertainment. 4. OWNERSHIP OF PROTECTED MATERIAL This Software contains audiovisual material, including, without limitation, images, sound, music and characters, that are owned by or licensed to Publisher (collectively, the “Protected Material”). Further, the Software may allow you to create output containing the Protected Material. You acknowledge and agree that, as between you and Publisher, Publisher exclusively owns all copyrights, trademarks and all other present and future intellectual property rights in and to the Protected Material as such material appears in the Software and on or in any output generated by the Software. Your use of such Protected Material shall inure to Publisher's benefit. You shall neither acquire nor assert copyright or any other intellectual property rights in or to the Protected Material or in any derivation, adaptation, or variation thereof. Other than with respect to the Protected Material, Publisher claims no rights in or to any content created by you using the Software. 5. TERMINATION Use of images generated by the Software for any purpose not specifically allowed by this License is a violation of this License, and may also violate Publisher’s copyrights, trademarks and other proprietary rights, and will result in the immediate termination of this License, whether or not Publisher is aware of such violation or whether or not Publisher has notified you of such violation. This License is effective until terminated by either party. You may terminate this License at any time by returning the Software to Publisher or destroying the Software and all related documentation and all copies and installations thereof, along with all output generated by the use of this Software. This License will terminate immediately without notice from Publisher if you fail to comply with any provision of this License. Upon termination, you must destroy or return to Publisher the Software and related documentation. 6. LIMITED WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER PUBLISHER WARRANTS THE MEDIA ON WHICH THE SOFTWARE IS RECORDED TO BE FREE FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP UNDER NORMAL USE FOR A PERIOD OF NINETY (90) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE AS EVIDENCED BY A COPY OF THE SALES RECEIPT OR PACKING SLIP. PUBLISHER’S ENTIRE LIABILITY AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY WILL BE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE MEDIA OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE (AT PUBLISHER’S ELECTION) UPON RETURN OF THE SOFTWARE TO PUBLISHER WITH A COPY OF YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE. PUBLISHER WILL HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE ANY MEDIA DAMAGED BY ACCIDENT, ABUSE OR MISAPPLICATION. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND/OR CONDITIONS ON THE MEDIA, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND/OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO NINETY (90) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE OR DELIVERY. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM JURISDICTION TO JURISDICTION. YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT USE OF THE SOFTWARE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE SOFTWARE AND RELATED DOCUMENTATION ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AND/OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. PUBLISHER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND/OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE AND RELATED DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND/OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. PUBLISHER DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE SOFTWARE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, OR THAT DEFECTS IN THE SOFTWARE WILL BE CORRECTED. FURTHERMORE, PUBLISHER DOES NOT WARRANT OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE AND RELATED DOCUMENTATION IN TERMS OF THEIR CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THE LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION ALSO APPLY TO THE THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS OF MATERIALS USED IN THE SOFTWARE. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE BY PUBLISHER OR AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF PUBLISHER SHALL CREATE WARRANTIES AND/OR CONDITIONS OR IN ANY WAY INCREASE THE SCOPE OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. YOU (AND NOT PUBLISHER) ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. 7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY Under no circumstances, including negligence, shall Publisher be liable for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the software or related documentation, even if Publisher or an authorized representative of Publisher has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability or incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. In no event shall Publisher’s total liability to you for all damages, losses, and causes of action (whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise) exceed the amount paid by you for the Software. 8. GOVERNING LAW AND SEVERABILITY This License shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California unless local jurisdictions invalidate choice of law provisions in which case local law applies. If any provision of this License shall be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from this License and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. This is the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter herein and shall not be modified except in writing, signed by both parties. v. 2006 ================================================================== Copyright ================================================================== Software and Documentation Copyright 2006 © Disney