README 1.0 MVP Baseball™ 2004 2/7/04 Thank you for purchasing MVP Baseball™ 2004. This README file contains information on features not covered in the manual, as well as more detailed information on certain features already covered in the manual. This README file also contains information on known issues, multiplayer issues and hardware issues. Content of Web Links within this document may not be under the control of Electronic Arts. 1. System Requirements 2. Installing the Game Using "Autorun" a.) Installing MVP Baseball 2004 b.) If your "Autorun" feature is disabled 3. DirectX 9.0 a.) Installing DirectX directly from CD b.) DirectX and supported hardware 4. Uninstalling MVP Baseball 2004 5. Memory requirements a.) Memory requirements in Windows b.) Running the game under stressful Windows conditions 6. Improving Game Speed 7. Keyboard, Gamepad and Mouse Functionality 8. Disabling Accessibility Option Shortcut Keys 9. EA SPORTS™ Online 10. Modem - Call Waiting 11. AOL IP Information 12. Notes on Video Card Chipsets and Support 13. Notes on Windows 14. Data Verification Date 15. Running other programs along with MVP Baseball 2004 16. Modifying game files _________________________________________________________________ ============================================================= 1. System Requirements ============================================================= 700 MHz Intel Pentium III or equivalent 128 Megabytes of RAM for Windows 98/Me and (256 MB for Windows 2000/XP) DirectX 9.0 Compatible 3D accelerated 32 MB AGP video card (see section 12 for supported video cards) 1300 MB free hard disk space plus additional space for saved games, Windows swap file, and DirectX 9.0 installation 8X Speed CD-ROM/DVD-ROM DirectX 9.0 compatible sound card 56k Modem or broadband connection for online gameplay Windows-compatible mouse Windows-compatible Keyboard (360º gamepad with dual analog sticks highly recommended) Required Operating Systems: Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Note that Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 are not supported. IMPORTANT: When playing MVP Baseball 2004, we recommend MVP2004_CD2 is kept in your CD/DVD drive at all times. Failure to do so can result in serious problems, including being unable to continue the game. 2. Installing the Game Using "Autorun" a.) Installing MVP Baseball 2004 The easiest method of installing MVP Baseball 2004 is to use the "Autorun" feature. Upon inserting the MVP2004_CD1 into your CD-ROM drive, the "Autorun" menu appears; select 'Install' to launch the MVP Baseball 2004 Installer. The “CD Key” screen appears; enter the serial key found on the back of the CD case and click “Next”. The next screen will enable you to decide where and how you want to install MVP Baseball 2004 – perform a "Typical User" or an "Advanced User" install. The "Typical User" install (default setting) will install MVP Baseball 2004 to C:\Program Files\EA SPORTS\MVP Baseball 2004 (where "C:\" is the drive that your current operating system is located). The "Advanced User" option brings you to another popup, which allows you to choose the install footprint size and the install location. b.) If for some reason your "Autorun" feature is disabled, you can install the program by running AUTORUN.EXE directly from the root directory of MVP2004_CD1. Note: Manually performing a second MVP Baseball 2004 install before uninstalling the original game files is not recommended. More specifically, installing into the same location twice can cause the game to malfunction. To avoid problems, the "Autorun" feature should be used for all installs and uninstalls. 3. DirectX 9.0 If you try to run the game without DirectX 9.0 installed, you will be prompted to upgrade before the game installation begins. For your convenience, we have included DirectX 9.0 on the MVP2004_CD1. Note: If you already have DirectX 9.0 (or higher) installed, it is not necessary to reinstall DirectX 9.0. a.) Installing DirectX directly from CD MVP Baseball 2004 comes with DirectX 9.0 and will prompt you to install it during the installation process. If you would like to install it manually, make sure the MVP2004_CD1 is in the CD-ROM drive, and access the following path on your CD-ROM drive: "\DirectX\DXSETUP.EXE" Double-click on DXSETUP.EXE to begin DirectX 9.0 installation. You will have to accept the terms of the Microsoft End User License Agreement in order to install/reinstall DirectX. b.) DirectX and supported hardware We recommend that MVP Baseball 2004 be run with DirectX 9.0 compatible sound cards and video cards. While MVP Baseball 2004 might run with non-DirectX compatible hardware, you may find that: I) Sound quality suffers. II) The game runs slightly slower. III) The game does not run at all. If your sound card or video card does not support DirectX 9.0, please contact your hardware vendor. If you should have video or sound problems running the game, we suggest that you update your sound card and video card driver to the newest release from the vendor or chipset website. 4. Uninstalling MVP Baseball 2004 The simplest method of uninstalling MVP Baseball 2004 is to use "Uninstall MVP Baseball 2004" shortcut in the Start Menu (usually "Start Menu => Programs => EA SPORTS => MVP Baseball 2004 =>Uninstall MVP Baseball 2004"). Alternatively, you may uninstall by inserting MVP2004_CD1 and clicking the Uninstall button on the Autorun menu. Windows also has an "Add/Remove Programs" Icon in the Control Panel that you can use to uninstall the game. 5. Memory Requirements a.) Memory requirements in Windows MVP Baseball 2004 requires a minimum of 128 MB of RAM to run (256 MB for Windows XP). Note: The more system memory available, the better the game will perform in all areas. b.) Running the game under stressful Windows conditions At Electronic Arts we strive to bring you the best in graphics, audio and gameplay. We are always pushing the envelope of computer performance. While we have made every effort to ensure that MVP Baseball 2004 multi-tasks with all Windows applications, we recommend that you shut down other applications (including virus scanners) and run MVP Baseball 2004 by itself when possible. c.) Virtual memory We recommend that you let your operating system automatically manage the amount of virtual memory. 6. Improving Game Speed There are several ways by which you can speed up the overall MVP Baseball 2004 experience: a.) Choose a larger install - the more data that is on your hard drive, the less time your PC needs to spend accessing the CD. Performing a Complete install will enhance your MVP Baseball 2004 experience. b.) Adjust the Detail Level in the Video Options on the Options screen - this allows you to reduce graphical quality in order to achieve better performance. 7. Keyboard, Gamepad and Mouse Functionality You must use the mouse to navigate the game interface. Click on buttons and icons to select modes and options. The keyboard is available to enter information or send chat messages when playing other users via modem or network. You may also use the keyboard to play a game in Play Now, Exhibition, Dynasty Mode, Home Run Showdown, Pitcher Showdown, or Online. To bring up the in-game pause menus, press ESC and then navigate with the mouse again. NOTE: When certain Mouse Options are enabled under Windows XP, the game's frame rate may suffer -- for example, with the 'Windows XP' Mouse: 'Visibility' option: 'Show location of pointer when I press CTRL key' is checked. This option is OFF by default. However, if you are unsure of whether your mouse uses this option, you can find out by selecting MOUSE in CONTROL PANEL, then clicking on the Pointer Options tab. MVP Baseball 2004 recommends the Logitech Dual Action controller. This controller will give access to all the gameplay features. MVP Baseball 2004 also supports play via keyboard and the following dual-analog stick gamepad controllers, all of which have suggested default control profiles available in the game: Dual USB Feedback Joypad Gravis Eliminator AfterShock Logitech Dual Action USB Logitech Dual Action Logitech WingMan Cordless Logitech WingMan RumblePad Saitek P880 If your controller is supported, you may remap most of the controls to your liking. NOTE: You should always set up your gamepad properly in Windows before trying to use it in the game. Also, you may have to recalibrate your controllers with each new install in order to have the game detect them correctly. You can set up your device and calibrate it in Windows Control Panel using Game Options or Game Controllers. The default control profiles in the game were set up for users with Windows XP. So, keep in mind that some buttons may be reversed on a few gamepads, especially on systems with Windows 98 or Windows ME. If the gamepad manufacturer has provided software with the device, installing it may correct the problem. Most gamepad manufacturers have the latest drivers available on their website, so check the documentation that came with your controller for more details. You can also use the Controller Configuration option in MVP Baseball 2004 to remap your gamepad. Note that if you choose to use a non-supported controller, you will not have access to all game functions, and the game may not recognize your controller at all. Refer to the "Control Summary" included in the MVP Baseball 2004 manual for more detailed information on the in-game play controls. 8. Disabling Accessibility Option Shortcut Keys If you are using the keyboard during gameplay, and you find that MVP Baseball 2004 exits to an Accessibility Options overlay (StickyKeys, FilterKeys or ToggleKeys), it is probably because Accessibility Options shortcut keys are enabled in your operating system. Unchecking the checkbox on the overlay when this issue occurs will disable the particular Accessibility Option shortcut. To disable all Accessibility Options shortcut keys, perform the following steps in order: I) From the Desktop click Start, Settings (98/ME/2000/XP), and Control Panel. II) Double-click Accessibility Options. III) In the StickyKeys option box click Settings... IV) In the Keyboard shortcut option box uncheck the ‘Use shortcut’ option box. V) Click OK. VI) Repeat steps III-V for both the FilterKeys and ToggleKeys option boxes. VII) Click OK on the Accessibility Options dialog box, and your changes will be saved. You may now close the Control Panel and run the game. NOTE: Unless you normally use the Accessibility Option Shortcut Keys, we recommend that you disable them using the steps above. These keys can cause interruptions during play, and can cause a Network or Online game to fall out of sync. If instead, you wish to continue using the Accessibility Option Shortcut Keys, then we recommend that you either use a supported gamepad controller, or remap your keyboard configuration to avoid this potential problem with MVP Baseball 2004. 9. EA SPORTS Online a.) EA SPORTS Online Services Join EA SPORTS online today and unlock the most exciting online sports gaming experience! Already an EA SPORTS online Member? Returning members qualify for 2000 Tokens in each title they register. Even if you are new to the EA SPORTS community the new and improved features in 2004 are sure to keep you playing online. Your Career You are an online athlete! Participate and compete online to build up your stat, improve your Ranking and watch your Career progress year after year! Your History lists your accomplishments in all titles. Your Level indicates to everyone your experience. And your Rating determines your absolute abilities making you the most sought after competitor or the biggest target on the Internet! Matchup It has never been easier to play your favorite EA SPORTS title online! MatchUp makes locating an online opponent fast and easy. Locate another Member with similar abilities or go for it and challenge a Member rated as one of the best! Tournaments Every EA SPORTS online title includes the ability to join or create large scale, high stakes Tournaments! Create a single round knockout event or a round robin Club Vs. Club blowout! Establish the rules and let them line up to enter! Or sign up for EA SPORTS sponsored events around the world! Clubs Combine your efforts with other online athletes to create a Club for friendly competition or become a devastating force of online sports supremacy. Compete as a Club in regular online contests and against other Clubs in new Club Vs. Club Tournaments. Messenger Message other EA SPORTS online Members instantly! Add other online Members to your Messenger and be instantly connected to your friends and rivals. Share a password, recruit to a Club, or challenge each other to an online MatchUp. Even message other Members playing other EA SPORTS online titles. Pro Play Play by the rules. The official EA SPORTS online rules of online play mean that Rankings are based on everyone playing with the same game options. Create a custom game according to your preferences, or select Pro Play and go right into game play. Leaderboards Which Club is number 1? Who is the highest Rated player? And who is the best online athlete in the EA SPORTS community? The new Leaderboard tracks and sorts the top Clubs and Members against a huge variety of game play statistics. b.) EA SPORTS Online requirements To play online, you have to ensure: a. The correct version of Internet Explorer is installed - Go to www.microsoft.com and click on "more downloads" on the right hand side of the webpage - Select Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 and download this executable - Install IE 6 on your computer - You can also download updated browsers from: www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.htm b. Macromedia Flash, version 6.0.79.0 or later is installed. If you don't already have it on your PC, you may install this from MVP2004_CD1. c. EA SPORTS Online components be installed. After the game is installed, EA SPORTS Online components may be installed by doing the following: - Insert MVP2004_CD1 - Run EASOInstaller.exe in the CommonEASO folder d. Firewalls Note that if you have a firewall and want to play online, the following TCP/IP ports must be open in the outbound direction: HTTP 80 TCP/IP HTTPS 443 TCP/IP MsgConn/IM 13500 TCP/IP Roomsvr 25801-25899 TCP/IP The following UDP ports must be opened for game packets, for the outbound and inbound connections Game Packets 10002 UDP NOTE: EA reserves the right to retire the EA SPORTS online service for this product after 90 days notice, or 30 days after the last day of the 2004 Baseball season. Please check online at http://www.easports.com/ for more information and terms of use. 10. Modem - Call Waiting We highly recommend that call waiting be disabled. Specifically, call waiting can disrupt modem games already in progress. 11. AOL IP Information With an AOL dial-up connection, the IP information provided on the Direct IP screen is the "AOL Dial up Adapter" and may or may not be the correct IP address of your machine. Use the information found in the "AOL Adapter"(NOT the "AOL Dial-Up Adapter") as the correct IP address. Note: To get the correct IP address in Windows 2000, you must return to Windows. From the START menu click Run.... Type in 'cmd /k ipconfig' and get the IP information for the "AOL Adapter" (NOT the "AOL Dial-Up Adapter"). 12. Notes on Video Card Chipsets and Support   MVP Baseball 2004 has been tested with a number of different video cards. The default video settings are based on those tests, and should result in the best gaming experience with your video card. Should you choose to adjust the video settings in the game, keep in mind that you can always return them to the default setting.   If you are experiencing problems with your video card and MVP Baseball 2004, try downloading the latest driver available from the video card manufacturer. If there is no improvement, try using the latest driver provided by the video chipset manufacturer. Your video card chipset is the video-processing chip located on your video card. If there is no information in your video card manual or website, check the video card for an identifying chip with the chipset manufacturer's name on it. Some popular video chipset manufacturer's websites are listed below:   NVIDIA  http://www.NVIDIA.com/ Matrox http://www.matrox.com/ ATI     http://www.ati.com/      MVP Baseball 2004 supports only AGP Video cards, which must have 32 MB memory or more and use one of the following chipsets: NVIDIA GeForce FX series NVIDIA GeForce4 NVIDIA GeForce3 NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS [not GeForce2 MX] ATI Radeon Series 8500 ATI Radeon Series 9000 and up Matrox Parhelia 128MB If you experience problems, please contact your card vendor or chipset manufacturer to get the latest drivers. We highly recommend that you do not use ALT-TAB or CTRL-ALT-DEL, or minimize MVP Baseball 2004 in any way when playing the game, as some video chipsets have shown graphical corruption when returning to game after minimizing. In particular, some NVIDIA users may encounter stability issues after minimizing the game. We recommend updating your drivers on a regular basis to avoid any issues. If problems persist, we recommend avoiding the use of ALT-TAB or CTRL-ALT-DEL or minimizing the game in any way while playing MVP Baseball 2004. 13. Notes on Windows MVP Baseball 2004 supports Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME and Windows XP. Note that MVP Baseball 2004 does NOT support Windows 95 or Windows NT. *NOTE - To install the game properly on Windows 2000/Windows XP, you will need administrator access to your machine. Consult your Windows 2000/Windows XP documentation for more information. NOTE: If you have the Windows XP Quick Launch bar detached from the Windows XP Start Bar and set to be always on top, you may experience flickering on some screens when playing MVP Baseball 2004. 14. Data verification date The player and team data used in MVP Baseball 2004 was verified for accuracy as of 1/15/04. Any transfers or roster changes that occurred after this date may not be reflected in the game. 15. Running other programs along with MVP Baseball 2004 While MVP Baseball 2004 is a Windows game, it does require a lot of your processing power and memory to run properly. We suggest that you do not try running word processors, spreadsheets, graphics/art programs, or any other programs that require much of your processing power and memory, at the same time you are running MVP Baseball 2004. 16. Modifying game files If you choose to modify or change settings in MVP Baseball 2004, we strongly suggest that you use the tools provided in the game to modify/create/edit players, change game options, configure your controllers, etc.