|
Game Operation
|
|
Q. How do I learn how to play?
|
A. Jump in and start a game; EBP will guide you and can give hints upon your
request. EBP's AI computer opponents provide tireless practice. Until you can beat
these bots regularly, set their skill levels lower in the Game Setup window. Also,
be sure to review the rules of Empire Builder.
|
|
Q. How competent are the AI bots?
|
A. You can choose the skill level of EBP's computer opponents. At the maximum
skill setting, the AI competes like an advanced human player. Only very good
human players can beat the max skill AI with some regularity.
|
|
Q. How fast can the AI bots play?
|
A. At the max skill setting, EBP's bots usually need less than 1 second per
turn. You can also tell the AI to play vs. itself to collect stats; in such operation
EBP can complete over 100,000 player-matches per day, an effective rate of less than
one second per player-match (2.4 Gz quad core computer).
|
|
Q. I'm learning... how can I make the game easier?
|
A. When starting a match, set the skill level of the bots to Min, and Type/Style
to IA Newby. Set your own Skill level to Max. Reduce the number of opponents. In
the Game Options window, turn off Events. During the match, use the Turn, Suggest Plan
pull-down menu for hints about what to do. During the build phase of your turn after
you have some track on the map, click on the distant milepost to which you want to build,
and EBP's Autobuild feature will extent your track there via a decent route; trim back
the route to something affordable by pressing Backspace.
|
|
Q. I'm skilled... how can I make the game more challenging?
|
A. Increase the number of opponents to maximum. Set the AI bot Type/Style to James
Hill and skill level to Max. Play on a map unfamiliar to you. Try a Blitz mode match:
the bots can play far faster than a human; see the Blitz Play topic in the in-game
help for information. Randomizing the contracts and/or city locations can be a fresh
challenge: in the Game Setup Window, use the Map, Randomize pull down menu. Allow
the AI bots to cheat: the Game Options, Computer Play section has various cheat levels.
|
|
Q. Why won't EBP let me play on an alternate map?
|
A. You must keep all your alternate maps (.EBM files) in the same folder/subdirectory
as the EBP.EXE program. Also, note EBP requires registration
before you can play on alternate maps.
|
|
Q. When I double-click on a saved game, I'd like EBP to start and open that game.
|
A. You need to create a "file association" in Windows between .EBZ saved game files
and the EBP.EXE game. Exactly how to do this varies based on your operating system version.
Here's how to in Windows XP.
|
|
Q. I'm getting the following message: "Registration problem. License setup failed 10".
|
A. This can happen if Windows is configured for a Double-Byte Character System (DBCS).
DBCS is not compatible with EBP. You can change this Windows setting, if such a
change will not disrupt your use of other programs. How to do so varies by Windows version,
but in general: use the Control Panel, Regional and Language Settings, Advanced, and
set "Language for non-Unicode Programs" to English.
After such a change, if when you try EBP the problem persists, you must delete the
EBP.LIC file; EBP.LIC is typically found in the folder that contains the EBP.EXE program,
but sometimes Windows puts it in your UserProfile directory.
|
|
Q. The program displayed an unusual/unexpected message or crashed (stopped running) while I was using it. What's the problem?
|
A. That is rare. Here are assorted things you can try to resolve the problem:
- Shut down the computer, restart it, and run EBP first. If EBP works, that
means some other software was interfering with EBP.
- Run a virus check on your computer.
- Temporarily turn off your virus checker and restart EBP.
- Check if your problem is known and has been fixed: see the version history page.
- Exit EBP, temporarily rename the EBP.INI file, restart EBP and play a match under the game's default
configuration. If the problem goes away, it had been related your altering the program's initial configuration,
for example, choosing different display settings or game options. EBP is so customizable, certain particular
combinations of options are infrequently used, thus might hide a bug. If you can isolate which configuration
setting is related to the trouble you observe, and we can repeat the EBP fault here, we'll fix it.
- If you have trouble with network or Web play, further below see "How can I check that multi-player EBP is
working properly?"
- Make a backup of your existing EBP, then reinstall EBP from a fresh download.
- Reinstall the VBRUN drivers: download VBRUN60.EXE (approx. 1000k) and run it
- Explore what is "unusual" about your computer's configuration. Non-USA settings? Atypical disk drives or network?
Uncommon virus checker? Temporarily reconfigure settings to more common ones and restart EBP.
Note that "error 13" upon startup was due to international settings that employ a comma as the decimal point;
EBP was adjusted to avoid that trouble beginning with version 1.4.
- The most likely cause of a mid-game crash is the display driver for your copy of Windows.
Try changing your Windows Control Panel, Display settings to some other resolution (screen size)
and/or color depth, then shutdown the computer, restart it and run EBP. If the
problem goes away, it means the display drivers for the resolution and/or color
depth you had been using contain bugs. You might be able to obtain updates from
Microsoft or your computer's manufacturer.
- Via your Windows Control Panel, check that you have at least one printer driver
installed. A bug in Windows can cause the program to hang if your computer has
no printers set up. Use Windows to set up a "generic" or "text only" printer
if you have no physical printer.
- Minimize the game map graphics available. To do so, temporarily rename
the USABGND.JPG file found in the directory/folder in which
you installed EBP.EXE. Restart EBP and play on the USA map. If the problem goes
away, it means the display drivers of your computer contain bugs that prevent EBP
from showing the proper graphics. You might be able to obtain display driver
updates from Microsoft or your computer's manufacturer.
- Search your system for copies of the file CP5DLL32.DLL.
If any are found outside of the directory/folder in which you installed EBP.EXE,
rename them. Then shutdown and restart the computer. If RBP now works, it means
the problem is being caused by the "rogue" CP5DLL32.DLL file.
This problem is the most common cause of errors "9" and "35" during play.
Note: this might cause other programs on your computer to malfunction because
they can't find the renamed files (in that case, rename them back).
- Was EBP working for awhile, and now it crashes? The problem is likely
due to a change you made on your computer. Try restoring older settings. If
you recently installed some other, new software perhaps it is causing conflicts
with EBP. Try uninstalling it.
- Reinstall Windows, then reinstall EBP as your first application (drastic,
but it usually works). If this solves the problem, it means that some other
application was interfering with EBP. Note: this will cause you to lose
your EBP registration, and you will need to re-register!
If you discover the solution, please describe it to us so we can pass it along to
others who might encounter similar trouble in the future.
We estimate that problems will remain unresolved (after all the steps above)
on about 1 of 10000 computers. If you encounter such an uncooperative computer,
we recommend you run EBP on some other computer instead. Do not register EBP
until you are satisfied with how it is working on your computer.
|
|
Q. I want it to run on my current computer!
|
A. EBP works fine on the vast majority of computers. If the steps above do not
resolve the problem on your computer, the cause is some unusual configuration or
conflicting software on it. It is not economically practical for us to remotely
track down such a cause. If you are serious about us doing so, we can help if you
are willing to pay labor and expenses (contact us). Since the average such fee
can quickly exceed $1000, it is usually cheaper to simply buy a new computer.
Alternatively, you might hire an inexpensive local consultant, such as one from
Geek Squad.
|
|
Q. Windows reports that EBP caused an error in module xxx... at yyy...
|
A. That's Microsoft speak for "EBP revealed that a bug exists" in that
software module (probably a component of Windows). You can report
the problem to the maker of that module, but don't hold your breath waiting
for them to fix it.
|
|
Q. The program doesn't crash, but does not seem to operate right.
|
A. Retrace your steps, and if the problem keeps occurring, send us a list of
the minimum steps that we need to reproduce it here. If we can replicate the
problem, we can almost certainly fix it. If the steps you provide work
properly here, we almost certainly cannot do anything to address it, and it
gets chalked up to some unknown difference from the norm of your computer.
Often it is useful to send us a saved game to demo the problem you
observe. Reload the saved game and retrace your steps. If the problem is
repeatable, send us the game saved at a point immediately before the failure,
plus a list of the steps and we'll be happy to look into it.
|
|
Q. How can I send you a saved game after the program crashed?
|
A. You can't, unless EBP's AutoSave feature had been enabled. If you experience
crashes, restart EBP and enable the "AutoSave before every turn" feature in the
Game Options window, then play a game. If the program crashes, the state of
the game just before the crash will be preserved in the files in AutoSave location
(configured in the Game Options window) under names that resemble ebAS###x.EBZ
where ### is the round number
and x is a letter A=player 1's turn, B=player 2's turn, etc. Restart EBP, and
open the newest autosave game file (i.e. the one that corresponds to the
player whose turn it was when the program crashed). Try to resume playing.
If the program crashes immediately, you have found a repeatable bug. Send us
that .EBZ file with a description of what error
messages you received. If we can duplicate the problem here, we can
almost certainly fix it. This process, while a bit tedious, is important
because without a saved game with which to reproduce the problem here, we
almost certainly can't fix it.
|
|
Q. Is there an Iron Dragon map?
|
A. Iron Dragon has many unique features not presently supported in EB Pronto.
There existed a computer version created by
Eden Studios
but it appears registrations are no longer being sold.
|
|
Q. I'd like to suggest a new feature for or improvement to the software.
|
A. Sure, send it to intersys@insystem.com.
Many of EBP's features had their origin in ideas suggested by users.
Obviously, we can't guarantee your suggestion will be added, but we'll
consider it. Lawyer-speak: Note that suggestions received become the
property of Intersystem Concepts, Inc.
|
|
Q. My favorite house rule is not in the software. Can you add it?
|
A. Crayon rail games lend themselves to many house rules. EBP supports
the most popular variant rules. Programming the AI to handle variant
rules well, and in combination with the others, can be complex and
hence expensive to implement. Your suggestions are welcome as we might
implement those most in demand. If you are anxious for a new feature so
much as to be willing to fund its development (cost can exceed $5000),
feel free to contact us. Serious inquiries only, please.
|
|
Installation / Registration / New Computers
|
|
Q. How do I install EBP?
|
A. Experienced PC users can simply unzip the download file into a new subdirectory,
and run EBP.EXE. Or, see the detailed install instructions.
|
|
Q. I've installed, but get an error upon first use of the program.
|
A. EBP works immediately on the vast majority of computers, but some computers may have
conflicting software, old drivers, or Windows issue. If you are using Windows Vista or
7, first check for the common problems in those versions. After
that, try the fixes above for a crash.
|
|
Q. How do I register?
|
A. Most people register by copying and pasting an order form into
email.
You can also send an order via conventional mail, fax or phone (see the order form).
|
|
Q. What do I get by registering?
|
A. If you request your registration to be sent via email, we will send you a
passcode that allows use of the program past the free, initial 30-day trial
period, and a link to download a copy of the EB7 USA/Canada/Mexico game map.
If you pay for shipping, your passcode and EB7 map (on CD) will be sent via
conventional mail. Registration also grants you discounts on other maps
purchased at the same time, technical support via email, and discounted
shareware upgrades. Limited live tech support via phone is available business
hours to registered users at the discounted rate of $60 per call of up to
15 minutes duration.
|
|
Q. Where's the "pre-registration number"?
|
A. In an unregistered copy of the software on the computer on which you
want to register, find it at the Help, Registration Numbers pull-down menu.
All pre-registration numbers start with the digit 1. We need your
pre-registration number in order to look up your passcode.
|
|
Q. I'd like to run EBP on my second computer or hard drive partition, but the passcode doesn't work.
|
A. Each needs its own registration. To loyal customers we offer
additional registrations at a discount.
Order a secondary copy.
|
|
Q. I downloaded EBP from a site other than yours. Is that OK?
|
A. We recommend against it because too often other sites add malware, spyware or even viruses
to downloads after luring you in with a claim of free software. You can get a free trial via
the game download right from our official site. Even if an alternate site is honest, they
might supply you an older version. You can get the latest and greatest by downloading
from our RailGameFans site.
|
|
Q. My system crashed and I had to reinstall Windows. The process took my EBP registration with it.
|
A. You should be able to reactivate your registration on the same computer
by using the passcode we had sent before. If not, or if you lost your passcode,
you can get a replacement as described below for new computer equipment.
|
|
Q. How can I preserve my registration?
|
A. After entering your EBP passcode, we recommend that you 1) make a copy of the contents of the
subdirectory in which EBP is installed, 2) test that backup by restoring it into a new
subdirectory on the same computer hard drive, and 3) if that restoration works, you've made a
proper backup. If you don't have a proper backup, and you have already consumed your free passcode,
order a recovery copy. Note that you should not restore a
backup onto different computer hardware and expect it to function.
|
|
Q. I have new computer equipment. How do I tranfer my EBP registration to it?
|
A. Download and install a fresh copy, or install from your EBP CD.
You'll need a new passcode; see the following questions to learn how to get it.
|
|
Q. I replaced my old computer equipment with new and installed EBP on it, but
the program doesn't recognize my prior registration or my old passcode.
|
A. If it has been more than 30 days since any registration, and more than 12 months
since your last free recovery passcode, you are qualified to receive one free recovery
passcode for the same major.minor version of the program you had paid to register.
If you qualify for a free recovery passcode, run the program on the new computer, choose
the Help, Registration Numbers pull-down menu, and send us the pre-registration number
shown, via email is best. We'll reply with your new passcode. If you do not qualify,
you can get a recovery passcode for a small fee: order a recovery copy,
and send us the pre-registration number from the new computer.
|
|
Q. What is the version number format?
|
A. EBP versions are numbered in the form major.minor.revision. For example, 1.4.16 is
major version 1, minor version 4, revision 16. If you have paid to register 1.4.x and now
want to recover to 1.5.x, doing so is considered an upgrade for which a small fee applies
as shown on an order form. You can find the version number of
your copy of EBP via the game's Help, About... menu.
|
|
Q. I don't have a backup copy of an old version of the program to restore onto
my computer.
|
A. Download and install the current version, and submit
an order for an upgrade. Pricing is shown on an order form.
|
|
Q. I lost the maps you sent me previously. Can I get
a replacement on disc?
|
A. Yes. A service charge applies to replacing a group of lost maps, plus
for a CD add the Shipping/Handling fee. See the
services order form to determine the costs.
Simply write in the order form's margins or in your email which maps need
replacing.
|
|
Q. Can I upgrade my version of Windows without losing my EBP registration?
|
A. It should be possible, but might fail. Microsoft doesn't worry much about
being careful to not clobber non-Microsoft applications. Some people have
upgraded without losing their EBP registration, others have not. If you lose
your registration in this manner, you can get another as described above for
replacing old computer equipment.
|
|
Q. I frequently wipe clean and rebuild my hard disk contents from scratch...
|
A. You might be able to reactivate your registration on the same computer
by using the passcode we had sent before, but we cannot guarantee that.
|
|
Q. I'm having trouble installing the emailed add ons.
|
A. See the detailed install instructions.
Or, you can order a copy on CD.
|
|
Q. I've not been able to install at all.
|
A. Consider getting a copy on CD since it comes with a simple setup/install
program, or you can play directly from the CD itself. Otherwise, enlist the
help of a nearby friend with Windows software experience. You might also hire
a local consultant, such as one from
Geek Squad.
|
|
Q. Can I get a copy on diskette?
|
A. No, EBP and EBPEdit are available via download and on CD only.
|
|
Play by Email - Pbem
|
|
Q. How do I play Empire Builder by email?
|
A. Starting with version 1.4, EBP automates the Play by email process. For each
human player in a match, you input an email address. During play, EBP sends a copy of
the match to the person when it is their turn. See the details in the Play by email
topic of the in-game help, or in this PDF.
|
|
Q. How can I find more people for Pbem?
|
A. Feel free to send a "looking for Pbem opponents" message to the members of the
RailGameFan group at Yahoo! Groups.
|
|
Q. I tried using my Gmail account and the self test returns
"Problem 530 detected during Pbem test. SMTP responded 530 5.7.0
Must issue a STARTTLS command first.; response should have been: 334"
|
A. That means you have the wrong value in the "SMTP Mail Server"
field of EBP's Display Settings. In most cases, Gmail is not
your outbound mail server, instead your ISP provides your mail service.
Popular ISPs in the USA are Comcast and Verizon.
Yes, you can still use your Gmail (or Hotmail, or Yahoo, etc.) address for
Pbem purposes in EBP's "My Email Address(es)" field, but in the "SMTP Mail Server"
field you must point to your ISP. The proper entry might resemble smtp.comcast.net
Check with your ISP to learn the address of your SMTP Mail Server
for outbound email. Some of the more common ones are in
this off-site list.
|
|
Q. My regular email service doesn't work, help!
|
A. Use a free Yahoo email acccount instead. We have tested Yahoo and found it to
work with EBP's Pbem. If you do not already have an account there
visit Yahoo's site and register.
Once you have a Yahoo email account, inform EBP of your info as follows:
- run EBP version 1.4.x or newer
- choose the File, Display Settings pull-down menu
- in EBP's Display and Web Settings window, in the panel on the right, for
My Email Address(es) enter xyz@yahoo.com where xyz is the Yahoo ID/email name you
selected when you registered at Yahoo
- for SMTP Mail Server enter smtp.mail.yahoo.com
- for Username enter the Yahoo ID/email name you selected when you registered there; do not include @yahoo.com
- for Password enter the password you chose when you registered at Yahoo
- for SMTP Port Number enter 25
Then re-run EBP's Pbem self-test as described in this PDF.
Check your email at Yahoo's site to see if the self-test message arrived there.
If so, you are ready to play via email! During play, when it is your turn, the match
will arrive at your Yahoo account as an email attachment.
If you prefer the incoming Pbem attachments to instead arrive in your regular (non-Yahoo)
email box, when setting up the Pbem match and EBP asks to "Enter/confirm email address"
simply specify your regular email address.
|
|
Q. I'm still having trouble!
|
A. We're considering the possibility of providing
SMTP email access for use with EBP Pbem for a small fee. This is not yet available,
but will be arranged if there is enough demand. Let us know if you need and would be
interested in such service.
|
|
Web Play
|
|
Q. How do I play online?
|
A. There's no need for a special Web server, instead your copy of EB Pronto communicates
directly via the Internet with a copy running on another computer. Basically, you and
up to 5 of your friends all run EBP and decide which person will be GameMaster. The GM
tells his IP address to the others (via phone, instant message, etc.) and they follow
EBP's prompts to connect for play. For details, see the "Web Play" topic in the game's
on line help.
When the GM chooses the "Make me GameMaster" option, EBP displays his dot address(es).
For play over the Web, the GM should tell opponents his external dot address. For play
over a local network (router), the GM should tell opponents his local dot address.
If EBP is not displaying the dot address, the GM can use his web browser to
obtain it manually by visiting Web sites such as http://checkip.dyndns.org
or http://ipdetect.dnspark.com. Both sites
show the external dot address of the visitor; the GM should tell that dot address
to the players who are attempting to connect to him for a game.
|
|
Q. Can I play via my home network? How?
|
A. Most likely you can, even if you haven't set up full networking and
instead simply have your home computers connected to the same router.
When you start an online game, EBP will show the IP address of that
router. You employ that address to connect for a game within your
local router/network, with each person using their own computer.
|
|
Q. Two-player live matches work fine, but trouble happens with more than two.
|
A. This is a known problem in Windows if your C:\windows\system32\mswinsck.ocx
file is old. If your copy of that file is dated before October 10, 2008, you
should install a newer one as described below.
|
|
Q. Does EBP's Web capability work on my network?
|
A. It should if your network uses standard IP (Internet protocol) addressing.
|
|
Q. My friend and I have been unable to connect for a Web match.
|
A. If you are unable to connect, (such as connection attempts to the GM
yielding messages like "Main Error 10060 doing 3: The attempt to connect timed out"),
it likely due to firewalls or other connection inhibitors.
Try switching roles: let the other person be the GM of the match.
Sometimes simply reversing the communication like this allows the computers to
connect. If the problem persists, you probably need to tell your firewall or router
to allow the connection (see following questions and answers).
|
|
Q. We think the connection trouble is due to his router acting as a firewall. Help!
Sample router setup screen
as viewed in your browser
(click to enlarge):
|
A. To configure your router to allow incoming connections, you need to
open ports 1103 and 1104 for use by EBP. Note that if you are
playing via your local/home router rather than over the Internet,
this is usually not necessary.
The steps below, kindly provided by Rich Shipley,
describe the process for a Linksys router; you may need to adjust them for
other brands:
"You need to go into the admin web interface on the router, usually 192.168.1.1
unless this has been changed. (Do this by running your Web browser and
manually entering 192.168.1.1 in its
URL/location/address field. If that value fails, consult your router's
documentation to look up the value your model needs.)
"The user name is left blank and the password is 'admin' unless it has been
changed. (If that fails, also try admin as user name and leave the password
field blank, or enter admin in both fields.)
"To find the web address of the router (this is what you would need to enter
in EBP) click the 'Status' tab and find the IP Address in the 'WAN:'
section. (Normally you can skip this because EBP shows you your IP Address.)
"Unless the user's computer is set up as a DMZ (usually not a good idea), you
will also have to configure the Linksys router to forward an IP port to the
proper computer in order to accept external connections. To set this up:
"Click the 'Advanced' tab and the 'Forwarding' tab. On some router models,
you should click the 'Applications & Gaming' tab instead.
"You then enter the service port of the EBP application (EBP uses ports 1103 and 1104)
on the left and the local IP address of the individual computer on the right.
"To find a computer's local IP address you can bring up the command prompt in
Windows (Start-Programs-Accessories-Command Prompt) and enter 'ipconfig'.
Some OS versions use 'winipcfg' instead. Copy the displayed IP Address into
the router's IP Address field. Usually it is similar to that seen in
the sample screen shot at left.
"If the user has DHCP enabled, the IP addresses of computers may change once
in a while and you might have to adjust the local IP address above."
Thanks for that info, Rich!
|
|
Q. Can the connection trouble be due to a software firewall?
|
A. If your software-based firewall is the culprit, "Connection is forcefully
rejected" is the most common message seen when a player attempts to connect
to the GM. If this occurs when playing
via your local home network/router, the problem is most likely your
software firewall rather than a hardware firewall. In that case,
you need to tell your software firewall to allow EBP to connect.
For example, in Windows Vista do the following: go to your
Windows Control Panel, look in the Security area, click "Allow a program
through Windows Firewall". This opens the Windows Firewall Settings
window, Exceptions tab. In the list of programs, look for Empire Builder
Pronto, EB Pronto or EBP (if it is not already in the list, use the
"Add program" feature). Enable an exception by clicking EBP's check box.
The general unblocking process is: Start >Control Panel
>(Windows) Firewall >Exceptions >Add Program >Add EBP to your list
|
|
Q. How can I check that multi-player EBP is working properly?
|
A. To check, run two instances of EBP on the same computer and connect
the two for a network match by using the local dot address 127.0.0.1
Detailed steps:
- 1) run EBP
- 2) use Game, Start then the Web, Make Me GameMaster pull-down menus
- 3) start another instance of EBP on the same computer
- 4) use Game, Start then the Web, Make Me a Player pull-down menus
- 5) as the dot address to which to connect enter 127.0.0.1
This links the two instances of EBP together such that in the GM
instance you can use the Web window's Match, Begin/Resume menu to get
things going. When you build track in one instance of EBP, it will also
instantly show up on the map of the other, just as if you were playing
over the Web or your local network. Note having the two or more EBP game
windows open and running simultaneously on the same display monitor can
get confusing in a hurry.
This test isolates all network play connection and communcation to within
your computer. Internally EBP is processing the match just like it would
if the players were at different physical locations.
Success of this test proves a multi-player problem lies outside of EBP.
If you pass this test, but still have problems, then you've isolated the
trouble to the configuration of your router, firewalls, other items that
control/permit access to your computer, or the interference/malfunction
of third-party software. For assistance, consult online references and
the third party manufacturers.
If you can't unblock your computer for Web play, consider using EBP's
Play-by-email feature instead, which is less subject
to firewalls.
|
|
Q. Any other "gotchas" to watch out for?
|
A. Some routers periodically change the local address, for example
192.168.1.100 the next day becomes 192.168.1.101. This unannounced
change can render useless the local IP address for which you previously
had opened ports. If player have trouble connecting to the GM, the GM
should verify that the local address EBP shows remains the one for which
he had opened router ports.
Another gotcha is that some router configuration screens require your
browser's Javascript to be enabled while you are changing their settings.
If Javascript is disabled, it may look like the router accepted your
port opening settings, but in reality it hasn't.
|
|
Q. I want to play one friend via the Web, but we want a 3-player match.
|
A. On the computer of the GM for the Web-based match, simply choose
one of EBP's AI computer players to fill additional player slot(s).
|
|
Q. Can I test the Web play features during my free trial period?
|
A. Yes, those features are operational during the trial period before you register.
|
|
Q. Is dialup fast enough for Web play?
|
A. Yes. During Web play EBP communicates the game info among the participants
by sending very small packets of data. A high speed connection is not required.
|
|
Q. I get no response when I choose an item from the Web pull-down menu.
|
A. This is most likely due to missing or old Windows internet drivers on your computer. Update
your drivers as described in install FAQ below.
|
|
Q. I get error 75 or 76 and a message about REMOTEGM.EBZ when I try to
play an Internet game. What's wrong?
|
A. Your temporary file path is set wrong.
One way to fix it is to go to EBP's File, Program Settings window and
change the "AutoSave and temp file location" setting to the root directory
of any drive.
|
|
Upgrades
|
|
Q. What's new in the software?
|
A. See the version history page.
|
|
Q. How do I upgrade to the newest/current version?
|
A. Most people use the automated upgrade: in the program choose the File,
Download Update pull-down menu. If you experience any trouble, upgrade
manually: download from the main EBP page
and install a new copy to replace the old.
Minor updates (for example, version 1.4.0 to 1.4.1) are free, others (such as
version 1.4.x to 1.5.x) are available for a small fee. After installing a
fee-based upgrade, use an order form and be sure to
send us your new pre-registration number obtained from the Help, Registration
Numbers pull-down menu of the new version. We need that to determine and
reply with your new passcode. Pre-registration numbers begin with the digit 1.
With an upgrade order, include information so we can find your prior
registration in our database. For example, if your email address and/or zip
codes have changed, include mention of the old ones under which you had
registered in the past.
|
|
Q. How can I distinguish a minor (free) update from a more significant (fee) one?
|
A. Minor updates change the last of the 3 version digit groups. So, for example,
if you have registered version 1.4.0, then all the 1.4.x updates are free for you,
but there is a fee to upgrade to 1.5.x.
|
|
Q. Are the upgrades discounted?
|
A. Users of a prior EBP version can upgrade their registered copies to the newest
version at the lower "upgrade" pricing shown on an order form (currently $15).
This discount pricing applies only the first time you place an upgrade order for
a given new version.
People with registrations for their multiple computers should order upgrades
simultaneously for all registrations for which they wish to maintain registration
benefits. For example, if someone who has registered 3 copies of prior versions
orders upgrades for just 2 of those 3, all registration benefits for the third copy
will be lost.
|
|
Q. Where can I find out which version I already have?
|
A. Use the Help, About pull-down menu. The version number is displayed
at the top of the window that opens.
|
|
Q. I have a Version 1.4.x Free Trial CD but wish to try the latest version.
|
A. Install from the Free Trial CD to get the game running, then upgrade
immediately; this will allow you to continue your free trial period under the
latest version. Most people use the automated upgrade: in EBP choose the File,
Download Update pull-down menu. If you experience any trouble, upgrade
manually: download from the main EBP page
and install a new copy to replace the old.
|
|
Q. I'm reluctant to upgrade because of bad experiences with other software packages.
|
A. We know what you mean, sometimes we prefer an older version! Here's what
to do: 1) rename your existing EBP.EXE game program something else, such as EBPold.EXE,
2) download the latest version, 3) install it. After you try
it, if you don't like it, simply delete the new EBP.EXE, and rename the old one back.
If you use the automated upgrade, this renaming (i.e. preservation) of the old version
is done for you automatically.
|
|
Q. Will I be able to try out a new version for which there is an upgrade fee?
|
A. Minor updates for which there are no fee can be installed and played
immediately. More significant updates for which there is a fee let registered
users of prior versions give them a try before paying: they limit the number of
players, rounds and or maps.
|
|
Q. I upgraded today but when I try to play EBP tells me my trial period has ended.
|
A. For the upgrade trial to work, install the new version into the
same directory as the prior.
|
|
Q. Do I also need to upgrade alternate maps I purchased in the past?
|
A. Prior maps are upwardly compatible with the new version.
You do not need to buy them again or pay extra to use them in the new
version of EBP. The newest maps are described on the
EBP Maps page.
|
|
Q. Can my old saved games be loaded into the new version?
|
A. Yes, saved games from prior versions of EBP are upwardly compatible.
|
|
Q. I'd like to buy some new maps when I pay to upgrade EBP. Can I get them at
the discounted price?
|
A. Yes. Example: upgrade EBP ($15) + new Nippon Rails map ($12) totals $27.
printable order form, emailable order form
|
|
Driver / Hardware Issues
|
|
Q. Can I run EBP on a Mac or under Linux?
|
A. Many people have reported success running EBP via Windows emulation
software for those operating systems such as Parallels or
VMware Fusion for the Mac,
Wine for Linux.
|
|
Q. Can I run EBP on a tablet?
|
A. If you can run Windows apps on the tablet, you should be able to run EB Pronto too.
Early tests with the Windows 8 tablet expected to be released in 2012 indicate EB Pronto
runs on it, and a touch-based interface is compatible. There's an easy way to check
any hardware for compatibility: try the free trial download.
|
|
Q. I didn't get an EBP icon on my Windows desktop.
|
A. Here's how to create one manually: right click on an empty area of your Desktop, and
select New, Shortcut. When Windows prompts for the location of the item, enter the path
to where you installed the program, such as C:\EBP\EBP.EXE . If you do not recall where
you installed the program, use the Windows Search feature and look for EBP.EXE .
|
|
Q. I'm getting the messages "A required .DLL file, MSVBVM60.DLL was not found." and
"Cannot find file 'C:\EBP\EBPEDIT.EXE' (or one of its components)." or
"Cannot find file 'C:\EBP\EBP.EXE' (or one of its components)."
|
A. You need to download and install some files EBP needs to operate. Most computers
already have these files. Do this:
- 1) if your copy of EB Pronto came on CD, insert the disc
- 2) run the disc's VBRUN60.EXE and answer Yes when asked "Would you like to install the Visual Basic 6.0 run time files?"
-or-
- 1) download VBRUN60.EXE (approx. 1000k)
- 2) run the downloaded copy of VBRUN60.EXE and answer Yes when asked "Would you like to install the Visual Basic 6.0 run time files?"
|
Q. I get "Run-time error '372' Failed to load control 'Inet' from msinet.ocx. Your version of
Msinet.ocx may be outdated. Make sure you are using the version of the control that was provided
with your application."
or "Run-time error 339, Component 'MSINET.OCX' or one of its dependencies not
correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid."
|
A. This is known to occur with versions of Windows internet drivers dated before 1998,
and in Windows Vista. You must update the drivers EBP needs to operate. Do this:
- 1) look in your EBP folder or CD for a MSWINET.INF file
- 2) right click on the disc's MSINET.INF file and choose Install
-or-
- 1) download http://activex.microsoft.com/controls/vb6/msinet.cab
- 2) open the downloaded CAB file by double clicking it inside Windows (or via Microsoft's CabView utility)
- 3) extract the files from the CAB (usually MSINET.INF and MSINET.OCX) to a folder
- 4) right click on the extracted MSINET.INF file and choose Install
|
Q. I get "Run-time error '372' Failed to load control 'Winsock' from mswinsck.ocx. Your version of
Mswinsck.ocx may be outdated. Make sure you are using the version of the control that was provided
with your application."
or "Run-time error 339, Component 'MSWINSCK.OCX' or one of its dependencies not
correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid."
|
A. There are several known problems with versions of Microsoft's Winsock drivers dated before October 2008
and in Windows Vista. You must update the drivers EBP needs to operate. Do this:
- 1) look in your EBP folder or CD for a MSWINSCK.INF file
- 2) right click on the disc's MSWINSCK.INF file and choose Install
-or-
- 1) download http://activex.microsoft.com/controls/vb6/mswinsck.cab
- 2) open the downloaded CAB file by double clicking it inside Windows (or via Microsoft's CabView utility)
- 3) extract the files from the CAB (usually MSWINSCK.INF and MSWINSCK.OCX) to a folder
- 4) right click on the extracted MSWINSCK.INF file and choose Install
|
|
Q. I tried to GM a Web game on my Mac with Virtual PC, but received "Error 76". Can that be fixed?
|
A. This problem was discovered by Chuck Weinstock, who also found a
solution when using direct network connections. He writes:
"Virtual PC is a PC emulator that allows you to run Windows (various
versions) on your Macintosh. It works well in most cases. However,
when I went to use EBP2 on it, I found that it would not run properly
in 'Gamemaster' mode. It worked fine as a 'Player' when connected to
a real PC, but not the other way around.
"After much trial and error and with a little help from others, I
discovered that you need to do the following to get it to work.
1. Turn off 'Shared IP' in the Virtual PC preferences.
2. Go into the Network control panel in Windows and configure it
with exactly the same information that appears in your TCP/IP
control panel on the Macintosh after you connect to the Internet.
(Alternatively you can set up Dialup Networking and connect directly
from Windows instead of through the Mac.)
3. Make sure that the EBP2 directory (whatever you call it) is at
the top level. I had things stored in C:\Program Files\EBP2\ and
it did not work. When I moved it to C:\EBP2\ it worked just fine."
Thanks for sharing that info, Chuck!
|
|
Q. Will you create a version of EBP specifically for the Mac, iPad
or device with another operating system?
|
A. We have no plans at the present time to do so. The installed base
of those platforms is too small to justify the effort. Or, said another
way, to recoup our costs, we'd have to charge far more for an EBP
registration than most people would be willing to pay.
|
