FAQ....... FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Here is a complete list of the most frequently asked
questions for the new game Gazillionaire. There is
a 99% chance that you will find the answer to your
questions on this list, but if you don't, please let us
know, and we'll update this list right away!!!
WHAT IS GAZILLIONAIRE?
Gazillionaire is like Monopoly set in outer space.
As the owner of your own galactic trading company,
you travel from planet to planet buying/selling goods,
encountering alien creatures, acquiring larger ships, investing
in advertising, and trying to out maneuver your competitors.
You can play against up to 5 other human players and
6 computer players. Gazillionaire can be played at
various complexity levels. The more advanced you
become, the more challenging the game becomes.
WHERE CAN I FIND GAZILLIONAIRE?
If you want to check out Gazillionaire, the fastest way
to get the shareware version is to download it from
Compuserve, America On-Line or the Internet.
Sorry, but our game is too large to send by email.
You will find four Gazillionaire files
waiting to be downloaded to your computer.
The files are:
gaz.txt
gaz1.zip
gaz2.zip
gaz3.zip
NOTE: We broke our game up into four
separate files so that it is easier to download.
CompuServe
in the games forum, GO GAMERS, LIBRARY 4
or
in IBM, new users/fun forum, WINDOWS FUN
or
in ZiffNet, games
or
in Public Brand Software, games
America On-Line, pcgames, strategy, GAZSHARE
If you want to download our game from the
Internet, here is a complete list of ftp sites.
If you cannot find our game on one site, try
another. Also, some of these sites are faster
than others. The speed of a site depends
on the number of users and the distance from
your computer. We recommend you try several
sites before downloading the game.
ftp.netcom.com /pub/lavamind
wuarchive.wustl.edu /pub/msdos_uploads/games/gazillionaire
ftp.wustl.edu /pub/msdos_uploads/games/gazillionaire
ftp.std.com /pub/games
ftp.cica.indiana.edu /pub/pc/win3/games
ftp.orst.edu /pub/mirrors/ftp.cica.indiana.edu
ftp.sunet.se /pub/pc/windows/mirror-cica/games
ftp.uu.net /tmp
ftp.concert.net /pub
biochem.dental.upenn.edu /pub/gazillionaire
ftp.cd.chalmers.se /pub/pc/games
garbo.uwasa.fi /windows/educgames
ftp.funet.fi /pub/msdos/windows/games
We are in the process of uploading our game to
as many ftp sites as possible. If you can think of
any additional sites, please let us know. Also, if you
want to upload it to any additional ftp sites or your favorite
BBSs, feel free to do so!
NOTE: Once you have the game downloaded, be sure to UNZIP
GAZ1.ZIP and read the SETUP.TXT (NOTE: SETUP.TXT
is a text file located inside GAZ1.ZIP). It will tell you how
to PKUNZIP the files directly onto three 1.44 MB floppy
disks before you can install the game onto your computer.
HOW DO I USE FTP?
Here is a simple example of how to use ftp to access any of the
ftp sites we have listed. For instance if you want to access
ftp.netcom.com in directory pub/lavamind, you would type:
ftp ftp.netcom.com
anonymous
(type in your personal email address)
cd pub
cd lavamind
dir
hash
asc
get gaz.txt
bin
get gaz1.zip
get gaz2.zip
get gaz3.zip
bye
This assumes you are operating from a UNIX shell account.
Now just apply this to any ftp site. The commands and their
functions are listed below:
ftp = connects you to ftp the site.
anonymous = user name = allows you to access the site as an anonymous user.
(type in your personal email address) = password.
cd = changes directory.
dir = lists the files in the directory. (ls may also work in place of dir)
hash = keeps the data transfer from timing out.
asc = changes to ASCII text data transfer mode.
get = transfers the file to your computer.
bin = changes to Binary data transfer mode.
bye = exits ftp.
DO I NEED TO DOWNLOAD IN BINARY?
If you are downloading a .ZIP file, you should set
the ftp to binary mode by typing:
bin
If you are downloading a .TXT file, you should set
the ftp to ascii mode by typing:
asc
ERROR WHILE INSTALLING THE GAME
If you try installing Gazillionaire on your hard drive
and get the message
Error - Could not copy file: VER.DL_
then just go to your Windows directory and delete files VER.DLL
and VER.DL from the WINDOWS/SYSTEM directory
as well as the WINDOWS directory. Now, reboot the computer
and try installing Gazillionaire again. It should install without a problem,
and don't worry, Gazillionaire will install a copy of VER.DL
and VER.DLL on your hard drive. This same rule applies
any time you get the message
Error - Could not copy file:
Just make sure not to delete a newer version of the .DLL or .VBX files.
This is a problem with Microsoft's component software
system, not our game. If an old version of VER.DL
or VER.DLL is on your system, the game will not install
properly. This also applies to any of the following .VBX
and .DLL files:
GRID.VBX, GRAPH.VBX, GSWDLL.VBX, SPIN.VBX,
THREED.VBX, MCI.VBX, VSVBX.VBX, VER.DLL,
VBRUN300.DLL, VBRUN200.DLL, SETUPKIT.DLL
If you have strange problems with Gazillionaire, there is a 90%
chance that you are using an old version of one of the above
.VBX or .DLL files. The simplest solution is to delete all the
outdated .VBX and .DLL files from your WINDOWS and
WINDOWS/SYSTEM directories. Then reboot your computer
and try reinstalling Gazillionaire all over again. It will automatically
install the above files and the game should run without a problem.
Don't worry, we have gone through this with several people,
and they all have the game up and running now.
WHY DOESN'T PKUNZIP WORK?
If your PKUNZIP doesn't work, you probably
have the incorrect version of PKUNZIP.
If you have an older version, it will give you
an error when trying to extract the game files.
We used version 2.04g
If you do not have PKUNZIP version 2.04g,
then go to any software library and try
downloading PK204G.EXE. Most ftp
sites have a copy of PK204G.EXE including
our ftp site:
ftp.netcom.com /pub/lavamind
This should solve the problem.
HOW AND WHERE DO I UNZIP THE PROGRAM?
After you copy GAZ1.ZIP, GAZ2.ZIPand GAZ3.ZIP files
into a temporary directory on your hard drive and
unzip them, you must unzip the DISK1.ZIP, DISK2.ZIP,
DISK3.ZIP directly to 1.44 MB floppy disks. For example, type
PKUNZIP DISK1.ZIP A:
Assuming A: is your floppy disk drive.
After this is done, you can delete the temporary directory
containing the .ZIP files. Now you can install the game to
any computer from your floppy disks by simply running
the setup routine from Windows.
INSTALLING THE GAME DIRECTLY TO YOUR HARD DRIVE.
Another alternative is to copy GAZ1.ZIP, GAZ2.ZIP and GAZ3.ZIP into
a temporary directory named GAZTEMP. Then unzip
all three .ZIP files. You should now see three more files called
DISK1.ZIP, DISK2.ZIP and DISK3.ZIP. Simply unzip these
files into the same directory. For example, type
PKUNZIP DISK1.ZIP
Once you have unzipped all three DISK files into a single directory,
start Windows and from the Program Manager select FILE and
choose RUN. Then type C:\GAZTEMP\SETUP.EXE to install
the game. Once the game has finished installing itself, you may
delete the temporary directory called GAZTEMP.
IS THIS A WINDOWS GAME?
Yes, it is a Windows game.
It runs on any Windows 3.1 compatible computer.
HOW LARGE IS THE GAME?
Compressed, the game is around 3 MB.
Uncompressed, it's about 10 MB.
IS THE GAME COPYRIGHTED?
Yes. We own 100% of the game and have already
copyrighted it.
IS THIS A SHAREWARE GAME?
Yes. This is a shareware game, and we hope you enjoy it.
This SHAREWARE game is NOT a DEMO.
The SHAREWARE version doesn't include as many features as
the FULL version. However, the SHAREWARE version is
a fully functional game and lots of fun to play.
WHAT IS THE SHAREWARE GAME ABOUT?
As the owner of your own galactic trading company,
you travel from planet to planet buying/selling goods,
encountering alien creatures, acquiring larger ships,
investing in advertising, and trying to out maneuver your
competitors. You can play against up to 5 other
human players and 6 computer players.
Gazillionaire is a non-violent, business
strategy/adventure game. It can be played at
various complexity levels. As you become more
advanced, the game becomes more challenging.
WHAT ARE THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS?
Windows 3.1
386, 486 or Pentium computer
640 by 480 VGA graphics
Hard drive and 1.44 MB floppy drive
WHAT DO I LOOK FOR WHEN SEARCHING
FOR GAZILLIONAIRE?
Usually the game will be saved as three .ZIP files:
gaz1.zip
gaz2.zip
gaz3.zip
However, sometimes the Sysop will have changed the name
to some other name such as:
gazz1.zip or ga1.zip or gaz_1.zip
It may be called some other name similar to those listed
above. The game may even be saved in one giant .ZIP
file called GAZ.ZIP.
WHERE IS THE SETUP.TXT FILE?
The SETUP.TXT file is located inside the
GAZ1.ZIP file. First, unzip GAZ1.ZIP,
GAZ2.ZIP and GAZ3.ZIP files.
Then be sure to read the SETUP.TXT file.
WHAT DO I DO ONCE I HAVE THE GAME DOWNLOADED
TO MY COMPUTER?
In order to install the executable game to Windows 3.1,
the SETUP ROUTINE requires three blank formatted
1.44 MB floppy disks.
1) First, extract the DISK files by typing
PKUNZIP GAZ1.ZIP
PKUNZIP GAZ2.ZIP
PKUNZIP GAZ3.ZIP
Three disk files will be extracted:
DISK1.ZIP
DISK2.ZIP
DISK3.ZIP
2) Go to the directory on your hard drive where
DISK1.ZIP is located.
Insert a blank 1.44 MB disk in drive A:
(assuming A: is your floppy disk drive)
Type PKUNZIP DISK1.ZIP A:
Once PKUNZIP has extracted all the files to your disk,
remove the disk from drive A:
Insert another blank 1.44 MB disk in drive A:
Type PKUNZIP DISK2.ZIP A:
Once PKUNZIP has extracted all the files to your disk,
remove the disk from drive A:
Insert another blank 1.44 MB disk in drive A:
Type PKUNZIP DISK3.ZIP A:
Once PKUNZIP has extracted all the files to your disk:,
remove the disk from drive A:
3) You have now completed creating your Gazillionaire
floppy disk installation set. Follow the instructions
below to install Gazillionaire onto any Windows 3.1
compatible computer. NOTE: You may now delete
all the .ZIP files, such as DISK1.ZIP, DISK2.ZIP,
DISK3.ZIP, GAZ1.ZIP, GAZ2.ZIP and GAZ3.ZIP.
This will free up over 6 MB of hard disk space.
4) To install Gazillionaire from the FLOPPY DISKS follow
these instructions:
i) Start Microsoft Windows
ii) Insert DISK # 1 in drive A:
(assuming A: is your floppy disk drive)
iii) From Program Manager, select FILE menu
and choose RUN
iv) Type A:\SETUP
The installation has been completed.
Now it is time to play the game.
ONE OR MORE VISUAL BASIC APPLICATIONS ARE RUNNING?
I have a problem installing Gazillionaire on Windows. When I go to
my 'File Manager' and select Run on the 'File Menu' and type a:\setup.exe,
an error message appears on the screen. It says ONE OR MORE
VISUAL BASIC APPLICATIONS ARE RUNNING.
PLEASE CLOSE THOSE APPLICATIONS THEN CHOOSE OK.
I don't get it. I am not running any applications. Just the 'File Manger'.
Could you help me out?
Yes, we can help you. The error occurs because you
are using the FILE MANAGER.
Don't go to the 'File Manager' and type run.
Go to the 'Program Manager'.
The 'Program Manager' is different from the 'File Manager'.
The 'Program Manager' is the main menu for Windows,
while the file 'File Manager' is the yellow filing cabinet icon.
Go to the PROGRAM MANAGER and choose FILE,
look at the top left corner of the screen, select RUN, and
type A:\SETUP (assuming A: is your floppy disk drive).
Gazillionaire should install without a problem.
HOW DO I RUN THE GAME?
i) Go to the Gazillionaire program group.
ii) Double click on the icon labeled Gazillionaire.
iii) The game Gazillionaire should run.
DO I NEED A GRAPHICS CARD?
The graphics look best if you are running in 256 color mode.
If you run the game and the planets do not look like real
planets with hundreds of colors, then you are probably
running in 16 color mode. You should use VGA, 640 by 480
graphics, 256 colors, small fonts. To change your system
settings (Windows Setup), contact your computer manufacture's
technical support. They should help you install the necessary
graphics drivers.
HOW DO I ORDER THE FULL GAME?
We are distributing the SHAREWARE version of Gazillionaire
free of charge. The FULL version is similar to the SHAREWARE
version, only it includes more graphics, voices, sound effects
and game features. The FULL version is so large that we are not
distributing it over the Net. The FULL version comes on a
CD ROM or eight 1.44 MB floppy disks. If you want to order the
FULL version of Gazillionaire, just send a check or money order
for $39 plus $4 shipping/handling payable to LavaMind,
3627 Moraga St., San Francisco, CA 94122. Remember to include
your full name, address and day time phone number.
Please specify whether you want the CD ROM version
or the 1.44 MB floppy disk version. Also, don't forget to
include a mailing address and clearly specify what you
are ordering so we don't confuse it with other orders.
In addition to this, you can order a GAZILLIONAIRE HINTS
AND STRATEGIES GUIDE (on 1.44 MB floppy disk) for $9
plus $2 shipping/handling. NOTE: California residents please
include sales tax. If you are ordering from outside
the U.S. or Canada, please include an additional $6. Thanks!
POSSIBLE ERRORS:
(If you encounter an error not on this list, please let us know.)
1) If you have any trouble with the display,
text size or colors, try switching Windows to VGA graphics.
Gazillionaire looks best if you use VGA,
640 by 480 graphics, 256 colors (8 bpp), small font size.
2) All programs running under Microsoft Windows
share resources, and this tends to cause problems.
If you encounter any problems, try closing down any
power hungry applications like Photoshop or MS Word.
They may be stealing resources from Gazillionaire.
If you are still having problems, try rebooting your
computer and running Gazillionaire without any
other programs active at the same time.
3) Gazillionaire uses a lot of memory, so if you
are having memory problems, you should go to
the Windows Program Manager, double click on
the MAIN program group icon, double click on
CONTROL PANEL icon, double click on 386
ENHANCED icon, select VIRTUAL MEMORY.
Check to see that your VIRTUAL MEMORY is
set to at least 6 megabytes.
4) If you try installing Gazillionaire on your hard
drive and get the message
Error - Could not copy file: VER.DL_
then just go to your Windows directory and delete file
VER.DL from the hard drive. Try installing Gazillionaire
again. It should install without a problem, and
don't worry, Gazillionaire will install a copy
of VER.DL and VER.DLL on your hard drive.
This same rule applies any time you get the message
Error - Could not copy file: .
Just make sure not to delete a newer version of
the .DLL or .VBX files.
5) Gazillionaire copies several .VBX files and
.DLL files into your Windows system directory.
If you already have these files installed, the installation
program will NOT overwrite them. Other Windows
applications may also be using these same files.
If you have older versions of these files already on
your hard drive, the older versions may not be compatible
with the new versions. This is a design problem with
Microsoft's component software system. Microsoft has
not yet figured out how to solve this problem. If you
encounter this problem, you need to delete the older
.VBX and .DLL files yourself using the FILE MANAGER.
Be sure to check the version number before deleting
any of the .VBX and .DLL files in your Windows
System directory and Windows directory.
NOTE: We have included WPS.EXE to help you
check the version numbers. Just go to
FILE MANAGER, select RUN, and
type C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WPS.EXE.
WPS allows you to load in any file from any
directory and check its version number.
Once you have deleted any outdated files,
try installing Gazillionaire again. The Gazillionaire
setup program will install all the .VBX and .DLL
files required to run the game. Listed below are
the .VBX and .DLL files we use in connection with
Gazillionaire. All these files are from either
Microsoft Visual Basic version 3.0 or VideoSoft
VSVBX version 4.0. If you have any questions
regarding later versions, please contact either
Microsoft or VideoSoft.
GRID.VBX, GRAPH.VBX, GSWDLL.VBX,
SPIN.VBX, THREED.VBX, MCI.VBX
VSVBX.VBX, VER.DLL, VBRUN300.DLL,
VBRUN200.DLL, SETUPKIT.DLL
WHO ARE THE AUTHORS OF THIS GAME?
Naomi Kokubo and Steven Hoffman
LavaMind@netcom.com
If you need any additional information, just let us know,
and we'll send it to you! Thanks again for your support.
Cheers,
Naomi and Steve
