Powerslide - PC

Installation | Error Messages | Video Issues | Lockups | Sound Issues | Installation Problems | DirectX Issues | All Other Problems | Hints/Strategy | Downloads

Minimum System Requirements

  • An IBM PC or compatible computer
  • Pentium 166 MMX or faster processor
  • Windows 95, 98 or NT 5.0
  • 16MB of RAM
  • A 4X CD-ROM drive
  • 20MB of free hard drive space
  • A DirectDraw Compatible Video Card
  • A DirectSound Compatible Sound Card

All hardware must be 100% DirectX version 5 or 6 compatible.

For optimal gameplay, a Pentium II 233 or faster computer with 48MB of RAM and 300 MB free hard drive space should be used.

NOTE: Powerslide will not work with Windows NT 4.0 or earlier due to the fact that these versions do not support DirectX version 5.

Installation

 With Windows 95 already running, place the Powerslide CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive. The AutoPlay program will automatically start. Click on Install and follow the instructions on your screen.

During installation you will be asked to install DirectX and it's components. If you do not already have DirectX version 5 or higher installed on your machine, you must install it now or the game will not work.

If AutoPlay does not start automatically or you encounter any error messages during the installation process, see the section labeled Installation Problems.

STARTING A GAME

To start Powerslide after installation:

  1. Click on Start
  2. Click on Programs
  3. Click on the Powerslide folder
  4. Click on the Powerslide icon.

Or, if Autoplay is turned on, just insert the CDROM into the drive.

After a short introduction sequence, you will be at the main menu. Select START to begin a game. If you need addition help with getting started, please refer to your game manual.

Error Messages

 "Cannot locate ddraw.dll"

    This means that Direct 5 is not installed, or there was a problem encountered during the DirectX installation process. Try installing DirectX from the Powerslide CD. See the section labeled DirectX Installation.

Video Problems


There are no known video problems with this game. However, problems that appear to be related to video are commonly DirectX incompatibility issues. See DirectX Problems.

Lockups


  • Make sure that you have closed down all other applications prior to installing or running Powerslide. Other applications may conflict with the game, or use up valuable resources needed to run the game properly.

  • If your computer has a fast processor such as a Pentium II, you can also try turning down your video hardware acceleration in Windows.

  • Also, make sure that you have at least 25MB free on your hard drive after installation. This will ensure that Windows has enough room for a swap file if your computer runs out of memory while playing the game.

For detailed instructions on how to close all of your other applications, please see our Windows 95 General Troubleshooting FAQ.

To learn how to turn down your video hardware acceleration, please see our Windows 95/98 Video Troubleshooting FAQ.

Sound Problems


No sound or volume too low

    From the main Powerslide menu:

    1. Select "Options".
    2. Check that sounds and music are turned on.
    3. Then, adjust the volume of each to your liking.
    4. If sounds and music are turned on, and the game's volume settings are at maximum, check the volume settings in windows and on your speakers themselves.

    If you have already tried this but you still can't hear sounds or music, or you're having other problems with sounds in this game, see the section labeled DirectX Problems.

Installation Problems


Following are some of the problems that can occur while installing Powerslide, and the recommended solutions for each.

"Nothing happens when I insert the CD into my CD-ROM drive"

    The Windows 95 AutoPlay feature may be turned off on your computer.

    If you wish to bring up the game without enabling AutoPlay, you can start the setup process manually by double clicking on the "My Computer" icon on your Windows desktop, then on your CD-ROM drive icon, then on "SETUP.exe".

    If a CD-ROM icon does not appear when you open the "My Computer" icon, or if clicking on SETUP.exe doesn't start your game either, then your CD-ROM drive may be in "MS-DOS compatibility mode".

    To learn how to enable AutoPlay on your system, or to learn how to see if your CD-ROM drive is in MS-DOS compatibility mode, please see our Windows 95 General Troubleshooting FAQ.

"The Installer starts to copy files, but then just quits to the desktop"

    Make sure that you have enough hard drive space available on your system before installing. If you don't have at least 40 Megabytes free, the game can't install.

    If you have enough space, check the shiny underside of the CD for fingerprints, smudges, scratches, or anything else that may cause your drive to have trouble reading it.

    If the CD looks clean and undamaged, then your CD-ROM drive may be running in "MS-DOS Compatibility Mode".

    If the CD is dirty or damaged, or to learn how to see if your CD-ROM drive is in MS-DOS compatibility mode, and please see our Windows 95 General Troubleshooting FAQ.

"What is Heat, and why do I want to install it?"

    "Heat" is the online multiplayer function for Powerslide. For more information, check out the Heat insert in your Powerslide box, or go to www.heat.net.

DirectX Problems


Powerslide requires DirectX version 5 or 6, which can be installed during the normal game installation process. If DirectX did not install completely, or if some of your system hardware is not DirectX compatible, then certain files that are necessary for the game's operation may not be present on your hard drive.

Try installing DirectX from the DirectX folder on the Powerslide CD.

You may also need to update your video or sound card drivers. Many DirectX problems are due to having outdated drivers. For more information on updating your drivers, please see our How to Update Your Drivers FAQ.

If you still have problems, please see our DirectX Frequently Asked Questions.

DirectX Installation

  1. Insert the Powerslide CD into your CD-ROM drive
  2. Double click the "My Computer" icon on your Windows desktop
  3. Right-click the "Powerslide" (CD-ROM) icon
  4. Click "open"
  5. Double click the "DirectX" folder
  6. Double click on the file named "Dxsetup.exe"
  7. Click on "Install DirectX", or if you have a previous version loaded, click on "Re-install DirectX".

    NOTE: If you are asked at any time during the installation to overwrite your existing drivers, this means that some of your system hardware is not 100% DirectX compatible. If you wish to try installing a generic DirectX driver that may work with your card, ignore the warnings and click on "Yes". If you have problems with your system after doing this, see the section below on how to Uninstall DirectX and restore your original drivers.

  8. When installation is complete, restart your computer, then run the game again.

All Other Problems


If you have encountered any problems that were not addressed in this document, please follow these steps:

  1. Make sure that your system meets the minimum system requirements as listed on the box and at the top of this document. If your system does not meet or exceed the minimum requirements, it will run poorly, or not at all.

  2. Then, shut down all other programs that you may have running on your system prior to playing Powerslide. Other programs can interfere with the operation of the game.

  3. Make sure that the CD itself is not dirty or damaged in any way, and then try re-installing the game from scratch.

For help with closing all of your other applications of if your CD is dirty or damaged, please see our Windows 95 General Troubleshooting FAQ.