A) Problem reading/starting the CD / DVD interface
1) Autorun issues
When using Windows 98/ME/2K or XP the CD/DVD should start itself automatically when you put it in your CD or DVD drive unless you have disabled the autorun function. If you have autorun disabled intentionally, or can't get it to work at all, use Windows Explorer to open your CD/DVD drive by double-clicking on its icon (in My Computer by default). When this opens a new folder, double-click again on the program IERunner.exe. If for any reason that fails to boot the disc, try going into the 'Menu' folder and running index.htm.
If the disc interface still won't load up, perhaps it's your browser...

2) Browser issues
Problems viewing the PCGA discs may come down to how your browser works. The PC Games Addict interface is made to run within a program called IERunner which uses some of the components from Microsoft Internet Explorer. You therefore need to have Microsoft Internet Explorer installed on your system for the interface to work correctly.
The Windows XP Service Pack 2 changes the way Internet Explorer deals with Active scipts by default, and that will mean menu may not change colour as you move the mouse over them.

B) Problems installing & viewing software
Installing software from the CDs and DVDs is easy. Click on the clearly marked 'install', 'view movie' or other button and you will be given a prompt by Windows. The options are:

Open / Run* - Run the installer from the disc.
Save - Save a copy of the installer onto your hard drive.
Cancel - Do nothing.
More Info - File details.

* Since Windows XP Service Pack 2, this now appears as 'Run'

PCGA uses this system by default so that you can always choose to copy (save) the installer to your hard drive and run the installer from there. Why do this? Because of the following:

1) Program drops out while installing
If an installer drops out with the CD/DVD spinning without doing anything, then it may be an issue with the amount of free disc space you have or your RAM may be causing the problem. Moving large files uses large amounts of RAM, and dealing with a massive installer file can cause problems when streamed off a CD or DVD. If this happens, try saving the installer to your hard drive (or copy it over) and run it then.

2) Cannot view a movie file
But before you open movie files, you will need to have the correct media player to view them. Windows Media Player views most files so long as you keep the video codecs up to date. You'll need Quicktime for any .mov files though. With those two media browsers, along with items in our Media Management toolkit, you should be able to view every movie on our disc no problems. If not, it's also possible you need to get updated WDM drivers for your video card's chipset (see your manual).

C) Damaged disc or further problems?
If you have problems installing the software, our CD tech support may be able to help. However, PCGA does not offer any support for the software and data on the discs. As is standard practice, if you want tech support for a program, you'll need to contact the publisher of that program. Obviously, there's always the chance we may be able to solve or answer your problem, and if your problem lies in getting the PCGA disc itself to run, we'll do all we can to help.

Due to the nature of undocumented compatibility issues that occur with PCs, Derwent Howard accepts no responsibility for any damages or loss of data from use of the PCGA discs, nor guarantees that installed software or modifications will function correctly on your PC. All software you run from the PCGA discs is at your own risk.

Naturally, if your disc itself is damaged or faulty, then it can be replaced.

D) Before contacting support...
Unless you are certain you are having a problem with our disc itself, do the following before contacting us to help us help you:

1) Try the disc/program in another PC.
2) Make sure you have the latest drivers for all your hardware
3) Make sure you have ample hard drive space
4) Make sure you check the website of the program/mod for support information
5) Make sure you have a look at the PCGA forums at www.derwenthoward.com.au Fixes or known problems may be posted there.
6) Make sure you can describe what you think has happened clearly and reasonably accurately. If you can't describe or remember what you did, you'll be harder to help.
7) Remember that PCGA will only replace physically faulty discs.
8) Remember that PCGA will only replace discs upon receiving the faulty disc from the reader.

E) Contact details & returns

Post: See disc pages of magazine for address
Email: [email protected] - with subject 'Disc Support'
Phone*: (02) 9386 4666 from 9am to 5pm - Mon to Fri

Be sure to include all your contact details (name, phone, postal, email), in any mail or emails sent in, and of course the disc itself if you're returning a faulty one. Please also include any notes or comments detailing your problem to help us address the issue.

* Note that PCGA does NOT offer CD support over the phone, and callers will be directed to email or submit their faulty disc by post.