Welcome to NHL `97 for DOS and Windows 95

Contents:

1) System Requirements
2) Installation
3) Memory Tips
4) Sound System Tips
5) Video Tips
6) Game Controller Tips
7) CDROM Tips
8) Gameplay Performance Tips
9) Modem Connect Tips
10) Network Connect Tips
11) Getting Technical Support

===========================================================
1) System Requirements
===========================================================

> OPERATING SYSTEM
Windows 95 or MS-DOS 5.0 or higher


> CPU
Pentium, 75 MHZ or faster


> HARD DRIVE SPACE
DOS: 		25 MB minimum
Windows 95:	40 MB minimum


> MEMORY
DOS:		8 MB RAM
Windows 95	16 MB RAM


> GRAPHICS
High-Color (65,535 color) capable 1MB PCI/VLB SVGA video card 
DOS:		VESA compatible
Windows 95:	Windows 95 DirectX 2.0 compatible


> CD-ROM
4X (MPC3 Compliant) CD-ROM drive 
DOS:		DOS driver & MSCDEX version 2.21 or higher
Windows 95:	32-bit Win95 driver


> AUDIO
DOS:		Sound Blaster 2.0 and higher, 
		Sound Blaster Pro, 
		Sound Blaster 16 and 100% compatibles
		Gravis Ultrasound and 100% compatibles
		Ensoniq Soundscape
Windows 95:	DirectSound 2.0 compatible sound card
		Microsoft Windows Sound System  and 100% compatibles


> INPUT DEVICES
Microsoft Compatible Mouse
Joystick
Gravis Gamepad
Gravis Grip 4-player adapter


> OTHER:
NHL97 CD required during play


> RECOMMENDED:
16 MB RAM
Pentium 100MHz CPU or higher
70 MB hard drive space free
16-bit Sound Blaster  or 100% compatibles
VESA 2.0 compliant PCI video card with 2 MB Video RAM.


> REQUIRED FOR MULTI-PLAYER NETWORK PLAY
DOS:		IPX compliant network
Windows 95:	IPX compliant network, or
		DirectPlay Winsock IPX, or 
		DirectPlay TCP/IP


> REQUIRED FOR MULTI-PLAYER MODEM PLAY
DOS:		100% Hayes compatible 14400 baud or faster modem with 
		high speed (16550 UART) serial port
Windows 95	100% Hayes compatible 14400 baud or faster modem with 
		high speed (16550 UART) serial port


> REQUIRED FOR MULTI-PLAYER DIRECT LINK PLAY
DOS:		Null modem adapter
Windows 95:	Null modem adapter


===========================================================
2) Installation
===========================================================


> INSTALLATION PROGRAMS

There are two installation programs; one for MS-DOS, and one for Windows 95.  Full instructions for 
both installation programs can be found in the NHL `97 reference card.  

Note that it is always a good idea to ensure that your hard drive is free of fragmentation.  There are 
several utilities available in DOS to defragment your hard disk, and Windows `95 users can run the 
program called "DEFRAG.EXE" from the Start Menu.  A fragmented hard drive can significantly reduce 
game performance.


> WINDOWS 95 INSTALLATION

When you insert your CD, the NHL Autorun screen will automatically appear, and guide you through 
Windows 95 installation.  Alternately, you can use "Add / Remove Programs" in the  Control Panel to 
install NHL 97 in Windows 95.  Ensure that no other Windows applications are running while you are 
installing NHL 97.

Note that the Windows 95 key combinations <ALT><TAB> and <CTRL><ESC> are intentionally 
disabled during installation of NHL 97 and during gameplay.

To run the game, simply click on the NHL 97 icon from your Windows 95 desktop or Explorer.

NHL 97 requires the Microsoft DirectX 2.0 drivers to be installed, to run the game in Windows 95.  These 
drivers are included with NHL97.  If you do not have DirectX drivers installed, the NHL97 install will 
bring up a message window, "NHL97 must install DirectX from Microsoft in order to run the game and 
setup programs.  Click Install when you are ready, or Quit to abort."  Click Install to start the DirectX 2 
installation.  After the DirectX 2 installation, you will be required to reboot your computer for the drivers 
to take effect.  

If you have DirectX already installed on your system you will be given a choice to reinstall DirectX 2 or 
Continue with the Installation.  If you have DirectX 1 installed on your system, or if you are unsure what 
version of DirectX you are using, click on Re-install.  If you have a higher version of DirectX installed, do 
not re-install DirectX 2.

When installing DirectX 2, if the DirectX setup routine detects video or audio drivers that have not been 
tested by Microsoft with DirectX 2, but seem to be DirectX 2 compatible, you will be asked if you want to 
replace these drivers.  Choose No and continue with the installation.  If you experience any problems with 
video or audio during the game, re-install DirectX 2, replacing the drivers.

> DOS INSTALLATION

Simply run DOSSETUP.EXE from the CD.  

Before running the DOS game you must add the following line to your CONFIG.SYS file:
FILES =40

To run the game, change to the directory you chose to install NHL 97 in (default is \NHL1997) and run 
HOCKEY.EXE


> INSTALLATION PROBLEMS

If you encounter any problems during the installation process which are not covered in the game 
documentation or the reference card, please contact Electronic Arts' Customer Support (see `Getting 
Technical Support' at the end of this file).


===========================================================
3) Memory Tips
===========================================================


> MEMORY-RELATED FEATURES

As indicated below, the game will run on an 8MB system in DOS, or on a 16MB system in Windows.  
however, if your machine has less than 16MB of physical RAM, the following features will not be 
available:

- play by play
- on-ice logos

> WINDOWS 95 MEMORY
   
NHL 97 requires 16MB of physical memory, and also requires that virtual memory be enabled (this can be 
enabled using  "System" in the Windows Control  Panel); we advise that you permit Windows 95 to 
manage the amount of virtual memory automatically, and that you have at least 20MB of free hard drive 
space available after installation of the game.     

For optimum virtual memory performance, it is recommended that you add the following lines to your 
Windows 95 SYSTEM.INI file:

[vcache]
MinFileCache=1024
MaxFileCache=2048

While unadvised, if you have virtual memory disabled, you will need additional physical memory in your 
machine to compensate. If you have MS-DOS installed on your system, you may desire to instead install 
the MS-DOS executable of NHL 97 and play it (MS-DOS requires less system memory than Windows 95).


> DOS MEMORY
   
For MS-DOS, this product requires 400K of conventional memory and 7050K of extended memory 
(XMS) to run.  You must load HIMEM.SYS in your CONFIG.SYS file; do not use any other extended or 
expanded memory managers such as EMM386.EXE or QEMM.SYS.  

Use the "MEM /C /P" command to check the amount of available memory on your system. It is 
recommended that you temporarily disable any nonessential utilities and drivers you may be running in 
order to free up more system memory.  Please refer to the reference card for more information on how to 
free up memory on your system.     
   
   
===========================================================
4) Sound System Tips
===========================================================


> WINDOWS 95 SOUND 

Make sure you have the correct Windows 95 drivers for your sound card installed.  Refer to the sound card 
documentation provided by the manufacturer).

Should you ever replace your existing sound card with a different one, follow the manufacturer's 
instructions for installing the new card.  Once you've verified that the sound card works properly under 
Windows 95, run the game again and it should automatically be detected; it should not be necessary to run 
the installer again to configure the game for your new sound card.  

Note that Slower CD-ROM drives may cause audio to stutter between menu screens under Windows 95.

Gravis Ultrasound Users:
If you have a GUS Classic audio card and experience problems with video or audio playback, select the  
system icon from the Control Panel, select the Device Manager, then the Sound, Video and Game 
Controller option, select the Gravis Ultrasound Classic driver and choose Properties.  Select the
Ultrasound Setup tab and try setting the Playback DMA Buffer Size option to at least 4096.


> DOS SOUND 

The MS-DOS installer will automatically detect your sound card and configure the game accordingly. If 
"Auto Detect" does not detect the correct sound card in your system, or if it cannot complete its detection, 
try selecting your card manually.  
  
If the sound test has trouble playing music, or if your sound card is not recognized, it is possible that an 
environment variable is missing from your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. See the section "REQUIRED SOUND 
CARD LINES FOR MS-DOS" below, or refer to your reference card for information on how to solve this, 
and other  possible problems.  
  
 > DOS SOUND TROUBLESHOOTING

If you've installed sound card, but there is no sound, or just static, check the following:

- Make sure your speakers or headphones are plugged into the appropriate jack and the volume control is 
turned up.

- Make sure you selected the correct sound card.

- Make sure that your sound card is set up correctly. See the section "REQUIRED SOUND CARD LINES 
FOR MS-DOS" below.

- If you used the Auto-Detect feature on the installation program's Sound Card screen and got no sound in 
the game, rerun the install program and manually select your sound card on the Sound Card screen. (This 
option does require reinstallation of the game.)


> REQUIRED SOUND CARD LINES FOR MS-DOS
 
The following lines are sample lines for these sound cards that should appear in your  CONFIG.SYS and 
AUTOEXEC.BAT files.  The specific parameters and directory lines for your card may be different so you 
should use the ones that currently exist in your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files.  For the Sound 
Blaster family of cards and Sound Blaster compatible cards, you should ensure that the SET BLASTER= 
environment variable in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file is correctly set to match your sound card settings.  If 
you have the wrong settings you may experience lockup, or no sound.  If your card is not listed, please 
refer to your sound card manual on how to correctly configure your sound card. 
 
NOTE: These are sample settings for these  cards.  Your settings may vary from the ones  listed.  Use the 
ones currently in your  CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT 
 
 
CREATIVE LABS SOUND BLASTER 
====================== 
CONFIG.SYS:  
  None 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT:  
  SET BLASTER= A220 I7 D1 T1 
 
Note: This card has settings determined by jumpers on the card. 
 
 
CREATIVE LABS SOUND BLASTER V2.0 
========================== 
CONFIG.SYS:  
  None 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT:  
  SET BLASTER= A220 I7 D1 T3 
 
Note: This card has settings determined by jumpers on the card. 
 
 
CREATIVE LABS SOUND BLASTER PRO 
========================== 
CONFIG.SYS:  
  None 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET BLASTER= A220 I7 D1 T2 
 
Note: This card has settings determined by jumpers on the card. 
 
 
CREATIVE LABS SOUND BLASTER PRO V2.0 
============================= 
CONFIG.SYS:  
  DEVICE=C:\SBPRO\DRV\CTSBPRO.SYS 
     /UNIT=0 /BLASTER=A:220 I:5 D:1 
  DEVICE=C:\SBPRO\DRV\CTMMSYS.SYS 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT:  
  SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T4 
 
Note: This card has settings determined by jumpers on the card. 
 
 
CREATIVE LABS SOUND BLASTER 16 
========================= 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CTSB16.SYS 
     /UNIT =0 /BLASTER=A:220 I:5 D:1 H:5 
  DEVICE=C:\SB16\DRV\CTMMSYS.SYS 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET SOUND=C:\SB16 
  SET BLASTER= A220 I5 D1 H5 P330 T6 
  SET MIDI=SYNTH:1 MAP:E 
  C:\SB16\DIAGNOSE /S 
  C:\SB16\SB16SET /P /Q 
 
Note: This card has settings usually determined in the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT.  Some older 
cards are set by jumpers. 
 
 
CREATIVE LABS SOUND BLASTER AWE32 
=========================== 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  DEVICE=C:\AWE32\DRV\CTSB16.SYS 
     /UNIT=0 /BLASTER=A:220 I:5 D:1 H:5 
  DEVICE=C:\AWE32\DRV\CTMMSYS.SYS 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET SOUND=C:\AWE32 
  SET BLASTER= A220 I5 D1 H5 P330 
     E620 T6 
  SET MIDI=SYNTH:1 MAP:E MODE:0 
  C:\AWE32\DIAGNOSE /S 
  C:\AWE32\SB16SET /P /Q 
  C:\AWE32\AWEUTIL /S 
 
Note: This card has settings usually determined in the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT. 
 
 CREATIVE LABS PnP cards 
=========================== 
CONFIG.SYS:
  DEVICE=C:\CTCM\CTCM.EXE

AUTOEXEC.BAT:
  SET BLASTER= A220 I5 D1 H5 P330 T6
  SET CTCM=C:\CTCM
  C:\CTCM\CTCU /S /W=C:\WINDOWS

or

CONFIG.SYS:
  None

AUTOEXEC.BAT:
  SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 H5 P330 T6
  SET SOUND=C:\PROGRA~1\CREATIVE\CTSND
  C:\WINDOWS\CTPNP

GRAVIS ULTRASOUND MAX 
================== 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  None 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET ULTRASND=220,1,1,11,5  
  SET ULTRADIR=C:\ULTRASND 
  SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T1 
  SET ULTRA16=32c,0,0,1,0 (For MAX
     boards only) 
  C:\ULTRASND\ULTRINIT.EXE -EJ 
 
Note: Run the card in native mode.  Do not use any emulation drivers such as SBOS. 
 
 
GRAVIS ULTRASOUND 
=============== 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  DEVICE=C:\ULTRASND\ULTRINIT.SYS    
     ULTRASND=220,1,1,11,5 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET ULTRASND=220,1,1,11,5  
  SET ULTRADIR=C:\ULTRASND 
  SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T1 
  C:\ULTRASND\ULTRINIT.EXE 
 
Note: Make sure your SET ULTRASND line matches the settings defined by ULTRINIT.SYS in the 
CONFIG.SYS.  Do not load any emulation drivers such as SBOS. 
 
 
MEDIA VISION PRO AUDIO SPECTRUM/ PRO AUDIO STUDIO 
========================= 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  DEVICE=C:\PROAUDIO\MVSOUND.SYS D:3
     Q:7 S:1,220,1,5 M:0 J:1 V:80 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T3 
 
Note: Media Vision cards usually have their settings determined by the CONFIG.SYS.  Make sure that 
your SET BLASTER line matches the S: settings (as above) in the CONFIG.SYS.  The T3 line indicates 
the card is SBPro compatible. 
 
 
ENSONIQ SOUNDSCAPE 
================ 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  None 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET BLASTER = A220 Ixx Dxx T1 
  SET SNDSCAPE = C:\SNDSCAPE 
  C:\SNDSCAPE\SSINIT /I 
 
Note: Use SSINIT.EXE to configure your IRQ and DMA settings. 
 
 
ENSONIQ SOUNDSCAPE PNP 
=================== 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  None 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET BLASTER = A220 Ixx Dxx T1 
  SET SNDSCAPE = C:\WINDOWS 
  C:\SNDSCAPE\SSINIT /I 
 
Note: Use SSINIT.EXE to configure your IRQ and DMA settings.  The SET SNDSCAPE line tells 
SSINIT where to find your SNDSCAPE.INI file.  If it is installed in a different directory make sure you 
make the 
appropriate change to the line. 
 
 
BOCA SOUND EXPRESSION / SE1440  
========================= 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  DEVICE=C:\SE1440\CSACMOD1.EXE 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T4  
  C:\SE1440\CSACMOD1.EXE -S (for SB mode) or 
  C:\SE1440\CSACMOD1.EXE -W (for WSS mode) 
 
 
LOGITECH SOUNDMAN WAVE 
==================== 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  DEVICE=C:\SOUNDMAN\SMWSET.SYS 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET BLASTER=A220 D1 I5 T1 H5 P330 
  SET LSOUND=C:\SOUNDMAN 
  C:\SOUNDMAN\SMWVOL 
 
Note: To change settings run C:\soundman\setup.exe and follow the on screen instructions. 
 
 
ESS AUDIODRIVE 
============ 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  None 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT:  
  SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T4 
 
Note: To change IRQ and DMA, run the program, ESSCFG.EXE. 
 
 
REVEAL SOUNDFX WAVE32 
=================== 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  None 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET BLASTER=A220 Ixx Dx T1 
  SET SNDSCAPE=C:\SOUNDFX 
  C:\SOUNDFX\ SSINIT /I 
 
Note: Use SSINIT.EXE to configure your IRQ  
and DMA settings. 
 
 
AZTECH SOUND GALAXY 
================= 
(These cards are also packaged with Packard Bell computers under names such as Sound16A and 
Sound144.) 
 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  None 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET SOUND = C:\SOUND16A 
  SET BLASTER = A220 I5 D1 T4 
  SET GALAXY = A220 I5 D1 K10 P530 T6 
  C:\SOUND16A\UTILITY\SETMODE /SBP (for  Sound Blaster Pro mode) or 
  C:\SOUND16A\UTILITY\SETMODE /MSS (for Windows Sound System mode) 
 
Note: If the card is set to Sound Blaster Pro mode, install the game choosing the Sound Blaster option, 
rather than the Sound Blaster Pro option. The directory where the drivers reside will differ depending on 
which type of Sound Galaxy card you have.  Make sure you reflect these changes in the SET SOUND line 
as well as the SETMODE line. 
 
 
MEDIA MAGIC ISP-16 
=============== 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  None 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET ISP16=C:\ISP16 
  SET BLASTER= A220 I5 D1 T4 
  C:\ISP16\ISPINIT /B  
 
Note: This card must be set to WSS mode.  To do this, run ISPINIT to bring up the setup program and 
change the settings from here. 
 
 
TURTLE BEACH TROPEZ 
================= 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  DEVICE=C:\TROPEZ\DOSAPPS\TZMODE.EXE 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T2 
  C:\TROPEZ\DOSAPPS\TZMODE -S (for Sound Blaster Pro mode) or 
  C:\TROPEZ\DOSAPPS\TZMODE -W (for Windows Sound System mode) 
 
Note: Use C:\TROPEZ\DOSAPPS\TZSETUP.EXE to change your sound card settings. 
 
 
OAK TECHNOLOGIES MOZART 
======================= 
CONFIG.SYS: 
  DEVICE=C:\MZTOAK\MZTINIT.SYS /A220 /I5 /D1 /N /G /V7 
 
AUTOEXEC.BAT: 
  SET SOUND=C:\MZTOAK 
  SET BLASTER = A220 I5 D1 T4 
  C:\MZTOAK\MZTVOL.EXE 
  C:\MZTOAK\MZTMODE.EXE SB 
 
Note: Install the game using the Sound  Blaster sound option in the game.

> SYSTEM- SPECIFIC SOUND TROUBLESHOOTING

IBM Aptiva Systems:
-------------------------
Aptiva systems use IBM's Mwave multifunction adapter as its sound device.  Make sure you are using the 
latest Mwave DOS drivers.  These drivers can be obtained from IBM's web site.  Go to the following URL 
http://www.pc.ibm.com/searchfiles.html and perform a search on Mwave DOS to find the latest Mwave 
DOS drivers.

Make sure the following lines are in your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT:

CONFIG.SYS:
  DEVICE=C:\MWW\MANAGER\VHD50420.EXE
  DEVICE=C:\MWAVE_C\VHDD0420.EXE

AUTOEXEC.BAT:
  SET PATH= C:\MWW\DLL;C:\IBMTOOLS;C:\MWW\MANAGER
  SET MWROOT=C:\MWW
  SET LIBPATH=C:\MWW\DLL;C:\MWW\MANAGER
  SET MWPATH=C:\MWW\DLL;C:\MWW\MWGAMES;C:\MWW\DSP;C:\MWW\MANAGER
  SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1
  CALL MWAVE START

Gateway Systems:
----------------------
Included with your packaging is an orange envelope labeled `DO NOT THROW AWAY! This envelope 
contains your SYSTEM DISK'. This system disk must be installed to access your CD-ROM drive in MS-
DOS mode.

Insert this disk into your A: drive, and at the "A:\>" prompt in DOS type install e.

Follow the on screen prompts and complete the installation. Follow these steps with all of the provided 
install disks to ensure that all components are installed, and working in the DOS portion of your operating 
system.

Remember to always reboot after making any changes to your system.

Packard Bell Systems:
---------------------------
It has been determined that the SOUND144, SOUND16A, and some other varieties of Packard Bell-
specific sound cards may not be entirely 100% Sound Blaster compatible. If you are receiving poor quality 
or no sound when choosing Sound Blaster as your sound card during installation, you need to change the 
mode that your card is set to run in to ensure consistent compatibility.

The sound systems mentioned above support Sound Blaster emulation by default, but can also be 
configured to emulate the Microsoft Sound System. If you are receiving no sound when choosing Sound 
Blaster during the installation or setup of NHL Hockey `97, follow the steps below to set up your card as a 
Microsoft Sound System.

SOUND144 Sound Card Owners:
Add the following line to AUTOEXEC.BAT:
C:\SOUND144\UTILITY\SETMODE /MSS

SOUND16A Sound Card Owners:
Add the following line to AUTOEXEC.BAT:
C:\SOUND16A\UTILITY\SETMODE /MSS

MMPRO16 Sound Card Owners:
Add the following line to AUTOEXEC.BAT:
C:\MMPRO16\UTILITY\SETMODE /MSS."

For owners of a variety of other Packard Bell sound cards the same method will apply, i.e.:
C:\<card name>\UTILITY\SETMODE /MSS

REMEMBER: always reboot after making any changes to your system, and re-run the install program for 
your game. Choose WINDOWS SOUND SYSTEM and then click TEST to test your choice. If you still 
have sound problems, consult the reference material for other noted suggestions.


===========================================================
5) Video Tips
===========================================================


> WINDOWS 95 VIDEO PROBLEMS

If running under Windows 95, choppy or stuttering video or audio problems may be adjusting the CD-
ROM read-ahead caching.  This option is available by right-clicking on your local drive, selecting 
Properties, then Performance, File System,  CD-ROM and choosing "Optimize access pattern for quad-
speed or higher" from the menu.  The "Supplimental Cache Size" should be set to minimum.  Setting this 
to maximum will not improve performance in NHL `97, and may actually harm performance by reserving 
RAM that would otherwise be available for the game.


> DOS VIDEO PROBLEMS

NHL 97 requires an SVGA video card capable of 640x480 with 65,536 colors (1 MB or more video RAM) 
that has a VESA compliant BIOS or has a VESA compliant driver. If you are having difficulties installing 
or running the program, please note that you must have VESA support installed on your system before 
executing this program. If your video card does not have a built-in VESA BIOS, you must load a VESA 
1.2 compliant (or newer) driver or a universal VESA driver in order for the game to run as it is intended.
If you still are experiencing difficulties with video you may want to consult your video card's manual for 
specific information on loading a manufacturer-specific VESA driver


> CHOPPY OR STUTTERING VIDEOS

If the playback of the introduction video, or any of the video clips in NHL 97, appears to stutter, skip 
frames, or sound inconsistent, your CD-ROM drive may not be quad speed (MPC3 compliant).  For proper 
playback, NHL 97 requires a quad-speed or better CD-ROM.


===========================================================
6) Game Controller Tips
===========================================================

> NHL 97 CONTROLLERS

A Microsoft compatible mouse is required to navigate through the front end screens and menus of NHL 
97.  It is also required to operate the Pause Menu and Instant Replay during gameplay.  

During gamplay, the mouse or keyboard may be used, however for maximum enjoyment of NHL 97 we 
recommend using an analog joystick, Gravis PC Gamepad, or the Gravis GrIP during gameplay.

If the gameplay controller responds erratically during gameplay, you may need to recalibrate it, or your 
game port may not be configured correctly.  Refer to your game/sound card documentation for 
configuration information.


> WINDOWS 95 CONTROLLER CALIBRATION

Windows 95 users that experience calibration or control problems with their controllers may need to 
configure them properly using the Windows 95 Joystick Control Panel. Once you have done this, run the 
game again.

Go to the Control Panel, click on the system icon, and select the Device Manger tab.  Make sure your 
gameport joystick driver is listed under Sound, video and game controllers and is functioning properly.

Calibrate and choose your joystick configuration from the Control Panel, Click on the Joystick Icon and 
select your joystick from the list.  Press Calibrate and follow the onscreen instructions to calibrate your 
joystick.


> DOS CONTROLLER CALIBRATION

When running the DOS version of NHL 97, your controller is calibrated by NHL 97.  Select "Options" 
from "Game Setup", then Click on the "Joypad" icon to calibrate.


> GRAVIS GRIP CALIBRATION

Make sure the Gravis GrIP is connect to the joystick port correctly.
Make sure that the switch on the Gravis MulitPort is switched to the left (4 port side), or right if using a 
standard joystick.
Make sure that the Gravis GrIP drivers are installed (for Windows 95 or DOS depending on what you are 
running the game from).  If they are not, please refer to your GrIP documentation.
Make sure that the Gravis GrIP controls are calibrated under Windows 95
Gravis GrIP Calibration in Windows 95:
1.   Open the Control Panel and double click on the Joystick Icon.
2.   Select Joystick 1 (current joystick)
3.   Under Joystick Configuration select Gravis GrIP MultiPort, and click Calibrate
4.   Follow the on screen instructions.  Then test the joystick by selecting Test
5.   Repeat the above procedures for Joysticks 2,3, and 4 if they are available.
Once these steps have been completed the green light should appear on the left wing of the Gravis 
MulitPort.


===========================================================
7) CDROM Tips
===========================================================


> CDROM REQUIREMENTS
A quad-speed (4x) CD-ROM drive is required to run NHL 97.  A slow CDROM can adversely affect 
screen load times,  audio playback, and video playback.  See Audio Tips and Video Tips for more 
information.

If you receive a "File not found" error message when installing or running the game, make sure that the 
CD is in the CD drive. The CD must be in the drive to install or run the game.


> WINDOWS CDROM SETUP

Ensure that you are using 32-bit native Windows 95 drivers to control your CDROM drive.  These drivers 
can be configured from the Control Panel of Windows 95.  Do not use a DOS-based 16-bit driver (loaded 
in CONFIG.SYS) to control your CDROM.  Performance may be significantly reduced.


> DOS CDROM SETUP

Make sure that the correct driver for your CD drive is loaded in your AUTOEXEC.BAT and 
CONFIG.SYS files. (Example: In AUTOEXEC.BAT, your CD driver line could be: 
"C:\WINDOWS\MSCDEX /D:MSCD001 /M:10", and in CONFIG.SYS, the CD device driver might 
appear similar to "DEVICE=C:\DEV\HIT-IDE.SYS /D:MSCD001".)

Keep in mind that your CD driver will always contain a `D/:xxx' switch in both the AUTOEXEC.BAT 
and CONFIG.SYS files that signifies the CD-ROM device name


===========================================================
8) Gameplay Performance Tips
===========================================================

If gameplay is not as smooth or responsive as desired, there are several things that can be done to improve 
performance.  In general, your computer's CPU speed will be the most important measure of performance, 
but memory configuration and CDROM configuration can also affect performance.  Refer to Memory Tips 
and CDROM tips earlier in this document.


> WINDOWS 95 PERFORMANCE

To ensure maximum performance, ensure that no other Windows 95 applications are running.  Look at 
the Windows Task bar and close any applications that are currently running.


> DOS PERFORMANCE

Make sure that any unneccessary drivers are not being loaded in your CONFIG.SYS and 
AUTOEXEC.BAT.


> DETAIL SETTINGS

To improve speed and responsiveness in gameplay (DOS or Windows 95), you can use the "Details" 
screen to toggle various options on or off.  There are also "hotkeys" available during gameplay to perform 
these toggles.  Refer to your NHL 97 users manual for actual key assignments.

Details that may improve gameplay performance:

- Reduce the Game Window Size
- Change video mode to Low Resolution (320 x 200) or Line Doubled
- Turn off the center ice logos and ice degeneration
- Turn off the Crowd
- Turn off other details, such as the Board Advertisements, Glass, Player Benches, etc.


===========================================================
9) Modem Connect Tips
===========================================================


NHL 97 requires a 100% Hayes compatible 14400 bps or faster modem, with a high speed (16550 UART) 
serial port for modem play.  Note that in Windows 95, you may not be able to run your modem on COM4 
if you have a video card based on the S3 chip-set.  Please try a different COM port.


> MODEM DOES NOT INITIALIZE

- Make sure you selected the correct modem in the Modem Configuration screen of the game.

- Make sure that there are no other peripherals (e.g. mouse) that are conflicting with the modem.

- Make sure that all modem settings (e.g. COM port, IRQ) are correct.  (Please consult your modem 
documentation for proper installation.)

- Customize the INIT STRING by adding ",,," to the end of the initialization string.


> MODEMS CONNECT BUT DO NOT EXIT SYNCHRONIZATION

- Make sure you selected the correct modem in the Modem Configuration screen of the game.

- While you are in the game, abort the connection, and try connecting again.


> GENERAL MODEM INFORMATION

- Your modem must be set to connect with error correction, error detection, and compression disabled.  
Your modem should not be locked into any specific speed settings.

- Hardware (RTS/CTS) flow control and and software (XON/XOFF) flow control must be disabled.

- Consult your modem manual for the appropriate AT commands to set these options and insert them into 
the initialization string.

- When modems have trouble connecting, the problem may be that they did not initialize properly. Try 
turning off both modems, then start the connection procedure again.

- If you are experiencing slow or choppy gameplay after connecting: This may be due to data compression, 
error correction, hardware flow, or software flow being enabled. Consult your modem owners manual for 
the proper initialization string to disable these settings.

- Some modems load settings into NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) when you turn them on; these settings 
may be incompatible with NHL 97.

- If your modem has difficulty initializing and there are no apparent COM port or IRQ conflicts, try the 
following: go into a communications program (i.e. Terminal for WindowsO 3.x, Procomm, etc.) and type 
AT&F. Wait for the OK then type AT&W0. Your modem is reset with the factory default settings loaded 
into NVRAM.


===========================================================
10) Network Connect Tips
===========================================================


NHL  97 requires an IPX protocol network or Direct Play Winsock IPX network or Direct Play TCP/IP 
network for network play. If you experience difficulties with network play, you may want to consult your 
network manual or network administrator for specific information on loading drivers.


> CONFIGURATION

- Do not run any Windows 95 applications that communicate over the network in the background (i.e. 
mail programs, personal schedulers, system or network monitors).

- Make sure you have disabled network messages. (If you are running a Novell network, from the MS-
DOS prompt type "SEND /A=N" without quotations to turn them off.)

- NHL 97 network play using the DOS Compatible IPX protocol is not compatible with "File and Printer 
Sharing for Netware Networks" if installed in Windows 95

- You must load your network drivers when you boot your machine. Sample driver names include LSL, 
IPX, IPXODI and 3c5x9.  You must load a Link Support Layer driver, your Network Interface card driver, 
and an IPX driver.


> CONNECTION PROBLEMS

- Make sure the computers you are trying to connect are on the same network, and are using the same 
protocol.

- If you are having troubles connecting or playing, try the different network protocols (DOS COMPATIBLE 
IPX or WINSOCK IPX or Winsock TCP/IP if applicable)

- If there are communication problems in the game, try closing all applications, and rebooting the 
computer. Clearing memory may solve these problems. 


> NETWORK PERFORMANCE ISSUES

- There are various things you can do to make sure you get the best performance out of your network 
game. 

- These apply to the host computer as well as the clients, but try them on the host alone first as this may 
solve all the problems..

- Make sure the host computer, (the one that starts the network game) is the fastest computer.

- High-traffic networks will slow the game down considerably. Avoid playing the game at peak traffic 
hours, while there are large file transfers or print jobs being done.

- See also the Gameplay Peformance Problems on the reference card for additional suggestions.
Troubleshooting


===========================================================
11) Getting Technical Support
===========================================================

If you experience any problems which are not covered by the game manual, the game reference card, or 
these help topics, our Technical Support Department can help. Please have the following information 
ready when you call, or include it if you use email, fax, or regular mail. This will help us answer your 
question in the shortest time. 
 
- Computer manufacturer 
- Operating system (Windows95, DOS 6.22, etc.) 
- CPU type and speed in MHz 
- Amount of RAM 
- Sound card type and settings (address, IRQ, DMA) 
- Video card (manufacturer, PCI or VESA, amount of VRAM, etc.) 
- CD-ROM type and speed (2x, 4x, etc.) 
- Mouse driver and version 
- Joystick and game card (if any) 
- Modem type, settings, and initialization string (if any) 
- Network card, network type, and protocols used and available (if any) 
- If using the DOS version, a copy of the CONFIG.SYS & AUTOEXEC.BAT files from your hard drive. 
- A description of the problem you're having. 
- If using e-mail, include your e-mail address, or phone or FAX number if you send a FAX. 
 
 
EA TECHNICAL SUPPORT (UNITED STATES) 
Voice: (415) 572-2787  
FAX:   (415) 286-5080 
Voice support is available Monday through Friday, between 8:30AM and 4:30PM, Pacific Time. 
 
TECHNICAL SUPPORT (AUSTRALIA) 
For Technical Support and Game Hints and Tips, phone the EA HOTLINE at 1 902 261 600 (95 cents per 
minute). ITM 7 days a week 10AM-8PM. If you are under 18 years of age parental consent required. 
 
ELECTRONIC ARTS LTD. (UNITED KINGDOM) 
Voice: (753) 546465 
 
INTERNET 
Send e-mail to ONE of the following: 
support1@ea.com (OR) 
elecarts@aol.com (OR) 
76004.237@compuserve.com 
 
WORLD WIDE WEB 
Access our Web site at http://www.ea.com 
 
FTP 
Access our FTP site at ftp.ea.com 
 
AMERICA ONLINE 
Send e-mail to ELECARTS 
 
COMPUSERVE  
Game Publishers Forum A (GO GAMAPUB), or send e-mail to 76004,237 
 
REGULAR MAIL (UNITED STATES) 
Electronic Arts Technical Support 
P.O. Box 7578 
San Mateo, CA 94403-7578, USA 
 
REGULAR MAIL (UNITED KINGDOM) 
Electronic Arts Ltd. 
P.O. Box 835 
Slough SL3 8XU, UK 
Phone (753) 546465 
 
REGULAR MAIL (AUSTRALIA) 
Electronic Arts Pty. Ltd. 
P.O. Box 432 
Southport Qld 4215, Australia
