Panel
General
I got a new computer, how do I get my previously purchased game onto it...
How do I get these games?
How do I put my game in Full Screen mode?
How do I get the latest updates of my game?
How do I turn off the music in game?
I received a lost password email and I didn't request one...
How do I make the playing cards larger for solitaire?
How do I do those cool Fooms?
What's the "TRAM" button I keep seeing?
I can't find my answer in this FAQ...
Are you sure your decks are properly shuffled?
Ordering
Is your online ordering secure?
How does electronic delivery work?
Do you take orders over the phone?
I recently changed operating systems between Windows and Mac and my unlock key isn't working...
Can I mail in an order?
Is a CD required to play your games?
Unlocking
My game reverted back to the trial mode and I don't know what my unlock key is...
How do I unlock my game into the full version?
I just ordered, where do I find my unlock key?
I requested my lost key/password over a day ago and I still don't see my email...
I tried unlocking, but I can't get F6 to work...
What if I don't have internet access to unlock your games?
General unlocking issues...
Online Play
I forgot my online play information (username or password), how do I get it back?
How do I change my user name?
I can't connect to play online...
I want to be considered for a new League Room...
I just got a new email address, how do I update my username profiles with it?
How do I chat in an online game?
What are chat Aliases or Binds?
How do I type colored text?
Troubleshooting
I just updated to Mac 10.5.2 and I can't play my game...
I can't hear any sound when playing...
My trial period ended prematurely...
How do I uninstall?
How do I fix random errors/crashes in the games?
Sometimes my mouse cursor justs disappears...
Online Ratings
How do the ratings work?
What are the requirements to play a rated game? Why don't I get a rating!?
Why did I just go down in rating? It looks like I should of went up!
Why did I just lose 150 points on my rating!
What happens when someone quits or disappears in a rated game?
If a player is kicked out of a game, for whatever reason, do they get an 'incomplete' for that game?
If you are kicked from a game, do you automatically LOSE points?
If a player is disconnected, and cannot get back before the game ends, is that an 'incomplete'?
If a player is disconnected, and a sub joins in their spot, will the sub get an 'incomplete' when the player returns?
If you are disconnected and can't get back to finish the game, do you always lose points?
If a player leaves on the last hand, even if they are winning and the outcome is not in doubt, will they get an 'incomplete' and will they get points for 'winning'?
If Hardwood's servers are being reset or if the system crashes while you are playing a game, will that game count as an 'incomplete'?
In tourney games, if a player is late, and a sub is put in the player's spot (and leaves when the player arrives), does the sub receive an 'incomplete' for that game?
In tourney games, if a game is started (cards have been cut and/or bids passed or made) and a Tourny Director discovers the wrong player is in a seat, what happens if that player leaves and the correct player takes the spot?
If a tourney game is started with the wrong settings, do players get a 'quit' if they all leave the game and reset it?
How does the rating get calculated
Banned from Online Play
General
I got a new computer, how do I get my previously purchased game onto it...
First you will need to re-download the trial version of the game from our website. You can do this by selecting the game you want to download from our website at www.silvercrk.com and clicking the "Play" button to go to the download screen.
Once you have the game installed on your machine, you will need to unlock it with your unlock key. If you don't know what your unlock key is you can go to www.silvercrk.com/lost_code/ to request that your code be sent to you in e-mail. Once you have your code read the How to Unlock section of the FAQ for details on unlocking.
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How do I get these games?
It's easy, just go to www.silvercrk.com and find the game you want and download it there.
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How do I put my game in Full Screen mode?
Open the game icon from your desktop
At the Play Screen click on the "X" that is in the blue circle directly across from the title: HardwoodGames.com. This will give you the menu options
Click on Options
Click on Graphics
Click the box 2/3 of the way down that says "Full Screen"
Click Apply
Click on Ok
Click on Okay
Now you can play with the Full Screen enabled.
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How do I get the latest updates of my game?
In Order to Update your software you need to do the following for Hardwood Spades, Hearts, Euchre, or Backgammon. First open your existing version of the game. From the Main Menu you want to press "Help" and after that "Check Version". If there is an update available the game will display a button that says "Get It". After Pressing that button it will download the patch to your computer and then prompt you to install it automatically. After the patch installation, you will be prompted to restart and you will be at the most current version.
If you are running Hardwood Solitaire 3, while playing a game, press the "Menu" button on the top left of the screen during a game (denoted by the house symbol) and then press "More" followed by "Check For Updates" to get to the update location.
If you are running Ruckus Buck's Dangerous Mines, while playing a game, press the "Menu" button on the top left of the screen (denoted by the house symbol) and then press "Options" followed by "Check For Updates" to get to the update location.
If you are having problems using the in game patching system, download the game again from our website that is relevant to the game you are having problems with and install it over your current version to bring yourself up to date.
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How do I turn off the music in game?
Open your Hardwood Game
Click on "Play"
Click on Options
Click on Audio
Click on the Volume tab
There are three boxes here you can un-check:
Effects
Music
Environment
Un-checking these will disable all sound in the game. If you want to have any of them enabled, you can leave it checked.
Click on "OK"
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I received a lost password email and I didn't request one...
In order to explain why you receive lost password emails when you have not requested them, you must understand how our password recovery system works.
When you create a user name, you enter in the name of your choice (example Abe Lincoln), a password, and an email address should you ever need your password emailed to you. The system will only send your password to that email address. So long as your email is secure, this makes sure you and only you have access to your password(s) should you ever lose them.
Now in order to request your lost password, you must enter in your user name and it sends it to the appropriate email address on that account. How can this lead to me getting this email I didn't ask for you say?
Well the 2 user names Abe Lincoln and AbeLincoln are very close, but not the same name. You would not be the owner of AbeLincoln. However if AbeLincoln accidentally enters Abe Lincoln in looking for his password, it will send you yours. Typo's and unsureness in how exactly the name they were looking for is spelled leads to these sorts of emails you received being sent.
It's nothing to be concerned about because they only go to your email, which means only you and those you designate to check your email can ever get access to it. We do this for your protection and those of all our users. I hope that clears up why this happened to you and sorry if you were alarmed.
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How do I make the playing cards larger for solitaire?
Double click on the Solitaire icon on your desktop
At the play screen, Click on the Menu (the menu is the shape of a house)
Click on Options
Click on Graphics
2/3 of the way down on that screen is a small box to check for "Full Screen"
Click in the small box to make a check mark
Click on Apply
THEN, before leaving clicking on okay
Click on the Deck tab which is located next to the Graphics Tab
There is another small box next to Zoom to fill in screen
Click in the small box to make a check mark
Click on Okay
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How do I do those cool Fooms?
Check out these fan website to learn about how to do them:
Learn how to do stuff with Wolfie's Page
Colored text, Binds, tips
Learn to do colors with Roo's page
Colored text and bind Tutorials and color chart
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What's the "TRAM" button I keep seeing?
The "TRAM" Button stands for The Rest Are Mine. It mean that you are going to win the rest of the tricks of that hand. So Pushing the TRAM buttons saves time, The outcome of the game will not be different.
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I can't find my answer in this FAQ...
We try to keep this FAQ as up to date as possible with as many issues as we run into on a day to day basis, but we can't get everything.
If you couldn't find your answer here, check our forums at: http://forums.silvercrk.com/phpBB3/
If you still can't find your solution in there, email support@silvercrk.com with your question.
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Are you sure your decks are properly shuffled?
We did a test and these are the results after 10,000 deals...in theory the more deals the closer it should get to it's probability (how likely it should be to get that distribution of cards in any given deal) Like if you flip a coin 5 times you might get heads 4 times... but if you flip in 10,000 times... it will get closer to 50% heads 50% tails.
What this chart shows how each suit is distributed on each deal. So with a 4-4-3-2 in Clubs shows how many of each club when to each player. So two people would get 4 clubs each and one person will get 3 and the last gets 2. The 4-4-3-2 is most likely to happen... 21.5 % chance. I have the % for each suit.
So looks like the decks are shuffled pretty good... only off by a 0.2% at the most. If we dealt our another 900,000 decks you'd see that gap would close even more.
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Ordering
Is your online ordering secure?
Yes, all communication between the webpage/in-game order forms is done over secure encrypted connections so your data is secure.
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How does electronic delivery work?
Like many other "shareware" games we use unlock keys to turn our trial version of our games into the full version. This means that the trial you download is in fact the full game, but the full game features are just "locked down" until a valid key is entered.
So with electronic delivery, you basically already have the full game on your computer, you just order the key from us which you use to unlock the trial version of the game. So as you can see, your unlock key is basically your game so it is good to keep good track of this information.
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Do you take orders over the phone?
No, we do not. Please use the online ordering either on our website at https://orders.silvercrk.com/order/ or order in game. You can also mail in an order (see the FAQ question below).
If you cannot order in any of these ways, please email orders@silvercrk.com.
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I recently changed operating systems between Windows and Mac and my unlock key isn't working...
Windows unlock keys do not work on the Mac and Mac unlock keys do not work on Windows. They are made completely different to be compatible for each operating system. You can purchase your game again for a discount if you would like.
In order to take advantage of this deal you must order from the website and follow these directions exactly. This WILL NOT WORK if you order from in game, only from the website.
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Can I mail in an order?
Sure, use our in-game Mail Ordering form or just fill out and print the online ordering form and mail it along with your U.S. check or money order to:
Silver Creek Entertainment
PO Box 518
Grants Pass, OR 97528
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Is a CD required to play your games?
No. We only offer a CD during the order process as an offline backup of our games which are also available for download from our website. You will still need to follow the unlock procedure talked about in other sections of this FAQ.
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Unlocking
My game reverted back to the trial mode and I don't know what my unlock key is...
To recover your lost unlock key visit: www.silvercrk.com/lost_code/
Wait for the email to be sent to your registered email address and then follow the unlocking procedure also on this page.
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How do I unlock my game into the full version?
Run the trial version of the game you purchased from its desktop icon or start menu group.
You should see a "Silver Creek Entertainment Presents" screen. The screen will then indicate it is running the trial version and move to the "HardwoodGames.Com" advertisement screen. You should see options for "Play Full Version" and "Play Trial Version" as well as advertisements for our other games. Don't choose any of those options, but do the following instead.
There should be several keys on the top of your keyboard labeled F1 through F12. Press the F6 key (not the individual "F" key followed by the individual "6" key) located in the center of those. This will bring you to an unlock screen. Enter your name in the "Name" field EXACTLY as it was emailed or shows on your label. Then enter your unlock key numbers in the "Key" field. Your unlock code should be 4 sets of 4 numbers (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx) or for older games; 3 sets of 4 numbers (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-) for Hardwood Spades, Hearts, Euchre, Hardwood Solitaire III, Hardwood Backgammon, and Ruckus Bucks Dangerous Mines. It is ok that there is a dash at the end of the last number. That dash is supposed to be there.
Use this link if you do not have your Unlock Key: http://www.silvercrk.com/lostcode.htm
Now at this point you will have some different options depending on the game your unlocking. If your unlocking Hardwood Spades, Hearts, or Euchre there will be only one button to choose. Press the "Unlock" button and the program will thank you for your purchase and ask you to restart. Press the "Restart" button and your all done.
If your unlocking Hardwood Solitaire III, Hardwood Backgammon, or Ruckus Bucks Dangerous Mines there will actually be 3 different buttons. Before we go any further, if you aren't already, you need to connect to the internet. Once thats done, go ahead and press the "Unlock Via Internet" button. A box with some animated gears turning will appear. You will see "retrieving data" and then a box will appear saying "Thank you for purchasing" and have options to "Restart" or "Exit". Press the "Restart" button and the game will close and then restart.
Congratulations, your full version is installed!
If you encountered any of the various "Unlock Code Incorrect" or "Unable to Resolve Host" errors please read the information at this link:
http://forums.silvercrk.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4948 Unlock Error Codes Troubleshooting Section
If this still doesn't solve the problem email support@silvercrk.com and make sure and include which error you received.
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I just ordered, where do I find my unlock key?
Your name and unlock key was emailed to the address you provided during the order.
If you ordered the CD ROM, your name and unlock key will be on the inside of your CD case printed out on a white sticker. Please note that your unlock key should be comprised of only numbers, ignore any text accompanying it.
If you still cannot find your unlock key, request to have it sent to your registered email address at:
www.silvercrk.com/lost_code/
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I requested my lost key/password over a day ago and I still don't see my email...
First, make sure to check your Spam/Bulk/Trash folders as our mails can sometimes get moved into there. If you find our email in there, make sure to mark it as Not Spam/Junk to help fix this problem in the future.
For Yahoo accounts: If your Spam Guard is turned on, it may be set to automatically delete all Spam. Please turn it off and use the lost key function to retrieve your Unlock Key again.
For AOL accounts: Sometimes AOL marks our e-mail as spam. Follow this link to check your spam folder www.silvercrk.com/faq/aol_help/
If you still don't see your email, you may have your account registered under a different email address. If you know which one this might be and still have access to it, make sure to check that mailbox as well.
If you no longer have access to that old email address or don't know what it might be, fill out the form at www.silvercrk.com/lost_code/ to request we update the email address for your account. (NOTE: We cannot change the email address for a username for a lost password. Please see the other FAQ section for more information on this).
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I tried unlocking, but I can't get F6 to work...
If F6 does not work, then you need to enter your Key different way.
Run the trial version of the game you purchased from its desktop icon or start menu group.
You should see a "Silver Creek Entertainment Presents" screen. The screen will then indicate it is running the trial version and move to the "HardwoodGames.Com" advertisement screen. You should see options for "Play Full Version" and "Play Trial Version" as well as advertisements for our other games. At the top left corner of this screen just under "HardwoodGames.Com", you will see an image of a house. Next to that the word "Buy". Click on the word "Buy"...do not worry, this does not mean you need to buy the game again. The following screen will say "Hardwood Spades". At the bottom left hand of this screen is a "Cancel" button. Right next to that is the phrase "Already ordered? Enter Unlock Key". Click on this phrase.
This will bring you to an unlock screen. Enter your name in the "Name" field EXACTLY as it was emailed or shows on your label. Then enter your unlock key numbers in the "Key" field. Your unlock code should be 3 sets of 4 numbers (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-) or 4 sets of 4 numbers (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-) for Hardwood Spades, Hearts, and Euchre. Your key will be 4 sets of 4 numbers (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-) for Hardwood Solitaire III, Hardwood Backgammon, and Ruckus Bucks Dangerous Mines. It is ok that there is a dash at the end of the last number. That dash is supposed to be there.
Now at this point you will have some different options depending on the game your unlocking. If your unlocking Hardwood Spades, Hearts, or Euchre there will be only one button to choose. Press the "Unlock" button and the program will thank you for your purchase and ask you to restart. Press the "Restart" button and your all done.
If your unlocking Hardwood Solitaire III, Hardwood Backgammon, or Ruckus Bucks Dangerous Mines there will actually be 3 different buttons. Before we go any further, if you aren't already, you need to connect to the internet. Once thats done, go ahead and press the "Unlock Via Internet" button. A box with some animated gears turning will appear. You will see "retrieving data" and then a box will appear saying "Thank you for purchasing" and have options to "Restart" or "Exit". Press the "Restart" button and the game will close and then restart.
Congratulations, your full version is installed!
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What if I don't have internet access to unlock your games?
Here is how to unlock your copy of Hardwood Solitaire III, Ruckus Bucks Dangerous Mines, or Hardwood Backgammon if you are having trouble using the "Unlock Via Internet" method for unlocking.
You should already have the trial version of the program on your computer. If you don't, you can download that from our website: www.silvercrk.com
Run the trial version of the game by double clicking on its icon on the desktop. You will see the "Silver Creek Presents" screen followed by a "Trial Version" title screen. Once your at the "Play" or "Play Online" screen, locate the "F6" key on top of your keyboard and press it. It will bring you to an unlock screen asking for your "Name" and "Key". Go ahead and enter your information as your email indicated making sure everything matches the email exactly. Now press the "Unlock via Floppy Disk" button.
The screen will change showing the basic instructions I am giving you now, and at the bottom will say "Save Data to Floppy Disk". Above the "Save Data..." button will be a box that says "A:\" with an arrow to the right of it. Click on that arrow and change the letter designation to "C:\". Now press the "Save Data..." button.
After saving, the screen will say unlock.html has been saved to your "C:\" drive. Now you want to minimize the program. If your not familiar with doing this it is very easy. Move your mouse cursor to the very top right of the screen. You will see a "Square" icon, an "Underscore ( _ )" icon, and an "X" icon all next to each other. Press the "Underscore" icon to minimize the program. What this does is "hides" the program so you can do other things.
Now, go into your "My Computer" and then double click on the "C:\" drive or "Local Disk C:\" depending on your Windows version. There should be a file somewhere in the list called "unlock.html". Note if you have never gone into your local disk drive before you may have to click "Show The Contents Of This Folder" to see anything inside it. If your not already connected to the internet, please do so now. When your sure your connected to the internet, double click "unlock.html" to continue.
This will open your default web browser and display "Click on the submit button to continue:". Go ahead and click the "Submit" button and wait a moment. When the data has finished connecting, your screen will say "Now press and hold down the shift key and click here....". Do as it says and hold the shift key while clicking on the blue "here" link. This should bring up a save file dialog box. You want to make sure that the file saves to the "C:\" drive or somewhere you can find it easily like your desktop. There is an "up one level" button that looks like a folder with a green arrow pointing up out of it that you can press to back through your files. Once you have chosen a location you can remember, press "Save".
Go to whatever location you saved the file to and locate the file named unlock_482849140.scekey_s. It may have different numbers on the end, but look roughly the same and have an icon of a playing card. Double clicking this file will unlock the game and it should ask you to restart.
Congratulations, your done!
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General unlocking issues...
The following are the basic error messages you can get during the unlocking process, what they mean, and what the different solution(s) may be.
"Unlock Code Is Incorrect"
This can be caused a couple different ways. The first being that your name or unlock key is not entered correctly. Check and make sure that your name is written exactly as the email indicates, or the game will not unlock. The same goes for your unlock key numbers. A typical name and unlock key should look something like this for Spades, Hearts, Euchre, Solitaire III, Backgammon, and Dangerous Mines.
Smoot VonSmootenburger
1234-1234-1234-1234
If your name and key are entered correctly and that error still comes up, it is possible that your trying to unlock the incorrect game. Your code will only work for the title that was purchased. The name of the game the key is for should be in the email you were sent above your name and numbers. Also note that a key for PC will not work for MAC and vice versa. So if your code reads "Hardwood Spades Mac" and you have windows, that is the problem. If none of these applies to you for this error please email support@silvercrk.com
"Unable To Resolve Host...."
This applies to Hardwood Solitaire 3, Dangerous Mines, and Backgammon. This means that, for whatever reason, the game was not able to connect to our server to verify your purchase. These games require you to be connected to the internet before you complete the unlock process. This code will appear if you attempt to unlock without being first connected, or if the connection is being somehow blocked. Obviously the first solution to this, if applicable, would be to make that connection. Alternately, if you ARE connected and this message appears it means you have a firewall or some other setting that is blocking the game from making its connection to the server. In this case you need to either configure your firewall to allow the game to connect or use the unlock via floppy method which will not be affected by your firewall. Detailed instructions for the unlock via floppy method are available on our web site, here:
http://www.silvercrk.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3926
Again, if none of this applies to you, please email support@silvercrk.com and we will do out best to assist you further. Please note what your error is, and what you have already tried to remedy it.
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Online Play
I forgot my online play information (username or password), how do I get it back?
We currently only offer an automated system for recovering your name(s) and or password(s). If you are unable to recover them, they are unfortunately lost and you will have to create a new name from scratch. Here is the information on how to use the automated recovery tool.
Start your game from its desktop icon or start menu group. After the "Silver Creek Presents" screen and "Full or Trial Version" display screen, click on the "Play" button. Then click the "Play Online" button. Then click on the "Lost Password" button. If just need your password, enter your user name in the "User Name" field exactly as it is spelled (with any caps and spaces where appropriate) and press the "Send Request" button. This will email you that name's password to its registered email address.
If you can't remember your user name or exactly how you spelled/typed it, leave the name space blank and enter your email in the "Email" field and then press "Send Request". This will email all user names and passwords that are registered to that email address to that email address.
!!!!IMPORTANT!!!!
The system only emails that information to the email it is registered too. If your email changed and you didn't update your individual names with it, you won't get anything. For example, if you registered smoot97528 with the password smootiscool457 and used the email support@silvercrk.com, the game will only send your password to support@silvercrk.com, even if you don't have that email anymore.
I am sure you can see why it is very important to update all of you characters with your new email address when it changes. To do this you need to log in with each character you need to update and click the "Profile" button under the characters portrait (the top left of the screen after you are logged into the lobby). Then click on the "Account" tab, update your email address, and then click on the "Submit Changes" button.
If you do not do this when you change emails and you forget your password, your character will be lost forever. That can be a real bummer when your character has a high rating. We do not have access to your log in password and can not change it or your email address for you. So don't forget it is your responsibility to keep your account updated or risk losing your favorite character(s).
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How do I change my user name?
Unfortunately when you create a user name it is permanent and can not be changed or deleted at this time. There is good news though! You are allowed as many user names as you want for FREE, so you can just create a new one. In order to do that simply run the game and follow these instructions:
Don't forget, you can have as many user names as you like for no additional charge. Remember to keep your email account on each user name current so if you ever lose the password you can recover it. It is very important to update all of you characters with your new email addresses and passwords when they change. To do this you need to login with each character you want to update and click on "profile" underneath your characters portrait (the top left of the screen after you are logged into the lobby). Then click on the "account" tab and update the information and click on submit changes. If you don't do this and you forget your password, your character will be lost to you forever and that can be a real bummer when your character has a high rating. We don't have access to your login password and can't change it or your email address for you because that information is handled completely by the server. So don't forget it is your responsibility to keep your account updated.
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I can't connect to play online...
If you can not connect to our game, first verify that you are connected to the internet. If you are not connected to the internet, you will not be able to play on-line. Many different things can affect your ability to make a connection with our servers. The most obvious would be problems with your Internet Service Provider such as scheduled maintenance, line problems in your area, or any number of other technical issues. If you suspect this to be the problem, contact your ISP and ask them when they expect the problem to be solved. Also make sure if you use dial-up or DSL, that your phone cord is in good shape and is tightly connected both to the modem and your phone outlet.
If, when trying to connect, the server connect display screen cycles through "server 1, 2, 3, 4" and then asks you to verify your connected to the internet, our program is being blocked from connecting to our server. This is due to a Firewall or other connection block on your computer. Firewalls and proxy servers are designed to block your internet connection in order to minimize the chances that your computer will be accessed (or hacked!) by "unwanted visitors." They also have the unfortunate side-effect, on occasion, of blocking some of the things you might want to do on-line, like playing your favorite Hardwood game with other people. These activities depend on your computer making an unimpeded connection to other computers or servers. Therefore, if you are using a firewall or proxy, the game may not be able to connect to our servers or you might not be able to download and install all of the files that you need in order to play the game(s) on-line.
Connecting to different places on-line requires access through "ports" in your computers internet connection settings. Firewalls and proxies will close certain ports for your protection as it deems necessary. This is not always necessary, but you as the firewall/proxy owner are the only one who can open those ports. We can't do it for you, as much as we would like to, but we can give you some tips on how to configure your firewall / proxy to allow the game to work properly. If your not used to making adjustments to these types of settings, we suggest you contact the manufacturer of the Firewall or other blocking software and explain to them you need instructions on how to allow your on-line game to connect to its necessary servers.
First off for the uninitiated, what is a firewall, proxy, or blocking program?
Firewalls and proxies are software programs or pieces of hardware designed to protect your computer or network from internet intruders. Some examples are:
If you are behind a firewall, proxy, or other blocking program and are capable or able to change or adjust it's settings, our games needs the following TCP ports open in order to connect to our servers:
Spades: spades.silvercrk.com and Port # 4000
Euchre: euchre.silvercrk.com and Port # 4001
Hearts: hearts.silvercrk.com and Port # 4002
Backgammon: backgammon.silvercrk.com and Port # 4004
University and Work Related Internet Connections : Universities and Work Locations usually protect their networks with firewalls. In most cases these cannot be opened by you, the end user. You will need to consult a technician at your University or Work Location to see if a workaround is possible.
We do not recommend disabling your firewall all together, but if you have no other choice and want to try this you can. If disabling the firewall doesn't work, consider this fact. Unfortunately, in some cases, firewalls/proxies cannot simply be disabled in order to allow you to use your Hardwood game. Sometimes disabling the firewall / proxy will not open the necessary ports. It will simply shut down the firewall/proxy and leave the ports closed.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a list of recommended ports to open to help facilitate a trouble free connection to our game servers. It does not necessarily mean that your particular firewall or blockage will be easy to configure. Please consult your firewall/proxy/blocking software manufacturer for specific and detailed instructions. In reality, getting our games to work on certain restrictive networks may be a little harder than opening these ports and could require the help of a trained network associate from your firewall/blocking software's support team.
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I want to be considered for a new League Room...
In order to be considered for a League Room on any of Silver Creek Entertainment's games, you must have and provide the following:
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I just got a new email address, how do I update my username profiles with it?
To do this you need to log in with each character you need to update and click the "Profile" button under the characters portrait (the top left of the screen after you are logged into the lobby). Then click on the "Account" tab, update your email address, and then click on the "Submit Changes" button.
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How do I chat in an online game?
By far the easiest way to chat is to Press "enter". This will bring up a Chat balloon.
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What are chat Aliases or Binds?
They are shorthand commands so help you say things you say often without having to type it in each time. They are great for welcome messages, etc.
See: www.silvercrk.com/binds/
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How do I type colored text?
Check out these fan website to learn about how to do them:
Learn how to do stuff with Wolfie's Page
Colored text, Binds, tips
Learn to do colors with Roo's page
Colored text and bind Tutorials and color chart
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Troubleshooting
I just updated to Mac 10.5.2 and I can't play my game...
We encountered a problem with the current Mac upgrade and our games.
We made a little helper application that basically sets up a software mode enabling you to play.
Click on the link:
http://www5.silvercrk.com/download/SetSoftwareMode.zip
This creates a zip drive in your computer. There will be another icon (possibly overlapping on top of the zip icon). Double click that second icon. The zip automatically extracts the application. You will get a message that says something like "Do you watn to to set all games to software mode?" You will be prompted to respond by clicking on "Yes" or "Ok". This should make the changes necessary to allow game play.
Let us know if this does not work for you. We have a message out to Apple to see what has happened with their new upgrade.
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I can't hear any sound when playing...
If you have no sound or no music, please check the following first.
If your speakers have an "On and Off" button make sure your speakers are on. Also if they have a volume control knob or dial make sure it is turned to max so you will be sure to hear when you have fixed the problem. Next, in the task bar for windows on the lower right portion of your screen for most users, there should be a "Horn" icon that you can double click to open your sound options. Make sure none of your sounds are muted and that the volume is turned up to the desired level. Next you will want to run the game.
For most of our games you want to select the following options from the main menu. Press "Options" and then press "Audio". This should get you to the sound options. On the first screen you see, make sure that on the right top that "enable" is checked. It will be in between "Controls" and "Random". Next press the "Volume" tab on the top of the screen to get to the next set of options you want to check. Make sure that the volume settings are all turned up to the desired volume and that none of them have a check mark by "Mute". Also for "Effects" and "Music" make sure the "Enable" buttons are checked. Following these steps should fix your sound issue.
Some other things to check with regard to music specifically.
For problems playing the music, you can try the "Devices" tab in the same "Audio" menu mentioned above. The "Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth", when available, is a safe choice. There's also a check box to try using Microsoft's Direct Music, included in later versions of DirectX, for the music playback.
Sound in the game Requires Microsoft's DirectX. Unless you have an old Windows 95 based computer, you should have some version of DirectX installed. You can get the latest version from Windows Update or http://www.microsoft.com
Be sure you are current with Windows Update. In particular, early versions of Windows 98 have a serious problem with the Multimedia Timers that can affect the game. There may be some updated sound drivers for your computer available either through the computer's manufacturer or the sound card's manufacturer (with add-on cards), or Windows Update. This is especially important for problems with playback of the game's MIDI music.
If none of this works, while in the game, you can press CTRL-F8 to send us a report we can examine for clues regarding your problem.
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My trial period ended prematurely...
Unfortunately there is a rare anomaly which we are still trying to figure out in some peoples systems that causes this effect. When you are running the trial there is a CTRL + F8 option to send us a report on the problem, and it can help us to fix it. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do at this time to set it back to the 15 day trial, but we do offer a no questions asked 30 day Money Back Guarantee on all of our products. So you could purchase and try the full version of the game for 30 days, and if you were unsatisfied just get a refund.
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How do I uninstall?
Normally to uninstall the game you can do one of the following:
To uninstall manually, simply delete the game folder.
Unless you installed to another location, this is:
C:\Program Files\Hardwood Spades (or whatever program you have installed)
Specifically:
Pick "My Computer"
then "C:"
then "Program Files"
then right click on "Hardwood Spades" and pick "Delete"
To remove the Start menu folder, simply right click on it and pick "delete"
After you remove the folder, on Windows XP you can go back to Add/Remove programs and remove the entry.
On older versions of windows, you can use Microsoft's "TweakUi" program to remove the entry from the list.
http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/downloads/PowerToys/Networking/NTTweakUI.asp
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How do I fix random errors/crashes in the games?
Games can cause errors, crash, or just not run for a variety of different reasons. The first thing you should try is removing your game and then rebooting your computer. After the reboot, confirm that the game is removed and optionally also delete any additional game related folders on your hard drive. Then do a fresh installation of the game from our website.
If after doing a fresh install, the problem persists, you should verify that you do not have any virus's or other malicious type programs running on your computer. Having anti-virus software does not mean you absolutely do not have a virus. If you don't keep your pattern file up to date, or do not do regular system scans, it is possible to still become infected. Go ahead and and update your pattern file and do a full system scan do be sure. If it finds nothing, at the very least its useful information to know and is a good habit to do for your computer.
If the problem still persists, the next thing we should do is make sure your driver and system updates are current.
For Windows Users: Go to http://www.windowsupdate.com and get all drivers and critical updates that are available for your computer. After installing these updates, you will likely be asked to reboot your computer. Before we try and run the game again, if you have an after market video or sound card, please make sure and visit your card manufacturers website and download the latest drivers for it. After your all up to date, reboot and run the game again and see if that fixes your problem.
For Macintosh OS X Users: Updates are semi-automatic, but to manually check for software updates please do the following. Click on the "Apple" icon on the top left hand side of your desktop and choose the "Software Update" option. Follow Apple's update instructions to receive your updates. If you have an after market video card in your Apple PC, please contact your video card manufacturer from their website to check for any updates and the instructions to install them.
If after trying all of the previous troubleshooting options your game still does not function correctly, you most likely are having a problem beyond our ability to diagnose. This usually requires the assistance of a trained PC Technician. We do lastly offer a 30 day unconditional guarantee on all of our software products. You can email orders@silvercrk.com if you have exhausted your efforts and are interested in a refund.
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Sometimes my mouse cursor justs disappears...
This does happen from time to time on a few video cards.
One way to fix this is, to adjust the video acceleration down a notch. You will find that setting here... Start-> settings-> ControlPanel-> System-> Performance-> Graphics.
Another way it to use a different mouse cursor scheme, preferably "standard" or "none". You can do this in the mouse settings in the control panel. Start-> settings-> ControlPanel-> Mouse-> pointers.
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Online Ratings
How do the ratings work?
The basic idea is that the better place you get, the better it will be for your rating. And it's also important how you and the other players are rated before the game starts. You will earn more for besting a High rated player and conversely lose more to a lower rated player if you finish below them.
If all players are of equal rating you will more or less go up in rating if you are in 1st or 2nd and your rating will go down if you are in 3rd or 4th. The points you receive in the game are not used in calculating your rating just what place you earned in the game. (1st, 2nd. etc.)
Since most everyone players team (partner) games you are rated as a team loss or win. If you are on the losing team you will be compared to the members of the other team as losing to each the reverse is true if your team wins. In that case you would be rated as if you won against the individuals of the other team.
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What are the requirements to play a rated game? Why don't I get a rating!?
You 1st need to be in a rated room. Next, you have to have at least 3 human players from the start of the game.
Also, you have to play a game that's not using the shortest setting. For example you can play a 25 point standard game nor a 100 point spot heart game. They are just too short to show how good of a player you are and almost entirely luck.
If you aren't there from the very beginning of the game you won't be rated.
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Why did I just go down in rating? It looks like I should of went up!
If you have a higher rating than another player you are expected to win against that lower rated player. This may cause you to either not go up in rating or possibly down in rating.
So as a general rule, you better get 1st place or on the winning team if you have a really high ranking when playing a game against very low ranked players.
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Why did I just lose 150 points on my rating!
When you start out as a new player, you are in a provisional state. This is a very unstable time, it will fluctuate a lot until you get out of provisional status. It's just a placement phase, a way to quickly place you belong in the rating system, so don't worry if you drop 115 points, you might go up 150 next game.
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What happens when someone quits or disappears in a rated game?
1. To be considered a missing player the player has to have been the original player in that seat and made at least one move, cut deck, bid, or played a card.
2. Other players will always be rated against a missing player.
3. A Quitting player will always be rated if their seat lost.
4. A missing player in a winning seat (1st or 2nd in a 4 player individual game, 1st in 3 way) will be rated IF they played more then 3/4this of the game (based on number of hands dealt), and they were disconnected or kicked. A player that chooses to QUIT the game will NEVER receive a win, only a loss.
The rest of the players will play the replacement player and will receive credit as if you we're still playing.
Don't quit a game, it's really upsetting to the remaining players.
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If a player is kicked out of a game, for whatever reason, do they get an 'incomplete' for that game?
a. Yes
b. In essence, in rated games, if the player who starts the game isn't in the seat when the last card of the game is played, they get an incomplete. The exception: HW server updates or crashes do NOT count as incomplete
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If you are kicked from a game, do you automatically LOSE points?
a. Not necessarily. If you have played at least X of the hands, you'll still get the points if your seat wins, or you'll lose points if you lose. You will, however, receive an 'incomplete' each time you are kicked.
b. If you were kicked before playing 75% of the game, it will count as an incomplete, and you will NOT get points if the seat wins (but you WILL lose points if the seat loses).
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If a player is disconnected, and cannot get back before the game ends, is that an 'incomplete'?
Yes
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If a player is disconnected, and a sub joins in their spot, will the sub get an 'incomplete' when the player returns?
No
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If you are disconnected and can't get back to finish the game, do you always lose points?
a. Not necessarily. If you have played at least X of the hands, you'll still get the points if your seat wins, or you'll lose points if you lose.
b. If you were disconnected before playing 75% of the game, it will count as an incomplete, and you will NOT get points if the seat wins (but you WILL lose points if the seat loses).
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If a player leaves on the last hand, even if they are winning and the outcome is not in doubt, will they get an 'incomplete' and will they get points for 'winning'?
a. Yes, they will get an 'incomplete'.
b. They will NOT get points for winning (or 2nd), and if the seat finishes in a losing spot, they WILL lose points. You need to be IN the seat when the game ends to gain any points.
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If Hardwood's servers are being reset or if the system crashes while you are playing a game, will that game count as an 'incomplete'?
No
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In tourney games, if a player is late, and a sub is put in the player's spot (and leaves when the player arrives), does the sub receive an 'incomplete' for that game?
a. Yes, if the game is rated. The player who STARTS a rated game is the one who will get an 'incomplete' if they are not there when the game ends.
b. If the game is a rated one, the player's rating will also be negatively affected if the team loses, and will gain NO points if the team wins.
SUGGESTED SOLUTION: Do not start games with subs in the place of late players. Wait the full time for the player to arrive (and DQ if not there), then put a sub in the spot, so that the sub plays the entire game.
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In tourney games, if a game is started (cards have been cut and/or bids passed or made) and a Tourny Director discovers the wrong player is in a seat, what happens if that player leaves and the correct player takes the spot?
a. The player who 'leaves' gets a 'quit' on their record, if the game is 'rated'.
b. The player who leaves also will get negative points if the team loses (and will get no points if the team wins)
SUGGESTED SOLUTION: Ask all players to vote to 'abandon game', then reset it. Abandoned games are not counted as 'quits' and have no negative effect on the players' ratings.
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If a tourney game is started with the wrong settings, do players get a 'quit' if they all leave the game and reset it?
a. You don't get a 'quit' if ALL players leave, but it is still a better practice to 'abandon' games rather than quit -- that way all players can be sure it ended.
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How does the rating get calculated
Okay, I see you like the icky math stuff so here's a link to it... www.silvercrk.com/ratings/
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Banned from Online Play
I got a new computer, how do I get my previously purchased game onto it...
How do I get these games?
How do I put my game in Full Screen mode?
How do I get the latest updates of my game?
How do I turn off the music in game?
I received a lost password email and I didn't request one...
How do I make the playing cards larger for solitaire?
How do I do those cool Fooms?
What's the "TRAM" button I keep seeing?
I can't find my answer in this FAQ...
Are you sure your decks are properly shuffled?
Ordering
Is your online ordering secure?
How does electronic delivery work?
Do you take orders over the phone?
I recently changed operating systems between Windows and Mac and my unlock key isn't working...
Can I mail in an order?
Is a CD required to play your games?
Unlocking
My game reverted back to the trial mode and I don't know what my unlock key is...
How do I unlock my game into the full version?
I just ordered, where do I find my unlock key?
I requested my lost key/password over a day ago and I still don't see my email...
I tried unlocking, but I can't get F6 to work...
What if I don't have internet access to unlock your games?
General unlocking issues...
Online Play
I forgot my online play information (username or password), how do I get it back?
How do I change my user name?
I can't connect to play online...
I want to be considered for a new League Room...
I just got a new email address, how do I update my username profiles with it?
How do I chat in an online game?
What are chat Aliases or Binds?
How do I type colored text?
Troubleshooting
I just updated to Mac 10.5.2 and I can't play my game...
I can't hear any sound when playing...
My trial period ended prematurely...
How do I uninstall?
How do I fix random errors/crashes in the games?
Sometimes my mouse cursor justs disappears...
Online Ratings
How do the ratings work?
What are the requirements to play a rated game? Why don't I get a rating!?
Why did I just go down in rating? It looks like I should of went up!
Why did I just lose 150 points on my rating!
What happens when someone quits or disappears in a rated game?
If a player is kicked out of a game, for whatever reason, do they get an 'incomplete' for that game?
If you are kicked from a game, do you automatically LOSE points?
If a player is disconnected, and cannot get back before the game ends, is that an 'incomplete'?
If a player is disconnected, and a sub joins in their spot, will the sub get an 'incomplete' when the player returns?
If you are disconnected and can't get back to finish the game, do you always lose points?
If a player leaves on the last hand, even if they are winning and the outcome is not in doubt, will they get an 'incomplete' and will they get points for 'winning'?
If Hardwood's servers are being reset or if the system crashes while you are playing a game, will that game count as an 'incomplete'?
In tourney games, if a player is late, and a sub is put in the player's spot (and leaves when the player arrives), does the sub receive an 'incomplete' for that game?
In tourney games, if a game is started (cards have been cut and/or bids passed or made) and a Tourny Director discovers the wrong player is in a seat, what happens if that player leaves and the correct player takes the spot?
If a tourney game is started with the wrong settings, do players get a 'quit' if they all leave the game and reset it?
How does the rating get calculated
Banned from Online Play
General
I got a new computer, how do I get my previously purchased game onto it...
First you will need to re-download the trial version of the game from our website. You can do this by selecting the game you want to download from our website at www.silvercrk.com and clicking the "Play" button to go to the download screen.
Once you have the game installed on your machine, you will need to unlock it with your unlock key. If you don't know what your unlock key is you can go to www.silvercrk.com/lost_code/ to request that your code be sent to you in e-mail. Once you have your code read the How to Unlock section of the FAQ for details on unlocking.
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How do I get these games?
It's easy, just go to www.silvercrk.com and find the game you want and download it there.
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How do I put my game in Full Screen mode?
Open the game icon from your desktop
At the Play Screen click on the "X" that is in the blue circle directly across from the title: HardwoodGames.com. This will give you the menu options
Click on Options
Click on Graphics
Click the box 2/3 of the way down that says "Full Screen"
Click Apply
Click on Ok
Click on Okay
Now you can play with the Full Screen enabled.
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How do I get the latest updates of my game?
In Order to Update your software you need to do the following for Hardwood Spades, Hearts, Euchre, or Backgammon. First open your existing version of the game. From the Main Menu you want to press "Help" and after that "Check Version". If there is an update available the game will display a button that says "Get It". After Pressing that button it will download the patch to your computer and then prompt you to install it automatically. After the patch installation, you will be prompted to restart and you will be at the most current version.
If you are running Hardwood Solitaire 3, while playing a game, press the "Menu" button on the top left of the screen during a game (denoted by the house symbol) and then press "More" followed by "Check For Updates" to get to the update location.
If you are running Ruckus Buck's Dangerous Mines, while playing a game, press the "Menu" button on the top left of the screen (denoted by the house symbol) and then press "Options" followed by "Check For Updates" to get to the update location.
If you are having problems using the in game patching system, download the game again from our website that is relevant to the game you are having problems with and install it over your current version to bring yourself up to date.
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How do I turn off the music in game?
Open your Hardwood Game
Click on "Play"
Click on Options
Click on Audio
Click on the Volume tab
There are three boxes here you can un-check:
Effects
Music
Environment
Un-checking these will disable all sound in the game. If you want to have any of them enabled, you can leave it checked.
Click on "OK"
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I received a lost password email and I didn't request one...
In order to explain why you receive lost password emails when you have not requested them, you must understand how our password recovery system works.
When you create a user name, you enter in the name of your choice (example Abe Lincoln), a password, and an email address should you ever need your password emailed to you. The system will only send your password to that email address. So long as your email is secure, this makes sure you and only you have access to your password(s) should you ever lose them.
Now in order to request your lost password, you must enter in your user name and it sends it to the appropriate email address on that account. How can this lead to me getting this email I didn't ask for you say?
Well the 2 user names Abe Lincoln and AbeLincoln are very close, but not the same name. You would not be the owner of AbeLincoln. However if AbeLincoln accidentally enters Abe Lincoln in looking for his password, it will send you yours. Typo's and unsureness in how exactly the name they were looking for is spelled leads to these sorts of emails you received being sent.
It's nothing to be concerned about because they only go to your email, which means only you and those you designate to check your email can ever get access to it. We do this for your protection and those of all our users. I hope that clears up why this happened to you and sorry if you were alarmed.
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How do I make the playing cards larger for solitaire?
Double click on the Solitaire icon on your desktop
At the play screen, Click on the Menu (the menu is the shape of a house)
Click on Options
Click on Graphics
2/3 of the way down on that screen is a small box to check for "Full Screen"
Click in the small box to make a check mark
Click on Apply
THEN, before leaving clicking on okay
Click on the Deck tab which is located next to the Graphics Tab
There is another small box next to Zoom to fill in screen
Click in the small box to make a check mark
Click on Okay
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How do I do those cool Fooms?
Check out these fan website to learn about how to do them:
Learn how to do stuff with Wolfie's Page
Colored text, Binds, tips
Learn to do colors with Roo's page
Colored text and bind Tutorials and color chart
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What's the "TRAM" button I keep seeing?
The "TRAM" Button stands for The Rest Are Mine. It mean that you are going to win the rest of the tricks of that hand. So Pushing the TRAM buttons saves time, The outcome of the game will not be different.
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I can't find my answer in this FAQ...
We try to keep this FAQ as up to date as possible with as many issues as we run into on a day to day basis, but we can't get everything.
If you couldn't find your answer here, check our forums at: http://forums.silvercrk.com/phpBB3/
If you still can't find your solution in there, email support@silvercrk.com with your question.
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Are you sure your decks are properly shuffled?
We did a test and these are the results after 10,000 deals...in theory the more deals the closer it should get to it's probability (how likely it should be to get that distribution of cards in any given deal) Like if you flip a coin 5 times you might get heads 4 times... but if you flip in 10,000 times... it will get closer to 50% heads 50% tails.
What this chart shows how each suit is distributed on each deal. So with a 4-4-3-2 in Clubs shows how many of each club when to each player. So two people would get 4 clubs each and one person will get 3 and the last gets 2. The 4-4-3-2 is most likely to happen... 21.5 % chance. I have the % for each suit.
|
Rank |
Distributions |
Probability |
Suit average |
Clubs |
Hearts | Diamonds | Spades |
|
1 |
4-4-3-2 |
21.55 % |
21.62 % |
21.48 |
21.54 |
21.61 |
21.88 |
|
2 |
5-3-3-2 |
15.52 % |
15.38 % |
15.62 |
15.52 |
15.29 |
15.11 |
|
3 |
5-4-3-1 |
12.93 % |
12.97 % |
12.92 |
12.89 |
13.15 |
12.94 |
|
4 |
5-4-2-2 |
10.58 % |
10.65 % |
10.60 |
10.63 |
10.72 |
10.65 |
|
5 |
4-3-3-3 |
10.54 % |
10.50 % |
10.46 |
10.45 |
10.54 |
10.55 |
|
6 |
6-3-2-2 |
5.64 % |
5.60 % |
5.61 |
5.60 |
5.67 |
5.55 |
|
7 |
6-4-2-1 |
4.70 % |
4.67 % |
4.79 |
4.70 |
4.55 |
4.64 |
|
8 |
6-3-3-1 |
3.45 % |
3.47 % |
3.46 |
3.50 |
3.37 |
3.56 |
|
9 |
5-5-2-1 |
3.17 % |
3.17 % |
3.08 |
3.20 |
3.21 |
3.22 |
|
10 |
4-4-4-1 |
2.99 % |
3.02 % |
3.07 |
3.04 |
2.96 |
3.04 |
|
Other distributions are less than 2% likely to happen |
|||||||
So looks like the decks are shuffled pretty good... only off by a 0.2% at the most. If we dealt our another 900,000 decks you'd see that gap would close even more.
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Ordering
Is your online ordering secure?
Yes, all communication between the webpage/in-game order forms is done over secure encrypted connections so your data is secure.
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How does electronic delivery work?
Like many other "shareware" games we use unlock keys to turn our trial version of our games into the full version. This means that the trial you download is in fact the full game, but the full game features are just "locked down" until a valid key is entered.
So with electronic delivery, you basically already have the full game on your computer, you just order the key from us which you use to unlock the trial version of the game. So as you can see, your unlock key is basically your game so it is good to keep good track of this information.
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Do you take orders over the phone?
No, we do not. Please use the online ordering either on our website at https://orders.silvercrk.com/order/ or order in game. You can also mail in an order (see the FAQ question below).
If you cannot order in any of these ways, please email orders@silvercrk.com.
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I recently changed operating systems between Windows and Mac and my unlock key isn't working...
Windows unlock keys do not work on the Mac and Mac unlock keys do not work on Windows. They are made completely different to be compatible for each operating system. You can purchase your game again for a discount if you would like.
In order to take advantage of this deal you must order from the website and follow these directions exactly. This WILL NOT WORK if you order from in game, only from the website.
- Go to this link: https://orders.silvercrk.com/order/
- Select the Mac Game and fill out the rest of the forms as though you were buying it as normal.
- At the end their will be a "comments" field. In this field write "Win to Mac $19.95 Previous Customer Discount"
- Complete the order as normal. It will be altered to $19.95 at the time of processing. Note if you decide to upgrade to the CD Version you will still be charged an additional $10.00 on top of the regular fee.
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Can I mail in an order?
Sure, use our in-game Mail Ordering form or just fill out and print the online ordering form and mail it along with your U.S. check or money order to:
Silver Creek Entertainment
PO Box 518
Grants Pass, OR 97528
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Is a CD required to play your games?
No. We only offer a CD during the order process as an offline backup of our games which are also available for download from our website. You will still need to follow the unlock procedure talked about in other sections of this FAQ.
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Unlocking
My game reverted back to the trial mode and I don't know what my unlock key is...
To recover your lost unlock key visit: www.silvercrk.com/lost_code/
Wait for the email to be sent to your registered email address and then follow the unlocking procedure also on this page.
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How do I unlock my game into the full version?
Run the trial version of the game you purchased from its desktop icon or start menu group.
You should see a "Silver Creek Entertainment Presents" screen. The screen will then indicate it is running the trial version and move to the "HardwoodGames.Com" advertisement screen. You should see options for "Play Full Version" and "Play Trial Version" as well as advertisements for our other games. Don't choose any of those options, but do the following instead.
There should be several keys on the top of your keyboard labeled F1 through F12. Press the F6 key (not the individual "F" key followed by the individual "6" key) located in the center of those. This will bring you to an unlock screen. Enter your name in the "Name" field EXACTLY as it was emailed or shows on your label. Then enter your unlock key numbers in the "Key" field. Your unlock code should be 4 sets of 4 numbers (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx) or for older games; 3 sets of 4 numbers (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-) for Hardwood Spades, Hearts, Euchre, Hardwood Solitaire III, Hardwood Backgammon, and Ruckus Bucks Dangerous Mines. It is ok that there is a dash at the end of the last number. That dash is supposed to be there.
Use this link if you do not have your Unlock Key: http://www.silvercrk.com/lostcode.htm
Now at this point you will have some different options depending on the game your unlocking. If your unlocking Hardwood Spades, Hearts, or Euchre there will be only one button to choose. Press the "Unlock" button and the program will thank you for your purchase and ask you to restart. Press the "Restart" button and your all done.
If your unlocking Hardwood Solitaire III, Hardwood Backgammon, or Ruckus Bucks Dangerous Mines there will actually be 3 different buttons. Before we go any further, if you aren't already, you need to connect to the internet. Once thats done, go ahead and press the "Unlock Via Internet" button. A box with some animated gears turning will appear. You will see "retrieving data" and then a box will appear saying "Thank you for purchasing" and have options to "Restart" or "Exit". Press the "Restart" button and the game will close and then restart.
Congratulations, your full version is installed!
If you encountered any of the various "Unlock Code Incorrect" or "Unable to Resolve Host" errors please read the information at this link:
http://forums.silvercrk.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4948 Unlock Error Codes Troubleshooting Section
If this still doesn't solve the problem email support@silvercrk.com and make sure and include which error you received.
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I just ordered, where do I find my unlock key?
Your name and unlock key was emailed to the address you provided during the order.
If you ordered the CD ROM, your name and unlock key will be on the inside of your CD case printed out on a white sticker. Please note that your unlock key should be comprised of only numbers, ignore any text accompanying it.
If you still cannot find your unlock key, request to have it sent to your registered email address at:
www.silvercrk.com/lost_code/
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I requested my lost key/password over a day ago and I still don't see my email...
First, make sure to check your Spam/Bulk/Trash folders as our mails can sometimes get moved into there. If you find our email in there, make sure to mark it as Not Spam/Junk to help fix this problem in the future.
For Yahoo accounts: If your Spam Guard is turned on, it may be set to automatically delete all Spam. Please turn it off and use the lost key function to retrieve your Unlock Key again.
For AOL accounts: Sometimes AOL marks our e-mail as spam. Follow this link to check your spam folder www.silvercrk.com/faq/aol_help/
If you still don't see your email, you may have your account registered under a different email address. If you know which one this might be and still have access to it, make sure to check that mailbox as well.
If you no longer have access to that old email address or don't know what it might be, fill out the form at www.silvercrk.com/lost_code/ to request we update the email address for your account. (NOTE: We cannot change the email address for a username for a lost password. Please see the other FAQ section for more information on this).
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I tried unlocking, but I can't get F6 to work...
If F6 does not work, then you need to enter your Key different way.
Run the trial version of the game you purchased from its desktop icon or start menu group.
You should see a "Silver Creek Entertainment Presents" screen. The screen will then indicate it is running the trial version and move to the "HardwoodGames.Com" advertisement screen. You should see options for "Play Full Version" and "Play Trial Version" as well as advertisements for our other games. At the top left corner of this screen just under "HardwoodGames.Com", you will see an image of a house. Next to that the word "Buy". Click on the word "Buy"...do not worry, this does not mean you need to buy the game again. The following screen will say "Hardwood Spades". At the bottom left hand of this screen is a "Cancel" button. Right next to that is the phrase "Already ordered? Enter Unlock Key". Click on this phrase.
This will bring you to an unlock screen. Enter your name in the "Name" field EXACTLY as it was emailed or shows on your label. Then enter your unlock key numbers in the "Key" field. Your unlock code should be 3 sets of 4 numbers (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-) or 4 sets of 4 numbers (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-) for Hardwood Spades, Hearts, and Euchre. Your key will be 4 sets of 4 numbers (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-) for Hardwood Solitaire III, Hardwood Backgammon, and Ruckus Bucks Dangerous Mines. It is ok that there is a dash at the end of the last number. That dash is supposed to be there.
Now at this point you will have some different options depending on the game your unlocking. If your unlocking Hardwood Spades, Hearts, or Euchre there will be only one button to choose. Press the "Unlock" button and the program will thank you for your purchase and ask you to restart. Press the "Restart" button and your all done.
If your unlocking Hardwood Solitaire III, Hardwood Backgammon, or Ruckus Bucks Dangerous Mines there will actually be 3 different buttons. Before we go any further, if you aren't already, you need to connect to the internet. Once thats done, go ahead and press the "Unlock Via Internet" button. A box with some animated gears turning will appear. You will see "retrieving data" and then a box will appear saying "Thank you for purchasing" and have options to "Restart" or "Exit". Press the "Restart" button and the game will close and then restart.
Congratulations, your full version is installed!
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What if I don't have internet access to unlock your games?
Here is how to unlock your copy of Hardwood Solitaire III, Ruckus Bucks Dangerous Mines, or Hardwood Backgammon if you are having trouble using the "Unlock Via Internet" method for unlocking.
You should already have the trial version of the program on your computer. If you don't, you can download that from our website: www.silvercrk.com
Run the trial version of the game by double clicking on its icon on the desktop. You will see the "Silver Creek Presents" screen followed by a "Trial Version" title screen. Once your at the "Play" or "Play Online" screen, locate the "F6" key on top of your keyboard and press it. It will bring you to an unlock screen asking for your "Name" and "Key". Go ahead and enter your information as your email indicated making sure everything matches the email exactly. Now press the "Unlock via Floppy Disk" button.
The screen will change showing the basic instructions I am giving you now, and at the bottom will say "Save Data to Floppy Disk". Above the "Save Data..." button will be a box that says "A:\" with an arrow to the right of it. Click on that arrow and change the letter designation to "C:\". Now press the "Save Data..." button.
After saving, the screen will say unlock.html has been saved to your "C:\" drive. Now you want to minimize the program. If your not familiar with doing this it is very easy. Move your mouse cursor to the very top right of the screen. You will see a "Square" icon, an "Underscore ( _ )" icon, and an "X" icon all next to each other. Press the "Underscore" icon to minimize the program. What this does is "hides" the program so you can do other things.
Now, go into your "My Computer" and then double click on the "C:\" drive or "Local Disk C:\" depending on your Windows version. There should be a file somewhere in the list called "unlock.html". Note if you have never gone into your local disk drive before you may have to click "Show The Contents Of This Folder" to see anything inside it. If your not already connected to the internet, please do so now. When your sure your connected to the internet, double click "unlock.html" to continue.
This will open your default web browser and display "Click on the submit button to continue:". Go ahead and click the "Submit" button and wait a moment. When the data has finished connecting, your screen will say "Now press and hold down the shift key and click here....". Do as it says and hold the shift key while clicking on the blue "here" link. This should bring up a save file dialog box. You want to make sure that the file saves to the "C:\" drive or somewhere you can find it easily like your desktop. There is an "up one level" button that looks like a folder with a green arrow pointing up out of it that you can press to back through your files. Once you have chosen a location you can remember, press "Save".
Go to whatever location you saved the file to and locate the file named unlock_482849140.scekey_s. It may have different numbers on the end, but look roughly the same and have an icon of a playing card. Double clicking this file will unlock the game and it should ask you to restart.
Congratulations, your done!
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General unlocking issues...
The following are the basic error messages you can get during the unlocking process, what they mean, and what the different solution(s) may be.
"Unlock Code Is Incorrect"
This can be caused a couple different ways. The first being that your name or unlock key is not entered correctly. Check and make sure that your name is written exactly as the email indicates, or the game will not unlock. The same goes for your unlock key numbers. A typical name and unlock key should look something like this for Spades, Hearts, Euchre, Solitaire III, Backgammon, and Dangerous Mines.
Smoot VonSmootenburger
1234-1234-1234-1234
If your name and key are entered correctly and that error still comes up, it is possible that your trying to unlock the incorrect game. Your code will only work for the title that was purchased. The name of the game the key is for should be in the email you were sent above your name and numbers. Also note that a key for PC will not work for MAC and vice versa. So if your code reads "Hardwood Spades Mac" and you have windows, that is the problem. If none of these applies to you for this error please email support@silvercrk.com
"Unable To Resolve Host...."
This applies to Hardwood Solitaire 3, Dangerous Mines, and Backgammon. This means that, for whatever reason, the game was not able to connect to our server to verify your purchase. These games require you to be connected to the internet before you complete the unlock process. This code will appear if you attempt to unlock without being first connected, or if the connection is being somehow blocked. Obviously the first solution to this, if applicable, would be to make that connection. Alternately, if you ARE connected and this message appears it means you have a firewall or some other setting that is blocking the game from making its connection to the server. In this case you need to either configure your firewall to allow the game to connect or use the unlock via floppy method which will not be affected by your firewall. Detailed instructions for the unlock via floppy method are available on our web site, here:
http://www.silvercrk.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3926
Again, if none of this applies to you, please email support@silvercrk.com and we will do out best to assist you further. Please note what your error is, and what you have already tried to remedy it.
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Online Play
I forgot my online play information (username or password), how do I get it back?
We currently only offer an automated system for recovering your name(s) and or password(s). If you are unable to recover them, they are unfortunately lost and you will have to create a new name from scratch. Here is the information on how to use the automated recovery tool.
Start your game from its desktop icon or start menu group. After the "Silver Creek Presents" screen and "Full or Trial Version" display screen, click on the "Play" button. Then click the "Play Online" button. Then click on the "Lost Password" button. If just need your password, enter your user name in the "User Name" field exactly as it is spelled (with any caps and spaces where appropriate) and press the "Send Request" button. This will email you that name's password to its registered email address.
If you can't remember your user name or exactly how you spelled/typed it, leave the name space blank and enter your email in the "Email" field and then press "Send Request". This will email all user names and passwords that are registered to that email address to that email address.
!!!!IMPORTANT!!!!
The system only emails that information to the email it is registered too. If your email changed and you didn't update your individual names with it, you won't get anything. For example, if you registered smoot97528 with the password smootiscool457 and used the email support@silvercrk.com, the game will only send your password to support@silvercrk.com, even if you don't have that email anymore.
I am sure you can see why it is very important to update all of you characters with your new email address when it changes. To do this you need to log in with each character you need to update and click the "Profile" button under the characters portrait (the top left of the screen after you are logged into the lobby). Then click on the "Account" tab, update your email address, and then click on the "Submit Changes" button.
If you do not do this when you change emails and you forget your password, your character will be lost forever. That can be a real bummer when your character has a high rating. We do not have access to your log in password and can not change it or your email address for you. So don't forget it is your responsibility to keep your account updated or risk losing your favorite character(s).
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How do I change my user name?
Unfortunately when you create a user name it is permanent and can not be changed or deleted at this time. There is good news though! You are allowed as many user names as you want for FREE, so you can just create a new one. In order to do that simply run the game and follow these instructions:
- From the main menu press "Play Spades (or Hearts, Euchre, or Backgammon, etc.) Online" to get to the log-in screen.
- Press the "Create New Account" button and fill in the information that it asks for. (Remember to choose a name you are comfortable with and that conforms to our naming policy which you can review here: www.silvercrk.com/server_rules/
- You will need to verify you are 14 or older and agree to the terms of service to continue.
Don't forget, you can have as many user names as you like for no additional charge. Remember to keep your email account on each user name current so if you ever lose the password you can recover it. It is very important to update all of you characters with your new email addresses and passwords when they change. To do this you need to login with each character you want to update and click on "profile" underneath your characters portrait (the top left of the screen after you are logged into the lobby). Then click on the "account" tab and update the information and click on submit changes. If you don't do this and you forget your password, your character will be lost to you forever and that can be a real bummer when your character has a high rating. We don't have access to your login password and can't change it or your email address for you because that information is handled completely by the server. So don't forget it is your responsibility to keep your account updated.
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I can't connect to play online...
If you can not connect to our game, first verify that you are connected to the internet. If you are not connected to the internet, you will not be able to play on-line. Many different things can affect your ability to make a connection with our servers. The most obvious would be problems with your Internet Service Provider such as scheduled maintenance, line problems in your area, or any number of other technical issues. If you suspect this to be the problem, contact your ISP and ask them when they expect the problem to be solved. Also make sure if you use dial-up or DSL, that your phone cord is in good shape and is tightly connected both to the modem and your phone outlet.
If, when trying to connect, the server connect display screen cycles through "server 1, 2, 3, 4" and then asks you to verify your connected to the internet, our program is being blocked from connecting to our server. This is due to a Firewall or other connection block on your computer. Firewalls and proxy servers are designed to block your internet connection in order to minimize the chances that your computer will be accessed (or hacked!) by "unwanted visitors." They also have the unfortunate side-effect, on occasion, of blocking some of the things you might want to do on-line, like playing your favorite Hardwood game with other people. These activities depend on your computer making an unimpeded connection to other computers or servers. Therefore, if you are using a firewall or proxy, the game may not be able to connect to our servers or you might not be able to download and install all of the files that you need in order to play the game(s) on-line.
Connecting to different places on-line requires access through "ports" in your computers internet connection settings. Firewalls and proxies will close certain ports for your protection as it deems necessary. This is not always necessary, but you as the firewall/proxy owner are the only one who can open those ports. We can't do it for you, as much as we would like to, but we can give you some tips on how to configure your firewall / proxy to allow the game to work properly. If your not used to making adjustments to these types of settings, we suggest you contact the manufacturer of the Firewall or other blocking software and explain to them you need instructions on how to allow your on-line game to connect to its necessary servers.
First off for the uninitiated, what is a firewall, proxy, or blocking program?
Firewalls and proxies are software programs or pieces of hardware designed to protect your computer or network from internet intruders. Some examples are:
- AOL Firewall
- Norton Internet Security
- Tiny Personal Firewall
- Zonealarm
- Sygate (proxy)
- Wingate (proxy)
- Internet Connection Sharing aka ICS - provided by Windows 98SE and higher (proxy)
- Linksys Routers (hardware firewall)
- D-Link Routers (hardware firewall)
- Cisco Routers (hardware firewall)
- ActiveArmor
If you are behind a firewall, proxy, or other blocking program and are capable or able to change or adjust it's settings, our games needs the following TCP ports open in order to connect to our servers:
Spades: spades.silvercrk.com and Port # 4000
Euchre: euchre.silvercrk.com and Port # 4001
Hearts: hearts.silvercrk.com and Port # 4002
Backgammon: backgammon.silvercrk.com and Port # 4004
University and Work Related Internet Connections : Universities and Work Locations usually protect their networks with firewalls. In most cases these cannot be opened by you, the end user. You will need to consult a technician at your University or Work Location to see if a workaround is possible.
We do not recommend disabling your firewall all together, but if you have no other choice and want to try this you can. If disabling the firewall doesn't work, consider this fact. Unfortunately, in some cases, firewalls/proxies cannot simply be disabled in order to allow you to use your Hardwood game. Sometimes disabling the firewall / proxy will not open the necessary ports. It will simply shut down the firewall/proxy and leave the ports closed.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a list of recommended ports to open to help facilitate a trouble free connection to our game servers. It does not necessarily mean that your particular firewall or blockage will be easy to configure. Please consult your firewall/proxy/blocking software manufacturer for specific and detailed instructions. In reality, getting our games to work on certain restrictive networks may be a little harder than opening these ports and could require the help of a trained network associate from your firewall/blocking software's support team.
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I want to be considered for a new League Room...
In order to be considered for a League Room on any of Silver Creek Entertainment's games, you must have and provide the following:
- Your leagues web page and a working link to that page.
- The persons name who is to be the Head Administrator. This needs to be their actual log-in name for our software.
- At least 50 Members, registered on your web page, and actively ready to participate. The more new users you have, the better your chances of being selected to receive a room. (NOTE: That is new users to our game, and not users from another league or who have just not joined a league before.)
- A link must be placed on your leagues web page for the Hardwood game you want the league for.
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I just got a new email address, how do I update my username profiles with it?
To do this you need to log in with each character you need to update and click the "Profile" button under the characters portrait (the top left of the screen after you are logged into the lobby). Then click on the "Account" tab, update your email address, and then click on the "Submit Changes" button.
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How do I chat in an online game?
By far the easiest way to chat is to Press "enter". This will bring up a Chat balloon.
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What are chat Aliases or Binds?
They are shorthand commands so help you say things you say often without having to type it in each time. They are great for welcome messages, etc.
See: www.silvercrk.com/binds/
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How do I type colored text?
Check out these fan website to learn about how to do them:
Learn how to do stuff with Wolfie's Page
Colored text, Binds, tips
Learn to do colors with Roo's page
Colored text and bind Tutorials and color chart
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Troubleshooting
I just updated to Mac 10.5.2 and I can't play my game...
We encountered a problem with the current Mac upgrade and our games.
We made a little helper application that basically sets up a software mode enabling you to play.
Click on the link:
http://www5.silvercrk.com/download/SetSoftwareMode.zip
This creates a zip drive in your computer. There will be another icon (possibly overlapping on top of the zip icon). Double click that second icon. The zip automatically extracts the application. You will get a message that says something like "Do you watn to to set all games to software mode?" You will be prompted to respond by clicking on "Yes" or "Ok". This should make the changes necessary to allow game play.
Let us know if this does not work for you. We have a message out to Apple to see what has happened with their new upgrade.
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I can't hear any sound when playing...
If you have no sound or no music, please check the following first.
If your speakers have an "On and Off" button make sure your speakers are on. Also if they have a volume control knob or dial make sure it is turned to max so you will be sure to hear when you have fixed the problem. Next, in the task bar for windows on the lower right portion of your screen for most users, there should be a "Horn" icon that you can double click to open your sound options. Make sure none of your sounds are muted and that the volume is turned up to the desired level. Next you will want to run the game.
For most of our games you want to select the following options from the main menu. Press "Options" and then press "Audio". This should get you to the sound options. On the first screen you see, make sure that on the right top that "enable" is checked. It will be in between "Controls" and "Random". Next press the "Volume" tab on the top of the screen to get to the next set of options you want to check. Make sure that the volume settings are all turned up to the desired volume and that none of them have a check mark by "Mute". Also for "Effects" and "Music" make sure the "Enable" buttons are checked. Following these steps should fix your sound issue.
Some other things to check with regard to music specifically.
For problems playing the music, you can try the "Devices" tab in the same "Audio" menu mentioned above. The "Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth", when available, is a safe choice. There's also a check box to try using Microsoft's Direct Music, included in later versions of DirectX, for the music playback.
Sound in the game Requires Microsoft's DirectX. Unless you have an old Windows 95 based computer, you should have some version of DirectX installed. You can get the latest version from Windows Update or http://www.microsoft.com
Be sure you are current with Windows Update. In particular, early versions of Windows 98 have a serious problem with the Multimedia Timers that can affect the game. There may be some updated sound drivers for your computer available either through the computer's manufacturer or the sound card's manufacturer (with add-on cards), or Windows Update. This is especially important for problems with playback of the game's MIDI music.
If none of this works, while in the game, you can press CTRL-F8 to send us a report we can examine for clues regarding your problem.
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My trial period ended prematurely...
Unfortunately there is a rare anomaly which we are still trying to figure out in some peoples systems that causes this effect. When you are running the trial there is a CTRL + F8 option to send us a report on the problem, and it can help us to fix it. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do at this time to set it back to the 15 day trial, but we do offer a no questions asked 30 day Money Back Guarantee on all of our products. So you could purchase and try the full version of the game for 30 days, and if you were unsatisfied just get a refund.
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How do I uninstall?
Normally to uninstall the game you can do one of the following:
- Press "Start" and then choose "All Programs" or "Programs" and navigate to the games folder, (example Hardwood Solitaire III) and choose the "Uninstall Hardwood Solitaire III" (or whatever game your removing). A dialog box will ask if you want to remove the game, and possibly ask if you want to conduct a poll for the reason your removing it. Just choose to remove it and thats it.
- Alternately you can press "Start" and choose "Control Panel" to navigate to the Windows "Add/Remove Program" option. Here you can choose the game out of the list of installed programs and have windows remove it for you.
To uninstall manually, simply delete the game folder.
Unless you installed to another location, this is:
C:\Program Files\Hardwood Spades (or whatever program you have installed)
Specifically:
Pick "My Computer"
then "C:"
then "Program Files"
then right click on "Hardwood Spades" and pick "Delete"
To remove the Start menu folder, simply right click on it and pick "delete"
After you remove the folder, on Windows XP you can go back to Add/Remove programs and remove the entry.
On older versions of windows, you can use Microsoft's "TweakUi" program to remove the entry from the list.
http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/downloads/PowerToys/Networking/NTTweakUI.asp
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How do I fix random errors/crashes in the games?
Games can cause errors, crash, or just not run for a variety of different reasons. The first thing you should try is removing your game and then rebooting your computer. After the reboot, confirm that the game is removed and optionally also delete any additional game related folders on your hard drive. Then do a fresh installation of the game from our website.
If after doing a fresh install, the problem persists, you should verify that you do not have any virus's or other malicious type programs running on your computer. Having anti-virus software does not mean you absolutely do not have a virus. If you don't keep your pattern file up to date, or do not do regular system scans, it is possible to still become infected. Go ahead and and update your pattern file and do a full system scan do be sure. If it finds nothing, at the very least its useful information to know and is a good habit to do for your computer.
If the problem still persists, the next thing we should do is make sure your driver and system updates are current.
For Windows Users: Go to http://www.windowsupdate.com and get all drivers and critical updates that are available for your computer. After installing these updates, you will likely be asked to reboot your computer. Before we try and run the game again, if you have an after market video or sound card, please make sure and visit your card manufacturers website and download the latest drivers for it. After your all up to date, reboot and run the game again and see if that fixes your problem.
For Macintosh OS X Users: Updates are semi-automatic, but to manually check for software updates please do the following. Click on the "Apple" icon on the top left hand side of your desktop and choose the "Software Update" option. Follow Apple's update instructions to receive your updates. If you have an after market video card in your Apple PC, please contact your video card manufacturer from their website to check for any updates and the instructions to install them.
If after trying all of the previous troubleshooting options your game still does not function correctly, you most likely are having a problem beyond our ability to diagnose. This usually requires the assistance of a trained PC Technician. We do lastly offer a 30 day unconditional guarantee on all of our software products. You can email orders@silvercrk.com if you have exhausted your efforts and are interested in a refund.
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Sometimes my mouse cursor justs disappears...
This does happen from time to time on a few video cards.
One way to fix this is, to adjust the video acceleration down a notch. You will find that setting here... Start-> settings-> ControlPanel-> System-> Performance-> Graphics.
Another way it to use a different mouse cursor scheme, preferably "standard" or "none". You can do this in the mouse settings in the control panel. Start-> settings-> ControlPanel-> Mouse-> pointers.
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Online Ratings
How do the ratings work?
The basic idea is that the better place you get, the better it will be for your rating. And it's also important how you and the other players are rated before the game starts. You will earn more for besting a High rated player and conversely lose more to a lower rated player if you finish below them.
If all players are of equal rating you will more or less go up in rating if you are in 1st or 2nd and your rating will go down if you are in 3rd or 4th. The points you receive in the game are not used in calculating your rating just what place you earned in the game. (1st, 2nd. etc.)
Since most everyone players team (partner) games you are rated as a team loss or win. If you are on the losing team you will be compared to the members of the other team as losing to each the reverse is true if your team wins. In that case you would be rated as if you won against the individuals of the other team.
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What are the requirements to play a rated game? Why don't I get a rating!?
You 1st need to be in a rated room. Next, you have to have at least 3 human players from the start of the game.
Also, you have to play a game that's not using the shortest setting. For example you can play a 25 point standard game nor a 100 point spot heart game. They are just too short to show how good of a player you are and almost entirely luck.
If you aren't there from the very beginning of the game you won't be rated.
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Why did I just go down in rating? It looks like I should of went up!
If you have a higher rating than another player you are expected to win against that lower rated player. This may cause you to either not go up in rating or possibly down in rating.
So as a general rule, you better get 1st place or on the winning team if you have a really high ranking when playing a game against very low ranked players.
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Why did I just lose 150 points on my rating!
When you start out as a new player, you are in a provisional state. This is a very unstable time, it will fluctuate a lot until you get out of provisional status. It's just a placement phase, a way to quickly place you belong in the rating system, so don't worry if you drop 115 points, you might go up 150 next game.
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What happens when someone quits or disappears in a rated game?
1. To be considered a missing player the player has to have been the original player in that seat and made at least one move, cut deck, bid, or played a card.
2. Other players will always be rated against a missing player.
3. A Quitting player will always be rated if their seat lost.
4. A missing player in a winning seat (1st or 2nd in a 4 player individual game, 1st in 3 way) will be rated IF they played more then 3/4this of the game (based on number of hands dealt), and they were disconnected or kicked. A player that chooses to QUIT the game will NEVER receive a win, only a loss.
The rest of the players will play the replacement player and will receive credit as if you we're still playing.
Don't quit a game, it's really upsetting to the remaining players.
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If a player is kicked out of a game, for whatever reason, do they get an 'incomplete' for that game?
a. Yes
b. In essence, in rated games, if the player who starts the game isn't in the seat when the last card of the game is played, they get an incomplete. The exception: HW server updates or crashes do NOT count as incomplete
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If you are kicked from a game, do you automatically LOSE points?
a. Not necessarily. If you have played at least X of the hands, you'll still get the points if your seat wins, or you'll lose points if you lose. You will, however, receive an 'incomplete' each time you are kicked.
b. If you were kicked before playing 75% of the game, it will count as an incomplete, and you will NOT get points if the seat wins (but you WILL lose points if the seat loses).
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If a player is disconnected, and cannot get back before the game ends, is that an 'incomplete'?
Yes
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If a player is disconnected, and a sub joins in their spot, will the sub get an 'incomplete' when the player returns?
No
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If you are disconnected and can't get back to finish the game, do you always lose points?
a. Not necessarily. If you have played at least X of the hands, you'll still get the points if your seat wins, or you'll lose points if you lose.
b. If you were disconnected before playing 75% of the game, it will count as an incomplete, and you will NOT get points if the seat wins (but you WILL lose points if the seat loses).
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If a player leaves on the last hand, even if they are winning and the outcome is not in doubt, will they get an 'incomplete' and will they get points for 'winning'?
a. Yes, they will get an 'incomplete'.
b. They will NOT get points for winning (or 2nd), and if the seat finishes in a losing spot, they WILL lose points. You need to be IN the seat when the game ends to gain any points.
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If Hardwood's servers are being reset or if the system crashes while you are playing a game, will that game count as an 'incomplete'?
No
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In tourney games, if a player is late, and a sub is put in the player's spot (and leaves when the player arrives), does the sub receive an 'incomplete' for that game?
a. Yes, if the game is rated. The player who STARTS a rated game is the one who will get an 'incomplete' if they are not there when the game ends.
b. If the game is a rated one, the player's rating will also be negatively affected if the team loses, and will gain NO points if the team wins.
SUGGESTED SOLUTION: Do not start games with subs in the place of late players. Wait the full time for the player to arrive (and DQ if not there), then put a sub in the spot, so that the sub plays the entire game.
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In tourney games, if a game is started (cards have been cut and/or bids passed or made) and a Tourny Director discovers the wrong player is in a seat, what happens if that player leaves and the correct player takes the spot?
a. The player who 'leaves' gets a 'quit' on their record, if the game is 'rated'.
b. The player who leaves also will get negative points if the team loses (and will get no points if the team wins)
SUGGESTED SOLUTION: Ask all players to vote to 'abandon game', then reset it. Abandoned games are not counted as 'quits' and have no negative effect on the players' ratings.
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If a tourney game is started with the wrong settings, do players get a 'quit' if they all leave the game and reset it?
a. You don't get a 'quit' if ALL players leave, but it is still a better practice to 'abandon' games rather than quit -- that way all players can be sure it ended.
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How does the rating get calculated
Okay, I see you like the icky math stuff so here's a link to it... www.silvercrk.com/ratings/
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