Midi Machine V2.xx Support Pack #1 - Contents

Thank you for looking at the Midi Machine V2.xx Support Pack #1.  The first of several support packs for Midi Machine, Excel Prog's multimedia player/creation application, this help file contains technical documents taken straight from the Excel Progs Info Server.  If you are having problems running Midi Machine or simply want to learn more about the product, this pack and the Info Server documents will do both.

Midi Machine Documents taken from the Info Server as of 9/30/95.  A total of 15 documents are included.

Information on how to get technical documents for Midi Machine V2.xx regarding multimedia creation; registration information

Copyright Information

Contacting Excel Progs


Info Server Document Index

EPMM0001:  Midi Machine Revision Notes

EPMM0002:  List of Midi Machine Animated Icons

EPMM0003:  Midi Machine V2.00-bug in "Run Me First!"

EPMM0004:  Midi Machine V2.00-setup bug-"CTL3D.DLL"es

EPMM0005:  Midi Machine No Sound on PC Speaker

EPMM0006:  Midi Machine V2.xx-Animated Icons

EPMM0007:  Midi Machine V2.xx-ALT-S stops queue

EPMM0008:  Midi Machine V2.xx-/! No Tips

EPMM0009:  Midi Machine No Sound

EPMM0010:  Midi Machine Mysterious Errors

EPMM0011:  Midi Machine Skipping Sounds

EPMM0012:  Midi Machine V2.xx-garbled CD Audio

EPMM0013:  Midi Machine V2.xx-Locks in Win95

EPMM0014:  Midi Machine V2.xx-Right-click problems

EPMM0015:  Midi Machine V2.xx-.TXT pullup


Midi Machine Revision Notes
EPMM0001:  Midi Machine Revision Notes

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 REVISION NOTES:

 V2.01   Interim Version for Registered Users

 Allows disabling of all CD-audio routines via .INI edit including CD-ROM
   detection.

 V2.01   Midi Machine V2.01 Official Release - Bug Fixes/More

 Re-designed the main window to allow the viewing of long pathnames in
   the multimedia queue. Removed some of the "flicker" at start-up. Fixed bug where the directory would not change to play files at the
   command-line. Added the TextWindowTextSize option to the MWD (Midi Machine Window-
   Definition) files. Fixed bug where some users got file not found errors in the setup process.

 V2.00'  Midi Machine V2.00' Limited Release

 Fixed bug in the RUN FIRST album/info file regarding the FILE NOT FOUND
   errors.

 V2.00   Midi Machine V2.00 Official Release

 Re-did main window, removing graphical buttons and placing options in the
   menu bar to reduce "clutter" - open/save album, header midi, setup. Streamlined icon animation loading, allowed more icons to be loaded in the
   registered version. Re-did setup routines to allow setup for Environment, CD Audio, Display, and
   Animated Icons. Removed the status bar; its features were duplicated in the window title bar. Add description auto-load, loads xxx.txt, where xxx is multimedia file name. Added digital/analog display of sound playing time, current position. Fully integrated CD player, tracks are loaded into the queue and playable
   like any other multimedia files. Added CD eject buton. Added support to load color maps, created several. Removed diagonal-line background to remove the little flicker which remained. Created Events "drive" for performing multimedia events; created 13 events
   for demonstrations and viewing pictures. Can display .TXT files in a new window. Can display .BMP, .WMF, .ICO files in a new window. Protected users from performing invalid operations on CD/Events drive. Added up/down arrows for moving items around queue. Mentions in status bar when loading CD information to Midi Machine. Completely new help engine. Displays CD name in description area automatically. Automatically saves queue to a text file when the program exits; re-loads it
   at start-up. Displays ALL icon animation information in the SETUP area. Modified "About" box some. Handles right-click mouse help for object information. Can show a help tip every time program is loaded. Created SETUP options:  load color map, display digital time, display analog
   time, auto-show help tip, auto-ask for a new CD name if Midi Machine
   doesn't know it, auto-seek CD track information, auto-play, auto-play CDs
   when loaded into the drive. Created tile graphics for graphics, text, and button windows. Plenty of bug fixes, and so much more that we can't possibly list every
   single improvement!

 V1.21   International/SWREG Ordering Information
        (same code as V1.20).

 Documentation contains Compuserve(c) SWREG information. Documentation includes international ordering information.

 V1.20   Command Line Options/More

 Allowed sound/album name to be specified at start-up. Added /R, /C, /S, /B, /M, and /X command-line options. Displays icon animation name when mouse is dragged on top of a picture when
   configuring icons. Cosmetic changes.

 V1.10   Auto-Play Drag&Drop/More

 Added Drag&Drop ability when loading and playing sounds. Added "Auto-Play On Drag&Drop" configurability. Changed the method of configuring icon-animations. Sped up the "AddAll" button operation. Bug Fixes/Cosmetic Changes

 V1.05   "Semi-Minimize" Mode/Interim Release

 Added "semi-minimize" Mode. Placed Next, Stop, and Exit buttons on "semi-minimize" mode.

 V1.00   Many Additions/First Official Standard Release

 Bug Fixes 9 default animations are installed, and WAV and MID files may use any/all of
  them. External animation support, with animation descriptions. Random animation play support. Shuffle play support. Load/Save Album support. Mouse-Pointer display help in Help Bar (configurable). Info Bar to display file information. .INI file support. Allows INFO button to be used during sound playing. Sound file information displayed in separate Info Bar. Added feature to turn-off display of sound name when minimizing icon. "Header Midi" support. Many other function/cosmetic changes not mentioned here.

 V0.90    Sound Selection/Animation/Interim Release

 Added ability to select only .WAV / .MID files or both when adding files to
   the queue. Animated picture shows even when program is minimized (as per users
   requests).

 V0.89    Big Fixes/First Official Beta Release

 Bug Fixes

 0.88     Bug Fixes/Speed Improvements

 Bug Fixes Increased speed with animated icons. When Midi Machine is minimized, the graphics will not move...speed increase.

 V0.86     New About Box/More

 Bug Fixes Renaming a file to itself will not display error New "About" box New "About" and "Setup" box formats...windows stay on screen until you want
   them to be removed.  You can have all three windows on at one time.

 V0.83    WAV Support, Graphics/More

 Minor Bug Fixes Stopped "flicker" when changing icons in setup mode when playing midis. Added WAV support Added WAV icon support. Created "Ear," "Wave," "Oscil" animations. Added new feature of "Smart-Renaming"... wav files will add .wav extension if
   left off, mid files will add .mid extension if left off.

 V0.78 Graphics/More

 Minor Bug Fixes Added Setup Screen Added moving picture ability when midis are being played Created "Conductor," "Music Notes," "Feel the Music" animation sequences

 V0.75    Misc. Features

 Added a minimum button. The text colors were changed from blue to yellow, letting the text stand out
  more. Altered the text in the "About" box slightly. You can now rename one file at a time (fixed), and it displays the name/size
  of the file in the box. Traps any errors in rename procedure. Ability to delete multiple files. Allows canceling of delete procedure. Traps any error in delete procedure. Able to play MIDIs in continuous mode. In the title bar, as well as when the icon is minimized, the text is changed
    to the midi name when playing, or "Paused..." when paused.

 V0.7     First Beta Version (For TOW Development beta-testing)

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


List of Midi Machine Animated Icons
EPMM0002:  List of Midi Machine Animated Icons

 This document was last updated on 8/13/95.

 MMIC0001        -       Christmas #1
========================================================================
 CANDCANE        FRACT2          MENORAH         MERRYXM         RUDOLPH SANTA1          TREESNOW        WREATH          XMCOOKIE        XMSTAR
========================================================================

 MMIC0002        -       Christmas #2
========================================================================
 CANDLE          DANCTREE        FRACT3          GINGBMAN        ORNAMENT SANTA2          SNOWMAN         STOCKING        TOYSOLDR        XMASBELL
========================================================================

 MMIC0003        -       Notes and Staves
========================================================================
 16NOTEDN        DANCFLAT        FRACT4          NOTEBOUN        NOTEJMBL NOTELIGT        NOTEMRPH        RNDMNOTE        TIMESIG         WINKNOTE
========================================================================

 MMIC0004        -       Fractals 5-14
========================================================================
 FRACT5          FRACT6          FRACT7          FRACT8          FRACT9 FRACT10         FRACT11         FRACT12         FRACT13         FRACT14
========================================================================

 MMIC0005        -       Fireworks
========================================================================
 BOTTLRCK        FWBRIDG1        FWBRIDG2        FWHEART         FWMASSIV FWRWB           FWSPIRAL        FWSTAR          FWTRIANG        REDBURST
========================================================================

 MMIC0006        -       Potpourri #1
========================================================================
 3DBOX           CIRCLES         COFFECUP        DONTCLIK        FRACT15 PAPRCLIP        PLANET          PRISM           RADAR           TILEDEAR
========================================================================

 MMIC0007        -       Munchies
========================================================================
 BEVDRINK        BUTRPANC        CHRYDNCE        FLIPPIZA        FROZSNCK ICECREAM        MOVINEGG        ROLLGRFR        SALTPRET        STRWBJIG
========================================================================

 MMIC0008        -       Dancing Shapes
========================================================================
 ARROWSHO        CIRCFLIP        CIRCSPLT        COLRPYRM        DIAMBRCK LOGROLL         ITSWAVY         SQUIGGLE        TRIANMAS        TWISBLCK
========================================================================

 MMIC0009        -       Sport Balls
========================================================================
 ALLBALL         BEACHBAL        BOWLFACE        DRIBBLE         FORE POOLJIG         SOCCERTM        STRIKE1         TENNIS          TUCHDOWN
========================================================================

 (These also may be distributed in this format:)

MI001003        -       Midi Machine Icon Packs #001-#003
MI004006        -       Midi Machine Icon Packs #004-#005
MI007009        -       Midi Machine Icon Packs #006-#009

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine V2.00-bug in "Run Me First!"
EPMM0003:  Midi Machine V2.00-bug in "Run Me First!"

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 As noted first by an information service file operator, a bug in Midi Machine V2.00 caused the "Run Me First!" demonstration to abort with a FILE NOT FOUND error.  Although doing no actual damage, this is an inconvenience you can do without.

 SOLVE THE PROBLEM:

 Method 1:  Manual Edit

 Using any text editor (NOTEPAD will do just fine), load the RUNFIRST.ALB file (yes, it is in text format) and change the following line in the file:

 d:\mm200\malek3.mid

 The path on the Excel Progs development system was accidently left in the album file.  This line should be:

 malek3.mid

 The resulting album should be this:

Ev 001-Hide Main Window
Ev 005-Multimedia Followthrough
runfirst.mwd
epbllogo.bmp
malek3.mid
runfirst.txt
Ev 003-Wait Text Close
Ev 043-Exit Demo

 METHOD 2:  Upgrade Midi Machine to version 2.01

 Version 2.01 of Midi Machine fixes this bug as well as several other minor problems, and adds a couple of useful features.  In order to upgrade, you need to download Midi Machine 2.01 from one of the distribution sites (Send a message to excel@idibbs.com with the subject SITES for a listing). Run the SETUP program, and when asked, traverse your drives and click on the MM200.INI file when found.  After entering the source drive and path for the upgrade files, your copy of Midi Machine 2.00 will be upgraded to version 2.01, which includes the "Run Me First!' fix.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine V2.00-setup bug-"CTL3D.DLL"
EPMM0004:  Midi Machine V2.00-setup bug-"CTL3D.DLL"

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 As noted first by one of our distribution sites, certain systems have had problems installing Midi Machine V2.00.  Installation on these systems resulted in a "CTL3D.DLL" file not found.  Although this file was believed to be on most, if not all, systems, that was proven not to be the case.

 BACKGROUND:

 The CTL3D.DLL driver allows Win3.1+ programs written in several languages to  easily incorporate 3-D style windows and frames in the windows.  This driver is required by many programs, besides Midi Machine's setup program, and is on a majority of systems.  There is always a chance, however, that the driver has not been needed in the past or has been accidently deleted.

 SOLVE THE PROBLEM:

 METHOD:  Upgrade Midi Machine to version 2.01

 Version 2.01 of Midi Machine fixes this bug as well as several minor problems, and adds a couple of useful features.  In order to upgrade, you need to download Midi Machine 2.01 from one of the distribution sites (Send a message to excel@idibbs.com with the subject SITES for a listing). Run the SETUP program, and when asked, traverse your drives and click on the MM200.INI file when found.  After entering the source drive and path for the upgrade files, your copy of Midi Machine 2.00 will be upgraded to version 2.01, which includes the "CTL3D.DLL" fix.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine No Sound on PC Speaker
EPMM0005:  Midi Machine No Sound on PC Speaker

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 As mentioned by previous users of Midi Machine, this application, like most other Win3.1+ multimedia apps, fails to attempt to use the PC Speaker driver when playing .WAV files.

 BACKGROUND:

 Win3.1+ users who do not have a sound card have the option of loading a PC Speaker driver which allows Win3.1+ to play system event sounds on the PC Speaker.  The driver will only play .WAV files, and does an average job of playing the sounds correctly.

 Many programs fail to use the speaker driver when playing .WAV files due to the fact that the MCI (Media Control Interface) drivers do not work for the speaker driver.

 NO FIX:

 With the proliferation of sound cards available, there is no planned fix for Midi Machine to attempt to use the speaker driver if no sound cards are available.  Midi Machine works fine with most sound cards "out of the box," and will work with other sound cards with minor configuration (see document EPMM0009 on the Info Server).

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


MIdi Machine V2.xx-Animated Icons
EPMM0006:  Midi Machine V2.xx-Animated Icons

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 When upgrading from Midi Machine 1.xx to 2.xx or when adding new animated icons, they may not appear automatically in Midi Machine 2.xx's animated icon setup menu.

 FIX:

 The pool of animated icons from which you wish to choose must all be located in the Midi Machine V2.xx directory.  This includes BOTH the .CCC and .CCB files in order for Midi Machine to find both the icon itself as well as the information regarding each icon.

 To copy the icons over to Midi Machine V2.xx, go to the DOS PROMPT (in the MAIN group on Win3.1 or in Startup-Programs under Win95) and find the directory where you unpacked the icons.  Also, find the directory where Midi Machine V2.xx lies.  Now, go to the directory where the icons that you wish to add are currently located and type the following, substituting "mmv2_directory" with the full path of the directory where Midi Machine V2.xx lies:

COPY *.CCB mmv2_directory
COPY *.CCC mmv2_directory

 If, for example, you installed Midi Machine V2.xx in the directory C:\EPMIDIM, the following would be typed when you are at the directory where the unpacked icons are found:

COPY *.CCB C:\EPMIDIM
COPY *.CCC C:\EPMIDIM

 If Midi Machine is already loaded and in the setup menu, exit and go back to the setup menu for the changes to be recognized.  The animated icons which were earlier in a different directory should be noticed by Midi Machine V2.xx and able to be used correctly.

 For more information regarding navigating in DOS, see your manual.  If you are more comfortable with File Manager or Explorer, simply copy the files using one of those programs, substituting DOS's copy methods by those required of the program you are using.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine V2.xx-ALT-S stops queue
EPMM0007:  Midi Machine V2.xx-ALT-S stops queue

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 Certain copies of Midi Machine that were released failed to mention the "force-stop" feature of Midi Machine V2.xx.  Pressing ALT-S from anywhere in a demonstration will cause Midi Machine to stop the demonstration and return to the main window (or exit the program, if the /X command-line option was used to run the demonstration).

 This feature is necessary as certain demonstrations may not have a clear and concise way to exit, and this method can be used if it is needed to break away from a demonstration in a hurry.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine V2.xx-/! No Tips
EPMM0008:  Midi Machine V2.xx-/! No Tips

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 Certain copies of Midi Machine that were released failed to mention the "no tips" command-line option of Midi Machine V2.xx.  Entering /! on the command-line before other options and before the album/song name will skip the tips mode at start-up.

 BACKGROUND:

 Midi Machine V2.xx has the option of showing tips for recommended usage and other interesting features at start-up.  Configurable from the SETUP windows, this mode will show tips each and every time Midi Machine V2.xx executes.

 Midi Machine V2.xx allows the usage of several command-line options to force certain playmodes at start-up and execute other misc. features. The /! will cause the skipping of the tips mode, useful for the fact that some demonstration creators may not wish to have the users see Midi Machine 2.xx tips before the demonstration starts.  Combined with the /C and /X command-line options, this will cause Midi Machine to skip tips, run the demo in the recommended "CONTIN" mode, and leave Midi Machine once the demonstration is complete OR the user presses ALT-S (see Info Server document EPMM0007 for more information on the ALT-S feature).

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine No Sound
EPMM0009:  Midi Machine No Sound

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 As mentioned by several users, cases exist where Midi Machine may not automatically play midi and sound files the first time it is run.  This scenario may not actually be the fault of Midi Machine, but several methods are available to solve this problem.

 BACKGROUND:

 With the proliferation of the "multimedia computer," many manufacturers automatically installed sound boards and cd-rom drivers, complete with a set of drivers so that the operating system knows how to communicate with the equipment.  These essential drivers vary between pieces of equipment, and therefore programs had to be made to accomodate the drivers.

 With Windows 3.1 and above, these device-dependent drivers could still be used, but a new standard called MCI [Media Control Interface] could also be used, allowing programs to communicate with all different types of sound boards quickly and efficiently.

 There are many cases, however, where these drivers have not been installed on pre-packaged systems.  While a growing amount of software requires the MCI drivers, a fair amount of software still rely on these device-dependent drivers, and thus a sound "problem" might not be noticeable until a piece of software that requires MCI drivers fails to run.  Midi Machine is one such program that requires MCI drivers to ensure compatibility.

 POSSIBLE FIX/WIN3.1-WFWG3.11:

 To test your system for the presence of MCI drivers, run MEDIA PLAYER and try playing a sound or midi file.  If they play under Media Player and Midi Machine fails to play the sounds, contact Excel Progs for further help. If Media Player also fails to play the midi music, then you will need to install the proper MCI drivers.

 In order to install the MCI drivers under Windows 3.1, go to the Control Panel and select drivers.  If [MCI Sound] and [MCI Sequencer] or other drivers similar in name are not found, then go to ADD and install the MCI devices that are not present.

 An alternate approach to installation:

 BACK UP your SYSTEM.INI file to SYSTEM.BAK or SYSTEM.BK2 (you may already have backup files so just use SYSTEM.BKx).

 In the [mci] section, add this line:

 Sequencer=MCISEQ.DRV

 POSSIBLE FIX/WIN95+:

 Test for the presence of Midi as above using Media Player.  If the MCI midi driver is not present, you need to go to the Add New Hardware Wizard and not have Windows check for new hardware types.  Choose the "Sound, video, and game controllers" category and click on "Microsoft MCI" as the Manufacturer. Click on "MIDI Sequencer Device (Media Control)" under the Models and finish the installation.  If digital audio sounds do not play, go back to the wizard and select "Wave Audio Device (Media Control)" for installation.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine Mysterious Errors
EPMM0010:  Midi Machine Mysterious Errors

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 As mentioned by several users, Midi Machine was crashing on certain systems with mysterious errors such as "Stack Overflow," "Division by Zero," ..etc. While no program can claim to be completely bug-free, certain errors were caused by other means.

 BACKGROUND:

 Applications written using the Visual Basic 3.0 language require a separate file to run called VBRUN300.DLL.  The upside to this is that visual basic programs tend to be more quickly transferable over modem lines since this run-time module file (VBRUN300.DLL) need only be present on a system one time for any amount of Visual Basic-written programs.  The downside is that many copies of the run-time module, through wide-spread distribution, have become corrupt, and it may be hard to find such corrupt modules because badly-coded setup programs may add their own copy of this run-time module.

 Midi Machine was written using the Visual Basic 3.0 language, and its setup program does not make a copy of this run-time file on your system.  It, however, requires the file in order to run, and faulty copies can cause Midi Machine to perform erraticly, if at all.

 POSSIBLE FIX:

 First, make sure that no program required for basic operation of your system requires this VBRUN300.DLL file.  Rid your system of all copies of this file.  You may need to do full searches of your hard drive(s) in case two or more copies of this file exist, so the following dos command will search an entire hard drive, spotting the run-time module and placing the results of the search to a text file called "allvb.txt"

 DIR VBRUN30?.DLL /s > allvb.txt

 Next, download or get a copy of VBRUN300.DLL from a reputable source, such as a bbs where you know the files are good or a reputable ftp site.  Place the copy of VBRUN300.DLL you believe to be good in your WINDOWS and WINDOWS\SYSTEM directories.

 BUG REPORTS:

 If the above steps do not solve your problem, first refer to other official Excel Progs documents for help.  Afterwards, send e-mail to Excel Progs describing the error in full detail so we can try to solve the problem.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine Skipping Sounds
EPMM0011:  Midi Machine Skipping Sounds

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 As noted by our beta-testers, Midi Machine has sometimes skipped or gotten "stuck" on certain sound files.  Upon closer examination, it was found that these sound files were all corrupt in some fashion, and some other sounds which had other applications stuck were played fine with Midi Machine.

 Midi Machine will skip sound files that it has no way of playing; likewise, it will try to skip to the next sound file in a queue if the sound currently being played is corrupt and has seemed to "end" to the listener.

 BACKGROUND:

 Sound files are digital representations of audio information.  They are files, just like texts, programs, and graphics are files.  Like other types of files, they can sometimes be corrupted or arrive to a computer system in a corrupt format.

 SOLVE THE PROBLEM:

 METHOD 1:  Upgrade Midi Machine to version 2.01

 Each version of Midi Machine has worked further on algorithms to try to play and recognize the endings of more sound files.  While Midi Machine V2.01 will not be able to play totally corrupt sound files, it will attempt to play certain corrupt files and recognize the ending of such files, even when an EOF marker is not returned to Midi Machine.

 In order to upgrade, you need to download Midi Machine 2.01 from one of the  distribution sites (Send a message to excel@idibbs.com with the subject SITES for a listing).  Run the SETUP program, and when asked, traverse your drives and click on the MM200.INI file when found.  After entering the source drive and path for the upgrade files, your copy of Midi Machine 2.00 will be upgraded to version 2.01, which improves on the algorithms for detecting endings of corrupt sounds.

 METHOD 2:  Re-retrieve the corrupt sound files

 Many problems can cause sounds to be transferred to your system incorrectly, including, but not limited to:

1)  The sound uploader (sender) did not transmit the sound correctly.
2)  A network error
3)  Failing to go to BINARY mode when retrieving a sound from an FTP server.
4)  Using a UUDECODE program that does not check for errors.
5)  A .WAV sound file that is actually in a different format.  Just like you can save a text file without the .TXT extension, people can save .WAV files with other names, and the same goes with sounds of other formats.

 Naturally, if a sound file is 0 bytes, it is not completed, but it is difficult to test for other corrupt sound files without playing them.  If a sound file can not be played, it is best to test the file with several programs (including MEDIA PLAYER).  If it can not be played with ANY sound program, then it is a good guess to say the sound file is corrupt and should be re-transmitted if possible.

 METHOD 3:  Hit the Next Button

 As a last resort, if a sound file is stuck and Midi Machine can not recognize that the sound has ended, hitting the "Next" button should move you to the next sound file in the queue.  If this is required, note the sound filename for further processing, testing, and/or possible deletion.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine V2.xx-garbled CD Audio
EPMM0012:  Midi Machine V2.xx-garbled CD Audio

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 As noted by our staff, when playing certain CDs with Midi Machine V2.xx on certain CD drives, the sound seems to jumble and/or "skip" like an old scratched 45 record.

 BACKGROUND:

 Certain audio CD/CD drive combinations have caused sound jumbling and/or jumping due to the differing amounts of sound stored on a CD.

 SOLVE THE PROBLEM:

 METHOD 1:  Try the CD in a standard audio CD-player (not CD-ROM)

 With improper care (and sometimes just due to wear), audio-CDs can become corrupted.  It is vital to treat CDs with care; hold them by the sides and take care never to touch the data (bottom) side when placing the CD in a drive or taking it out.  Cleaning CDs should only be done by CD-cleaning kits following the instructions strictly.  Although Excel Progs can not be held responsible for CDs going bad due to following these methods, they have been proven to increase the CD life.  If the CD works outside of the computer, then follow the next step.

 METHOD 2:  Play the CD in the computer CD-drive outside of a CD-player.

 Most (if not all) CD-Rom drives have a button on the front to allow playing a CD outside of the computer's control.  Test the CD using this method, and if it fails to work, then test other CDs that are known to work with the drive.  If they work, then the CD in question and the drive are not compatible with each other.  If no CDs work, then you need to check the CD connections (do not do this yourself if you do not know how--again, Excel Progs can not be responsible for damage done to your system!)  Make sure your case is level (although certain CD players CAN work on a slight angle--check your manual).  If these options fail, check data CD-ROMs. If even they fail to work, you may need to call in a repairman and/or replace your drive.  Every situation is unique so we can not know exactly the cause and solution of your particular problem.

 METHOD 3:  The CD works outside of the CD player.

 Make sure you have the latest CD-Rom drivers from the manufacturer, and that they are installed correctly.  If you are using Win3.1, make sure the "[MCI] CD Audio" driver is installed correctly.  Although this has yet to be a problem, turn OFF the animated prompts and all digital/analog time displays to free CPU time.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine V2.xx-Locks in Win95
EPMM0013:  Midi Machine V2.xx-Locks in Win95

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 As noted by our staff, when running Midi Machine V2.xx under Win95, certain situations would cause the program to lock.

 BACKGROUND:

 When running Midi Machine V2.xx under Win95, if a CD-ROM drive is detected but there is no cd in the drive, on some cd drivers the program will lock the system for a few seconds or forever.  If a cd is in the drive the program functions correctly.

 SOLVE THE PROBLEM:

 The only fix as of this time is to disable the cd-rom detection routines, an initialization file feature available in Midi Machine V2.01 Interim (Registered Users).  This bypass-routine will be available in the next version of Midi Machine Shareware.  Since Win95 has its own cd-audio playing routines, we recommend using those until this problem can be fixed.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine V2.xx-RIght-click problems
EPMM0014:  Midi Machine V2.xx-Right-click problems

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 As noted by our staff, when running Midi Machine V2.xx under Win95 and accessing the right-click help on certain areas of the window, Win95 would pull up a menu alongside or instead of the Midi Machine instant help.

 BACKGROUND:

 When running Midi Machine V2.xx under Win95, pulling up instant help by clicking the right mouse button on certain areas of the window (including the areas where you enter a filename for saving albums) brings up a menu with "Cut, Copy, Paste,..." alongside or instead of the desired instant help.  This menu is a Win95 operating system feature.

 NO FIX:

 There is no fix planned; since Midi Machine currently is a 16-bit application and would require 32-bit calls to the internals of Win95 to disable this "Cut, Copy, Paste,..." window, a fix probably will not occur.  The help system as a whole can still be accessed by selecting "Contents" from the "Help" section of the menu bar.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Midi Machine V2.xx-.TXT pullup
EPMM0015:  Midi Machine V2.xx-.TXT pullup

 This document was last updated on 9/30/95.

 Certain copies of Midi Machine that were released failed to mention the ".TXT pullup" feature of Midi Machine V2.xx as clearly as needed.

 BACKGROUND:

 When playing .MID or .WAV files using Midi Machine V2.xx, Midi Machine will attempt to display a text file during the sound play.  The filename of the text file is the filename of the sound file, but instead of the .MID or .WAV extension, the text file has an extension of .TXT.

 For example, if the midi file PARTY.MID is in the queue and play commences, Midi Machine will first check to see if the file PARTY.TXT exists in the same directory as PARTY.MID.  If it does, it will be displayed while PARTY.MID plays.  If it does not exist, playback will continue as normal.

 The .TXT files that Midi Machine V2.xx pulls up may be edited with any text editor, such as Dos's EDIT, Win3.11's NOTEPAD or Win95's WORDPAD in text mode.

 This text is (c) 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and is subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.


Registering Midi Machine V2.xx
Registering Midi Machine

Midi Machine is not "free" software.   Rather, it is shareware, distributed on the "try-before-you-buy" basis.  What this means is that, by looking at Midi Machine, you must choose whether you enjoy using this product and support the creation of future versions by registering, or you MUST remove it from your system!

These technical documents are supplied in order for you to maximize enjoyment of Midi Machine V2.xx during the trial period, and for registered users due to convenience.

If you are currently a registered user of Midi Machine--thanks for your support!  Only with your support and feedback can we create new shareware.  If you are not registered, it is now extremely easy to do so.  Read the following taken from Excel Prog's Info Server:

====================================================
The software from the Excel Progs Shareware Organization can be registered via The Other World [Wholesale/Retail Business].  What does this mean?  By calling the TOLL FREE 800 number and giving your name, address, and credit card number, you can instantly register any or all of the Excel Progs line of shareware products, receiving software quickly!

The number to register Excel Progs software via The Other World is 1-800-474-3994.  This number is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST (Eastern Standard Time).

NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A TECHNICAL/CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE!  This line only takes registrations; technical questions should be directed to one of Excel Progs' e-mail addresses.

Mention this information when registering, and please speak clearly and spell out complicated names to avoid registration delays:

1)	Name
2)	FULL Address, including City/State/Zip.  International Registrants..remember that you may be charged extra for shipping and handling.
3)	Credit Card Number (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express) and Expiration Date
4)	Name of Software(s) you are Registering

Please expect up to 2 weeks after phone registering to receive a 3 1/2 disk with your shareware product.  Please note that you will be billed by The Other World, and not Excel Progs.

Supporting the shareware concept was never easier.  Call now and receive COOL STUFF!
====================================================
And now, the list of products that can be registered:

Midi Machine V2.00, V2.01 - $25

Midi Machine V0.89, V1.00, V1.1,...1.21 - $15

Excel-AC (Area Code) Find - $15
CaniPrompts - $15
Excel-FND Puzzle Pack #1 - $15
Excel-FND Puzzle Pack #2 - $15
Excel-PWD (Password) - $10

S&H free to US, Canada, Mexico, $0.75 for others.


Copyright Information

These texts and this package are © 1995 Andrew Malek of Excel Progs and are subject to change. Send a message with the subject of HELP to excel@idibbs.com for more info.

All other trademarks are copyrights of their respective companies.


Contacting Excel Progs

!!!!HEAR THIS, WEB SURFERS !!!!

Excel Progs now has a World-Wide-Web home page!  Browse through screen shots of Excel Progs programs, check out the current list of shareware, read some informative articles, find out where the EP files can be located (there are so many distribution sites popping up, one may be coming near you!), and LINK OUT to telnet sites, other web pages, FTP sites, and more!

Point your web browser TODAY to:

http://idibbs.com/excel/ep.html
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To receive information about Excel Progs, you are welcome to use the Excel Progs Info Server.  Simply send internet e-mail to the address excel@idibbs.com with HELP as the subject.

Andrew Malek of Excel Progs can be contacted by the following ways:

1)      SASE at the Excel Progs address:

Excel Progs
c/o Andrew Malek
434 Gallaher View Rd. Apt. 60
Knoxville, TN  37919

2)      Idaho Interactive BBS (Excel Progs Home BBS, (208)345-6306) - E-Mail:  Andrew Malek.

3)      Internet E-Mail:  admalek@sacam.oren.ortn.edu, admalek@usit.net,  Andrew.Malek@idibbs.com

4)      Maillink:  Andrew Malek@IDI

5)      The Excel Progs Official Message Forum (/EXCEPROG) on MailLink.  The MailLink forum address is: ML@EXCELPROG.IDI#

6)      CompuServe E-Mail:   76023,1175