Q) Solar System Explorer fails with a GPF. I am using OS/2 for Windows.
A) QuickTime for Windows is not compatible with OS/2. It is possible to run Solar System Explorer with Win-OS/2, but only as a separate application in full-screen mode. QTW will not operate properly in other OS/2 modes
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Q) Poor video performance. Video is distorted or plays outside of the frame, program may crash when video is selected
A) Ensure the latest drivers are installed. Most manufacturers change their video board range frequently and new drivers are often published to resolve problems. It may be necessary to contact the video board manufacturer to ensure the latest versions are in use.
Generic drivers provided by Microsoft generally give lower performance than the drivers supplied by the manufacturer.
Solar System Explorer uses QuickTime for Windows (QTW) for video and graphics. QTW attempts to optimize performance for video boards.
In some cases QTW is unable to recognise the video board, either because it is too new, or too unusual. In these circumstances it may incorrectly estimate the video boardís capacity for optimization.
The user can override QTWís decisions. Locate the QTW.INI file in the Windows directory and look for the following lines:
[Video]
Optimize=hardware
Change the second line to one of the
following:
Optimize=driver
Optimize=BMP
Optimize=DIB
Note that each these alternatives offers a greater chance of compatibility at the expense of reduced optimization.
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Q) Poor Video performance with ATI Mach 64 GX video card
A) The following is taken from a suggestion posted on CompuServe by ATI, in response to reports of incompatibilities with QuickTime for Windows.
In SYSTEM.INI, look for [MACX] and add the line
DeviceBitMap=OFF
ATI suggest two more things. They provide a utility for setting video modes called the ATI DESKTOP. In the desktop utility they recommend that WinSwitch be DISABLED and that the 256 Color Palette be ENABLED.
