COMMON QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS
Introduction
I can't get Duke3d to start
I now get a message saying "Playback failed, possibly due to an invalid or conflicting DMA channel"
My mouse doesn't work in Duke3d
The game crashes and returns me to my desktop
When I started to play Duke3d, the game
freezes
When I install the Atomic/PPak version I get an error
saying that I need more than 8 Mb of memory to install this, but I have 64+
Mb of memory!
I have the Atomic/PPak version and my joystick will
not work.
I'm sick of always putting my CD in the drive everytime
I want to play. How do I stop it from needing the CD?
I'm stuck. How do I get past this bit?
I've finished all the levels on all the settings, what now?
Make your own art
Playing other peoples maps
How do I run these maps
Play a Total Conversion
Play a friend at Duke3d
MORE TO COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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This section will answer the questions that are mostly asked and address known problems and solutions.
The common problem for Duke3d not starting is that you have not run SETUP. Type SETUP at the dos prompt in the DUKE3D directory, and correctly configure your sound card, video mode, etc. Then go to SAVE AND LAUNCH DUKE NUKEM 3D at the bottom and press ENTER
I now get a message saying "Playback failed, possibly due to an invalid or conflicting DMA channel"
This means that you have set your sound card details wrong, or your sound card is conflicting with another device. To fix this, try the settings in the setup program to another DMA number until you find the correct setting.
My mouse doesn't work in Duke3d
Make sure you picked the KEYBOARD AND MOUSE option in the SETUP program. You will find it in CONTROLLER SETUP then CHOOSE CONTROLLER TYPE. If it still doesn't work, make sure the mouse drivers are loaded. You should either type MOUSE at the DOS prompt, or install the drivers that came with your mouse. Also, make sure it is plugged in, you never know!
My mouse doesn't control Duke's aiming
Press U to turn on mouse aiming. Press U again to turn it off.
The game crashes and returns me to my desktop
This is very simple to answer: Play Duke3d through DOS. It is a DOS-only game and is not designed through windows. You get more memory through DOS because you don't have windows using most of it. You can run it through windows without crashing if you have more than 16 Mb RAM.
I accidentally pressed the Windows key and the game crashed
Either run it through DOS as discussed above, or install DosKEY. This utility will turn off the windows keys and CTRL+ESC (another windows key shortcut). You will find this utility on the Atomic/PPak CD or on any shareware sites.
When I started to play Duke3d, the game freezes
There is a few solutions to this problem. One could be not enough memory, or not enough processing speed. Another is your video card. Your drivers may need to be updated. Go to your manufacturers web site and download the latest drivers. You can also install Univbe, which you will find on the Duke3d CD.
When I install the Atomic/PPak version I get an error saying that I need more than 8 Mb of memory to install this, but I have 64+ Mb of memory!
You need to download the v1.4 to v1.5 patch. The original 'install.exe' had a bug in it that would prevent anyone from installing it with more than 64 Mb of memory. The patch lets you install it and means that your version is 1.5. It also fixes lots of other problems too. You can download it here. Want to know how to use the patch? Click here.
When I install the Plutonium Upgrade I get an error saying that I need more than 8 Mb of memory to upgrade, but I have 64+ Mb of memory!
I have the Atomic/PPak version and my joystick will not work.
One problem can be because you have version 1.4 of the Atomic/PPak. You need to install the v1.4 to v1.5 patch. It may fix the problem with your Joystick. I say may, because some Joysticks still don't work after the patch is installed. Depends on your make of joystick. You can download it here. Want to know how to use the patch? Click here.
I'm sick of always putting my CD in the drive everytime I want to play. How do I stop it from needing the CD?
The reason for needing the CD in the drive all the time is to try and prevent piracy. There is a crack that will patch Duke 3D to not check for the CD every time you start. This file should only be used if you own Duke3d v1.4/1.5. This file isn't supported by 3DRealms, so if it damages your computer then don't come complaining. You can download it here.
I'm stuck. How do I get past this bit?
As you progress through Duke3d, you will find that you will get stuck. But don't worry, because its usually something you missed. Backtrack to the beginning of the level, and make sure you have pressed all switches, picked up all key cards, explored everywhere. Also, use the viewscreens, because they can sometimes help you.
I've finished all the levels on all the settings, what now?
There is lots of things you can do. Here is a list of some of the things you can do.
As well as Build, there is a utility know as EDITART. You can make your own art and put it into the game. You can either make your art in Editart or make it in a Paint package, and import it into EDITART.
On that thing people call the Internet, there is hundreds of sites dedicated to Duke3d. And on these sites, there is levels which you can download and play in Duke3d. There is a list of sites at section [8.4] where I have added links to the sites I think provide the best user maps to be found.
First make sure you have unzipped them. Download Winzip at http://www.winzip.com/, then unzip the levels into the Duke3d directory. Now, run SETUP and go to USER LEVEL SELECTION and pick the level you would like to play. Then go to SAVE AND LAUNCH DUKE NUKEM 3D and press ENTER. You can also type the following at the DOS-prompt - duke3d -map mapname where mapname is the name of the map (you do not need the .map extension). Alternatively you can download a Map launcher that will run the maps for you.
All over the web, there is sites with Total Conversions (TCs). TCs are new episodes for Duke3d. And nearly all of them are free. These episodes have new art, monsters, weapons, and levels, and are usually based around a well known theme, like a movie, etc. There is a list at section [8.4]
This is one of the things that most people do after (maybe even before) they complete Duke3d. Sure killing the aliens through the game is fun, but how about playing against friend. A real opponent can think, so they can beat you lost of ways. They can lay traps, things that the enemy wouldn't do in the game.
Copyright © David Cowan 1999. All rights reserved.