Frequently Asked Questions





What are the system requirements?

Hardware and Software Requirements
  • 486/50 or better PC
  • 8MB of free RAM
  • 7MB of free disk space on your hard drive
  • Windows 3.1 or Windows 95
  • TCP/IP connection (direct, SLIP or PPP)
  • 16-bit sound card such as SoundBlaster16
  • Display set to 256 color mode

Tested TCP Stacks

  • Microsoft TCP/IP - 32
  • FTP Software PC/TCP
  • Chameleon
  • Network Telesystems TCP Pro
  • Internet in a box

PPP providers tested:

  • Interramp (PSI)
  • Interserv (InterNet in a Box)

Tested Internet Providers

  • America On-line (version 2.5 or later)
  • CompuServe (with Internet Dialer)
  • Microsoft Network



How do I download Worlds Chat?

From the Worlds Chat web page:

  1. Complete and submit the Download Request Form.
  2. Review the installation instructions on the next page.
  3. Choose the download method you prefer. You can download the entire program as one file or four separate files (click here to find out why you might want to do this...)
  4. Click on the Download icon.
  5. When your browser gives you a dialog box, choose Save To Disk and save the Worlds Chat files to your local hard disk.
  6. When download is finished, go to the folder where you put wchat08d.exe; double-click on wchat08d.exe to begin the installation program.
  7. Follow the instructions onscreen to finish setting up the program.

If you can't download Worlds Chat using your browser....

If you are unable to download Worlds Chat using a browser, try our direct ftp site at ftp.worlds.net/pub/. If you receive a message "cannot open passive connection", log in once more using "anonymous" as the user name and your e-mail address for the password.



How do I upgrade Worlds Chat?
Periodically, we will release improved versions of the Worlds Chat software and you will be prompted to upgrade during your next Worlds Chat visit. Upgrades will be available on the Worlds Chat web page. There is an upgrade patch that will upgrade a version 08b copy of Worlds Chat to the current 08d version. This patch will not work unless you are using it to upgrade a previous 08b version; if you are uncertain about which version you currently have, download the complete file instead.

A note for version 08b users: it is not essential that you upgrade at this time, but you will see a slight improvement in performance, plus there is one new avatar available.



How do I install Worlds Chat?

IMPORTANT!
During set-up, you will be asked to choose between Custom and Express Setup. To receive peak performance from our software, we recommend Express Setup, which will install Microsoft's WinG High Performance Graphic Libraries on your machine. You may not want this program installed as it will reconfigure your system (nothing permanent though!) The WinG optimization software kicks in the very first time you run Worlds Chat, and otherwise you'll never know WinG is there. If you do not want WinG installed, choose Custom Setup.

Installing the software

After downloading Worlds Chat to your local machine:

  1. Find the wchat08d.exe file.
  2. Double-click on the file and save to an install folder (will create one automatically).
  3. Click the "Unzip" button (don't click on "Run Winzip"); Setup will run automatically.
  4. Select a setup option (Express is recommended) and follow the prompts.
  5. After setup is finished, exit MS-Windows and re-boot your machine.

You are ready to establish an Internet connection and enter Worlds Chat!

Installing Worlds Chat from the segmented files wc08d1.exe, wc08d2.exe etc.
The Worlds Chat program is also available as four separate files, which makes it easier to download the program from our website if you are having trouble with your Internet connection.

  1. Download each of the four files to the same directory. This includes wc08d1.exe, wc08d2.exe, wc08d3.exe, and wc08d4.exe.
  2. Double-click on wc08d1.exe.
  3. Press Enter at prompts; all files will automatically decompress and setup will begin.
  4. Select a setup option (Express is recommended).
  5. Whenever prompted for the next disk, press Enter; the install program assumes you are installing from floppies but you are actually installing off the hard disk.
  6. After the install is complete, reboot your machine.

You are ready to establish an Internet connection and enter Worlds Chat!

Why do I want four files instead of one file?

If you have a shaky Internet connection, loading Worlds Chat files in four pieces means you will lose less time if your connection goes down partway through the download.



How do I connect to Worlds Chat?

Logging On

To use Worlds Chat you need a real connection to the Internet. This can either be direct, like the T1 lines that many businesses and schools have, or a dial-up connection using SLIP or PPP. In order to use Worlds Chat as a multi-user application, you need an active Internet connection. This means you must establish your Internet connection BEFORE opening Worlds Chat. After you choose an avatar, the software will attempt to connect you to our Worlds servers.

Connecting from On-line Services

Getting Connected from America On-line
800-827-6364
  1. First, make sure you are using America Online for Windows version 2.5 or later. You can tell what version you are running by selecting Help / About America Online from the top menu.
  2. Go to keyword "winsock." Make sure to backup any existing Winsock software, and follow the instructions. The download takes about a minute.
  3. You will have to sign off America Online, restart Windows and log on again. You'll now have TCP/IP access over your normal AOL connection.
  4. Wait until the America Online Main Menu appears. In Windows 3.1, switch to the Program Manager; in Windows95, go to the Start Menu and select Programs.
  5. Click on the Worlds Chat icon.

On subsequent trips to Worlds Chat, just make sure you've logged into America On-line, switch out of America On-line, and double click the Worlds Chat icon.

Getting Connected from CompuServe
800-848-8990 (in the UK, 0800 289378)

  1. Click on the Go icon and type PPP to get to Compuserve's Internet area.
  2. Select "Download Net Launcher for Windows"; it is a 1.2mb download.
  3. Install it and it will create a new program group that includes the Compuserve Internet Dialer.
  4. Click on "Dial" and you will connect to your normal Compuserve number with TCP/IP access.
  5. Once you are connected: in Windows 3.1, switch to the Program Manager; in Windows95, go to the Start Menu and select Programs.
  6. Click on the Worlds Chat icon.

On subsequent trips to Worlds Chat, just make sure you've logged on with the Internet Dialer, switch out of Compuserve, and double click the Worlds Chat icon.

Getting Connected from Microsoft Network
800-426-9400

  1. First, make sure you are running MSN 1.05 and you have connected using a "full internet access" telephone number.
  2. If you still have MSN 1.0, you will need to upgrade. Start at MSN Central, click "File", "Go To", "Other Location", and type "WWW".
  3. Follow the installation instructions and reconnect to the new number.



How do I use Worlds Chat once I've installed the program?

Starting Worlds Chat

  1. Activate an Internet connection
  2. Double click on the Worlds Chat icon

You are now ready to choose an avatar.

Choosing an Avatar and Entering the Space Station

  1. Move through the Avatar Gallery to choose your avatar.
  2. Press the left mouse button once to get a cursor.
  3. Click on the avatar you like, lighting up the picture frame.
  4. Click Embody Me! to choose this avatar and proceed to the Profile screen, where you'll choose a user name for your visit; otherwise click Keep Looking.
  6. Type in a username that is 2 to 12 characters long. Your keystrokes will appear in the Username Box in the upper right corner of the screen. Please do not use vulgar language.
  7. Click on Enter Worlds Chat.
  8. You will now be connected. The server will confirm your username. If that name is already in use, you will be prompted to enter another.



What can I do if I get these messages?

Sorry, Worlds Chat is full

Our server capacity has been expanded, so it's very uncommon that you will be denied access to Worlds Chat. But as Worlds Chat gets more popular, you may find that the Worlds Chat space is fully occupied. However, users logon and off frequently, so please wait a short while and try to log on again.

Timeout! No connection established

  • You might be having problems with your SLIP or PPP connection. Contact your Internet service provider or network administrator.
  • Edit your worlds.ini file by changing timeout=15 to timeout=60. Double-click on the "Edit worlds.ini" icon in the WORLDS\CHAT folder to launch your text editor.
  • Our server might be undergoing maintenance. Try again later.

Connection Closed! Sorry, you`re on your own now / Cannot connect to host

  • You might be having problems with your SLIP or PPP connection. Contact your Internet service provider or network administrator.
  • Are you running behind a firewall? At this time, our product cannot connect from behind a firewall, but we are working on a solution.
  • Our server might be undergoing maintenance. Try again later.

Single User Mode

In single user mode you can explore the space, but you will be unable to communicate with or see other users. If you can't connect to our server, you may be asked if you want to enter single user mode. If you answer "No", the program will quit. If you answer "Yes", you can navigate through the station, but you will see no one else there.

Hostname Not Resolved

A possible solution is to edit the worlds.ini file in your windows directory as follows: Change the line:
TFRSERVER=chat.kaworlds.com
to
TFRSERVER=chat.worlds.net
or try TFRSERVER=205.153.208.50

Acer Error

Acer errors will occur occasionally and vary between workstations. We are working on solutions to these issues and value your input. Please call customer support to report your error message.

Memcache exhausted

This message appears occasionally on some 8 MB computers.
  1. Close all other programs
  2. In the Autoexec.bat file, find the line that contains the word smartdrive.exe and the numbers 2048 and 128.
  3. Modify the line by changing the first number, 2048 to 512; or, remove the entire line. This will reduce the Smartdrive RAM cache size. Similarly, the VCACHE line in SYSTEM.INI can be deleted or modified to free up RAM.

ctl3dv2.dll is already in use

Click ignore and continue.

Sound interruptions

If you have an 8-bit sound card, you may experience some performance lapses. You should turn the sound off before entering Worlds Chat.

Cannot find Winsock.dll

Winsock.dll is a library file, allowing applications to talk over a network. You can go to: www.goodnet.com/~esnible/winsock.html to view which winsock would be best for you and download it from there into your Windows directory.

On-line services such as America On-line and CompuServe use their own proprietary Winsock software; contact these services if you are having trouble with your Winsock.dll.

Black area in Worlds Chat window

The easiest solution is to minimize and restore the Worlds Chat window. Confirm that you are running in 256 color mode and make sure that you are using the SVGA drivers that shipped with Windows.

Norton Desktop / PC Tools for Windows

When using NDW or any other Program Manager replacement it is important to know that Worlds Chat uses command line arguments to run. If you get an error like "OVSF3: Error opening C:\WORLDS\CHAT\BIN\ACER.BAL/START.inf", then you may be missing the command line arguments. To fix this problem, edit the properties of the icon so that the Command Line reads C:\WORLDS\CHAT\BIN\ACER402x.EXE C:\WORLDS\CHAT\shell.pac. This assumes that you installed Worlds Chat in C:\WORLDS\CHAT as suggested.

macx.drv error message / ATI mach 64 based video cards

The best solution is to use the SVGA drivers that shipped with Windows; or try the following:
  1. Start the ATI Desktop.
  2. Double click on FlexDesk+.
  3. Hold down ctrl+shift and type "opt".
  4. Select ok.
  5. Disable EngineBlt and DeviceBitmap.
  6. Click OK, OK, and then OK.
  7. Click the "Restart Windows" button.

cannot find file c:\programs\shell.pac

Your zip file may be corrupted. You should download another copy of the program.

Do I need an active Internet connection before entering Worlds Chat?

Yes. See How Do I Connect? for more information.

Why was I disconnected from Worlds Chat?

You will be logged off if we are about to perform maintenance on our server. Losing your Internet connection or long delays on the line (timeouts) will have the same effect.

Can I run Worlds Chat through a firewall?

At this time, our product cannot connect from behind a firewall, but we are working on a solution. Please watch our web page for information regarding product updates.



After you're connected: some common questions


Help! When wandering around the station I sometimes find myself out in space

If this happens just walk back into the room, or Teleport back into the room using the Space Station Map. You might also be "out in space" when using third-person view - just switch back to first-person view and everything will be OK!

Why is the keyboard less responsive at times?

 Heavy crowds will sometimes cause your keyboard to be less responsive. At this point it's best to use the mouse to move.

I prefer not to hear another user. What should I do?

 Since you can only hear the six closest avatars to you, walk away from the user until they are out of range. You can also mute the user by clicking on their avatar. Then type the word "mute" after their username in the Input Box. For more detail about the Mute command click here.

I want to mute a user, but I'm unable to see their entire name above their avatar

Click on the avatar you want to mute. This step automatically sends the avatar's name plus a colon to your Input Box. Type the word "mute" after their name. Their typed messages will no longer appear in your Speech Box.



Tips and secrets

Why are other users elevated?

This one of the hidden features in Worlds Chat. We'll give you a hint. You are able to elevate yourself in one of the chat rooms.

What are the avatars in Worlds Chat that looks like wooden dolls?

These are people who are using their own custom avatars, but you won't see their custom avatars on your machine unless you've downloaded their avatar files. Instead, you will see the wooden doll as a default. many users have stored their custom avatar files at Sting's site. Please note that Sting's site is not directly affiliated with Worlds - and please be nice to Sting, he's doing us all a great service by maintaining his site. After you've downloaded and unzipped the custom avatar files, you must place them in the \WORLDS\CHAT\AVATARS directory in order to see the new avatars.

When are you going to have a Mac product?

We plan to have additional products available later this year. Please check the web page for up-to-date information.

How can I find another user in Worlds Chat?

Try whispering to them. If they are anywhere in the Space Station they will be able to hear you.

Configuration

What about Windows NT?

We make no guarantees for using Worlds Chat under Windows NT. Some users successfully run the program and others experience obstacles such as the mem cache error (see above), system crashes, or black areas in the Worlds Chat window.

Why are parts of the window black in Worlds Chat?

The easiest solution is to minimize and restore the window. Use the SVGA drivers that shipped with Windows and confirm that you're running in 256 color mode.

Does installing Worlds Chat change the configuration of my computer ?

When you choose Express install during set-up, WinG is installed on your computer. WinG is Microsoft's standard Windows 3.1 graphics accelerater. Only in rare cases will the installation of WinG result in a system conflict. If necessary, this file can be easily removed.

Links to Netscape and Web Pages

Some of the posters in the Hub Center link to Web Sites such as www.worlds.net. Just click on the posters, then click on the hotlinks (blue) in the poster text. Netscape 1.2 or later is required.



A quick guide to Worlds Chat:

Many of these questions are also answered in the Help file that comes included with Worlds Chat. Click on the "Help" button or press F1 while you are running Worlds Chat to view the Windows Help file.

Choosing an Avatar and Entering the Space Station

  1. Move through the Avatar Gallery to choose your avatar.
  2. Press the left mouse button once to get a cursor.
  3. Click on the avatar you like, lighting up the picture frame.
  4. Click Embody Me! to choose this avatar and proceed to the Profile screen, where you'll choose a user name for your visit; otherwise click Keep Looking.
  6. Type in a username that is 2 to 12 characters long. Your keystrokes will appear in the Username Box in the upper right corner of the screen. Please do not use vulgar language.
  7. Click on Enter Worlds Chat.
  8. You will now be connected. The server will confirm your username. If that name is already in use, you will be prompted to enter another.

Communicating with Others
To Chat to all people in a room:
Your keystrokes will appear in the Input Box at the bottom of the screen. Type your message and press Enter when you are ready to transmit. Your message will be delivered to the six avatars closest to you, appearing as a text message in the Speech Box, located above the Input Box. Your messages are also echoed back to you in the Speech Box, so you can carry on typed conversations with those around you.

To Whisper to just one other person:
The whisper feature allows you to address and send a private message to a specific user. A handy aspect of the whisper feature is that you do not have to be next to someone to whisper to them. The whisper feature can help you find a user or let someone know you are in the space.
To address the whisper, click on an avatar or type the username in the Input Box, followed by a colon and your message. For example, to whisper to your pal UltraBob, you would type the following into your Input Box:

UltraBob: No one else can hear us!

Then press Enter. You can also press the Whisper button (the litttle ear) or the tab key, and if you send another whisper to the same user, you can use the Whisper button or the Tab key to send another whisper to the same person without having to retype their name.

Here's another good trick: if you click on an avatar once with the cursor, that avatar's username will automatically be entered in your Input box, complete with the colon. Then, just type your message and press Enter to send as a Whisper.
Make sure to spell the username correctly, capitalization included!,

Mute
The mute feature allows you to mute any user you no longer wish to ``hear``. Messages from a muted user will not appear in your Speech Box. Muting affects only your local session and will last for an entire session, until you unmute a user, or begin another session. If a user you have muted sends a message or whisper to you, the Whisper button ``burns`` (lights up).

To mute a user, simply whisper the word "mute" to them. For example, to mute a user named CyberPOP, you would type this in the Input Box:

CyberPOP: mute

and press Return. A list of muted users will appear in the Message Box when you press F2. To unmute a user, whisper the word "unmute" to them.

Who?
The Who? button is on the upper right hand corner of your screen and provides you with the usernames of the six closest avatars to you. This way you know who can hear you at any given time, and who else is in a room with you.

Hey! Where's my cursor? Why can't I move?

 Whenever you don't see a cursor (the small black arrow) on screen, then you can move.
To get a cursor, just click the left mouse button once. An arrow appears on screen that you can use to click buttons, avatars, or other items on screen. You will also see a green "walking man" icon in the lower right corner: this is the Go icon. To get rid of the cursor and start moving again, click on the Go icon once.

Navigating the Space Station

Perspective
You travel around the Space Station in the first person perspective. While in first person perspective, you will not see yourself as you navigate. To change from first person perspective to third person perspective, press F3. In third person perspective, you view from a camera positioned over the right shoulder of your avatar. The view can be toggled back to first person perspective by pressing the F3 key again.

Moving
To move around the Space Station use either your mouse or the arrows on your keyboard. Up and down will move you forward and backwards and left and right will turn your avatar. Navigation is suspended and replaced with a cursor when you mouse click in the Main Screen. The green Walk Icon will appear in the bottom right corner of the Main Screen. When you click once, you will be able to navigate again.

The right mouse button acts the same as the up-arrow key in navigation mode. This eliminates the need to "scrub" with the mouse to move forward; instead, you can just hold the right mouse button down, steering by sliding the mouse left and right. If you hold the Shift key down and move the mouse from side to side you will slide to the side rather then turning.

Teleporting
First, locate the Space Station Map in the bottom right corner of the Control Panel (looks like an atom). Simply mouse click on the Main Screen, suspending movement and creating a cursor. Then, mouse click on your desired destination on the Space Station Map.



The Control Panel
What is the control panel?
The Control Panel is all the stuff that appears to the left and under the main window where you see what your avatar sees. This includes all the boxes where you type messages and where you read other people's messages, and other various buttons and gizmos.

Main screen
This is your first person perspective of the space. Navigation is suspended and replaced with a cursor whenever you click the left mouse button once.

Speech Box
This is where all chat messages from other users are displayed, as well as any whispers to you from other users. Your own messages will also be echoed back here so that you can keep track of the thread of conversation.

Input Box
Whenever you type on the keyboard, your keystrokes will appear here. This gives you a chance to review your messages before you actually send them.

The Buttons
"Help" brings up the help menu (so does the F1 key). "Who?" lets you know who can hear you. "Quit" ends your visit to Worlds Chat.

Message Box
This area toggles between two windows. One window displays the Sound, Music and Text buttons, and the other displays system login messages and usernames created by the Who? command. Click on the "Close" button to restore the Sound/Music/Text Control buttons.

The Map
A diagram of the space station used to Teleport to different sectors. To teleport, just click on the part of the map where you'd like to go.

Sound, Music and Text buttons
The Sound, Music and Text buttons are in the Information Box below the Quit, Who? and Help buttons. If they are not visible, click on the Close button. Now you can change the sound and/or music options.

Where can I find more help?

If you can't find the information you're looking for here, you might try looking at the Help file that came supplied with Worlds Chat. Any of the subjects touched upon here are covered in more detail in the Help file. Just press F1, or click on the "help" button, while you're in Worlds Chat. You can also double-click on the file chathelp.hlp in your WORLDS\CHAT directory.

You can also reach our customer support network via a toll-free phone line.


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