COMMAND & CONQUER: RED ALERT

Please check the list of Red Alert technical support questions listed below that we usually receive from our players. If your question is not covered below, we suggest that you download the full Red Alert FAQ and check the README.TXT file supplied on your Red Alert CD for more information.

You may also write to support@westwood.com and we'll try to get back to you within 24 hours.


  • Download the Frequently Asked Questions list.
  • Download the README.TXT file found on the Red Alert CD-ROM.
  • View the Red Alert Map Editor Hints and Tips
  • Download Direct X3.0 Trident Drivers.
  • Download Direct X3.0 S3 Card Drivers (Many Diamond Cards)


  • Quick Solutions...

  • What is Direct X?
  • Video flicker/blanking or other video problems.
  • Sound card problems.
  • DOS and Windows95 LAN support.





  • What is Direct X?


    DirectX is a set of drivers used for Windows 95 and Windows NT which allow for the easy setup of hardware devices. If your hardware devices support DirectX (and most do) you can play any DirectX compatible program without fear of having to go through a tedious setup process.

    Red Alert contains the newest version of DirectX - 3.0. Red Alert uses only the DirectDraw (for video) and DirectSound (for sound cards) portions of the DirectX set.

    To be fully compatible with DirectX, you must have certified drivers. To check if your drivers are certified, you can run the DirectX setup program from the CD in the following directory:

    D:\DEXSETUP\DIRECTX\DXSETUP.EXE (Where D is your CDROM drive)

    This will open a window showing your current driver sets. ALL of the drivers must have the word CERTIFIED in the right column for your hardware to work correctly with the DirectX drivers. If you do not see a certified label next to a driver, contact the manufacturer of the device for updated drivers that are DirectX 3.0 compatible.




    I'm having Video problems when running under Windows 95.


    Most Video card problems are caused by drivers that are not DirectX certified (see above). If you get a blank screen or an error message when you run the game, try reinstalling DirectX from the Red Alert CD and rebooting. If you still get a blank screen or error message, your video drivers are likely not compatible with DirectX. Contact Microsoft, or the manufacturer of your video card.

    You can find a comprehensive listing of video card manufacturer's web sites at : http://www.windows95.com/drivers/video.html




    I'm having sound problems when playing Red Alert under Windows 95.


    Direct X soundcard problems include stuttering sound, and pauses, and can sometimes affect the video as well.

    A full listing of sound card drivers can be found at : http://www.windows95.com/drivers/sound.html




    Connecting Red Alert DOS and Red Alert Win95.


    The DOS and Win95 versions of Red Alert are fully compatible in an IPX LAN environment. In some cases, you may find that a DOS machine will not see a Win95 machine in the multiplayer setup, and vice-versa. Try the following to correct this problem (thanks to Tom Wright for these tips!)

    1. On the DOS machine, you must run LSL, your card driver, and the IPXODI protocol.
    2. On the Win95 machine, make sure you are running the Client for MS Networks, your card driver, and the IPX/SPX protocol.
    3. You will need to adjust the Win95 machine to see DOS. To do this:
      1. Open the Network Icon in the control panel.
      2. Select the properties for the IPX/SPX protocol in the list.
      3. Select Advanced.
      4. Change the default of AUTO to the Frame type used by your DOS machines (this is generally stated when you load the card driver on the DOS side).
      5. Hit OK, until Windows asks you to restart.
      6. It is suggested to turn off the machine and restart it to reinitialize the net card.
    4. Run the game on the DOS machine, then the Win95 machine, and it should connect.
    5. Have fun!




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