Starfleet Academy Instalation, Batch File Creation, 
 and Launch (from MSN ZONE or other IPX Networks)
For IBM/compatible users

By: Samuel W. Siegel

aka:

Thought Admiral Kethas epetai-Rustadzh
CO, IKF Tactical Fighter Wing
http://i-k-f.tripod.com/TFW/index.html
E-mail: ikf@juno.com

Part Ia: Installing SFA
Part Ib: Installing Checov's Lost Missions (SFA Add on pack)
Part II: Creating a batch file for SFA
Part III: Playing On-Line


Part I a: Starfleet Academy Instalation

Most of the newer systems will not require the instalation of Direct X ver. 5, so 
unless you have an older system ignore the pop-up autostart box that the CD generates
on your desktop.  Close out the box.

Click on your windows START button.

Click on the RUN button in your start up menu.

Click on the BROWSE button on the pop up box.

Select your CD ROM Drive (with the SFA Disk 1 inserted).

Select the SETUP directory

Select the program application named SETUP.

Click the OPEN button.

Windows will then start the Instalation of Starfleet Academy version 1.0

Part I b: Checkov's Lost Missions Instalation

If you have the add on mission pack this will fix two problems with 
SFA v1.0 and upgrade it to SFA 1.20.  When SFA was initially released 
there were problems with the Network Setting Protocools (They didn't work, you
couldn't play SFA on-line at all) and the Shield Readout Display (There wasn't one).

If you do not have the lost missions pack there is a patch availible (still) from Interplay.
go to http://www.interplay.com/support/sfa/patch.html and download the patch.

If you do have the Add on pack insert the CD into your CD ROM and follow the same instructions
as before.

Now you're ready to play Starfleet Academy!

Part II: Creating a batch file.

In order to play on the ZONE, you will need a batch file.

The Zone uses DOS commands to launch (load) the program in order to play over a LAN or IPX 
network.  I will attempt to show you how to create one.

A batch is a small application that creates a shortcut to another program.
To make it easier to play SFA over the net, instead of telling the computer which program
to load and where to find it every time you play, you just type in the batch file name and
it will take it from there.

First:  When SFA installs your software write down where it is placing the program.
What directories it will install it on.

The Default is as follows:

C:\Program Files\Interplay\Starfleet Academy

HOWEVER, DOS does NOT like windows folder names, so it would actually 
look like:

C:\progra~1\interp~1\starfl~1\

Open up Windows NOTEBOOK:  

Type the file location of SFA.exe (Starfleet Academy).

In example (use this if you need to):

C:\progra~1\interp~1\starfl~1\sfa

Save file as: sfa.bat in your C: directory.

Test it to see if it works, if it doesn't feel free to e-mail me for Tech support.
Use your Windows Explorer, Find Files, or MS Dos Command Prompt to test it.


Part III: Playing On-line (via the zone).

To get on the zone go to: www.zone.com

If you are a new user, click on Sign Up and follow the instructions.

Click on the ALL Games link and at the bottom of the list there is a link to
Zone LAN IPX Games.  

For first timers it will download the necessary files you will need to 
connect to the selected rooms.

SFA is most likely played in the SIMULATIONS subroom.

Click on SIMULATIONS.

Again, for first timers it will download the necessary files you will need to 
connect to the selected rooms.

Each game is listed in the room.  Click on JOIN to join a room, or HOST to host a room.

SFA games will be listed as SFA or Starfleet Academy.

Once the room has been joined you can Commence chat, or await a game launch.

Once the host LAUNCHES a game a DOS COMMAND POP UP WINDOW will appear.  

MAKE SURE DISK ONE is in the CD ROM DRIVE.

Enter the name of the sfa batch file:

C:\sfa

and hit the enter Key.  The game will then launch.

DISREGARD the game registration pop up boxes, they really serve no purpose fo the game.

IN THE GAME...

Click on the NETWORK button of the menu.

Select START GAME if you are HOST, or JOIN GAME if you are JOINING GAME.

Once Join game has been selected, then games will appear to the left of the screen.

Select the game you wish to join, and make your selections accordingly 
(Name/callsign, choice of ship) and then the game will begin.

HAPPY HUNTING!!!!