Card - Spades

Author

Spades

Boojum

2005-04-16, 3:30 am

Ever since the Gaming Zone has been fixing the problems with the script
kiddie programs, I have had nothing but trouble getting into competitive
spades rooms at the Gaming Zone.

After following the suggestions at NibbleNBits, I have difficulty
reinstalling the software that is supposed to be automatic. Currently, the
only way for me to get the software installed is to sign in and go to the
help room. There, I am redirected to the download site. I am most often able
to download the basic software.

Thereafter, I head for competitve spades. Sometimes I am able to download
the current version of the software. Often I get a blank page with the rooms
menu. Frequently. I get a SCRIPT language='java error message.

I have unintilled and reinstalled the Microsoft virtual machine and updates
may times. I also have the current Sun Java installed. It makes no difference
if the Sun java is disabled.

I have tried downloading the software with my firewall and anti-virus
disabled. I have changed firewalls and anti-virus software to no avail.
Currently, I am using AVG Anti-Virus and Sygate.

My operating system is Windows 98 Second Edition. I generally use MSN 9.
After so many problem trying to get in, I wrote zeros and reformatted.
Nothing seems to work.

Right now it is not so much that I need to play spades as it is why it is so
outrageously difficult to get into a room. I am amused that the Microsoft
Virtual Machine is being used. I suppose the settlement with Sun is a factor.

If someone can help me sort this all out, I would be thankful.

Boojum

TheRealFastlane

2005-04-16, 8:31 pm

I'll try. First I am making an assumption that Win SE meets the
minimum requirements for using MSN 9.
That said, in my internet options > advanced settings under Microsoft
VM I have all boxes UNchecked (try that), I have Java (Sun) checked.
Does the basic zone software appear to install correctly (this
installs zone friends etc. then the game specific software is
downloaded when you browse to a games room screen).
Check that your Heartbeat control file is not damaged or corrupted,
open windows explorer and got to C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files
and llok for HeartbeatCtl Class, right click on it then click
properties. Under general tab check status, it should say installed,
if so then click the dependency tab, there should be 3 files listed.
If this doesnt, it shouldn't be long before a real zone tech contacts
you with a solution, assuming one hasnt already.
Hope this helps.

On Fri, 15 Apr 2005 22:57:02 -0700, Boojum
<Boojum@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

quote:

>Ever since the Gaming Zone has been fixing the problems with the script
>kiddie programs, I have had nothing but trouble getting into competitive
>spades rooms at the Gaming Zone.
>
>After following the suggestions at NibbleNBits, I have difficulty
>reinstalling the software that is supposed to be automatic. Currently, the
>only way for me to get the software installed is to sign in and go to the
>help room. There, I am redirected to the download site. I am most often able
>to download the basic software.
>
>Thereafter, I head for competitve spades. Sometimes I am able to download
>the current version of the software. Often I get a blank page with the rooms
>menu. Frequently. I get a SCRIPT language='java error message.
>
>I have unintilled and reinstalled the Microsoft virtual machine and updates
>may times. I also have the current Sun Java installed. It makes no difference
>if the Sun java is disabled.
>
>I have tried downloading the software with my firewall and anti-virus
>disabled. I have changed firewalls and anti-virus software to no avail.
>Currently, I am using AVG Anti-Virus and Sygate.
>
>My operating system is Windows 98 Second Edition. I generally use MSN 9.
>After so many problem trying to get in, I wrote zeros and reformatted.
>Nothing seems to work.
>
>Right now it is not so much that I need to play spades as it is why it is so
>outrageously difficult to get into a room. I am amused that the Microsoft
>Virtual Machine is being used. I suppose the settlement with Sun is a factor.
>
>If someone can help me sort this all out, I would be thankful.
>
>Boojum

-- Keyboard not detected
Press F1 to continue

+Elmo_Tech

2005-04-17, 12:30 am

Boojum wrote:

quote:

> Ever since the Gaming Zone has been fixing the problems with the script
> kiddie programs, I have had nothing but trouble getting into competitive
> spades rooms at the Gaming Zone.
>
> After following the suggestions at NibbleNBits, I have difficulty
> reinstalling the software that is supposed to be automatic. Currently, the
> only way for me to get the software installed is to sign in and go to the
> help room. There, I am redirected to the download site. I am most often able
> to download the basic software.
>
> Thereafter, I head for competitve spades. Sometimes I am able to download
> the current version of the software. Often I get a blank page with the rooms
> menu. Frequently. I get a SCRIPT language='java error message.

I believe that's a Javascript (Jscript) error rather than Java.. Try here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q236846/

quote:

> I have unintilled and reinstalled the Microsoft virtual machine and updates
> may times. I also have the current Sun Java installed. It makes no difference
> if the Sun java is disabled.
>
> I have tried downloading the software with my firewall and anti-virus
> disabled. I have changed firewalls and anti-virus software to no avail.
> Currently, I am using AVG Anti-Virus and Sygate.
>
> Boojum

--
+Elmo_Tech
MSN® Gaming Zone™ - Technical Support

Add clvck to the subject line and correct my address from "invalid" to
"com" if you want to email me.

Boojum

2005-04-19, 12:30 am

Thanks to both of youfor your responses. I believe I have the minimum
requirements listed to use MSN 9 with Windows 98 Second Edition —just barely.
The fact that I had difficulty downloading the Gaming Zone software and
getting into a room after reformatting and before reinstalling MSN 9 would
seem to indicate MSN 9 is not the problem.

There are three files in my Heartbeat folder, Heartbeat .INF (32,768),
HRTBEAT.OCX (131,072) and ZSETUP.EXE (163,840).

In Internet Properties/ advanced/HTTP 1.1 settings, under Java Sun, I have a
check in Use JRE1.5.0_02 for <applet>. Nothing is checked under Microsoft VM.

I have the pop-up blocker for MSN Explorer set to allow pop-ups at:
<http://zone.msn.com/endefault.htm >

I have the Google pop-up blocker set to allow pop-ups on every Zone page I
visit.

Since I have an old system, I try to scan and defrag daily. I delete
cookies, temporary and temporary internet files several times a day. I have
gone through Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware to see if either is
blocking files and do not see anything.

I have reinstalled the java script machine, and confirmed proper settings.

When I go to the Gaming Zone, I sign in, click on Spades and then
competitive. Sometimes I then get a “Service Unavailable” message and either
refresh or reboot.

Most of the time, the downloading and installing latest version begins. Once
that is completed, I either get a Java script error or a blank page. I reboot
when I get the Java script error. By the way, just before the Java script
error appears, there is a brief flicker of the black background of the menu
page.

When I get a blank page, I go to Support and click on “Chat with a member
plus.” Thereafter, Zone Friends loads for the first time. I then go back to
the home page, click on spades and then competitive to get into a room. I
have been able to use this process about five times now to get in.

So it seems that getting Zone Friends to load when the latest version is
being installed is one problem. Another is the anomaly of having to go to
Support and the Mplus help room to reinstall the software. The software
simply will not install otherwise.

While the process I must use is quite bizarre, I now seem able to access a
room. If I am doing something obviously wrong, I would appreciate your
guidance. If nothing else, perhaps my experience may help others.

Boojum

"+Elmo_Tech" wrote:

quote:

> Boojum wrote:
>
> I believe that's a Javascript (Jscript) error rather than Java.. Try here:
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q236846/
>
>
>
> --
> +Elmo_Tech
> MSN® Gaming Zone™ - Technical Support
>
>
> Add clvck to the subject line and correct my address from "invalid" to
> "com" if you want to email me.
>

+Elmo_Tech

2005-04-19, 3:30 am

+Elmo_Tech wrote:

quote:

> Boojum wrote:
>
>
>
> What Heartbeat folder? If you mean the "C:\Windows\Downloaded Program
> Files" folder, it should also include "ZoneIntro Class", which is
> Zintro.ocx if you navigate there through a DOS window.
>
> If it's missing. I wonder if a browser or popup setting is blocking its
> installation.

This might help:
http://zone.msn.com/en/support/article/support3206.htm

--
+Elmo_Tech
MSN® Gaming Zone™ - Technical Support

+Elmo_Tech

2005-04-19, 3:30 am

Boojum wrote:[vbcol=seagreen]
> Thanks to both of youfor your responses. I believe I have the minimum
> requirements listed to use MSN 9 with Windows 98 Second Edition —just barely.
> The fact that I had difficulty downloading the Gaming Zone software and
> getting into a room after reformatting and before reinstalling MSN 9 would
> seem to indicate MSN 9 is not the problem.
>
> There are three files in my Heartbeat folder, Heartbeat .INF (32,768),
> HRTBEAT.OCX (131,072) and ZSETUP.EXE (163,840).
>
> In Internet Properties/ advanced/HTTP 1.1 settings, under Java Sun, I have a
> check in Use JRE1.5.0_02 for <applet>. Nothing is checked under Microsoft VM.
>
> I have the pop-up blocker for MSN Explorer set to allow pop-ups at:
> <http://zone.msn.com/endefault.htm >
>
> I have the Google pop-up blocker set to allow pop-ups on every Zone page I
> visit.
>
> Since I have an old system, I try to scan and defrag daily. I delete
> cookies, temporary and temporary internet files several times a day. I have
> gone through Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware to see if either is
> blocking files and do not see anything.
>
> I have reinstalled the java script machine, and confirmed proper settings.
>
> When I go to the Gaming Zone, I sign in, click on Spades and then
> competitive. Sometimes I then get a “Service Unavailable” message and either
> refresh or reboot.
>
> Most of the time, the downloading and installing latest version begins. Once
> that is completed, I either get a Java script error or a blank page. I reboot
> when I get the Java script error. By the way, just before the Java script
> error appears, there is a brief flicker of the black background of the menu
> page.
>
> When I get a blank page, I go to Support and click on “Chat with a member
> plus.” Thereafter, Zone Friends loads for the first time. I then go back to
> the home page, click on spades and then competitive to get into a room. I
> have been able to use this process about five times now to get in.
>
> So it seems that getting Zone Friends to load when the latest version is
> being installed is one problem. Another is the anomaly of having to go to
> Support and the Mplus help room to reinstall the software. The software
> simply will not install otherwise.
>
> While the process I must use is quite bizarre, I now seem able to access a
> room. If I am doing something obviously wrong, I would appreciate your
> guidance. If nothing else, perhaps my experience may help others.
>
> Boojum
>
> "+Elmo_Tech" wrote:
>
>

What Heartbeat folder? If you mean the "C:\Windows\Downloaded Program
Files" folder, it should also include "ZoneIntro Class", which is
Zintro.ocx if you navigate there through a DOS window.

If it's missing. I wonder if a browser or popup setting is blocking its
installation.

--
+Elmo_Tech
MSN® Gaming Zone™ - Technical Support

Add clvck to the subject line and correct my address from "invalid" to
"com" if you want to email me.

Boojum

2005-04-19, 3:30 am

Thanks again for the help, Mr. Elmo. I have both the HeartbeatCtl Class and
ZoneIntro Class [ZINTRO.OCX(131,072)] in the C:\Windows\Downloaded Program
Files folder. I also followed the suggestion at:

http://zone.msn.com/en/support/article/support3206.htm

I will be looking at the anti-virus, spyware and pop-up blockers to see if
blocking is going on. I still get in the room the long way.

"+Elmo_Tech" wrote:

quote:

> +Elmo_Tech wrote:
>
> This might help:
> http://zone.msn.com/en/support/article/support3206.htm
>
> --
> +Elmo_Tech
> MSN® Gaming Zone™ - Technical Support
>

Boojum

2005-04-25, 3:36 am

For the benefit of others that may experience a similiar situation, I add
this denouement. Today I went to the Member Plus help room at the Gaming Zone
to find out if others were having difficulties like mine. I was told tests
had confirmed ads were a problem for those using Windows 98 SE. The suggested
fix was to use an "ad repressor." When I asked how I go about doing that, I
was told those in the help room were reluctant to say more since it may
result in MSN losing ad revenue.

So, I did a search for "ad repressor." The hits were for pop-up and ad
blockers. I was somewhat surprised since several techs had told me I had to
make sure any pop-up blockers were disabled for the Zone software to work
properly. Even so, I installed Ad Muncher and now get into rooms at the
Gaming Zone without a hitch.

Despite the frustration of goose chases and conflicting information, I
learned some things and thank all for the help.

"Boojum" wrote:
[vbcol=seagreen]
> Thanks again for the help, Mr. Elmo. I have both the HeartbeatCtl Class and
> ZoneIntro Class [ZINTRO.OCX(131,072)] in the C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files folder. I also followed the suggestion at:
>
> http://zone.msn.com/en/support/article/support3206.htm
>
> I will be looking at the anti-virus, spyware and pop-up blockers to see if
> blocking is going on. I still get in the room the long way.
>
> "+Elmo_Tech" wrote:
>