Download Games

Please search the Frequently Asked Questions below. If you need to contact Customer Support, just click on the "Contact Us" button below. Remember: look for your question first, as you may need to provide some information when you contact us!


General Information


What is a "Download" or "Deluxe" Game?

"Deluxe" is the fancy title for the version of the game which is downloaded and installed on your computer. We no longer use the "Deluxe" reference and just refer to these games as the Download versions of the games.


You need to connect to the Internet to download the game, and also to register the game for unlimited play if you later decide to purchase it. However, you don't need to connect to the Internet to PLAY it. We have compiled some troubleshooting tips below to assist you in achieving optimal performance.

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System Requirements.

We recommend that you review the "System Requirements" for each game on its game page as the System Requirements do differ from game to game.


Example:

System Requirements Example


Note: Internet connection is required to download and register the game for unlimited play. It is not possible to register the game without an Internet connection.

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What do I have to do to register or unlock my game?

When you download a game from our site, you receive either a Timed Trial or "Level Locked" version of the game. This allows you to try the game in your own time, either within an hour trial or up to the first 3 levels of a game and decide if you would like to purchase the full version of the game.


If you do decide to purchase the game, you will receive an order confirmation email containing an Order Number or Registration Key which allows you to register or unlock the game and play the full version. We explain how to register or "unlock" the game below.


When you purchase one of our games, you receive 5 "licenses" which means you can reinstall the game up to 5 times. This is useful if you have more than one PC, reformat or replace your current PC.

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Explain this new Game Launcher feature to me!
We are adding a new feature to our download games, starting with Bejeweled Twist and Bejeweled 2, which we call the "Game Launcher". This new feature displays useful tips and tricks to help refine your strategies to get the highest scores. We also included a new update feature in the game launcher that will ensure that you always have the latest and greatest version of the game. In addition, we now provide quick access to other great games in the PopCap catalog without having to navigate back to PopCap.com. We hope it will make the most of your playing experience!

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Will l see this feature every time I launch my game?
Yes, you will. It is not possible to disable this feature; we don't want you to miss any important new tips and tricks or game updates!

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What happens if I use up all of my licenses?

We can issue some more! We treat this on a case by case basis, and reserve the right to do so. If you require more licenses due to a problem registering your game or due to repeated system formatting, please click here to contact our Customer Support team and they will review your case.

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Security Concerns?

Some antivirus or personal firewall applications incorrectly identify our products as viruses and disrupt or block the software from downloading or registering. Please be assured that products that come from PopCap Games are virus free.

Update Your Anti Virus Software.

Please visit your Anti Virus Software website for the latest virus definitions to allow the component to load properly.

Add www.popcap.com to your "Safe" or "Trusted" Sites list.

We recommend you add our site to your list of "Safe" or "Trusted" Sites for your browser, firewall and virus scanners. Please refer to your software's help articles regarding adding safe/trusted sites.

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Do I need an Internet connection?

If you would like to play our free Online games, you need to be connected to the Internet throughout.


If you download a game, you just need to be connected only while you download, and you can play the game on your computer when it is not connected to the Internet.


If you later decide to purchase the game, you will need to connect to the Internet again to purchase and register the game for unlimited play.

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How to download and install a game!


PC/Mac Game with POP ID (e.g. POP123456789.
  1. Launch the game, if it is not already running.
  2. At the launch screen, Click on the "Already purchased this game?" link OR the "Already purchased? Enter Info" button.
  3. At the next screen, enter the Order Number provided in your confirmation email (it will look something like this: POP123456789).
  4. Click the REGISTER button.
  5. A browser window should open and connect you to our site. Wait until you see the successful registration confirmation message appear in the browser, displaying your registration key.
  6. There will be a large yellow button on the page, labeled REGISTER NOW. Click this button. Then, minimize the browser to see the free trial launch window again.
  7. Click "Continue." The game should now be registered and unlocked for play!

Enjoy your game!

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The previous instructions did not work; what else can I do?

Once your game is installed on your computer, follow the instructions below.

  1. Launch the game and click on the "Already purchased this game" link OR the "Already purchased? Enter Info" button.
  2. Click on the Enter Registration Key Manually link.
  3. Open a web browser and click on the following link or copy/paste the link into your browser - http://store.popcap.com/license.php
  4. At the next screen, enter the provided Order Number from your order confirmation email (it will look something like this: POP123456789).
  5. Click the GENERATE REGISTRATION CODE button.
  6. There will be a large yellow button on the page, labeled REGISTER NOW. Click this button. Then minimize the browser to see the free trial launch window again.
  7. Click CONTINUE. The game should now be registered and unlocked for play!

Enjoy your game!


If your game is not unlocked, or you receive an error message during the process described above, please click CONTACT US button below and provide us with the following information so we can provide an alternative registration solution:

  1. Exact details of what occurs including the wording of any error message you receive.
  2. Your Operating System and Browser names and version numbers.
  3. The name and version number of any anti-virus or firewall software you may have running on your machine (Click HELP and ABOUT on your software to obtain the name and version number).

We will reply to your email within 3 business days.

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PC or Mac games with Registration Name and Registration/License Code (RKG Games).

Once your game is installed on your computer, start the game and follow the instructions below.

  1. Click "Register Now" to register your game.
  2. Copy or type the Registration Name and Registration/License Code displayed in your Order Confirmation Email into the form when instructed.
  3. Click on the Register button to launch the online process. After validating your order, your game should be registered and unlocked for unlimited play.
  4. Return to your game to verify it is unlocked.
  5. Click "Continue" to play!

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How to register a game


PC game.

  1. Please find your game on the All Games page.
  2. Select which game you would like to download.
  3. On the game page select the Try Free button.
  4. Select Run to download the game.
  5. Following the download, select Run and follow the installation instructions.
  6. Upon completion of installation, launch the game by double clicking the icon on your desktop or locating and opening the icon in Start Menu/All Programs/PopCap Games/Product Folder.
  7. Click the PLAY button to begin your free trial!

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Mac game.

  1. Please find your game on the All Games page.
  2. Select which game you would like to download.
  3. On the game page select the Try Free button to download the game.
  4. Following the download, follow the installation instructions.
  5. Upon completion of installation, launch the game to play.

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How to uninstall a game!
PC game.
  1. Uninstall the game using the uninstall tool located in the game's folder (Start Menu/All Programs/PopCap Games/Product Folder).
  2. A dialog box may appear that has a marked checkbox and the following text "Leave configuration and userdata". If so, please un-check the box. Then click OK/YES.
  3. Your game will now be successfully uninstalled.
Mac game.
  1. Uninstall the game by dragging the application from where it sits to the TRASH.
  2. Your game will now be successfully uninstalled.

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Registration Help


I want to install the game on a new, reformatted or other computer.

When you purchase one of our games, it will include 5 licenses that you can use to reinstall or place on another computer that has an Internet connection. Just use the information from your Confirmation Email on your new computer, or follow the instructions above on how to download, install and register your game.


Note: The games are not cross platform compatible. If you have purchased a PC game, the registration code will not unlock the Mac version of the same game.

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My POPID Order Number (Example POP123456789) won't unlock the game!

Once a PopCap Games product is downloaded, the product needs to contact the PopCap Games server to instigate a registration confirmation and unlock the product. This requires Internet connectivity between the computer and our servers.


Virus scanners, firewalls and pop-up blockers (Norton, MacAfee, etc.) will see any communication between the computer and outside servers as "malicious" and thus stop these communications.


We recommend you add our site to your list of "Safe" or "Trusted" Sites for your browser, firewall and virus scanners. Please refer to your software's help articles regarding adding safe/trusted sites.

You may also use the following alternative method to register and unlock your game:

  1. Install your game.
  2. Click on the following link or copy/paste the link into your browser: http://store.popcap.com/license.php.
  3. Enter the POPID Order Number (Example POP123456789) provided in your order confirmation email.
  4. Click the GENERATE REGISTRATION CODE button.
  5. Your game should now be registered for unlimited play! Please launch the game to play.

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The Registration Code I received for an older game order won't unlock the game.

Since your original purchase, we have updated our ordering system and database. We would like to bring you into our new database and send you an email for a new order for your game, which should also resolve your registration issue.


Please click here and provide the following information:

  • First and Last Name used when purchasing the game;
  • Email address used when purchasing the game;
  • Billing address;
  • Date of purchase (approximate);
  • Name of the game.

We will send you a Confirmation Email which will include your Order Number and all of the information needed to successfully register and unlock the full game.


If you require information for more than one game, please enter all of the games required. It is not necessary to submit a new issue for each game title.


We can provide information on games purchased from www.popcap.com only. If you purchased the game from another web site, please visit that site to submit your inquiry.

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Before you attempt to register your game, clear your Internet cache.

Clearing your internet browser cache/cookies can fix many common issues such as loading or crashing in mid-game. Some browser components may need to have their cache cleared as well. Please select your browser for instructions:


Internet Explorer 5.x or 6.x

  1. Launch your Internet Explorer browser.
  2. Click on the Tools menu at the top of the browser.
  3. Click on Internet Options from the drop-down menu.
  4. Click on the Delete Cookies button.
  5. Click on the Delete Files button.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Close your browser and restart Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer 7

  1. Launch your Internet Explorer browser.
  2. Click on the Tools menu at the top of the browser.
  3. Click Delete Browsing History.
  4. Click Delete All.
  5. Close your browser and restart Internet Explorer.

Firefox

  1. Choose Tools from the main menu (at the top of the Firefox window).
  2. Click on Options, and the Options window will appear.
  3. Click on the Privacy button on the top left of the window.
  4. Click the Cache tab and then click the Clear Cache Now button.
  5. Your computer may take a minute or two to delete everything.
  6. Once your cursor reverts from the hourglass to the normal cursor, click the OK button at the bottom.
  7. Now, close all Firefox windows and re-open Firefox again.

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I have lost my Registration information.

Please click here and provide all of the following information used:


  • First and Last Name used when purchasing the game;
  • Email Address used when purchasing the game;
  • Billing address;
  • Date of purchase (approximate);
  • Name of the game.

We will send you an order receipt which will include your Order Number and all of the information needed to successfully register and unlock the full game.

If you require information for more than one game, please enter all of the games required. It is not necessary to submit a new issue for each game title.


We can provide information on games purchased from www.popcap.com only. If you purchased the game from another web site, please visit that site to submit your inquiry.

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Troubleshooting Tips for Your PC


Does your game crash or freeze?

Game crashes or freezes are often caused by incompatibilities between your computer's graphics or audio and the game you are playing.


Before proceeding please run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag). This is a tool that is part of Windows and the Windows Component (Direct X). The DxDiag will allow you to preview a summary of your computer's system information, which will help you locate necessary information to resolve this issue.


Instructions on using DxDiag:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Click Run...
  3. In the text field please type "DxDiag".
  4. Click OK.

Windows Vista users, please skip step two and type DxDiag in the Start Search box located near the bottom of the Start Menu.


Note: Occasionally, you will be prompted with a Yes or No question concerning Microsoft Windows digitally signing your drivers. If this occurs, and your computer is connected to the internet, select Yes, otherwise, select No.


Now, try these options to resolve the game crash or freeze:

Option 1 - Update Your Video Card Drivers.

Video card manufactures typically release free updated drivers every 3 to 6 months to fix certain issues and to add new support for software.


The model and manufacturer of your video card can be located under the Display tab in your DxDiag. Here you will find the model of your video card next to Name and the manufacturer of your video card next to Manufacturer.


Usually, the best way to locate and download the most current video card drivers is by visiting the manufacturer's website, and searching for your particular model of video card under the support or drivers section.


If you are having difficulties regarding updating your video card drivers, please refer to your computer's owner's manual or contact the manufacturer of your video card.

Option 2 - Update Your Sound Card Drivers.

It is recommended that you update your sound card drivers every 6 to 9 months.


If you have outdated drivers, you can typically download the drivers at no charge from the sound card manufacturer's website.


The model and manufacturer of your sound card can be located under the Sound tab in your DxDiag. Here you will find the model of your sound card next to Name and the manufacturer of your video card next to Provider.


If you are having difficulties regarding updating your sound card drivers, please refer to your computer's owner's manual or contact the manufacturer of your sound card.

Option 3 - Update your DirectX.

DirectX is a set of drivers from Microsoft that controls the sound and video displays on your computer.


Please uninstall the game, update your DirectX, restart your computer, and then reinstall the game.


You can update your DirectX drivers by visiting Microsoft's web site and downloading the latest version. Once you have installed the latest version of DirectX, your game(s) should function properly.


DirectX drivers are required for many games and utilities besides PopCap Games products. Having the latest version of DirectX installed on your computer can be very beneficial.

Option 4 - Too many programs running.

This issue is often a result of too many processes (applications) running in Windows' background.


Microsoft Windows XP allows you to have many programs (processes) running simultaneously. Frequently, these background processes will conflict with foreground processes (i.e. computer games). Reducing the number of applications running in your system's background will help your system's performance not only when playing games, but when running other applications as well.


To reduce the number of background processes running in Microsoft Windows XP/Vista, please perform the following steps:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Select Run.
  3. In the Run window, next to Open:, type "taskmgr".
  4. In Windows Task Manager, select the Processes tab.
  5. On the Processes tab you'll see all the processes currently running.
  6. With a process highlighted, select End Task.
  7. Dismiss the warning by selecting OK.
  8. Perform the above steps until the number of processes appears between 20 - 25.

The average "healthy" computer runs with 20 - 25 background processes.


Processes you SHOULD NOT end include "explorer.exe", "taskmgr.exe", and any instance of the "SVCHost.exe" process.


With your computer's background processes within 20 - 25, you can attempt to play the game.

Option 5 - Uninstall and re-install your game.

Sometimes, uninstalling and re-installing the game will resolve a crash or freeze that occurs. Try this:


Instructions for Un-Installing Previous Versions


Notes: Please temporarily disable all Popup Blockers, Personal Firewalls and Antivirus software that may be running. These tools may hinder the download and registration process. Upon completion of registration, please turn these tools back on for the safety of your computer.

  1. Un-install the game using the un-install tool located in the game's folder (Start Menu/All Programs/PopCap Games/Product Folder).
  2. A dialog box may appear that has a marked checkbox and the following text "Leave configuration and userdata". If so, please un-check the box. Then click YES.

Instructions for Downloading and Installing

Notes: Please temporarily disable all Popup Blockers, Personal Firewalls and Antivirus software that may be running. These tools may hinder the download and registration process. Upon completion of registration, please turn these tools back on for the safety of your computer.

  1. Please visit our website at www.popcap.com to download the most current version of your game.
  2. Locate the game you would like to re-install and select the TRY FREE option.
  3. Upon completion of installation, launch and re-register the game.

If you are having difficulties regarding updating your computer, please refer to your computer's owner's manual or contact the manufacturer of your computer.

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Are you experiencing a graphics or video problems while playing?

Your video card drivers may be out of date or corrupt in some way. Video card manufacturers typically release free updated drivers every 3 to 6 months to fix certain issues and to add new support for software.


The model and manufacturer of your video card can be located under the Display tab in your DxDiag. Here you will find the model of your video card next to Name and the manufacturer of your video card next to Manufacturer.


Usually, the best way to locate and download the most current video card drivers is by visiting the manufacturer's website, and searching for your particular model of video card under the support or drivers section.

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Is your game running at a sluggish pace or are your graphics updating slowly?

Most of our games have an option known as 3D or Hardware Acceleration which will improve your graphics quality if your video card is capable of rendering 3D graphics. If you are experiencing graphics issues or game slowdown due to graphics, you can disable that feature within the game's Options menu.


If you want to find out if your graphics card is capable of rendering 3D graphics, try the following:

  1. Click the START button at the lower left corner.
  2. Click the RUN... button.
  3. In the field, enter "DXDIAG" and click OK.
  4. A new window called DirectX Diagnostic Tool should appear.
  5. Near the top of the window, look for the tab marked DISPLAY and click that tab.
  6. Under the heading titles DirectX Features, look for DIRECT3D ACCELERATION.
  7. If this is followed by ENABLED, your graphics card can render 3D images.
  8. If this is followed by DISABLED, your graphics card may not be able to render 3D graphics.
  9. Clicking the TEST DIRECT3D will tell you if you can ENABLE the 3D accelerator.
  10. Click EXIT to leave the Direct x Diagnostics Tool.

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Does your game appear partially on the screen?

This issue is often caused by incompatibilities between your computer's graphics card and the game you are playing.


Before proceeding please run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag). This a tool that is part of Windows and the Windows Component (Direct X). The DxDiag will allow you to preview a summary of your computer's system information, which will help you locate necessary information to resolve this issue.


Instructions on using DxDiag:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Click Run...
  3. In the text field please type "DxDiag".
  4. Click OK.

Windows Vista users, please skip step 2 and type DxDiag in the Start Search box located near the bottom of the Start Menu.


Note: Occasionally, you will be prompted with a Yes or No question concerning Microsoft Windows digitally signing your drivers. If this occurs, and your computer is connected to the internet, select Yes, otherwise, select No.


Now, try these options to resolve the problem:

Option 1 - Update Your Video Card Drivers.

Video card manufacturers typically release free updated drivers every 3 to 6 months to fix certain issues and to add new support for software.


The model and manufacturer of your video card can be located under the Display tab in your DxDiag. Here you will find the model of your video card next to Name and the manufacturer of your video card next to Manufacturer.


Usually, the best way to locate and download the most current video card drivers is by visiting the manufacturer's website, and searching for your particular model of video card under the support or drivers section.

Option 2 - Changing Monitor Resolution.

The resolution that your computer monitor is currently using may be incompatible with your game. Changing the resolution to 800x600 may resolve this issue. To do this:

  1. Right-click on any unoccupied area of your desktop.
  2. Click Properties.
  3. Click the Settings tab.
  4. Lower your screen resolution to 800x600.
  5. Click OK.

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Do you get a blank screen or other graphics problem while playing your game?

This issue is often caused by incompatibilities between your computer's graphics card and the game you are playing.


Before proceeding please run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag). This tool is part of Windows and the Windows Component (Direct X). The DxDiag will allow you to preview a summary of your computer's system information, which will help you locate necessary information to resolve this issue.


Instructions on using DxDiag:

  • Click Start.
  • Click Run...
  • In the text field please type "DxDiag".
  • Click OK.

Windows Vista users, please skip step 2 and type DxDiag in the Start Search box located near the bottom of the Start Menu.


Note: Occasionally, you will be prompted with a Yes or No question concerning Microsoft Windows digitally signing your drivers. If this occurs, and your computer is connected to the Internet, select Yes, otherwise, select No.


Now, try these options to resolve the blank screen or graphics problem:

Option 1 - Update your Video Card Drivers.

Video card manufacturers typically release free updated drivers every 3 to 6 months to fix certain issues and to add new support for software.


The model and manufacturer of your video card can be located under the Display tab in your DxDiag. Here you will find the model of your video card next to Name and the manufacturer of your video card next to Manufacturer.


Usually, the best way to locate and download the most current video card drivers is by visiting the manufacturer's website, and searching for your particular model of video card under the support or drivers section.

Option 2 - Changing Monitor Resolution.

The resolution that your computer monitor is currently using may be incompatible with your game. Changing the resolution to 800x600 may resolve this issue.


To do this:

  1. Right-click on any unoccupied area of your desktop.
  2. Click Properties.
  3. Click the Settings tab.
  4. Lower your screen resolution to 800x600.
  5. Click OK.

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Running in Compatibility Mode may fix some problems.

Sometimes, operating systems and games from PopCap Games or other companies aren't completely compatible. While we continually test all our games on all operating systems, each computer is different than another. Running a game in Compatibility Mode can sometimes resolve some technical problems.


Windows XP

  1. Click START at the bottom left corner of your screen.
  2. Select ALL PROGRAMS.
  3. Select POPCAP GAMES.
  4. Locate your game and RIGHT-CLICK your game with a single-click. A drop-down menu will appear.
  5. From the menu, select PROPERTIES. A new window will appear.
  6. At the top of the menu, select the tab marked COMPATIBILITY.
  7. Under the header Compatibility mode, click the box marked Run this program in compatibility mode for.
  8. From the newly available drop down box select WINDOWS 98/WINDOWS ME.
  9. Click the APPLY button.
  10. Restart your game and enjoy!

Windows Vista

  1. Right-click the desktop shortcut icon for your game.
  2. Select Properties in the right-click menu.
  3. Click on the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box beside the text: "Run this program in compatibility mode for:"
  5. Select Windows XP (Service Pack 2)
  6. Check the box beside "Run this program as an Administrator."
  7. Click Apply, then OK.

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Are you experiencing a sound/audio problem while playing?

This issue is often caused by incompatibilities between your computer's sound card and the game you are playing.


Before proceeding please run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag). This a tool that is part of Windows and the Windows Component (Direct X). The DxDiag will allow you to preview a summary of your computer's system information, which will help you locate necessary information to resolve this issue.


Instructions on using DxDiag:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Click Run...
  3. In the text field please type "DxDiag".
  4. Click OK.

Windows Vista users, please skip step 2 and type DxDiag in the Start Search box located near the bottom of the Start Menu.


Note: Occasionally, you will be prompted with a Yes or No question concerning Microsoft Windows digitally signing your drivers. If this occurs, and your computer is connected to the internet, select Yes, otherwise, select No.


Sound card manufacturers typically release free updated drivers every 6 to 9 months to fix certain issues and to add new support for software.


The model and manufacturer of your sound card can be located under the Sound tab in your DxDiag. Here you will find the model of your sound card next to Name and the manufacturer of your sound card next to Manufacturer.

Usually, the best way to locate and download the most current sound card drivers is by visiting the manufacturer's website, and searching for your particular model of sound card under the support or drivers section.

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Troubleshooting Tips for Your Mac


I receive an error message reading: "Fatal Error Failed to load sound: sounds/bad2".

Please refer to the following steps to resolve this issue on your Mac:

  1. Open Audio MIDI Setup (/Applications/Utilities/), then check the Audio Output setting.
  2. Change the Audio Output setting to 44100.0 Hz.
  3. Quit the Audio MIDI Setup and restart your game.

The article detailing this particular issue can be found here:


Mac OS X: No audio from certain multimedia content: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300832.

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If I play my game in full screen, it appears in blue shades or "muddy" colors.

The resolution that your computer monitor is currently using may be incompatible with your game. Changing the resolution to 800x600 may resolve this issue. However, you may have to play the game in windowed mode, rather than full screen mode.

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