Troubleshooting Topics

	READ THIS FIRST!
	Internet Browser
	Operating System (OS)
	Color and Resolution
	Java and IE 7 Font Type
	Windows Smooth Font

First, have you checked for an update? In many instances troubleshooting is unnecessary because an updated version of your Buddy has already been released. To see if this is the case, select the check for update option under the Help menu on your Buddy and/or visit the Updated Buddies page. No luck there? Please continue!

If your Buddy still does not work after reviewing this troubleshooting section and making any needed changes, please refer to the display settings page HERE to ensure your computers display properties are compatible. Still no luck? Please send a Bug Report via the Help menu on your Buddy for additional assistance.

Please note: these troubleshooting suggestions are exactly that - SUGGESTIONS. They are meant to pinpoint most reasons why your Buddy may not be working. These suggestions are not guaranteed fixes and may change aspects about your computer that you do not approve of. Email Support with any questions or concerns you may have, before proceeding.

Play Buddy recommends users play their games and run their Buddies in Internet Explorer 6.0-7.0 browsers. If you have IE installed on your computer but are using another browser, please switch. If your Buddy does not work within the IE browser either, please refer to the remaining troubleshooting suggestions and/or send a Bug Report for further assistance. Once a solution is found and the Buddy is working, you can then try using it in your preferred browser.

• Not sure what browser or version number you're using? Open your browser and find the Help menu. Then select the About option. This process can be seen in Internet Explorer browsers 6 and 7 below.

• Don't have IE? You can install it here.

The Operating System (OS) required for Play Buddy Software is Windows XP or Vista. If you do not know what OS is installed on your computer, please follow these instructions:

STEP 1: Go to your start menu and right-click on My Computer. Now select Properties as illustrated here. NOTE: Vista windows will look different, but the instructions are the same.

STEP 2: A window will appear that lists the Operating System. This can be seen circled in red in the picture below. If you do not have Windows XP or Vista installed, the Buddy probably will not work.

The ideal color bit for your Buddy is either 24 or 32-bit and the resolution larger than 800x600. These settings on your computer may be viewed and changed via the display properties as seen here on an XP machine (NOTE: Vista windows will look different):

STEP 1: Right-click on your desktop and select Properties (XP) or Personalize (Vista), as seen below.

STEP 2: Choose the Settings tab (XP) or the Display Settings link (Vista) and refer to the Screen resolution. This recommended size is an approximation and does not have to be exact. Simply keep in mind that 800x600 is often too small for the Buddy. This causes the Buddy to overlap the game window which can result in it not working. Therefore, please adjust your resolution to a size that is large enough for the Buddy to sit off of the game window, but is something you can live with.

Now refer to the Color quality. 32-bit or 24-bit should appear here. If it does not, please select either.

Sun Java is the recommended java to use with online games and Buddies. Because font smoothing can sometimes cause window detection issues, it should be disabled. Note: This special font smoothing within the browser settings is applicable to IE 7. To locate these properties, first open your Internet Explorer browser. Now click on the Tools menu and select Properties as shown below:

This font smoothing is applicable to Windows XP users ONLY Since Windows font smoothing can sometimes cause window detection issues, it should be disabled. To locate this setting, right-click on your desktop and select Properties like this: