Restoring Pogo Games Sound

Most Pogo games feature a mute button, allowing you to mute the sound if desired. This is accomplished by clicking an icon that looks like a tiny speaker inside the game window of a Pogo game. Unfortunately, muting a single Pogo game actually mutes all of them. Fortunately, getting your sound back is usually as easy as clicking that speaker icon once again.

While the solution may seem obvious once you find that icon, sound issues in Pogo games have tripped up plenty of users. Some think it's an issue with the computer and start looking in the computer's sound settings for a solution. Others search their Pogo accounts for settings that might affect the sound. Meanwhile, the icon remains elusive. To turn your sound back on, you'll need to open an actual Pogo game and then look for the speaker icon.

When the sound in a Pogo game is on, the speaker icon will show little curved lines representing sound waves coming out of the speaker. When the sound has been muted, these lines disappear. Toggling back and forth should turn the sound on and off.

Troubleshooting Other Pogo Game Issues

Hopefully the speaker icon trick will restore your Pogo sounds. If you need help troubleshooting other issues with Pogo games, Electronics Arts' Help page recommends several initial steps such as clearing the browser's Java cache (go to Start > Control Panel > Java and click the General tab. From there, find Temporary Internet Files > Settings and click Delete Files), updating or installing Java, and running Microsoft Security Essentials. Sometimes these initial troubleshooting steps will resolve problems such as errors with games loading.

The problem you are experiencing with the drmactivatorapplication seems to be a common one. I'll list the most popular solutions for fixing it. Try them one by one to see if you can resolve the drmactivatorapplication error.

Resolving drmactivatorapplication error: DEP

Follow these directions as closely as possible (depends on your version of Windows):

•1)      Navigate to "Start" and left click.

•2)      Navigate to "Computer" and right click.

•3)      Navigate to "Properties" and left click.

•4)      Navigate to "Advanced" under System Settings and left click.

•5)      Navigate to "Performance" and left click on "Settings."

•6)      Make sure that the box in front of "Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and settings only" is marked.

•7)      Click on "Apply."

•8)      Click on "OK."

It may be necessary to reboot your computer in order for this to work.

Resolving drmactivatorapplication error: User Account

If you still don't have access to your Big Fish games, try the following:

•1)      Navigate to "Start" and left click.

•2)      Navigate to and open the "Control Panel."

•3)      Open "User accounts."

•4)      Unmark the box for "Turn User Account on or off."

•5)      Reboot the computer.

Resolving drmactivatorapplication error: Uninstall Recent Upgrade

Some users report success when they uninstall a recent Service Pack upgrade. Most likely, this is going to be a temporary fix until the next upgrade. It's up to you to decide whether you want to try this solution or not.

Access Live Chat

Big Fish Game Club members can access the live chat feature to discuss problems they are having with Big Fish games. If none of the above solutions have worked for you, contact tech support through this feature. I usually have to contact tech support more than once until I find an individual who has experience with the particular issue that I need help with, so contact them as many times as you need.

The SIMS 3 Video Card Compatibility

One of the most important, and often frustrating aspects of home computer system management is ensuring that both hardware and software additions are compatible and mutually supportive and, unfortunately, it is true that The SIMS 3 is not supported by GMA 950 video cards.

Contemplating Computer Updates

No doubt it is difficult to realize all the updates your computer might require in order to support the latest software products, like SIMS, but the fact of the matter is that the computer needs to be able to process and support the advanced technology of the software program. On the upside, updates that you make to your computer now will allow you to run more than just this one game or program, but any other recent releases that you're interested in.

System Requirements and Compatibility - Mac and The SIMS 3

In order to make your computer support the game, you will need to make sure you meet the system requirements. In the future, you might want to run an Internet search for the game or software you are interested in and check the system requirements before purchasing. Here they are for The SIMS 3, listed below:

FOR MAC OS X

• Mac OS X 10.5.7 Leopard or higher
• Intel Core Duo Processor
• 2 GB RAM
• ATI X1600 or Nvidia 7300 GT with 128 MB of Video RAM, or Intel Integrated GMA X3100.
• At least 6.1 GB of hard drive space with at least 1 GB of additional space for custom content and saved games

This game will not run on PowerPC (G3/G4/G5) based Mac systems, or the GMA 950 class of integrated video cards.

When you go to buy a new video card, make sure that you choose one that is compatible with your system and the SIMS game. Here is a list of supported cards:

MAC OS X Supported Video Cards

• NVIDIA GeForce series
• 7300, 7600
• 8600, 8800
• 9400M, 9600M GT
• GT 120, GT 130

ATI Radeon^TM series

• X1600, X1900
• 2400, 2600
• 3870
• 4850, 4870

Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA)

• GMA 3-Series

Considering a Gaming Computer or System Upgrades

The other thing to consider is the opportunity to upgrade your computer with the purchase of a new system. Like a car, at some point it is less cost effective to add updates to an old system than to take the plunge and update your entire unit. I am a Mac user, and loyal to the system for a variety of personal computing needs, but you could also consider getting your daughter a less expensive, but more recently released PC laptop to use as a gaming device. There are reasonably priced computers of this type that can meet her gaming needs, without requiring you to upgrade your Mac in ways that are otherwise not useful to you. Consult with an expert at your local electronics store to find the system, or the video card best suited to your needs and existing hardware and software.

I hope this information is helpful! Happy holidays!

It can be a bit tricky hooking a Nintendo Wii up to the computer, especially since it was actually designed to hook up to the TV. However, if your computer has AV inputs, you should be able to bring up the video since you have video capture capabilities. You do need to have a video capture card for the computer. Alternatively, you can purchase a video converter and then you don't actually use the computer. It is important to understand that video displayed on a monitor is quite different than video displayed on the TV, which is why you need either the video capture card for the computer or the video converter for the monitor.

How to Connect Nintendo Wii to the Computer

• 1) First, purchase and install a video capture card for the computer. This type of card is necessary since you want to input video signals that were intended for a TV. Basically, the video capture card allows your computer to understand the signals coming from the Wii's video output.
• 2) Install the driver for the video capture card. It should be on a CD. In some cases, it is necessary to visit the manufacturer's website to download the driver.
• 3) Now, you connect your Nintendo Wii to the video capture card in the same way that you would connect it to the TV. Make sure you have the component plugs connected to the Wii.
• 4) Boot up the computer. Open the multi-media program that the video capture card uses. In some cases, this program will be Windows Media Player. It could also be QuickTime or a media jukebox specific to the video capture card.
• 5) Secure the light bar from your Wii onto the monitor's top.
• 6) Turn on the Wii. The video output should automatically show up and the splash screen should appear.
• 7) Follow the prompts to reset (recalibrate) the light bar for your Wii.

How to Connect Nintendo Wii to the Monitor

• 1) First, purchase and install a video converter that is designed for this purpose. It should have a VGA, HDMI, or DVI port on the end for the monitor (look at your monitor first so you know what you need.) On the end for the Nintendo Wii, you should see a yellow RCA video jack. You don't need to buy a video converter with the HDMI or DVI port unless your monitor does not have the VGA set up. This piece of hardware is going to run you anywhere from $30 to a couple of hundred dollars.
• 2) Connect the Wii to your speakers.
• 3) Connect the yellow cable end on the Wii to the video converter port (the yellow one.)
• 4) Connect the data cable from the monitor to the video converter port.
• 5) Look at the operating instructions for the video converter and determine what you need to do next. You should be able to adjust the screen resolution and the aspect ratio. Other options might also be available.
• 6) Power up the Wii.

Most of the time, when you get a 1610 error, it will tell you to contact your administrator or support personnel. Since it looks like you're on your own here, you're going to have to do a little troubleshooting to fix the problem.

First Fixes

The first thing to try is to copy the program directly onto your system and run the installation from there and see if you get the same error. You can also try to get into Safe Mode by pressing F8 on startup and try to load the disks from there. If the program loads successfully, reboot the computer and see if it will run.

Registry Error

My guess is that you are dealing with a registry problem, probably caused by a corruption in the registry that happened when the last version of the game was uninstalled. The safest thing to do in this case is to purchase and run a registry cleaner such as RegCure. You can download a free version that may find the errors for you before you purchase the program in its entirety.

Although I don't recommend changing the registry manually, it can be done if you are very careful. Changing the registry can severely damage your machine, so if you're not comfortable with it, this is best left to a professional. At the very least, set a System Restore point before you get into the registry so you have something to go back to if there is a problem.

Go to Start and then Run and type in: regedit. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\INSTALLER

Now you need to find the key for Features. By looking at the keys here, you may be able to find the key for Turning Point. It will probably have two entries - one for features and one for Products.  If you find them, delete both of the keys for Turning Point by choosing the key and right clicking to choose Delete. Once the two keys have been deleted, exit out of the registry and try the installation again.

I think fixing the registry will solve your installation problems and you should be able to install normally as you have in the past.

You are correct about there not being very much information on this issue. However, you might be in luck because my son has a Mac and he was able to clue me in on what should happen as well as a possible workaround for this situation. Read through and follow these suggestions that should resolve the problem for you. Hopefully it does because I can understand why not being able to get to the custom content would be frustrating- it's one of the best features for the game!

Downloading Sim3 Custom Content: Right Clicking

When you right-click on the Mac, it is a bit different than right clicking on a PC. You should be able to control click and gain access to what you need. It should go as follows:

If you navigate to your dashboard and select "finder" and then navigate to the menu that appears across the top and select "go" and then "applications", it should list all of your applications or folders for applications on your computer. Now you need to highlight the launcher icon for the Sims 3 and "control click" on the icon (make sure you are not using the command key instead of the control key.) This icon should be identified as the one with the logo for the Sim3 game. This strategy should work on your Mac as it works on other Macs. If it does not work on yours, try rebooting your machine and starting from scratch. If this does not work, try the following workaround that should get you to the "show package content option."

Downloading Sim3 Custom Content: Actions Drop Down Icon

Basically, you'll start out with similar directions to the ones above, but with a twist, so read through to the end.

• Navigate to your dashboard and select "finder."
• Navigate to the menu that appears across the top and select "go."
• Select "applications", which should list all of your applications or folders for the applications on your computer.
• Look for the actions drop down icon (looks like a gear) in the top of the applications window. Once you know where it is, highlight Sims 3 and click the "actions drop down option" icon and the "show package content" option should appear.

Running Downloaded Games

Without knowing what the game is, and what Windows operating system you are running, it's not possible to tell you're the program that you are missing. However, you can work through these steps and try to figure out how to configure your computer for the game.

Check the Game Compatibility

When Windows gives the message that it doesn't know how to open the file and suggests that you use a web service to find an appropriate program to open it, it means that your computer doesn't have the program it needs to open the file. This might be the case if the game is built for Mac or Linux and isn't supported by Windows. You can check this by going back to the torrent file and checking the specifics to see if it is Windows compatible.

Install a Utility to Open the Game Files

If the game is Windows supported but still won't play, depending on the game and the type of torrent you downloaded, you will need to try different tools and programs to open the files. Once the folder is unzipped and you can see the extensions of the files that are inside it, you can try putting the extension in a web search (check our Filetonic File Extension Library) to find out what programs or utilities will work to open it. For example, there is a utility called Daemon Tools than is popular on many game sites. You can try looking for information for your particular game there. If the game is obscure or built in a different language, you might need to install language support programs as well.

Game System Requirements

Another way of going about troubleshooting your issue would be to check out the system requirements for the game. It is possible that your computer operating system, graphics card or other hardware component is insufficient to install and support the game. A quick web search should turn up the game's minimum system requirements; make sure that your computer meets them.

If you are still struggling to install the game, you can write again with some details about the game, the file extensions, your computer specs and your operating system and we can take it from there. Good luck!

It drives me crazy when product keys are on the box rather than on the jewel case, or better yet, the CD. After all, how many of us keep old software boxes lying around the house? Plus, half the time, the boxes get mangled because of over aggressive packaging. But, enough venting. Let's see if we can figure out how you can reinstall Sims3 and reactivate it.

Retrieving Sims3 Serial Numbers via The Sims3 Web site.

If you registered your copy of The Sims3 at the The Sims3 Web site, then you may be able to recover your serial number there.

Contacting Electronic Arts  

Electronic Arts has two mechanisms in place for replacing illegible or lost serial numbers. If the serial number is illegible and you purchased the game in the last 90 days, the replacement will be free. You must submit the page from the manual or the jewel case insert containing the illegible serial number to Electronic Arts before you will receive your new serial number. Since this doesn't apply to you, let's take a look at EA's policy for lost serial numbers.

Unfortunately, this option is going to cost you $10 USD. You will need to submit a check made out to Electronic Arts, proof of purchase, and explanation, and your name, address, and phone number to:

Electronic Arts Warranty Department

9001 N I-35 Suite 110

Austin, TX 78753  

Now, what does Electronic Arts consider "proof of purchase"? If you have the user's manual, the proof of purchase is located there. If you do not have it, then Electronic Arts will accept a photo or a photocopy of the Sims3 game disc.

For further instructions and conditions, visit this EA Tech Support page. In fact, you might want to explore the tech support pages here for The Sims3 as there's a wealth of information, patches, and advice offered. For example, the latest patch, patch 1.2.7, has been released. Among other things, it fixes a game freeze error that occurs when Sims characters clean out their refrigerators. You might want to patch your game after you receive your replacement serial number.

NFS Prostreet or Need for Speed ProStreet is one of the games put out by EA Games. It's available for the computer, Playstation 3, Playstation 2, PSP, Xbox 360, and Nintendo. For the PC version, not only can you enjoy playing the game, but you can also put up photo shots of your game play to share with other NFS ProStreet enthusiasts. If you are receiving an error message that is stating that you need to insert the CD/DVD for the game, then most likely you are experiencing one of the following: faulty drive, incorrect drive, or pirated version of the game.

How to Install NFS ProStreet: CD Drive Versus DVD Drive

Some computers come equipped with a CD drive and a DVD drive. It's important to make sure that you are using the correct one. Since the Need for Speed ProStreet version for the computer is currently sold in a DVD version, you need to have a DVD drive on the computer. If you are working off of an older model of PC, then you might not have a DVD drive on your machine. Even if you have a newer computer, you might have inadvertently placed the disk into the CD drive and not the DVD drive. However, if you have one of the earlier versions that was sold in a CD, make sure that you have placed the disk in the CD drive and that the drivers for it have been updated.

How to Install NFS ProStreet: System Requirements

It's important to make sure that you have the system requirements needed to install and play this game. Check the package that it came in to see if you meet these requirements. Without them, you are not going to be able to install the game onto your computer. In general, you need at least Windows XP or Vista as well as 512 MB of RAM (XP) or 1 MB RAM (Vista). Plus, you need a DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card and video card as well as a Pentium 4 processor or better. Without any one of these requirements, you are going to experience problems with the game.

How to Install NFS ProStreet: Update the DVD Drivers

If you are sure that you are inserting the disk into the DVD drive and you are still experiencing problems, try updating the drivers for it. To do this, you can visit the manufacturer's website for the particular DVD drive that your computer has installed on it.

Pirated Versions of NFS ProStreet

If you have purchased one of the many pirated versions of this game (as in you downloaded it free from the Internet or borrowed it from a friend), you will not be able to install and access the game since you are missing the key that you need to install it. Paid versions of this game only allow one download onto the computer. Therefore, the code is only available during the first installation. If you reformat the computer, you will lose the game and you will not be able to retrieve it. If you buy the game used from someone, you won't get the code that you need to install the game.

The typical culprits behind a slow Internet connection include problems with the provider, too much data stored in temporary files, malware, or a bad connection. Since you can eventually log in to Big Fish Games, most likely the problem is with your available memory or malware infection. Clearing up some of these potential problems could be the fix that you need. Read through and try the following tips.

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Clear Temporary Cache

One of the first strategies to try when your attempts to connect to a website are slow is to clear the temporary Internet cache on your web browser. Use the first set of directions to clear the cache in Mozilla Firefox:

• Open Mozilla Firefox.
• Select "Edit" and "Menu."
• Select the section for "Preferences."
• Select "Navigator."
• Select "Clear History" and "OK."

Use the second set for Internet Explorer:

• Open up Internet Explorer.
• Look for and open the section labeled, "Tools."
• Navigate to "Delete Browsing History"
• Select each of the following by marking off the small white box in front of them: cookies, temporary Internet files, history, and form data.
• Click "Delete."

Slow browsers can occur whenever you allow too many tabs to remain open for extended periods of time as well. Consider closer some of the tabs on the browser if you aren't actively using them.

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Scan for Spyware, Viruses, and Trojans

The presence of spyware or viruses can really slow down your computer, preventing you from gaining access to websites easily and quickly. You should update your anti-spyware/anti-virus application and run it on the computer to remove any lurking problems. Malware uses up a lot of bandwidth at times and can be responsible for response-time problems with the Internet.

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Timing

If you have dial up Internet and you are trying to access the Big Fish Games website during a widely-used time of day, your connection could be lagging and produce this type of undesirable waiting period. Try using the Internet at a different time of day or night and see if that makes a difference and releases you from problems with a slow website.  

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Update the Browser

If you haven't updated your web browser, this fact could account for problems logging into different websites. Check the website for your browser and update to the latest version that is available. After you do so, check your settings to make sure they are where you want them to be.

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Odd Tip

A tip that might seem a bit odd, but that has been suggested by Big Fish Games, is to make sure that the time and date on your computer are accurately set. Windows users can access this function through their "Control Panel."

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Security and Privacy Settings

Since you haven't used the game in a while, it is possible that your security and privacy settings have changed. See if changing the level to medium level helps out.