IBM and Compatibles CD-ROM and Disk Version Data Card

THE GENIE'S CURSE

READ ME FIRST!
Hi! We know you're anxious to begin GENIE'S CURSE, but before you do, please be sure that
you have the following minimum system requirements:
386/33 Mhz IBM DX PC
4 megabytes of RAM
MS-DOS 5.0,6.0, or 6.2, or DR-DOS 6.0
An Uncompressed Hard Drive with 16 MB free
VGA graphics with a Color VGA Monitor
A 100% Microsoft (or Logitech) Compatible Mouse
Microsoft Mouse driver version 8.00 or above
To install the CD version, a CD-ROM drive (Note: the game does not play from the CD).
The minimum amount of free base RAM required to run the game:
540,000 BYTES OF FREE BASE RAM
2,250,000 BYTES OF FREE XMS
EMS is not recommended
Note: hard drive size and total system memory available have no bearing on free RAM. Follow
the directions below to determine if you have enough available memory to run the game.
To Check Your Free Base RAM:
Type MEM from within the DOS directory. The free base RAM is listed as "LARGEST
EXECUTABLE PROGRAM SIZE". Compare the listed amount to the amount of free
memory required by the game. Also listed is "FREE EXTENDED MEMORY" (or free
XMS). If your amount is lower than the game requires, follow the instructions for making a
"boot disk" given under the "Memory" section of this data card, or free up additional
memory (see Memory Management section of your DOS manual) before continuing.
INSTALLING THE GAME
Your box should contain: five 3.5" disks or one CD-ROM, one manual, and this data card.

INSTALLING THE GAME (continued)

Disk Version
The disks that come with the game are in a compressed format, and must be installed before
you can begin play.
1. To install the game place Disk 1 in your drive. Be sure this drive is the active drive.
For example, to make drive A the active drive, type A: and then press Enter/Return.
2. Type INSTALL and then press Enter/Return.
3. Follow all on-screen prompts.
CD Version
The game cannot be played from the CD, and must be installed to your hard drive before you
can begin play.
1. To install the game place the CD in your drive. Be sure this drive is the active drive.
For example, to make drive D the active drive, type D: and then press Enter/Return.
2. Type INSTALL and then press Enter/Return.
3. Follow all on-screen prompts.
If you experience problems during installation, refer to the "Troubleshooting" section. Additional information regarding memory, sound, video, and mouse setup can be found there.
STARTING THE GAME
1. Boot your system normally with MS-DOS 5.0, 6.0, 6.2, orDR-DOS 6.0.
2. Be sure that the hard disk containing the game is the active drive.
3. Change the current directory to the game's directory. For example, to change to the
default directory type CDXGENIE and press Enter/Return.
4. Type GENIE and press Enter/Return to start the game.
For complete and specific "how to play" information, please refer to the manual. Any notes
regarding changes to the game made after the rule book was printed, or any rules errata can
be found after the Troubleshooting section below. Some changes were made too late to include
in this data card. Please read the README.TXT file on the disk for more information.
COPY PROTECTION
To answer the verification question, find the indicated page and header in the manual. Find
the indicated word by counting words, beginning with the first word in the paragraph, and
enter it. Do not count headings or titles when you count words. The first letter of the correct
word is shown on screen.
TROUBLESHOOTING
This section provides you with several easy steps to solve some common problems.
MEMORY
This game requires 540,000 bytes of free base memory and 2,250,000 bytes of extended
memory to run. Read the front page of this data card to find out how to check your free RAM.
If you do not have enough free base memory, the game may tell you in the form of an error
message, or it may crash after startup or during play. Not having files and buffers set high
enough for the program can result in corrupted data in saved games.

You can free more memory without changing yot

boot disk. A boot disk is the best way to temporal
without possible side effects.
You can make a pre-configured boot disk from the in;
If your A: drive is a 35" drive then
1) Place your GENIE'S CURSE disk 1 into your A: i
2) Change the active drive to A: by typing A: a
3) Type INSTALL BOOT and press Enter/Rel
4) Follow the on-screen prompts until you see
If your A: drive is a 535" drive and your B: drive is
1) Place a blank disk in your A: drive. (NOTE:
2) Place your GENIE'S CURSE disk 1 into your B: c
3) Change the active drive to B: by typing B: ar
4) Type INSTALL BOOT and press Enter/Rel
5) Follow the on-screen prompts until you see
NOTE: Your sound card may require sound drive
consult your sound card's manual for the necessa
To start the game with this boot disk:
1) Place your boot disk in your A: drive.
2) Reboot your machine (Ctrl-Alt-Del on the
After your machine reboots, you will find yoursel
and hit the Enter/Return key to start the game.
This procedure will work for most systems. How<
program from successfully creating a boot disk fo
nonstandard mouse driver or operating system ol
you experience problems using this procedure, tr;
(Note: This procedure may not work with PS/Is (
To create a boot disk manually:
1. Place a floppy disk in drive A:. (Note: it rr
2. From the C: prompt type FORMAT A:/S .
3. Go to the A: drive by typing A:. Press Ent
4. Type EDIT CONFIG.SYS and press Ente
in the lines just as they appear in the sample
already has a name), then exit.
5. Type EDIT AUTOEXEC.B AT and press I
type in the lines just as they appear in the sa
(it already has a name), and exit.
Sample files:
CONFIG.SYS
DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS
DOS=HIGH,UMB
FILES=25
BUFFERS=25
IMPORTANT: Be sure to include the necess
files. Refer to your respective sound card m;
AUTOEXEC.BAT files, for the correct name
example, the Pro Audio Spectrum card requ
resembling the following:
DEVICEHIGH=C:\PROAUDIO\MVSOUN

>mpressed format, and must be installed before

four drive. Be sure this drive is the active drive,
ve drive, type A: and then press Enter/Return.
sr/Return.

I must be installed to your hard drive before you

your drive. Be sure this drive is the active drive,
ve drive, type D: and then press Enter/Return.
sr/Return.

on, refer to the "Troubleshooting" section. Addii, video, and mouse setup can be found there.

S-DOS 5.0, 6.0, 6.2, or DR-DOS 6.0.

ig the game is the active drive.
game's directory. For example, to change to the
id press Enter/Return.
.rn to start the game.
rmation, please refer to the manual. Any notes
e rule book was printed, or any rules errata can
;low. Some changes were made too late to include
XT file on the disk for more information.

indicated page and header in the manual. Find

\ning with the first word in the paragraph, and
i you count words. The first letter of the correct

.ESHOOTING
steps to solve some common problems.

; memory and 2,250,000 bytes of extended

iata card to find out how to check your free RAM.
', the game may tell you in the form of an error
ing play. Not having files and buffers set high
ted data in saved games.

You can free more memory without changing your normal system configuration by creating a
boot disk. A boot disk is the best way to temporarily change your system's configuration
without possible side effects.
You can make a pre-configured boot disk from the install program by following the directions below.
If your A: drive is a 3.5" drive then
1) Place your GENIE'S CURSE disk 1 into your A: drive.
2) Change the active drive to A: by typing A: and press Enter/Return.
3) Type INSTALL BOOT and press Enter/Return.
4) Follow the on-screen prompts until you see the message T3oot Disk Creation Successful'.
If your A: drive is a 5.25" drive and your B: drive is a 35" drive then
1) Place a blank disk in your A: drive. (NOTE: It must be your A: drive to operate properly.)
2) Place your GENIE'S CURSE disk 1 into your B: drive.
3) Change the active drive to B: by typing B: and press Enter/Return.
4) Type INSTALL BOOT and press Enter/Return.
5) Follow the on-screen prompts until you see the message 'Boot Disk Creation Successful'.
NOTE: Your sound card may require sound drivers to be loaded on the boot disk. Please
consult your sound card's manual for the necessary drivers.
To start the game with this boot disk:
1) Place your boot disk in your A: drive.
2) Reboot your machine (Ctrl-Alt-Del on the keyboard, or hit the reset button).
After your machine reboots, you will find yourself in the GENIE game directory. Type GENIE
and hit the Enter/Return key to start the game.
This procedure will work for most systems. However, certain conditions may prevent our
program from successfully creating a boot disk for your particular system setup (a
nonstandard mouse driver or operating system other than MS-DOS 5.0 -6.2, for example). If
you experience problems using this procedure, try the manual boot disk procedure below.
(Note: This procedure may not work with PS/Is or laptops.)
To create a boot disk manually:
1. Place a floppy disk in drive A:. (Note: it must be in drive A:.)
2. From the C: prompt type FORMAT A:/S . Press Enter/Return.
3. Go to the A: drive by typing A:. Press Enter/Return.
4. Type EDIT CONFIG.SYS and press Enter/Return. When the blue screen appears type
in the lines just as they appear in the sample CONFIG.SYS below. Save this file (it
already has a name), then exit.
5. Type EDIT AUTOEXEC.BAT and press Enter/Return. When the blue screen appears
type in the lines just as they appear in the sample AUTOEXEC.BAT above. Save this file
(it already has a name), and exit.
Sample files:
CONFIG.SYS
AUTOEXEC.BAT
DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS
PATH=C:\;C:\DOS;C:\MOUSE
DOS=HIGH,UMB
PROMPT $P$G
FILES=25
LOADHIGH MOUSE
BUFFERS=25
C:
CDXGENIE
IMPORTANT: Be sure to include the necessary sound card drivers in the appropriate
files. Refer to your respective sound card manuals, or original CONFIG.SYS and
AUTOEXEC.BAT files, for the correct names and locations of the drivers required. For
example, the Pro Audio Spectrum card requires a line in your CONFIG.SYS file
resembling the following:
DEVICEHIGH=C:\PROAUDIO\MVSOUND.SYS D:3 Q:7 S:1,220,1,5M:0 J:l

To start the game with this boot disk:

1) Place your boot disk in your A: drive.
2) Reboot your machine (Ctrl-Alt-Del on the keyboard, or hit the reset button).
After your machine reboots, you will find yourself in the GENIE game directory. Type GENIE
and hit Enter/Return to start the game.
SOUND CARDS
The following sound cards are supported:
Gamewave32/Soundwave32, General Midi; Aria, General Midi; Roland SCC-1/MPU 401, General
Midi; Waveblaster, General Midi; SoundBlaster Pro 16 ASP; SoundBlasterPro III; SoundBlaster Pro II;
SoundBlaster Pro I; SoundBlaster Regular; SoundBlaster AWE 16, Adlib; Media Vision
ProAudioSpectrum, Gravis Ultrasound.
If you are experiencing problems with your sound card, try running the diagnostic software
that comes with your card. Eighty percent of all sound card problems are due to mistaken
configurations. If you are running a sound card that is not listed above, or are running a
sound card in an emulation mode, your results may not be optimal. This game was tested only
on the listed cards.
If you are experiencing problems with the game, try configuring the game for No Sound. If the
game will now run normally (but without sound, of course), then you probably need to
reconfigure your sound. Type SOUND at the game directory, choose "NO" when asked to
accept the default settings, correct the IRQ setting, and try starting the game again. If your
game still will not run, consult the manual that came with your sound card for diagnostic
procedures.
Aria Users
Aria users with certain hardware combinations may experience some musical defects.
Gravis Ultrasound Users in Native Mode
You may experience slight musical defects with some pieces of music, especially if you have
not upgraded to the full 1 megabyte of on-board RAM.
ProAudio Spectrum Users
If your IRQ is set higher than 7, you may experience intermittent sound and music. To correct
this, set your sound card to a lower IRQ and be sure the SoundBlaster emulation is disabled.
Refer to your sound card manual for further instructions.

MOUSE SETUP

If your mouse is not functioning, you should me

and other programs of its type have built-in mi
their environment. Loading a mouse driver ma;
pressing Enter/Return) before starting the game
mouse, consult your mouse user's guide.
If your mouse is acting erratically, it may be due
may not be fully Microsoft or Logitech compatit
if there is an updated mouse driver available
BEFORE YOU CALL TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you are having problems, please consult the "Troubi

technical support. We have a staff of technical sup
problem you may encounter with the game. If yc
configuration they will tell you of the game's req
Because of the millions of different hardware an
PCs, you may still have to consult with your cc
software publisher in order to properly configi
all possible, be near your computer when you c;
specific information about your machine and m;
while you are on the phone. If it is not possible t

a listing of all of your machine's hardv

the contents of your AUTOEXEC.BAT
all the information listed after the MEM
section for pertinent information)
the current configuration of your game
Our technical support number is (408) 737-6850.0
Monday through Friday, holidays excluded. ABS(
BE GIVEN THROUGH THIS NUMBER.
SSI BBS
We have a BBS containing patch files to update
version, as well as product demos and new proc
If you have a 9600,14.4, or 21.6 baud modem ca
If you have a 1200,2400, 9600,14.4 or 21.6 baud

ADDITIONAL II
VIDEO CARDS
This product was tested on the following specific video cards:
Cirrus Logic Local Bus w/2 Megs, Cirrus Logic Windows Accelerator Card, Diamond Spcedstar 24X,
Diamond Stealth 24 VLB, Diamond Stealth Pro, Diamond Stealth VRAM, Expert Top VGA, Graphic
Ultra Pro 2.0, Graphic Ultra, Graphics Vantage, Orchid Farenheit VA VLB, Orchid Prodesigner II,
Spider (VLB), STB Powergraph Ergo, STB Powerview, Trident 9000, VGA Wonder XL, VGA Wonder,
and Western Digital

Please see the README.TXT file on located 01

up-to-date information.
Errata to Rule Book:
On p. 22, Warrior Experience Levels are listed tl
only attain the 8th level during the game.
On p. 26, it is stated that roofs disappear once d
opened, a sound of a door opening is played, ar
character into the room or building.

524451

MOUSE SETUP
If your mouse is not functioning, you should make sure the driver has been loaded. Windows
and other programs of its type have built-in mouse drivers that do not function outside of
their environment. Loading a mouse driver may be as simple as typing MOUSE (and
pressing Enter/Return) before starting the game. Since the command differs from mouse to
mouse, consult your mouse user's guide.
If your mouse is acting erratically, it may be due to an old mouse driver for your mouse, or it
may not be fully Microsoft or Logitech compatible. Check with the mouse manufacturer to see
if there is an updated mouse driver available
BEFORE YOU CALL TECHNICAL SUPPORT
If you are having problems, please consult the "Troubleshooting" section of this data card before calling
technical support. We have a staff of technical support specialists ready to help you with any
problem you may encounter with the game. If your problem is due to your system
configuration they will tell you of the game's requirements and suggest some possible solutions.
Because of the millions of different hardware and software combinations possible with today's
PCs, you may still have to consult with your computer dealer, hardware manufacturer, or
software publisher in order to properly configure their product to run with our game. If at
all possible, be near your computer when you call. The technical support agent will need
specific information about your machine and may need you to access or change some files
while you are on the phone. If it is not possible to be near your computer, be sure to have:
a listing of all of your machine's hardware and its settings
the contents of your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files
all the information listed after the MEM command (read "To Check Your Free RAM"
section for pertinent information)
the current configuration of your game
Our technical support number is (408) 737-6850. Our hours are 11 am to 5 pm, Pacific time,
Monday through Friday, holidays excluded. ABSOLUTELY NO GAME PLAYING HINTS WILL
BE GIVEN THROUGH THIS NUMBER.

On p. 32, under Oil of Elemental Invulnerability,

results. The Oil of Earth Elemental Invulnerabili
Earth Elementals, not against Earth Elementals tl
ranged attacks even when you have used a potio

More About Game Play:

You cannot have a conversation when enemies a
are waiting for a character in hiding to speak; be
Patience is essential to solving the game, especial
Zaratan; the acid dungeon, especially the neon rr
and the Efreeti's guests. Make sure you have exp
for a second time.
Be careful when quickly clicking through your c(
Answering dishonestly in the acid dungeon is an
Know when to flee; it is often unnecessary to def
able to continue the game.
Combat in the game is very challenging at first a
problems, try starting at a lower difficulty level,
using different tactics. Use missile weapons at ra
In the region of the game that involves feuding b
or talk to certain non-player characters, dependii
exception to the normal rules of play. If you intei
attacked instead, and events indicate that conver
character directly adjacent to the subject. If your
a conversation, not an attack.
If you are finding it difficult to finish a region, ch
building or room. Most of these doors are indica
above the door, which set them apart from norm

Additional Product Testers: Steven Okano, Miki

SSI BBS

We have a BBS containing patch files to update most of our products to the most current
version, as well as product demos and new product announcements.
If you have a 9600,14.4, or 21.6 baud modem call 408-739-6137.
If you have a 1200, 2400, 9600,14.4 or 21.6 baud modem, call 408-739-6623.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see the README.TXT file on located on the fifth disk (or the CD) for the most
up-to-date information.

Technical Support: Matt Shussett

If you need hints, call our Hint Line at 1-900-73'

a day, 7 days a week. Each call costs 95 cent
additional minute. If you are under 18 years of
don't hear the information you need, please w:
675 Almanor Ave., Suite 201, Sunnyvale, CA 94
envelope fo

Errata to Rule Book:

On p. 22, Warrior Experience Levels are listed through Level 9. However, your character can
only attain the 8th level during the game.
On p. 26, it is stated that roofs disappear once doors are opened. Instead, when a door is
opened, a sound of a door opening is played, and the roof stays on until you move your
character into the room or building.

STRATEGIC SMI

ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS anc

used under license from TSR, Inc., Lake Gem
names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof
license from TSR, Inc. 1994 1
1994 Strategic Simulation;

make sure the driver has been loaded. Windows

mouse drivers that do not function outside of
may be as simple as typing MOUSE (and
ime. Since the command differs from mouse to
due to an old mouse driver for your mouse, or it
atible. Check with the mouse manufacturer to see

RT

Mbleshooting" section of this data card before calling

upport specialists ready to help you with any
f your problem is due to your system
requirements and suggest some possible solutions.
i and software combinations possible with today's
r computer dealer, hardware manufacturer, or
figure their product to run with our game. If at
a call. The technical support agent will need
I may need you to access or change some files
>le to be near your computer, be sure to have:
rdware and its settings
AT and CONFIG.SYS files
IM command (read "To Check Your Free RAM"

1 Our hours are 11 am to 5 pm, Pacific time,

BSOLUTELY NO GAME PLAYING HINTS WILL

On p. 32, under Oil of Elemental Invulnerability, it is stated that all of these oils give identical
results. The Oil of Earth Elemental Invulnerability protects only against direct damage from
Earth Elementals, not against Earth Elementals that use ranged attacks. You must avoid these
ranged attacks even when you have used a potion.
More About Game Play:
You cannot have a conversation when enemies are on the screen. This also applies when you
are waiting for a character in hiding to speak; be sure to eliminate all nearby enemies.
Patience is essential to solving the game, especially in the following areas: the exile from
Zaratan; the acid dungeon, especially the neon maze and sliding rock maze; the hermit's isle;
and the Efreeti's guests. Make sure you have explored all your options and talked to everyone
for a second time.
Be careful when quickly clicking through your conversations; wrong responses can be costly.
Answering dishonestly in the acid dungeon is an example of this.
Know when to flee; it is often unnecessary to defeat all your enemies, and you may still be
able to continue the game.
Combat in the game is very challenging at first and takes practice to master. If you have
problems, try starting at a lower difficulty level. If you are too far into the game to restart, try
using different tactics. Use missile weapons at range, and use the facing lock Alt key.
In the region of the game that involves feuding bands of warriors, it is possible to either attack
or talk to certain non-player characters, depending on your character's position. This is an
exception to the normal rules of play. If you intended to talk to one of these characters but
attacked instead, and events indicate that conversation was an option, try positioning your
character directly adjacent to the subject. If your character is aligned perfectly, you will initiate
a conversation, not an attack.
If you are finding it difficult to finish a region, check for a door in the northern wall of a
building or room. Most of these doors are indicated by graphical decorations on the walls
above the door, which set them apart from normal walls.
Additional Product Testers: Steven Okano, Mike Higgins, Ben Cooley.

ate most of our products to the most current

product announcements.
i call 408-739-6137.
md modem, call 408-739-6623.

L INFORMATION
d on the fifth disk (or the CD) for the most

Technical Support: Matt Shussett

If you need hints, call our Hint Line at 1-900-737-HINT. Recorded hints are available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. Each call costs 95 cents for the first minute and 75 cents for each
additional minute. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have parent's permission. If you
don't hear the information you need, please write to us at Hints, Strategic Simulations, Inc.,
675 Almanor Ave., Suite 201, Sunnyvale, CA 94086-2901. (Include a self-addressed, stamped
envelope for a reply.)

d through Level 9. However, your character can

STRATEGIC SIMULATIONS. INC.*

:e doors are opened. Instead, when a door is

, and the roof stays on until you move your

ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and AL-QADIM are trademarks owned by and
used under license from TSR, Inc., Lake Geneva, WI, USA. All TSR characters, character
names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof arc trademarks owned by and used under
license from TSR, Inc. 1994 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1994 Strategic Simulations, Inc. All Rights Reserved.