Having trouble using the CD-ROMS?

There can be many explanations for this. We have listed the most common below to help you get started.

Using the Music Express CD-ROMS on a PC
(Scroll down for Using the Music Express CD-ROMS on a Macintosh computer)

Before you start:
System requirements - this is what your computer needs in order to run the CD-ROM:

• Quad-speed MULTISESSION CD-ROM drive or better.
• PC running Windows 95, 98 200 MHz Pentium or faster processor. (Pentium II recommended)
• 16 MB RAM or more. Compatible 16-bit Soundcard.
• 16-bit (Thousands of Colours) display or better.
• 800 x 600 screen resolution.
• To view PDF files: Acrobat Reader (included)

It will help the CD-ROM run more smoothly and quickly if you close all other programs before putting the CD-ROM into your computer. The CD should auto-run (start up on it's own) when you put it into the CD-ROM drive. If this does not happen, go to 'my computer' and click on the CD-ROM drive icon and then when the list of files opens, click on 'start'.

I cannot open the PDFs using Windows Vista:
Try temporarily disabling your virus checker or
Click the round blue Start icon in the left corner of the screen
Click Control Panel
Click Folder Options
Click the View tab
Click Show hidden files and folders
Click OK

Now when you browse the CD-ROM drive you should be able to see the PDFs next to the Start.exe file. If these won't open, check that there is not a problem with your version of Acrobat.

I can't hear any sound:
Check that any external speakers are plugged in, switched on and with the volume control high.
Also check that the volume control in the Media player you are using is set high enough.
(Do you have a 16-bit soundcard? If not you can't listen to the music, even though the videoclips will still play.)

The videoclips or graphics seem 'blocky', 'grainy' or 'speckled':
Check in the Display Control Panel that your system is set to display in 'High Colour' or 'Thousands of Colours' mode.
(Click on the start button, go up to 'settings' and select 'display' then 'appearance' - here you can see how your computer is set up and you can make changes if you find you need to.)

When I play a full screen videoclip the playback is 'choppy' or 'jerky' or causes the computer to freeze:
You will need a high-performance PC (see system requirements above) to play full-screen video smoothly. Click anywhere in the screen to return to the smaller video display. Hitting the escape key at any time will quit the program.

I cannot see the images or worksheets:
Acrobat Reader may not be installed. Go to the Acrobat Reader folder on the CD (Go to 'my computer', click on the CD-ROM icon and then select 'Reader Installer' from the list of files and follow the instructions.) Alternatively, use the link on the opening page of the CD-ROM. If you experience difficulties using the version on the CD, try downloading it (version 4.0) from another source.

If you are still having problems and Acrobat Reader is installed correctly, try upgrading your printer driver (this probably sounds odd when you're not printing, but the computer can become confused by the printer). Go to the website for the manufacturer of your printer to find instructions for upgrading the driver. (You'll need to know the model number of the printer you have.) Upgrades are normally free of charge.

I cannot print the images or worksheets:
Again, try upgrading your printer driver (even if the printer is new, the software can sometimes be an older version). Find the website for the manufacturer of your printer and follow the instructions to upgrade printer drivers. (You'll need to know the model number of the printer you have.)

Useful tips:

• If your CD-ROM does not appear to be working, try it in another computer.
• Quitting any other programs will help the CD-ROM to run more smoothly and quickly.
• You can quit the CD-ROM at any point by pressing the escape key.
• Always escape the program before removing the CD-ROM - otherwise your PC could crash and you will have to restart.
• Always store the CD carefully, avoid getting fingerprints on it, or leaving it where it can get dusty or scratched.

Using the Music Express CD-ROMS on a Macintosh computer

Before you start:
Technical information - this is what your computer needs in order to run the CD-ROM:

• Quad-speed MULTISESSION CD-ROM drive or better.
• PowerMac running system 8 or later with QuickTime.
• 16MB RAM or more. 16-bit (thousands of colours) display or better.
• To view PDF files: Acrobat Reader (included)

It will help the CD-ROM run more smoothly and quickly if you close all other programs before putting the CD-ROM into your computer. The CD should auto-run (start up on it's own) when you put it into the CD-ROM drive. If this does not happen, double click the icon on the desktop then click on 'start'.

I can't see the videoclips:
QuickTime may not be installed. (QuickTime is the video playback program.) Even if you already have QuickTime installed, it is recommended that you use the most recent version. The latest version may be found at www.quicktime.com.

The videoclips or graphics seem 'blocky', 'grainy' or 'speckled':
Check in the display control panel that your system is set to display in 'High Colour' or 'Thousands of Colours' mode. (Go to the apple menu, down to control panel, and then to 'monitors'. Under the heading 'colour depth' the highlighted strip shows your current set-up.)

When I play a full screen videoclip, the playback is 'choppy' or 'jerky' or causes the computer to freeze:
High performance Macs (see system requirements above) are needed to play the full screen videoclips smoothly. Click anywhere in the screen to return to a smaller video display.

A fast processor, plenty of memory and a fast CD-ROM drive will all help (see system requirements above).

I can't view the images or worksheets:
Acrobat Reader may not be installed. (Escape from the CD-ROM and click on the CD icon on your desktop. Double click on the 'acrobat' folder' then double click on 'Reader Installer' and follow the instructions.) Alternatively, use the link on the opening page of the CD-ROM.If you experience difficulties using the version on the CD, try downloading it (version 4.0) from another source.

If you are still having problems and Acrobat Reader is installed correctly, try upgrading your printer driver (this probably sounds odd when you're not printing, but the computer can become confused by the printer). Go to the website for the manufacturer of your printer to find instructions for upgrading the driver. (You'll need to know the model number of the printer you have.) Upgrades are normally free of charge.

I can't print the images or worksheets:
Try upgrading your printer driver (even if the printer is new, the software can sometimes be an older version) - find the website for the manufacturer of your printer and follow instructions to upgrade drivers. (You'll need to know the model number of the printer you are connected to.)

I can print one unit of planning but after that I cannot print or select anything else:
Make sure that you are closing the Acrobat Reader program after viewing or printing each unit.

Useful tips:

• If your CD-ROM doesn't appear to be working, try it in another computer.
• Quitting any other programs will help the CD-ROM to run more smoothly and quickly.
• You can quit the CD-ROM at any point by pressing the escape key.
• Always escape the program before removing the CD-ROM - otherwise your Mac could crash and you will have to restart.
• Always store the CD carefully, avoid getting fingerprints on it, or leaving it where it can get dusty or scratched.