This is the FAQ for the old DOS version of the Dirty Little Helper. In this
beta version of the win95 edition all program related information may vary.
All other infos given, eg. the addresses are still valid. Please send comments 
and and bug reports to dlh@cyberdude.com


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Ŀ
 T H E   O F F I C I A L Ĵ
  D I R T Y   L I T T L E   H E L P E R   F A Q Ĵ


                   D L H - Frequently Asked Questions

                          Version: 97/v4.3
                          Updated: Apr-01-1997

          by Marc Deckert (decm@server3.medizin.uni-leipzig.de)
           and Bernd Wolffgramm (dlh@cyberdude.com)
                                   

 Contents:

 1    This FAQ

 1.1  What's a FAQ ?
 1.2  Why do we maintain this FAQ ?
 1.3  Where can I get this FAQ ?
 1.4  Is there an international issue of this FAQ ?

 2    Contents of the DLH

 2.1  What's the idea behind the DLH ?
 2.2  What are "cheats" ?
 2.3  What are "hex cheats / debug cheats" ?
 2.4  What are "fun cheats" ?
 2.5  What are "codes" ?
 2.6  What are "editors" ?
 2.7  What are "trainers" ?
 2.8  What are "patches" ?
 2.9  I encountered files with the *.uhs extension. What's that ?
 2.10 I encountered files with the *.uge extension. What's that ?
 2.11 What are "GameWizard(tm) tables" ?
 2.12 What are "savegames" and how do I use them ?
 2.13 What is a "hex list" and what is it for ?
 2.14 What's an "add-on" or a "level" ?
 2.15 What are "moves" ?
 2.16 What are "maps" ?
 2.17 What exactly is a FAQ for a game ?
 2.18 What are "secrets" ?
 2.19 What kind of solutions do you include into the DLH ?
 2.20 How can I reach the support / hotlines of software
      distributors ?
 2.21 Are there specific DOS parameters to run the DLH ?
 2.22 I noticed two different versions of the DLH shipping monthly.
      What's the difference between them ?
 2.23 I've seen a german version of the DLH. Why does the DLH ship in
      german language too and what is different from my english
      version ?
 2.24 What's the file DLHEX.EXE for ?
 2.25 How can I implement my own cheats?

 3    Problems

 3.1  The program won't run - I get a virus warning instead.
 3.2  free
 3.3  What does "additional module required" mean and where can I get
      it ?
 3.4  The creditsscoller stucks sometimes.
 3.5  The March 1997 issue didn't allow the export of the cheats. Why
      that ?

      Problems with contacting the authors of the DLH

 3.5  I repeatedly contacted the author - but never got an answer !
 3.6  I contribute regularly to the DLH but not a single one of my
      submissions is included into the cheat database !

 4    Several questions about the DLH

 4.1  What exactly is meant by Freeware ?
 4.2  Where can I get the latest issue of the DLH and/or its
      additional modules ?
 4.3  Are the old issues of the DLH still available ? If yes - where
      can I get them ?
 4.4  free
 4.5  How much does the DLH cost and is there a registration fee ?
 4.6  How can I contribute to the DLH myself ?
 4.7  I submitted a cheat for the DLH - do I get the next issue for
      free now ?
 4.8  How often and when does the DLH ship?
 4.8  What are the system requirements for the DLH?

 5    The special DLH issues

 5.1  Why specials ?
 5.2  The specials are only available in english language ?
 5.3  What specials are already out ?
 5.4  What specials are going to be out ?

 6    Credits


 1. This FAQ
 
 1.1 What's a FAQ ?

 A FAQ (frequently asked questions) contains answers to common
 questions about a specific program. It should be your first stop if
 you need help concerning the program. Most of the time, you'll save
 both our and your time and money this way.
 
 1.2 Why do we maintain this FAQ ?

 Well, our FAQ helps both the user and the author a lot in the case
 of giving answers to common questions. It's not necessary for the
 user to contact the author if the solution to a simple problem can
 be found in here.
 And since I'm beta-tester of the DLH I should be able to provide
 answers and help if you have any problems with it.
 
 1.3 Where can I get this FAQ ?

 Since March 1996 this FAQ is part of the DLH package, which you can
 download via Internet, FidoNet, AOL or via the sources mentioned in
 4.2.
 This FAQ is available via World Wide Web too:
 http://www.uni-leipzig.de/~mad/dlhfaq-e.htm
 And you can get the FAQ from the authors of the DLH, of course.
 
 1.4   Is there an international issue of this FAQ ?

 In general, yes. You have our "international" version of this FAQ
 right before you. There's a special german FAQ available that has
 slightely different contents.
 
 2. Contents of the DLH
 
 2.1  What's the idea behind the DLH ?

 The DIRTY LITTLE HELPER (DLH) is a collection of cheats for PC
 games - it contains notes how a game might be modified directly (by
 entering a secret code) or indirectly (by editing program files).
 Additionally we include solutions, editors and trainers for games.
 
 2.2  What are "cheats" ?

 "Cheats" means that sort of secret codes that you may enter at a
 certain point of a game. This can be a password, a single key or
 whole phrases, e.g. ID DQD. Another cheat could be [ALT][CTRL][1] -
 meaning you need to press and hold down ALT and CTRL together and
 hit the '1' key to activate the cheat. The result can be somewhat
 different: sometimes it pumps up your lost energy again, you'll get
 an extra life or it simply activates another cheat menu.

 We'd like to mention that some cheats may vary from english to
 german and the other way around due to translations or different
 keyboard layouts.
 
 2.3  What are "hex cheats / debug cheats" ?

 Named after the famous DOS command 'debug' these cheats will modify
 program files in a way that a specific effect will be triggered when
 the game is run next time. Most of the time "debug cheats" will edit
 savegames, so the changes will be show up next time you load the
 saved game.

 For a "hex cheat" you need a hex editor like DiskEdit from the Norton
 Utilities or PC Tools - but we included an own editor called
 DLHEX.EXE into the DLH package too.
 
 2.4  What are "fun cheats" ?

 "Fun cheats" are a specials part of cheats that don't provide
 advantages for the game in most cases. They're more jokes included by
 the programmers to rise the fun factor of the game.
 
 2.5  What are "codes" ?

 "Codes" are in most cases level codes that allow direct access to
 specific game stages/levels. In the DLH database you'll find the
 number of the level followed by its password. Games like Lemmings,
 which contain a LOT of codes, are listed password by password (from
 left to right).
 
 2.6  What are "editors" ?

 "Editors" are small programs that modify program files in a certain
 way. Different from "hex cheats" "editors" are already coded and the
 user has to run them - they will do anything on their own.

 Attention! Please backup the files that are going to be modified!
 
 2.7  What are "trainers" ?

 "Trainers" are very close to "editors". Instead of exiting the game
 and editing files at the DOS prompt you can switch "trainers" on and
 off during normal gameplay.
 
 2.8  What are "patches" ?

 You'll encounter two sorts of patches in the DLH: first, the
 automatic modification of savegames (named "PATCH" in the cheat list)
 and second, often called "Updates" or "Fixes", modifications that
 solve technical (e.g. sound card support) or logical (in the
 storyline of the game) problems.
 Such patches are NOT included in the DLH - but you can get them from
 the game distributors directly.
 
 2.9  I encountered files with the *.uhs extension. What's that ?

 UHS files are special hints / solutions written for the "Universal
 Hint System (UHS)". Solutions and hints in the UHS are separated
 into many parts -  so you can only read the part you need to
 continue.
 You can download the shareware viewer for the UHS files at:
 ftp://ftp.gmd.de/if-archive/solutions/uhs
 http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/
 (The viewer is available for DOS, Windows 3.x and Windows 95.)
 
 2.10 I encountered files with the *.uge extension. What's that ?

 *.UGE files contain editors for specifc games and these files are
 only usable with the "Universal Game Editor" - like UHS you need
 the UGE software (shareware) which you can download at:
 http://www.ici.net/customers/overkill/overkill.htm
 
 2.11 What are "GameWizard(tm) tables" ?

 The mighty "GameWizard(tm)" is the well-known godfather of all
 online-cheat systems. It runs like a multitask session and you can
 save memory addresses (which you lock with it) to disk. These files
 are called "tables".
 The "GameWizard(tm)" is shareware and available for DOS and Windows
 at:
 http://www.gwiz.com
 
 2.12 What are "savegames" and how do I use them ?

 If there ships a savegame within the DLH it would be a very improved
 one. It might be saved after completing a very difficult part of a
 game or simply with modified characters for easy gameplay.
 To use the savegame, copy it into the appropiate savegame directory
 (that's usually the normal game directory).
 
 2.13 What is a "hex list" and what is it for ?

 A "hex list" is a collection of important hex addresses for a
 savegame file. Using hex editors (like DLHEX.EXE) you can edit the
 given address yourself - if you have some experience with hex
 editors, of course.
 Or you only check the list for a specific missing spell and "add"
 it external to you in-game spellbook.
 
 2.14 What's an "add-on" or a "level" ?

 From time to time we're going to include an additional level or
 some other kind of "add-on". An "add-on" is just an helpfull new
 part that should be added to the game to gain a "new dimension"
 (e.g. a powered-up car for a car-racing simulation and the like)
 in the game.
 Since more and more developers include (level-/map-) editors in their
 games these days, we're able to provide some extra levels (e.g. a
 new campaign for a Warcraft II session). Depending on the size of
 such levels perhaps some of them will sometimes ship within the DLH.
 
 2.15 What are "moves" ?

 "Moves" are very common when it comes to fighting games. All hit
 combinations  and special abilities of those fighters are called
 "moves". Most of the time, the keys (or joystick directions) are
 listed for a specific "move".
 
 2.16 What are "maps" ?

 "Maps" are what the name tells - maps, for games.
 Today the ASCII map times are gone and you'll find screenshots of an
 automap most of the time, stored in BMP, GIF or JPG format.
 
 2.17 What exactly is a FAQ for a game ?

 Ehh, well..... a FAQ is exactly what you're currently reading. FAQs
 contain the most important information about a game - the
 installation, problems, or even genre-based (e.g. a "strategy-FAQ" or
 a "multiplayer-FAQ", or some kind of "solution-FAQ") contents.
 
 2.18 What are "secrets" ?

 Many games but the action genre in particular contain places and
 secret chambers that are difficult to spot and usually provide
 critical items for the specific game. A "secrets" list will try
 to uncover all the ways to those "secrets".
 
 2.19 What kind of solutions do you include into the DLH ?

 In general - all. Due to the limited archive size we cannot include
 every solution and every hint we own. But we always try to include
 solves of the latest games or games that are re-released (on
 LowCost-CDs) and such that come with the game magazines.
 
 2.20 How can I reach the support/hotlines of software distributors ?

 There's a section called "support" in the DLH. For those of you who
 really want to contact the game distributors, authors and stuff we've
 listed all addresses we know of. We'll update this list 3 times per
 year.
 The addresses contain the following information:
 1. WWW homepage
 2. FTP server (for updates, patches and bugfixes) / Compuserve / AOL
 3. email service
 4. international hotline
 5. german mailbox
 
 2.21 Are there specific DOS parameters to run the DLH ?

 Yes! Here we go:

  dlh /cd   use that parameter if you're running DLH on a write-
            protected CD-ROM so it will place all swap files on the
            harddisk in a directory "DLH"

  dlh /s    runs the setup of the DLH.
 
 2.22 I noticed two different versions of the DLH shipping monthly.
      What's the difference between them ?

 Since January 1996 the DLH ships monthly with the german PC game
 magazine "PC Spiel". This version does not have any cheats/codes/
 hints/solves for games that are listed on the german "Index list".
 Despite of that fact, a full version of the DLH is available at the
 sources mentioned in 4.2.

 DUE TO THE BANKRUPT OF THE TRONIC VERLAG, THE ISSUE OCTOBER 1996 IS
 LAST ONE TO BE PUBLISHED ON THE "PC SPIEL" SUPPLEMENT CD. RIP
 
 2.23 I've seen a german version of the DLH. Why does the DLH ship in
      german language too and what is different from my english
      version ?

 The DLH first shipped only in german language but in July 96 we
 decided to do a "bilingual" version - to reach all you cheat-freax in
 the whole world.
 Both versions are completely identical. Sometimes cheats for the
 games vary from language to language. 
 
 2.24 What's the file DLHEX.EXE for ?

 It's a simple hex editor and it was created to help you hex-cheaters.
 We included that editor into the DLH package because we got many
 requests from users who had problems with the flood of complex hex
 editors on the shareware market.
 
 A manual for the editor is accessible via the main menu of the DLH.

 2.25  How can I implement my own cheats?

 The user cheats are stored in the file USER.DLH. If this
 file exists, the DLH will search for a section called Index.
 Here are the entries' titles followed by a  (Alt+225) and
 a number. If a entry is selected the DLH will search for a 
 followed by the number behind the title in the Index section.
 
 Example (USER.DLH):
 
 Index
 How to implement own cheats?1
 Testentry2
 1
 You're reading the FAQ entry
 about this right now.
 2
 This is only a test!


 
 3. Problems
 
 3.1 The program won't run - I get a virus warning instead.

 Don't panic. This virus warning is just an error message. One or more
 of the DLH files does not have the right size anymore. Usually
 viruses can only infect program files - in our case this could be
 the UNRAR.EXE. The files DLH.EXE and DLHEX.EXE have a checksum
 protection.
 When you run the DLH it will perform a self-test, checking for its
 file sizes. You can get an error message only for:
 1) UNRAR.EXE  - maybe it's really a virus or the file has been
    deleted because andother UNRAR.EXE (with different size) was
    already in the directory.
 2) *.DLH      - Well, maybe somebody tried to alter/modify such a
    file or you have bad clusters on your harddisk. Both things will
    change the size of the files - but it's no virus then.
 
 3.3 What does "additional module required" mean and where can I get
     it ?

 Due to the limited size of the DLH archives a special solution
 appeared in only one issue and if you missed that....well.....
 We've got many requests for old solves/hints/secrets and so we
 decided to store them in special "additional modules".
 Check our sources (mentioned in 4.2) for these add-ons.
 To add the files simply unzip the add-on into the DLH directory -
 the DLH will automatically detect these files (*.DLM).
 
 3.4 The credits screen stucks sometimes.

 If you are running the DLH in a DOS window under Win95 it appears
 that some graphic cards have some problems with the DLH. Use it
 in full screen mode and it will be better.
 We are working on a better scroller.
 
 3.5 The March 1997 issue didn't allow the export of the cheats. Why
     that ?

 Sorry for that, this was a real bug that passed all beta tests. The
 problems have been solved since April 1997. We didn't not release
 a patch/fixed version because the release of the March 1997 issue
 has been done very late in the month. The issue April 1997 will be
 done earlier than normal.


 Problems with contacting the authors of the DLH
 
 3.5 I repeatedly contacted the author - but never got an answer !

 Well, there are many things that could have happened:

 1. You wrote an email. We always reply to emails! If you got no
    answer then probably your reply address was wrong. Please check
    your email settings and try again.

 2. You mailed us a letter. Despite of the easy way to get the DLH
    some people still try to get it for free - but shipping on disk
    costs some money and if you do not include stamps we won't mail
    it to you.
    Oh, and there are some reason to stop mailing it:
    a) if the disk is infected by viruses
    b) if you steal cheats/solves from other sources and submit them
       telling us that YOU wrote them originally. We receive most of
       the PC game mags on the market and we think we can tell what
       you did and what not.

 3. You tried to call by phone. Phone calls will be terminated
    immediately.
    Write us a letter or an email - but please don't phone us.
 
 3.6 I contribute regularly to the DLH but not a single one of my
     submissions is included into the cheat database !

 Hmm, the reason could be that we already have that cheat. And the
 cheats only your grandma will remember are a bit to old to be
 included into our limited-in-size database.
 Usually we give credits to everyone whose cheats is added.
 
 4  Several questions about the DLH
 
 4.1 What exactly is meant by "Freeware" ?

 Freeware means that the author holds all rights on the
 program which may be copied and spread freely.
 
 4.2 Where can I get the latest issue of the DLH and/or its additional
     modules ?

 Just get on our "monthly mailing list".
 You'll need an Internet account and an Internet provider who accepts
 mails with a size of about 1 MB. The DLH ships uuencoded or MIME
 attached to an announcement mail in the first week of a new month.

 For a recent list of all offical DLH mirrors and support BBSs please
 refer to the section 'Documentation/DLH support sites' in the main menu.

 But, hey, what's the name of the archive ?

 The archive is "DLH40MMM.ZIP" where MMM is the abbreviation for
 the specific month, e.g. "DLH40NOV.ZIP" means "DLH v4.0 Novmber
 issue"

 The additional modules are named "DLHMxxyy.ZIP" where XX is the month
 and YY the year.

 Some special modules has been released so far:

 DLHMKPL1.ZIP   solutions 1
 DLHMKPL2.ZIP   solutions 2
 DLHMKPL3.ZIP   solutions 3
 DLHMSPE1.ZIP   special 1 about PC Fighting Games
 DLHMSPE2.ZIP   special 2 about 3D Action Games

 You don't own a modem ? You have no online connection at all ?

 Well, then you may send a letter containing $10 to:

 Bernd Wolffgramm
 Heckelsgasse 6
 D-53227 Bonn
 Germany

 And again - PLEASE DON'T TRY TO PHONE US, we are going nuts !!!!
 
 4.3 Are the old issues of the DLH still available ? If yes - where
     can I get them ?

 Since September 1996 all old version are wiped off because the
 "module system" takes the place. To add the additional modules you
 need at least the DLH v2.0 September 1996 and the module files.
 See 3.3 for more information.
 
 4.5 How much does the DLH cost and is there a registration fee ?

 The DLH is Freeware. That means you can download it from the
 sources mentioned under 4.2. SysOps are encouraged to provide the
 program for download from their BBS. Only the whole, unchanged
 archive shall be copied this way.
 
 Requests via mail (letters) please include $ 10. If you try it
 a different way you'll wait for your version 'till eternity.

 And if you want to send us presents (cars, diamonds, money) - be sure
 we won't hold you back.
 
 4.6 How can I contribute to the DLH myself ?

 If you found a cheat yourself or a cheat is told you by friends -
 submit it to us !
 Please mail the cheat to one of the following Internet addresses:
 Bernd Wolffgramm (dlh@cyberdude.com)
 Peter Lieven (elch@gismo.gun.de)
 Marc Deckert (decm@server3.medizin.uni-leipzig.de)

 or via SnailMail to the address listed under 4.2. If you want to
 receive an answer - please include $10.
 
 4.7 I submitted a cheat for the DLH - do I get the next issue for
     free now ?

 No. We don't make money with this program - it's just a hobby for us.
 Letters without postage won't be answered.
 
 4.8 How often and when does the DLH ship?

 The DLH ships monthly, usually in the first week of a new month.
 
 4.9 What are the system requirements?

 OS-Version: MS-Dos 4.1+ / Windows 95/NT (OS/2 not tested)
 Memory:     250K, EMS/XMS not required
 Prozessor:  486+
 Graphics:   VGA
 Sound:      Not supported
 Mouse:      Optional
 Harddisk:   At least 2 MB, all modules installed: 10 MB
 


 5  The special DLH issues
 
 5.1 Why specials ?

 This is a good chance for us to address a specific genre of games
 with all information we have about it - cheats/solves/hints and more.
 
 5.2 The specials are only available in english language ?

 It's easier to reach more gamers this way.
 
 5.3 What specials are already out ?

 We've thrown out a "New Year's Eve Edition 1996" - a special with
 all the moves in "PC fighting games", like Mortal Kombat, Street
 Fighter and so on.

 The second one contains every kind of help for the sort of game
 ID Software introduced - 3D action games. Solves, cheats, FAQs, hints
 and secrets available for more than 15 games.
 
 5.4 What specials are going to be out ?

 We're working on a special about the 'Ultima' game saga by Origin but
 we are always open-minded for suggestions!
 
 
 6  Credits

 The author of this FAQ (that's me!) would like to thank the following
 people for their support and help:

 Bernd Wolffgramm (dlh@cybderdude.com)
 Peter Lieven (elch@gismo.gun.de)
 Dipl.-Inf. Hardy Schulze (shuh@server3.medizin.uni-leipzig.de)
 Dr.-Ing. Th. Baehring (baet@server3.medizin.uni-leipzig.de)
 Dr. Klaus Kunze (kunze@rzaix530.rz.uni-leipzig.de)
 Markus Huy (condor@aix520.informatik.uni-leipzig.de)
 Christian Mess (cmess@cips1.oec.uni-osnabrueck.de)

 and everyone else who contributes to this FAQ monthly.
 
