Installation
Why do I need to deactivate my Anti Virus software before installing Trainz?
What happens if I install Trainz Classics without disabling my Anti Virus software?
Registration
Why do I need to register at Planet Auran?
Trainz Serial Number - Installation
What is the Trainz Serial Number?
Where can I find my Trainz Serial Number?
My Trainz Serial Number doesn't have any hyphens (dashes )?
After entering my Trainz Serial Number the field clears and the flashing cursor returns to the beginning?
After trying all the above, I cannot get the Trainz Serial Number to be accepted?
Where can I find help registering my Trainz Serial Number at Planet Auran?
Trainz Serial Number - Registration
What is the Trainz Serial Number?
Why should I register my Trainz Serial Number?
Where do I register my Trainz Serial Number?
I don't have a Planet Auran Profile. How do I get one?
How do I register my Trainz Serial Number?
I want to register my Trainz Classics serial number at Planet Auran. Do I need to create a new profile?
When registering the Trainz Serial Number I used to install the program, I get a Serial Number Not Found error?
I lost my Trainz Serial Number. can you help me??
I created a new profile. Why can't I register my Trainz Serial Number again?
I purchased a new copy of Trainz and the Trainz Serial Number is already registered. What can I do?
I purchased a secondhand copy of Trainz and the Trainz Serial Number is already registered. What can I do?
System Requirements
What computer system will I need to run Trainz Classics effectively?
Video Card Solutions
Which Video Card do I have?
Which Video Cards are supported?
What does supported mean?
My video card is not in the supported list for Trainz. Can you help me?
My video card is built into my motherboard but has more RAM than required in the specs?
Hardware Driver Updates
Why am I asked to install the latest drivers?
Before Running Trainz Classics For The First Time
Do I need to uninstall my earlier versions of Trainz?
Is content from my earlier version of Trainz compatible?
What is the Options menu in the Trainz Launch Screen for?
Error Messages and Warnings
Computer hardware and or software is unable to comunicate correctly with Trainz.
Managing Content
What is CMP or Content Manager Plus?
How do I use CMP to browse the content available on the Download Station?
How do I use CMP to download content?
How do I back-up my own content and the content I have downloaded from the Download Station?
Where can I get more information about CMP?
Content Creation
How do I make models for Trainz?
What is a KUID?
What is CCP or Content Creator Plus used for?
Download Station & First Class Ticket
What is a First Class Ticket?
TRAINZ CLASSICS TECHNICAL FAQ
Installation
Q. Why do I need to deactivate my Anti Virus software before installing Trainz?
A. Anti Virus software detects changes being made to your system and vigorously attacks those changes. This can corrupt the installation process returning a wide variety of error messages during installation. Even if you do not receive a warning that errors have occured, corruption to the installation is highly likely. Please ensure you do not have any Anti Virus programs running during the installation of any software programs.
Q. What happens if I install Trainz Classics without disabling my Anti Virus software?
A. You may be one of the fortunate ones and have to do nothing, however, if you notice strange behaviour in the program, reinstalling Trainz Classics may be the only solution.
Registration
Q. Why do I need to register at Planet Auran?
A. By registering with Planet Auran you can:
Reserve the nickname of your choice - this will apply across all areas of the Auran site - once your nick has been registered it can only be used by you!
Create your own individual profile page - let other community members know about your interests. Include your own web sites, pictures and thoughts.
Sign up for newsletters - let us keep you in the know about your favourite Auran products.
Talk to other Planet Auran Members who are currently online - Instant Message members via Citizens Online, ICQ other members, meet them on IRC or email them a message.
Download software - Trainz has additional software available for you to download from the Download Station.
Trainz Serial Number - Installation
Q. What is a Trainz Serial Number?
A. Your Trainz Serial Number is a 24 character array which looks similar this:
Your Trainz Serial Number is a unique code that is required to succesfully install TRS 2006 and grants you access to the Download Station and Trainz support. You will need to register your Trainz Serial Number in your Planet Auran Profile before you can access these areas. If you cannot locate the Trainz Serial Number contact the place of purchase immediately.
Q. Where can I find my Trainz Serial Number?
A. It can be found inside the DVD style case, on the manual, or on the back of the CD jewel cover, depending on where you purchased the game. If you still cannot find the serial number in one of these locations, contact the place of purchase immediately for further assistance.
Q. My Trainz Serial Number doesn't have any hyphens (dashes)?
A. Trainz Classics no longer requires the hyphens to be added manually when entering your Trainz Serial Number during installation. The cursor will advance automatically for you as you progress.
Q. After entering my Trainz Serial Number the field clears and the flashing cursor returns to the beginning?
A. The Trainz Serial Number is made up of letters and numbers. You do not need to enter the hyphens as a part of the number. Make sure that 1's are not I's, 6's are not G's, 8's are not B's, 0's are not O's, 2's are not Z's, 5's are not S's, and so on.
Q. After trying all the above, I cannot get the Trainz Serial Number to be accepted?
A. You may need further assistance entering the Trainz Serial Number. Please send a copy of it to Helpdesk with a complete explanation of your problem.
Q. Where can I find help registering my Trainz Serial Number at Planet Auran?
A. See the next section "Trainz Serial Number - Registration" in this FAQ.
Trainz Serial Number - Registration
Q. Why should I register my Trainz Serial Number?
A. Registering your Trainz Serial Number will give you access to the Download Station and over 40,000 downloadable items for Trainz. It will also allow you to access Trainz support. Finally, If you lose your Trainz Serial Number you can retrieve it at any time from your Planet Auran Profile.
Q. Where do I register my Trainz Serial Number?
A. To register your Trainz Serial Number, login to your Planet Auran Profile.
Q. I don't have a Planet Auran Profile. How do I get one?
A. Go to Planet Auran and follow the prompts to become a Planet Auran member. It's free.
Click on any of the Planet Auran links on our site, this will open up a popup window. (Planet Auran links can be found on the www.auran.com front page and also on the bottom navigation bar)
Once the popup has loaded, click on the registration button in the top left menu. This will take you to the registration page.
On this page you will have to fill in a form and select a couple of preferences, once completed click the submit button.
NOTE: At this point you may be prompted that some fields where not completed correctly. Use the back button on this page to go back so you can modify the form and resubmit it.
NOTE: You will be sent an email with a verification link on it, click on the link. This will open a window, which will open Planet Auran. You should receive this email within 10 - 20 minutes, however, some ISPs may take longer.
NOTE: If you are prompted to enter an activation number, it can be found in the email sent to you.
Now you are a Planet Auran citizen. To check your username and password log in. Once logged in, you can change your profile details and give a more detailed description about yourself and your interests.
Q. How do I register my Trainz Serial Number?
A. To register your Trainz Serial Number login to your Planet Auran Profile.
From the menu on the left select SERIAL No.
Enter your 24 character serial number in the boxes provided. These will advance automatically for you as you progress.
From the Product drop down menu select your version of Trainz
From the Purchase Product drop down menu select the place of purchase. Only select "Online" if you purchased the program from the online shop.
Double check you have entered the correct details and read the statement "serial numbers may only be registered once, and are not transferable."
Press the SUBMIT button only once and wait for the page to refresh.
Q. I want to register my Trainz Classics Serial Number at Planet Auran. Do I need to create a new profile to do this?
A. No. Simply login to your current Planet Auran Profile, and select “Serial No.” at the left of the screen. Enter your Trainz Classics Serial Number and make sure that you Select the correct Product.
Q. When registering the Trainz Serial Number I used to install the program, I get a Serial Number Not Found error?
A. Ensure you have typed the correct characters and selected the right Trainz product from the Product drop down menu.
Q. I lost my Trainz Serial Number. Can you help me?
A. If you registered your Serial Number in your Planet Auran Profile login to your Planet Auran Profile, then select SERIAL No from the menu on the left. Your registered Trainz Serial Numbers will be displayed on this page.
Q. I forgot my Planet Auran Username and Password so I created a new profile. Why can't I register my Trainz Serial Number again?
A. A Trainz Serial Number can only be registered once and is not transferable. Contact Helpdesk if you require assistance locating your original profile.
Q. I purchased a new copy of Trainz and the Trainz Serial Number is already registered. What can I do?
A. If you purchased the software in the belief it was new, contact the place of purchase for further assistance immediately.
Q. I purchased a secondhand copy of Trainz and the Trainz Serial Number is already registered. What can I do?
A. The software will operate in it's original state, however, should you wish to access technical support or experience the collection of over 40,000 additional models only available on the Download Station, please visit the online shop to purchase a new copy of the program.
System Requirements
Q. What computer system will I need to run Trainz Classics effectively?
A. Minimum Requirements
Windows 98/2000/ME/XP
P4 1.5GHz • 512MB RAM • 64Mb video card (Geforce equiv.)
Direct X 9 or higher • Direct X compatible sound card
8X CD-ROM • 56K Modem for Internet access
Installation: Approximately 4GB of available hard disk space.
A. Recommended Requirements
Windows 98/2000/ME/XP
P4 2.0Ghz • 1GB RAM • 128Mb video card (Geforce 4 equiv.)
Direct X 9 or higher • Direct X compatible sound card
8X CD-ROM • 56K Modem for Internet access
Installation: Approximately 4GB of available hard disk space.
Video Card Solutions
Q. What Video Card do I have?
A. Click on Start > Control Panel > Display > Settings Tab > The card name will be displayed where you read 'Monitor on [Your Card Name]'
Q. What Video Cards are supported?
A. Trainz has been designed to take advantage of the latest video card technology and will subsequently look most impressive on PCs with newer cards. Supported chipsets include:
Q. What does supported mean?
A. Supported means that if there is a problem found with that graphics card using the latest released drivers then we will attempt to assist you to resolve the problem. If you are currently using an unsupported video card, you may experience some performance degradation, as it may not be capable of displaying some of the graphics features of Trainz.
Q. My video card is not in the supported list for Trainz can you help me?
A. If your video card is not supported by Trainz this means that we have not tested it for compatibility with Trainz and therefore can not provide technical support beyond the suggestions made here. Try updating the device driver in the first instance as sometimes this is all that is required. Go to the device manufacturers website and look for the latest drivers to download.
Q. My video card is built into my motherboard but has more RAM then required in the specs?
A. Trainz Classics may display if your graphics device is built into your motherboard. However without upgrading to a supported chipset you may not be able to run Trainz correctly on your system Onboard chipsets are not supported.
Hardware Driver Updates
Q. Why am I asked to install the latest drivers?
A. Trainz has been designed to take advantage of modern video card technology and will subsequently look most impressive on PCs with newer cards. To get the best performance from your video card it is essential that you download the latest reference drivers for your hardware.
You can update your NVIDIA drivers at NVIDIA
You can update your ATI drivers at ATI
NOTE: If you are operating Trainz on a laptop you will need to visit the laptop manufactures website for the latest driver updates.
Before Running Trainz Classics For The First Time
Q. Do I need to uninstall my earlier versions of Trainz?
A. No. In fact Trainz Classics will identify content from some earlier versions of Trainz and ask if you wish to import it.
Q. Is content from my earlier version of Trainz compatible with Trainz Classics?
A. We have ensured that content from TRS 2004/06 is compatible with Trainz Classics wherever possible.
Q. What is the Options menu in the Trainz Launch Screen for?
A. The Options menu allows you to configure Trainz Classics for better performance to suit your individual system.
Configure Trainz Classics by double clicking on the Trainz Classics icon on your desktop, then select Oprtions from the Launch Screen.
-Select the Planet Auran tab (if it is not selected for you).
Enter your Login Details in the Username and Password fields. Your Username (nickname) and Password are those you selected for your Planet Auran profile.
Leave the Internet settings as they are unless you are using a proxy server and are experienced with establishing this type of connection.
- Select the Display Settings tab.
Select either DirectX or OpenGL (try switching between them to see which mode is best for you).
In the Display Resolution box, set your preferred setting. 1024*768 is a good start if you are experiencing difficulties.
In the Bit Depth box, 32 should be selected.
- Select the Advanced Options tab.
Change your Resource Cache Size: (in the Texturing box) to half your installed RAM. If your computer has 256mb, set it to 128. If you have 1024mb or more, set it to 512.
In the Refresh Rate box, you need Vertical Sync: and Frequency: set to Auto.
In the Miscellaneous box all 3 small boxes should be un-ticked.
- Close the Configure Trainz window by clicking on OK at the bottom of the window.
Error Messages and Warnings
Q. Computer hardware and or software is unable to comunicate correctly with Trainz.
A. You should reset the default display settings in the Trainz Options screen.
Double click on your Trainz icon on your desktop
Select Configure Trainz from the Launch Screen
Select the Planet Auran tab
Click on the Defaults box in the lower left hand corner of the Configure Trainz window.
Launch Trainz to confirm the reconfiguration.
Managing Content
Q. What is CMP or Content Manager Plus?
A. Content Manager Plus is a complete solution to browsing, downloading, managing, creating, editing and uploading content. It is a separate program that interacts with both the Download Station and your local assets.
Q. How do I use CMP to browse the content available on the Download Station?
A. Firstly you need to register your Trainz Classics serial number with Planet Auran. Then, enter your username and password into the Settings of CMP. Assuming you are online, CMP contacts the Download Station and downloads the index information for every piece of content available on the Download Station. Select the Download Station tab in CMP to get a list of all the Download Station content. You can also use the Search/Sort capability of CMP to find the content that interests you most.
Q. How do I use CMP to download content so I can use it in Trainz Classics?
A. Just select the items you are interested in and drag ‘n drop them to the Download Helper panel. Any components or dependencies required to make the asset work properly are also added to the Download Helper panel if you don’t already have the asset on your computer. To begin the download of the assets listed in the Download Helper, click on the Start button. Assuming you are online and have entered your username/password in the CMP Settings it will download and install the assets. You can monitor the download progress of each asset in the Download Helper panel. After all the assets have been downloaded and installed you can launch Trainz Classics from CMP and start using your newly acquired content.
Q. How do I back-up my own content and the content I have downloaded from the Download Station?
A. Use CMP’s archive facility. Drag the assets you want to archive onto the Archive panel. You will be asked if you want to include dependant assets in the archive.
NOTE: You cannot archive built-in content or assets that are not on your PC.
Once you are satisfied with your list in the Archive panel, click on the Archive button and you will be asked to select a location and name for your archive. Later on you can burn the archive file(s) to CD/DVD for further backup protection.
Q. Where can I get more information about CMP?
A. Please refer to the Manual included with your copy of Trainz Classics and the CMP Helpfile available while running the application.
Content Creation
Q. How do I make models for Trainz?
A. Creating 3D models for Trainz is covered in the Content Creators Guide (CCG), and should be used in conjunction with the accompanying partner document, the Tips'n'Tricks Document. These documents are available by clicking the links below.
Content Creators Guide Tips'n'Tricks Document
Q. What is a KUID?
A. KUID stands for Koolthingz Unique IDentifier. A KUID is a serial number that is allocated to all content of Trainz and can be thought of much like a bar code. The KUID takes the form of numbers separated by a colon. The number to the left is the user ID of the content creator. The number to the right is the content ID - a number that the content creator assigns to each of their creation to uniquely identify them.
AXXX-AA11-11BB-BB22-22CC-CC33
You will need one to complete the installation of Trainz on your PC. Later you may need it to access the Download Station and Trainz support.
To get the best performance from your video card it is essential that you download the latest reference drivers.
