My Letter to "Contact Us"--My Solution to Orange Crate Issue

[TikiKrissy]

Hi all,
I just sent this to Contact Us. I'm hoping that offering solutions rather than just complaining about the difficulties in earning the Orange Crate will do us some good.
Thought some of you might be interested in my letter.
Thanks in advance for looking at this!
TikiKrissy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi there!

First, I'd like to compliment the VMK team on the cool new Orange Coffee Table Crate that we can win by playing the Haunted Mansion Game. It's great! So Halloween-y and cool!

However, I'd like to talk about a complaint I have and offer a solution. I'm having an EXTREMELY difficult time winning these crates. People have been leaving the Haunted Mansion game constantly if they've determined that they're not going to win the game. Then NOBODY is able to win the crate in that particular game. I'd like to make a request--that the Orange Coffee Table Crate be winnable in other ways in VMK. My solution would be to maybe do some or all of the following:

- Make it a random prize when playing Pirates (like the current credit bonuses)

- Make it a Treasure Chest prize in the Pirates Treasure Room (use your key and maybe win it)

- Make it a Fantasyland prize from pulling out the Sword in the Stone

- Make it a random prize on Jungle Cruise, or possibly a prize if you get a certain amount of points on Jungle Cruise

- Make it a random prize on Castle Fireworks Remixed, or possibly a prize if you get a certain amount of points in Fireworks

- Make it a Host prize instead of the Bat Bag that was also given out last year

I realize that the crates are tradeable, but right now it's really difficult to find anyone who has them up for trade, since many of us are dealing with Players who quit the Haunted Mansion game (as explained above). I'd love to have a bunch of these crates for my Halloween room, but it's a huge challenge.

Thanks so much for reading this, and I hope that you will implement one or more of my solutions. I am also really happy that you released the Crate towards the beginning of October so that we may use them in our Halloween rooms.

Long Live VMK!!
Best Wishes,
TikiKrissy

[mikeyandscoobyx2]

WOOT GO TIKI!!

WONDERFUL LETTER!

:goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

[BattyMcDoon]

- Make it a Host prize instead of the Bat Bag that was also given out last year

This is the best idea I've heard! No that i don't like bat bags or something...

[Kairi-Angel]

i like the letter, but even though i do like playing the mansion game, even though i only won four times the other day, but i got tons of credits from playing too. I wouldn't have had those credits if it wasnt for the crates:rotfl: so im just stuck in the middle:confused3

[bytheblood]

Or they could just give it to everybody who completes the game, just as they gave the Alice wall shrubs to everybody who rode the dark rides. ;)

[Kasiks]

- Make it a Fantasyland prize from pulling out the Sword in the Stone


No for that one, I need the mad tea party pin :rolleyes1

[cteddiesgirl]

- Make it a Fantasyland prize from pulling out the Sword in the Stone



No. Then we'd have to spend credits to get it. We are already having to pay out enought credits this month.

Keep it in the credit earning games. :)

[Awsumgoofey]

Another way to get the crates is just like when you played friendly Pirates to get the most credits at capture the flag. Get five other friends together, 3 on 3 game and take turns winning. You get your credits and Orange Crates every other game. So it is a win for everyone! With friends playing there is no worry of people leaving, with three on each side if one should happen to crash you can still play. You can also do this with 1 on 1 if not enough friends are on. It is also alot more fun then frieldly pirates is, due to the fact you are still trying to get as many credits as you can.

I remember seeing so many threads on friendly pirates meets for DIS friends during the Tuesday double credits days, you can do the same thing with friendly Mansions. ;)

Just a way I have been gaining some extra credits and crates while fireworks is so messed up.

Hope it helps,
Goofy

[paloma91]

Mansion is one game that needs some serious programming done to it. Either be able to use your mouse effectively or not at all. I cannot use the arrow keys when I play as the Windows XP computer I have gives errors and either hangs or I need to click them off to continue. Another problem that alot of people are having is that their computer hangs.

When I play, I use the mouse which sometimes works to move my character and sometimes moves in the opposite direction for no reason.

[cteddiesgirl]

Another problem that alot of people are having is that their computer hangs.

When I play, I use the mouse which sometimes works to move my character and sometimes moves in the opposite direction for no reason.

Yep. This happens to me a lot.

[SkippyPaul]

Very well composed letter.
It seems that since all the updates ppl are having alot of issues in the mini games.
Jungle cruise......well why even bother with that game. If you cant get on the board you get a hole 20 credits. Why not add any incentive and put crates in there.
Haunted mansion.....between the horrible lag, inconsiderate ppl leaving the game and your character going in the opposite direction, its next to impossible to even play the game let alone win a crate.
Pirates.... once my favorite game has also turned in to an ocean of lag compounded by rude ppl. But why not put the crates in the pirate chests that you win with keys, why limit these crates to one game? After all those pirate walls should have expired months ago. Not everyone is good at mansion or even enjoys the game.
October and December are very expensive months. But I say put the crates in all mini games.

[mtlhddoc2]

I didnt know this was an issue. I have played a few dozen games of mansion and won about 20 crates, only 2 times did someone leave the game (and once was ME from crashing).

I also have no problems playing on a 5 year old computer using the arrow keys. I would suggest that you use VMK Pal when playing mansion, and restart VMK after about every 8 games or so. This will cut down on most of your technical issues. Most of the people who are complaining about not being able to win are having computer problems of their own. There are many many ways to fix most of these issues. I would say, look up general PC speed help and follow the instructions, like cleaning Temp files, removing spyware and viruses, removing the 9 billion things that start up when your computer does (the average person has 27 things start when their PC does, accounting for almost a 40% drop in computing power nationwide) I have 3 things that start when my PC does. My free Virus scanner, my free Anti-spyware scanner and windows. AIM alone will reduce your PC computing power by up to 10%, full version of AOL, up to 20%.

So, my recommendation to all of you. Before you go on rants such as "Mansion sux, it crash my pc all the time" - maybe, just maybe, think that it is your PC and how you take care of it that is the issue. A computer is like a car in many many ways. Now you have your car, and you buy yourself a surfboard. Does that surfboard stay on the roof of the car all the time? Even when you arent using it in the winter? What about that lawnmower? The 500 pounds of brick? Your car would slow way down and it would take you longer o get out of your driveway if every day, you had to load a surfboard, lawnmower and 500 pounds of brick into your car before starting it up, and then it would be weighed down by all that stuff and would not go as fast....

Food for thought. I realize most of you are kids and can not clean up your computers, but the adults can.

[souper]

Well, if the crate stays around for a long time...it will be like the pirate walls. Those (unlike me) that can play pirates will have the walls. Those that can play mansion will have the crates...and the 2 can trade.

It would be nice if it was awarded to all that caught a certain minimum of ghosts.

[AstroGigiblue]

Well, if the crate stays around for a long time...it will be like the pirate walls. Those (unlike me) that can play pirates will have the walls. Those that can play mansion will have the crates...and the 2 can trade.

It would be nice if it was awarded to all that caught a certain minimum of ghosts.


I agree with Happy on this one. I stink at pirates, so I will never see a crate if they put it there.
Yes I crash a ton in Mansion. But, at least I have a chance with the mansion game, in pirates I wouldn't have a prayer. I apologize again to anyone I play mansion with - I am not leaving games, I don't give up credits that easily! :)
True, pirate and mansion peeps can swap prizes if need be.
Pirates already gives out a ton of prizes. Thrones, Hats, Magic, Credits, Walls. Mansion has a chance to give out something, and the one single thing is a crate. Yay for that!

[cteddiesgirl]

I didnt know this was an issue. I have played a few dozen games of mansion and won about 20 crates, only 2 times did someone leave the game (and once was ME from crashing).

I also have no problems playing on a 5 year old computer using the arrow keys. I would suggest that you use VMK Pal when playing mansion, and restart VMK after about every 8 games or so. This will cut down on most of your technical issues. Most of the people who are complaining about not being able to win are having computer problems of their own. There are many many ways to fix most of these issues. I would say, look up general PC speed help and follow the instructions, like cleaning Temp files, removing spyware and viruses, removing the 9 billion things that start up when your computer does (the average person has 27 things start when their PC does, accounting for almost a 40% drop in computing power nationwide) I have 3 things that start when my PC does. My free Virus scanner, my free Anti-spyware scanner and windows. AIM alone will reduce your PC computing power by up to 10%, full version of AOL, up to 20%.

So, my recommendation to all of you. Before you go on rants such as "Mansion sux, it crash my pc all the time" - maybe, just maybe, think that it is your PC and how you take care of it that is the issue. A computer is like a car in many many ways. Now you have your car, and you buy yourself a surfboard. Does that surfboard stay on the roof of the car all the time? Even when you arent using it in the winter? What about that lawnmower? The 500 pounds of brick? Your car would slow way down and it would take you longer o get out of your driveway if every day, you had to load a surfboard, lawnmower and 500 pounds of brick into your car before starting it up, and then it would be weighed down by all that stuff and would not go as fast....

Food for thought. I realize most of you are kids and can not clean up your computers, but the adults can.

This is not the case for all people.
I reboot my computer every evening before I start playing.
I make sure that extra programs such as yahoo/msn/ messengers are closed out and not running. I do not have my email open either.
I do not use AOL at all.
I use plain only firefox to play VMK. I have no extras downloaded to it. No extra toolbars, media junk or anything like that.
I clean out my temp files before closing out firefox every night. Then, I clean out my temp files everytime after playing just 1 game of HM. I will also close out and clean out my temp files a couple times during the night.
I have no peripherals on either such as my speakers, my printer, etc. My scannner isn't even plugged into my computer.
As for all the extra little programs that are in the program manager, I don't know enough about computers to know what is absolutely necessary to keep my computer working properly.
I also have my computer scan for viruses and spyware during startup.

btw, my computer is 6 years old.
Now. What would you suggest I do without spending any money?

I agree with Happy on this one. I stink at pirates, so I will never see a crate if they put it there.
Yes I crash a ton in Mansion. But, at least I have a chance with the mansion game, in pirates I wouldn't have a prayer. I apologize again to anyone I play mansion with - I am not leaving games, I don't give up credits that easily! :)
True, pirate and mansion peeps can swap prizes if need be.
Pirates already gives out a ton of prizes. Thrones, Hats, Magic, Credits, Walls. Mansion has a chance to give out something, and the one single thing is a crate. Yay for that!
But, like mansion, you can play friendly pirates as long as you can find the people to do it with.
As for the prizes already given there, get rid of the hat. That should have been there only for pirates month. I can see the uses for the walls even though I don't need them anymore. And the thrones are long overdue to be replaced as well.

[mtlhddoc2]

stop using firefox is my first suggestion, it is a memory hog. Download IE7 is my second.

If you virus scanner is MacAfee or Norton, remove it and install "Avast!"

If you have MSN Messager or Yahoo Messager, disable them.

As far as what "should be running" well, nothing should be running! Anything that appears as an icon by your clock is not nessecary with the exception of mouse software, virus scanner and maybe a graphics card or something like that. I am sure there are ALOT of things you can do, such as clean up your hard drive to make sure you have at least 5 gig of free space on your C drive. Remove programs you do not use, or use infrequently, especially games. Uninstall any extral toolbars or addons you have on your machine (IE, Yahoo, Ebay, Google toolbars, Viewpoint addins)

[BattyMcDoon]

mtlhddoc2 - Do you have any suggestions for a Mac lap top user? I don't have problems crashing but I do have major problems freezing in game.

[mtlhddoc2]

qare you using Safari, or IE?

Unfortunately, MACs are a whole different animal. The only thing I could really suggest on a MAC is that if you are using IE, stop and use Safari. If you still have problems, it is one of three probable things: low Hard Drive space, low RAM and slow/inconsistent Internet Speed/Connection. Not all cable/DSL companies are the same, some are better than others as far as consistent speed and line drops and things. Worst case scenario, your MAC OS is kablooey - reinstalling the MAC OS will fix that in most cases.

[BattyMcDoon]

qare you using Safari, or IE?

Unfortunately, MACs are a whole different animal. The only thing I could really suggest on a MAC is that if you are using IE, stop and use Safari. If you still have problems, it is one of three probable things: low Hard Drive space, low RAM and slow/inconsistent Internet Speed/Connection. Not all cable/DSL companies are the same, some are better than others as far as consistent speed and line drops and things. Worst case scenario, your MAC OS is kablooey - reinstalling the MAC OS will fix that in most cases.

I use Safari and Firefox when I need to have to players on at once. I know for a fact my current connection is horrible because it is a public network and I have no way of changing that at the moment. I'm kind of new to the whole Mac world as I only just started using it for art purposes so I have no idea how to check on my hard drive space or ram and knowing alot about PC only seems to help some while using a Mac. lol

[mtlhddoc2]

what version of MAC OS is it?

I bet that wont matter though, I can say, with authority, that your issue is probably your connection. It freezes because your computer is not getting/trransferring enough data to and from the VMK servers. The big issue with the VMK software is that when it logs in, logs out or crashes, it memory spikes the computer, which causes freeezing hanging issues with alot of people

[Berry Princess]

Very well done letter. While I know I can play the games and not have problems, I do know that others can at times or not be able to at all. BTW, I only play VMK while I am on AOL and I have McAfee for a virus scanner. I don't get problems with the games. Yes I have crashed with VMK but really not to often does it ever happen. My computer though isn't to old (like 1-2 yrs) but its also set up to play MMO games so maybe that is why I don't get the problems. Not sure though. When I have to log on 2 players I will have on on AOL and the other done through IE. Sorry for those that are having problems. I would gladly help play friendly HM if I can. My time for doing so varies on when my 1yr old naps and I have to pick up my boys from school. But if its around certain times I can help those out that want the crates. Credits are always a welcomed thing IMO. :goodvibes

[mtlhddoc2]

Berry,

AOL and MacAfee do not cause problems for everyone, but I can say for sure, new computer setup for games or not: You will run better without MacAfee. But older computers... forget it, MacAfee is as bad as a virus on an older computer.

[cat_herder]

Hi all,
I just sent this to Contact Us. I'm hoping that offering solutions rather than just complaining about the difficulties in earning the Orange Crate will do us some good.
Thought some of you might be interested in my letter.
Thanks in advance for looking at this!
TikiKrissy

The problems with that is they have to rewrite the software and test it and that takes time.

Right now I'm looking for a play of friendly ghosts.

[cteddiesgirl]

stop using firefox is my first suggestion, it is a memory hog. Download IE7 is my second.
I've already tried that and had more problems. So I uninstalled it.
Plus, my IE6 uses more resources than my firefox does.

If you virus scanner is MacAfee or Norton, remove it and install "Avast!"
And the easiest way to uninstall either of those programs is...?
I've heard that both are extremely difficult to get off of your computer once it's there. And unfortunately, the only thing my ex-fiance would use was Norton. So that's what he installed on my computer. I can't remember if I had MacAfee or Norton before that, but either one would probably have been wiped out when he re-imaged my computer 3 years ago.
As for Avast, do I have to manually keep up with updates and checks, etc? Or are those things done automatically?

If you have MSN Messager or Yahoo Messager, disable them.
I already told you that those were shut off, closed and not running.

As far as what "should be running" well, nothing should be running! Anything that appears as an icon by your clock is not nessecary with the exception of mouse software, virus scanner and maybe a graphics card or something like that. I am sure there are ALOT of things you can do, such as clean up your hard drive to make sure you have at least 5 gig of free space on your C drive. Remove programs you do not use, or use infrequently, especially games. Uninstall any extral toolbars or addons you have on your machine (IE, Yahoo, Ebay, Google toolbars, Viewpoint addins)

I have 12 gig of space on my C drive. I don't let it get lower than 10.
I was also not referring to anything running beside the clock. I'm not that much of an idiot when it comes to computers. I was referring to all the extra little things that run while hiding in the program manager. All those with the little codes. Many of those have to run while your computer is running. But I do know that some do not. But I have no idea what could be turned off safely even if I know what the codes mean.
I have also run disk cleanup and it didn't really help VMK run any better.
I have no tool bars running on my computer other than yahoo that runs only when IE is running. I don't even know what Viewpoint is, so I'm sure I don't have it.

Any programs I have on my computer are used quite frequently. If I don't use it, I take it off. No point in using up space. Anything else are programs I do use occasionally so I can't take them off because those are generally ones that have to be paid for. I can't pay for something, use it once, then uninstall it, then pay for it again when I need to use it.

So what else do you suggest?

[cat_herder]

Well I just found out that if you win the ghost game and get a bonus you don't get the orange crate too or the extra 40 credits for winning.

:(

[TikiKrissy]

No for that one, I need the mad tea party pin :rolleyes1

Oh gosh!! I didn't realize that they'd FINALLY changed the prize!
Thanks for the heads up Key!!
- Goes to ride Alice!!!! -
TikiKrissy

[mtlhddoc2]

I've already tried that and had more problems. So I uninstalled it.
Plus, my IE6 uses more resources than my firefox does.


And the easiest way to uninstall either of those programs is...?
I've heard that both are extremely difficult to get off of your computer once it's there. And unfortunately, the only thing my ex-fiance would use was Norton. So that's what he installed on my computer. I can't remember if I had MacAfee or Norton before that, but either one would probably have been wiped out when he re-imaged my computer 3 years ago.
As for Avast, do I have to manually keep up with updates and checks, etc? Or are those things done automatically?


I already told you that those were shut off, closed and not running.



I have 12 gig of space on my C drive. I don't let it get lower than 10.
I was also not referring to anything running beside the clock. I'm not that much of an idiot when it comes to computers. I was referring to all the extra little things that run while hiding in the program manager. All those with the little codes. Many of those have to run while your computer is running. But I do know that some do not. But I have no idea what could be turned off safely even if I know what the codes mean.
I have also run disk cleanup and it didn't really help VMK run any better.
I have no tool bars running on my computer other than yahoo that runs only when IE is running. I don't even know what Viewpoint is, so I'm sure I don't have it.

Any programs I have on my computer are used quite frequently. If I don't use it, I take it off. No point in using up space. Anything else are programs I do use occasionally so I can't take them off because those are generally ones that have to be paid for. I can't pay for something, use it once, then uninstall it, then pay for it again when I need to use it.

So what else do you suggest?

Wel, from all of this, it sounds like, if you have Norton on your PC, it has not been updated in 3 years.

I suggest following this link and running the "Housecall" free system check from trend:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

If your PC has not been updated for that long (even if you had Norton running, it is still not a very good protector) I would gather that, at the very least, you have a bunch of spyware on your system, possibly even a virus or 5.

Avast updates automatically every single day (whereas Norton updates once per week) - Avast can be found by going to download.com and searching for it

[IlikedisneyandVmk]

Good letter,

But you can do what I do also, if no friends around ,play yourself, you may not get many credits, but one of YOU will get the orange crate! LOL

[cteddiesgirl]

Wel, from all of this, it sounds like, if you have Norton on your PC, it has not been updated in 3 years.

I suggest following this link and running the "Housecall" free system check from trend:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

If your PC has not been updated for that long (even if you had Norton running, it is still not a very good protector) I would gather that, at the very least, you have a bunch of spyware on your system, possibly even a virus or 5.

Avast updates automatically every single day (whereas Norton updates once per week) - Avast can be found by going to download.com and searching for it

It has been updated. Every year I pay to update Norton. I always get the newest version of it and I just updated it a couple months ago.
I would never have an outdated virus program running on my computer. Especially since I have DSL and I'm online all the time and can't afford to buy a new computer.

[i-love-disney]

Great letter :thumbsup2
I agree, they should give out the crate in different ways as there are so many flaws in Haunted Mansion game. I love the idea of giving it out as a Host prize.
Today when I played HM, one person was being really rude to me because they didn't win, I asked why they wanted to win and they said to win the crate. Then on the next stage they left the game! Grrr!
I dread to think what it will be like at the weekend, all the games will be full :(

But anyway that orange box is very coooool :rotfl: and I'm also winning a lot of credits from playing!!! :yay:

[TikiKrissy]

Just wanted to thank everyone who suggested that we all play with friends in Haunted Mansion. I agree with this wholeheartedly!:thumbsup2

However, I wanted to tell the "powers that be" in VMK that I've personally had some problems/issues with people leaving the game mid-game. I figured that if nobody tells them, they won't know.

Thanks again everyone for the great feedback on my letter.:flower3: I appreciate you guys and gals!:grouphug:

TikiKrissy

[mtlhddoc2]

It has been updated. Every year I pay to update Norton. I always get the newest version of it and I just updated it a couple months ago.
I would never have an outdated virus program running on my computer. Especially since I have DSL and I'm online all the time and can't afford to buy a new computer.


Ok. You updated a couple of months ago. I have updated my virus program approximately 60 times since you did you last update. At work, we update our virus software every 3 hours. 2 days ago, we had a virus break into the system. Honestly, since you are going to fight me on this every step of the way, I wont bother.

[BattyMcDoon]

what version of MAC OS is it?

I bet that wont matter though, I can say, with authority, that your issue is probably your connection. It freezes because your computer is not getting/trransferring enough data to and from the VMK servers. The big issue with the VMK software is that when it logs in, logs out or crashes, it memory spikes the computer, which causes freeezing hanging issues with alot of people

Yea I'm working really hard to get better internet. But I've got OS X 10.4.10. It's just over a year old and I'm really tired of taking it to the store for help lol. The Geniuses do not live up to their name. :sad2:

[jasonpwns]

qare you using Safari, or IE?

Unfortunately, MACs are a whole different animal. The only thing I could really suggest on a MAC is that if you are using IE, stop and use Safari. If you still have problems, it is one of three probable things: low Hard Drive space, low RAM and slow/inconsistent Internet Speed/Connection. Not all cable/DSL companies are the same, some are better than others as far as consistent speed and line drops and things. Worst case scenario, your MAC OS is kablooey - reinstalling the MAC OS will fix that in most cases.

IE7 is virus ridden and all IE is off of my comp I have no problems really just I refuse to use IE7 since even with proper virus check and not going to bad stuff just from site adds alone I got a virus with a clean windows xp install. So since ive been using flock (look it up) I haven't had any virus/problems plus IE failed the acid 2 test and is worthless



Edit: I may be a kid but I know alot about computers. My dad is certified in Net+, A+, Microsoft Certified and so on. So I know alot about computers and at my school I'm taking an A+ computer class and plan on getting certified may of next year. So I am not dull on this kind of subject.

[cteddiesgirl]

Ok. You updated a couple of months ago. I have updated my virus program approximately 60 times since you did you last update. At work, we update our virus software every 3 hours. 2 days ago, we had a virus break into the system. Honestly, since you are going to fight me on this every step of the way, I wont bother.

I'm not fighting you. I'm replying to you about things you're saying.
I updated to the new version a couple months ago. It automatically updates when it's scheduled to and whenever they update the program. In fact, there have be a few times when I'm even in VMK that it updates on it's own. I sit there thinking what on earth it's doing then it will finally popup that my virus protection has been updated. That was just a couple days ago.
I'm happy that a business has time to manually update their virus programs every 3 hours. Most people can't do that.

I'm currently running the scan you suggested. For a long time it said it would take 1.25 days to scan all of my files and folders. Now it's finally down to 14 hours. :rolleyes1
Must be the 100 gig of music on my F drive.

Oh. And my C drive has 18.4 gig of space available.

[bytheblood]

Well I just found out that if you win the ghost game and get a bonus you don't get the orange crate too or the extra 40 credits for winning.

:(



I think that is hit or miss. :) I have received a bonus and the crate.

I am willing to trade my orange crates for snow carpet. :)

[mtlhddoc2]

wow, 14 hours, yikes. You should probably just cancel it and scan the c drive only.

For the record, we do not update "manually" every 3 hours. I do not remember saying that either. Our server actually updates by the minute, but only pushes out to teh desktops every 3 hours.

My point there was that, even though we have a $1,000,000 virus scanning dedicated server with the best software money can buy, we STILL got a virus. AND I have said on this board, and to you, numerous times, that Norton/MacAfee is a 2nd rate virus scanning program. Avast is free, updates frequently (at least once a day) and I have never had a virus that it did not catch. I even went as far as to put a virus on my home network to see which PC would pick it up. Norton did not, Avast did. I have been a computer technician, at the desktop level, for 10 years (I was a programmer before that).

[mtlhddoc2]

IE7 is virus ridden and all IE is off of my comp I have no problems really just I refuse to use IE7 since even with proper virus check and not going to bad stuff just from site adds alone I got a virus with a clean windows xp install. So since ive been using flock (look it up) I haven't had any virus/problems plus IE failed the acid 2 test and is worthless



Edit: I may be a kid but I know alot about computers. My dad is certified in Net+, A+, Microsoft Certified and so on. So I know alot about computers and at my school I'm taking an A+ computer class and plan on getting certified may of next year. So I am not dull on this kind of subject.

Ok, so, IE is virus ridden.

What does that mean?

Do you mean "Virus riddled"?

Yes, I have all those certs, plus about a dozen others. I am MCSE+E+I, and just recerted on Vista. A+ wasnt worth the time or the trouble, but I got it anyway, wont ever bother to recert on that because it really really was a waste of time and money. I also spent 3 years working at Microsoft, but the pay really stunk.

IE is not "virus riddled" people who do not protect their computers are "virus riddled". I have run for over 2 years on the same XP install without ever getting a virus. And I am not some clean cut guy either, I frequently go to what would be called "disreputable" sites. And no viruses. I go to alot of hacking sites. No viruses. go figure. Maybe, Jason, just maybe, the fact that I have been in the business for over 20 years might mean that I know a little bit more than you.

[cteddiesgirl]

wow, 14 hours, yikes. You should probably just cancel it and scan the c drive only.

For the record, we do not update "manually" every 3 hours. I do not remember saying that either. Our server actually updates by the minute, but only pushes out to teh desktops every 3 hours.

My point there was that, even though we have a $1,000,000 virus scanning dedicated server with the best software money can buy, we STILL got a virus. AND I have said on this board, and to you, numerous times, that Norton/MacAfee is a 2nd rate virus scanning program. Avast is free, updates frequently (at least once a day) and I have never had a virus that it did not catch. I even went as far as to put a virus on my home network to see which PC would pick it up. Norton did not, Avast did. I have been a computer technician, at the desktop level, for 10 years (I was a programmer before that).

Well, I was just finally able to actually finish that scan.
What it said:
HouseCall did not find any potential threats on your computer- you can go on working reliably.

Keep it up and don't give the next attack a chance!

It found nothing. Guess Norton couldn't be quite so bad. :confused3
I also tend to download a lot of music and a view videos here and there.

[Awsumgoofey]

Just wanted to thank everyone who suggested that we all play with friends in Haunted Mansion. I agree with this wholeheartedly!:thumbsup2

However, I wanted to tell the "powers that be" in VMK that I've personally had some problems/issues with people leaving the game mid-game. I figured that if nobody tells them, they won't know.

Thanks again everyone for the great feedback on my letter.:flower3: I appreciate you guys and gals!:grouphug:

TikiKrissy

You are welcome for the suggestion on friendly ghosts. We all know that VMK will not have any of these issues resovled today or maybe even this month. I have yet to read anything from them (Yavn's "cough" weekly newsletter), that VMK even knows of an issue with people crashing in all the games.

I would not go out and spend any money on fixing this problem. VMK worked just fine until 10/01/07 when the new updates came into play. I have found that making sure all of your avatar's inventory is loaded helps alot. I can usually now get through more fireworks games then not. I do believe this is a VMK issue , for example I was playing a game of Mansion last night with friends, when in the middle of the second round I had an access error come up and had to shut down. Well so did the three other people that were playing with me. I don't think my computer caused that ;)

Anyway I know they will fix what needs to be fixed. But it sure would be nice to have thing from those "powers to be" that they are working on this issue.

See you all in the game,
Goofy

[bopper]

I don't like it as a host prize...if you don't get in line by the time the host event starts, you may not even get into the room. And Ned forbid you DC, you are out of line.
I personally don't think people quit because they are not winning ( you do get credits after all), I think they crash.

[Goofy_Bob]

I didnt know this was an issue. I have played a few dozen games of mansion and won about 20 crates, only 2 times did someone leave the game (and once was ME from crashing).I have to agree with Doc here... I ddin't know there was an issue either. lol

The first day crates came out I immediately thought to start a friend game and did ... we played a dozen or so games and I won my first 6 crates. There were a couple of bumps, but nothing out of the ordinary for VMK, especially after a new build release. I mean once or twice I didn't get a crate when I thought I should have (I think I got credit bonuses those times, though, so maybe that was it), one or another of our group of six got dc once or twice, etc. Again, nothing unusual. Since that day I've been too busy to play too much, but another couple dozen games just with whomever was in the Lobby. I got another 7 crates and lots of credits.

I think in all these games I crashed once. I think my opponents left two, maybe three times for whatever reason (I did happened to be ahead), but that's happened in Mansion before. It's just the way of the game, I don't really think it's all that bad.

TikiKrissy, your letter is well written. Not sure I agree with the idea of making the crate available all over (it is Halloween so Mansion seems ideal to me)... but that's just a matter of opinion not a right/wrong thing. I do agree with you it's nice of them to release early in the month to give us time to put in this month's themed rooms.

It concerns me that every time something new like this comes out in VMK people get so anxious about getting it that they complain when they can't. Yeah, I know, one never knows how long until something retires, but it seems to me this will be available at least all month. Maybe you can't get it, but others can... give them time to be available for trade. I know people who have 100s of these little fellows. They'll be as cheap & plentiful as ice cubes before you know it.

And while everyone should have a fairly equal chance to get things, as I think is the case here, sometimes you just can't. When they existed, not everyone could make it to the In-Park Quests, but that's part of VMK's flavor.

For those curious... I use an almost 4-yr old PC (details (http://members.cox.net/bobclemins/about_comp.htm)). I have WinXP Pro and IE7 (both with all updates), but I generally use VMKPal. I use a Cable Modem to connect (Cox Communications Premier service (http://www.cox.com/sandiego/highspeedinternet/default.asp)) to the Intarwebs and use VMK. Again, I have no major problems with Haunted Mansion... though Fireworks is another story... :rotfl:

[Waffleman]

Idk if this solution has been posted yet, but if you really need some orange crates and some of your friends are logged on and willing to help Start a game of friendly Haunted mansion. What i mean by this is have 1 person on a certain team and everyone else on another team and let the team with everyone on it win so that they can get crates, then go through a cycle on who should be the 1 on the "other" team. Worked for me and my friends. Just a suggestion pirate:

[limeran]

Good idea Waffleman!