

  FIRST ENCOUNTERS PATCH PROGRAM 
                                          (version 1.05)
  ===================================================================

  Patches the file FIRSTENC.EXE to fix various reported problems (see below).

  TO USE:
  =======

  Unzip PATCHUP.EXE, FIRSTENC.PAT and EDPMI.SWP into the directory in which 
  First Encounters is installed (overwriting the old EDPMI.SWP), then 
  type PATCHUP.

  This patches the ORIGINAL FIRSTENC.EXE. If you have used an interim patch 
  then restore the original FIRSTENC.EXE first (either by re-installing 
  from CD or by renaming FIRSTENC.OLD created by the previous patch, if 
  you still have it).

  PATCHUP renames the old FIRSTENC.EXE to FIRSTENC.OLD and makes a new 
  FIRSTENC.EXE.  Once it is finished you may delete FIRSTENC.OLD.

  It needs an extra 2.1Mb of free hard disc space to run, but this may 
  be freed afterwards by deleting FIRSTENC.OLD.

  This patch should run on machines with at least 4 Mbytes of RAM. Many 4M 
  machines have 2.5 Mbytes or less of extended memory free (To find out how 
  much is free type MEM at the DOS prompt). Though First Encounters will 
  work, it may run quite slowly. To avoid this it is best not to use memory 
  hungry drivers (like EMM386) and DOS loaded high, though HIMEM.SYS is still 
  needed. It should be possible to increase the free extended memory to 
  about 3.3 Mbytes.

  HISTORY
  ========

  PROBLEMS RECTIFIED WITH PATCH V1.01  (8Mb Machines only)
  ========================================================

  - Unhandled exceptions due to soundcard interrupts.
  - CD Ship Upgrade problems
  - Angus Mannwaring, Birmingham City
  - 'Rigel' missions no longer appear
  - Getting 10% extra for missions if you have a good reputation
  - Nuclear Missile
  - Thruster and Ship equipment repair.

  PROBLEMS RECTIFIED WITH PATCH V1.02
  ====================================

  - Patch now works for 4Mb machines
  - Military Delivery Missions made more frequent
  - Missions to systems with no cities deleted
  - Midi Music tweaks
  - Graphics overflow on highest detail at some space ports.
  - Galactic Map spinning with some joysticks. 

  PROBLEMS RECTIFIED WITH PATCH V1.03  (Not on general release)
  ====================================

  - Class 3 Military Drives now available to buy
  - Permits now included
  - Replies from passenger ships now correct in all cases
  - Fixed random failure on fuel scooping message (printing huge numbers)
  - Some medals were not getting awarded when deserved - now fixed
  - Top secret military mission now always gives you a camera
  - Fixed fault in German "Flower delivery" mission text
  - Made intro cycle properly at 99 (!)
  - Cured Ackwada/Rockforth Legal Academy mission problem with passenger 
    cabins for ships with no cabins (leaving -1 passengers!)
  - Certain thrusters were not being repaired properly causing them to 
    lock full-on
  - Alien missions now perform correctly with all reported hangs cleared

  PROBLEMS RECTIFIED WITH PATCH V1.04   (Not on general release)
  ===================================

  - Now can assassinate Dentara Rast after she has left system 
    as well as before
  - Hitchhikers no longer detonate bomb once player has taken off on 
    second stage of terrorist mission
  - Two year journal sub now gives 24 issues not 240
  - Save position length restriction lifted

  PROBLEMS RECTIFIED WITH PATCH V1.05
  ===================================

  - Freezing problem stopped when sometimes hyperspacing away from Alioth 
    and taking on Trans Jammer mission
  - Can now destroy second guardian satellite without waiting for conjunction

  Where ever possible we have tried to make changes active through save 
  games, though this cannot be guaranteed for all problems.  If you are 
  still experiencing difficulties it may be caused by corruption in your 
  saved game created by previous versions.
  
  JOYSTICKS
  ==========
  We have found that some joystick/card combinations cause unusual craft 
  behaviour and slow down in extreme cases.  Disconnecting the joystick 
  should fix the problem. (The game was actually designed for use with 
  the mouse.)
  
  
  We are very sorry for any inconvenience these problem have caused, but
  would like to assure you that we are fully committed to supporting the 
  product and will continue to refine it as necessary.  We hope you have
  many enjoyable hours playing First Encounters.

