Log-in Issues
The JavaScript pull-down window for the year of birth has no values on it how will I complete my Sign-up?
My E-mail address is already taken.
My screen name is already taken.
I have forgotten my screen name.
I have forgotten my password.
I did not receive my Activation Code or was unable to Log-in.
I would like to change my screen name.
I would like to change my E-mail.
I cannot Log-in into Vir-Con.
What no MACs?
Why am I not eligible to Sign-up?
Registration Issues
Do you have Real Life (RL) convention info?
What's the cost of Vir-Con 2002?
How do I pay?
How can I get assistance with the credit processing?
Can I upgrade my Access and/or Avatar?
Can I downgrade my Access and/or Avatar?
I can't complete the Credit Card processing, I never get a response or .exe file downloads?
Graphic and Sound Issues
I can't see the 3D rooms?
My 3D image is distorted, granular, or 3D objects are misplaced, such as the Earth is penetrating the Lobby, what do I do?
Is there any sound in the Lobby?
The Lobby appears dark or room lighting seems shadowy or changes significantly as I look around, what can I do?
I can not see video or hear the sound in the Private Viewing Room of Grand Ballroom is not playing, how do I fix it?
I'm having difficulty with the blaxxun Contact plug-in, where can I get assistance
Some avatars appear blue or red, or some art in the Lobby appears to be old?
Who do I empty my 3D cache?
Browser Issues
Why does my Internet Explorer 6.0 with XP intermittently and unexpectedly closes while in the Vir-Con Lobby?
I would like to use Internet Explorer 5.0 or 5.5 instead of 6.0, can you assist me?
Getting Ready
How do I prepare for the best experience at Vir-Con 2002?
How do I reach Vir-Con Customer Service?
The JavaScript pull-down window for the year of birth has no values on it how will I complete signing up?
Our site supports Netscape Navigator 3.0 - 4.78 (4.75 is recommended) or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 - 6.0 (5.5 is recommended). Please us one of those browsers to view and participate in Vir-Con 2002.
My E-mail address is already taken.
Every member in this community has a unique E-mail address. So you need your own E-mail address to register. If the system tells you that your E-mail is already taken, you or somebody else previously tried to register using your E-mail address.
If you tried it, please inform us, we will send you the nickname you used before. If somebody else tried it, you should try to find out who has used your E-mail address and contact him/her.
It's possible that you tried to register before but did not finish the Activation - and you are now trying to register with another nickname. This is not possible. Please inform us, and we Activate your account for you.
My nickname is already taken or I can't Sign-up using my CT nickname.
Every member in this community has a unique nickname. If the system tells you that your nickname is already taken, you or somebody else previously registered using this nickname. If somebody else is using this nickname, you have to choose another one. Try some numbers or additional characters to create your unique nickname.
If you are you a member of Cybertown (CT), there is a permanent location for a CT jump to Vir-Con is in My Info within Cybertown. Click on the "Exist in Another Dimension" banner. You will get a popup window that will give you the option to go to Vir-Con 2002 with your CT nick. When you click the Go To Vir-Con button, you'll be transported to the Vir-Con sign-up page and your CT nick will automatically be filled in. From there you just need to fill in the required fields and you're good to go.
If you have forgotten your nickname, please send us your E-mail address used during Sign-up, and we will send to you the corresponding nickname.
If you have forgotten your password, please click "Log-in" at ww.vir-con.net and use the "Send Password" feature there. You must know your nickname - the password is then sent to your e-mail address used during Sign-up.
I did not receive my Activation code.
That should not usually happen - what can you do?
Check your e-mail software - is it working correctly?
Check if your e-mail address is the same you entered during Sign-up. For this please click "Member" on the welcome page - you will enter the Activation page and there you find your E-mail address.
Check your E-mail - maybe you have gotten the E-mail but have not seen yet in your list.
What kind of e-mail software do you use? - Please send us detailed information which could help us find the problem.
I would like to change my nickname.
Your nickname is your identity - as your real name is your identity in real life. So it's not possible to change your nickname in this community.
I would like to change my E-mail.
Please Log-in with your nickname and change the E-mail address in your personal data by right-clicking on your nickname in the Nickname list and select Member Profile. You can change any personal information by clicking on Update Info at the bottom of the Member Profile page, make the changes in the pop-up form and click on Update Info again when done.
I cannot log in to the community.
Have you signed up and activated your account with Vir-Con?
Does your browser meet the minimum requirements?
Check your nickname and password (case-sensitive!) - are they typed correctly?
This community needs browser "cookies" for the login - are they activated in your browser?
Did you activate JavaScript and Java in your browser?
Are you connected to the Internet?
If you still have problems, please send us detailed information which could help us find the problem.
We are very big MAC users (the founder has been MAC since his Apple IIe and the web site is serves on the rock-solid OSX) but the best 3D platform in the world hasn't added full support for the MAC YET. And we have to have the best for Star Trek fans.
Do you have Real Life (RL) convention info?
Please contact Creation Entertainment regarding your Real World convention information.
Creation Entertainment
1010 N. Central Ave. 4th Floor
Glendale, CA 91202
Phone: (818) 409-0960
Convention ticket information: tickets@creationent.com.
Why am I not eligible to enter?
Possible reasons for ineligibility are:
1. There are required fields that must be filled out.
2. You must be over 13 years old.
3. The forms are not responding Our web site and 3D platform requires Netscape Navigator 3.0 - 4.78 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 - 6.0.
What's the cost of Vir-Con 2002?
General Admission
One-Day $14.95 USD
Three-day $39.95 USD
Preferred Seating
One-Day $39.95 USD
Three-day $99.95 USD
Latinum
All three days, all access, all avatars and two autographed photos for only $109.95 USD. This Pass is limited and will sell out!
Tier One Avatars - Star Fleet Ensigns & Klingon Warriors
All three days - FREE
Tier Two Avatars - Lieutenant Commanders, Centurions and Merchants
All three days $14.95 USD
Tier One Avatars - Captains, Drones, Commanders, Guls and DaiMons
All three days $29.95 USD
We accept MC, VISA, American Express, Discover and JCP credit cards which automates processing so that access & avatars, and changes in access and avatars would be "instant."
How can I get assistance with the processing of my credit card?
Once you are sure that you have entered all the information correctly and consistently are unable to completion the transaction, you may call iBill at 800-307-3558.
Can I upgrade my Access and/or Avatar?
Yes, at any time and you only pay the difference.
Can I downgrade my Access and/or Avatar?
Sorry, no.
I can't complete the Credit Card processing, I never get a response or .exe file downloads?
Please be sure that you comply with our minimum requirements, especially the browser, http://www.vir-con.net/utilities.1.html. If you do met the specifications, please identify your operating system and browser. Other possible conditions are:
1. An "outside-the-browser" Download Manager, such as Real Jukebox, may be intercepting the Hyperlink transmission. If you have one please disable it and let us know which one you are using so we may warn others.
2. Some personal firewalls may cause processing abnormalities. If you have one please disable it and let us know which one you are using so we may warn others.
Download the blaxxunContact 5.1 plug-in:
http://www.blaxxun.com/services/support/download/install.shtml.
Be sure to download blaxxunContact (not blaxxun 3D). Use Automatic Download and be sure to turn off virus-checking and firewall software. You can trust blaxxun updates. If you can not turn off your firewall use Manual Download.
My 3D image is distorted or granular, or 3D objects are misplaced, such as the Earth is penetrating the lobby. What do I do?
There are a few possible causes:
1. You do not meet the minimum specifications;
2. The plug-in may be corrupted - empty your 3D cache by right-clicking on the 3D window, selecting Settings, Preferences, Caching Settings and clicking on Empty Cache now..., then uninstall blaxxunContact and download it again, being sure to turn off firewall or virus protection software, use Automatic Download and trust blaxxun, then restart your computer;
3. Your computer and graphics card may require OpenGL - change this setting by right-clicking on the 3D window (or clicking on the 3D window and using F9 from your keyboard), select Settings, Preferences, using the General tab, change Standard to Expert, then click OK, right-click again and select OpenGL;
4. Your computer's graphics card is not working with the blaxxunContact well - change this setting by right-clicking on the 3D window, select Settings, Preferences, and using the Direct 3D tab, change Direct 3D Driver from Hardware to High Quality, then click OK, Exit Vir-Con and re-enter.
Is there any sound in the Lobby?
The sounds that are in the Lobby included a gentle waterfall and computer terminal SFX that changes based on here you're standing. The video wall with streaming video has accompanying audio.
The Lobby appears dark or room lighting seems shadowy or changes significantly as I look around, what can I do?
Every system produces slightly different graphics results. By accessing the preferences window (as described above) the Mip mapping, anti-aliasing, dither, etc. buttons may be "tweaked" to produce the best graphics results.
1. Be sure that you meet the minimum specifications.
2. Empty your 3D cache by right-clicking on the 3D window, selecting Settings, Preferences, clicking on "Empty Cache now..." on the Caching Settings TAB.
3. Access Preferences by right-clicking on the 3D window (or clicking on the 3D window and using F9 from your keyboard), select Settings, then Preferences, and turn on Dither, DX Texture Manager, Smooth Textures, Wait until frame ready on the Direct 3D TAB. Exit Vir-Con and Log-in again.
4. If there is no improvement, access Preferences by right-clicking on the 3D window (or clicking on the 3D window and using F9 from your keyboard), select Settings, then Preferences, and activate "Prefer OpenGL" on the Render Options TAB. Exit Vir-Con and Log-in again.
I can not see video or hear the sound in the Private Viewing Room of Grand Ballroom is not playing, how do I fix it?
1. Be sure that you meet the minimum specifications, especially the required installs of Windows Media Player and Real Player.
2. If you comply with the minimum specifications, please access Preferences by right-clicking on the 3D window (or clicking on the 3D window and using F9 from your keyboard), select Settings, then Preferences, and turn on "Use Video Memory" on the Direct 3D TAB.
Some avatars appear blue or red, or some art in the Lobby appears to be old?
You have not yet downloaded all the art and avatars for the room you are in. Please be sure you meet the minimum specifications.
1. If you have a slow connection, such as ISDN, you may need to wait an extended period for all the files to download to your computer.
2. If you have a fast connection, such as Cable, DSL, or T1, your local ISP service may be temporarily slow. You may need to wait a few seconds/minutes for the files to download to your computer.
3. It may help to clear your 3D cache by right-clicking on the 3D window (or clicking on the 3D window and using F9 from your keyboard), selecting Settings, then Preferences, then click on the Cache Settings TAB, and click on "Empty Cache now...". You should also set Check for newer versions on "Every Visit." This will force fresh content to be sent to your computer, for best results change rooms or Exit Vir-Con and Log-in again.
4. You may be low on free hard disk space. Verify you have at least 100 MB of free hard disk space available for the blaxxun plug-in to operate properly Open My Computer from your Desktop, right-click on your hard disk "C" or whichever drive you have Windows installed, and select Properties. Check for where it says "Free Space." You should have at least 100,000,000 bytes (100 MB) of free space. If you have less than 100 MB of free space, you may need to uninstall some unused programs from your computer. Check the Windows Help for more information.
5. Access Preferences by right-clicking on the 3D window (or clicking on the 3D window and using F9 from your keyboard), select Settings, then Preferences, and turn on Dither, DX Texture Manager, Smooth Textures, Wait until frame ready on the Direct 3D TAB. Exit Vir-Con and Log-in again.
6. If there is no improvement, access Preferences by right-clicking on the 3D window (or clicking on the 3D window and using F9 from your keyboard), select Settings, then Preferences, and activate "Prefer OpenGL" on the Render Options TAB. Exit Vir-Con and Log-in again.
Why does my Internet Explorer 6.0 with XP unexpectedly close while in the Vir-Con Lobby?
Internet Explorer 5.5 is the recommended browser by blaxxun. Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6.0 are prone to encounter problems and will have the need to close with normal web browsing. While Windows XP is not fully tested with blaxxunContact it works well for many people. You can always Log-in right back in quickly if it closes unexpectedly. You can minimize this likelihood by making sure you have the most recent XP and Explorer updates as well as Virtual Machine and DirectX versions. And by restarting your computer and running no other applications, including Instant Messaging (IM) while visiting Vir-Con.
I would like to use Internet Explorer 5.0 or 5.5 instead of 6.0, can you assist me?
You can roll back Internet Explorer 6.0 to 5.0 (blaxxun recommends 5.5, although 5.0 has been found to be more stable). XP users, and some users of Me and Windows 2000, with Internet Explorer 6.0 may not be able to roll back. If you are not prompted to repair or restore, DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THE UNINSTALL. For users who are able to roll back, pease see www.microsoft.com for detailed instructions and warnings, for those experienced users:
1. Double click on "My Computer," then "Control Panels," and then "Add/Remove" programs. In the list of programs, find Internet Explorer 6.0, left-click on it to highlight it.
2. Click "Uninstall." You will be prompted if you wish to repair or restore an earlier version of the program.
3. Select to restore to the earlier version. The program will then roll back to the earlier version.
4. Windows will ask to restart the computer. When the computer comes back up you will be asked if you want to clear up your settings, select "Yes", then Internet Explorer 5.0 will open asking if you wish to make MSN your home page. You may select "Yes" or "No."
Please note that rolling back should not lose any listings from my favorites. The roll back can be temporary or permanent. You can easily reinstall Internet Explorer 6.0 by going to www.microsoft.com and upgrading.
How do I prepare for the best experience at Vir-Con 2002?
1. Please be sure that you comply with all the Vir-Con minimum specifications, especially the bandwidth requirement and the media players. Please note that your local ISP pays a big part in ensuring that your have best 3D and streaming experience while at Vir-Con.
2. Experiment with your blaxxunContact settings well in advance of Vir-Con 2002. Every system produces different graphic results. You should "tweak" the settings to produce the best graphics results on your system. Access Preferences by right-clicking on the 3D window (or clicking on the 3D window and using F9 from your keyboard), select Settings, then Preferences. Key settings found to produce good results:
Cache Settings
Check for Newer Versions on Every Visit
Amount of Diskspace to use: 75 MB
Amount of Diskspace to keep free: 100 MB
Direct 3D Driver
Dither
DX Texture Manager
Smooth Textures
Wait until frame ready
Use Video Memory
Render Options
For some users "Prefer OpenGL" may produce superior graphics results.
3. Be sure to empty your browser cache/temporary files and the 3D cache each morning before attending Vir-Con 2002. Please see your Netscape or Internet Explorer instructions for clearing their temporary files.
4. Do not run other processes including Instant Messaging (IM) during Vir-Con. Re-start your computer and exit all other programs before visiting Vir-Con.