TECHNICAL HELPS for Kid Pix 3 & 4
from Sunday Software

We've been using and supporting Kid Pix in Sunday Schools since it's original version!  Whether you got your Kid Pix from us or somewhere else, we hope these notes help you use this wonderful program. For more program details, go to www.sundaysoftware.com/kidpix.htm

 

Helpful Links:

View our full Kid Pix 4
Description Page!

View a list of all our Christian software

Purchase Kid Pix 4 using our online order form
(look for it halfway down in the Kid Pix and Clipart section)

View our Quicktime install and uninstall notes

Kid Pix 3/4 Teaching Tips

Kid Pix Graphic Importing Help

Help working with a
Ready-made Project Template in Kid Pix
(a graphic showing you where to find them and suggesting some uses)

Link to Kid Pix 4 program description page

On this page:

0. Installing Kid Pix 4

1. Getting Text to Speech feature working on XP

2. Tips on Importing Graphics/Backgrounds

3. How to Delete user sign-in names from list

4. Windows XP and ADMIN/USER Rights

5. Screen upsidedown. Windows XP compatibility issue(?)

6. Curing the Text playback "cut-off" during slideshow

7. Solving the Quicktime "Jpeg Compressor" error message

8. Problem getting Kid Pix stickers  and animations to appear

9. NOTES for school systems with large labs, installation and operation.

10. Additional tech notes gleaned from others about Kid Pix.

Kid Pix 3 and 4 are nearly identical. Many solutions mentioned here for version 3 will work for version 4, and vice versa.

However, please note, we do not support Kid Pix 3. It's been out of print for a long long time.

QUICK THINGS TO TRY:

1.  Be sure you installed and try to run Kid Pix while logged in as the MAIN user on your computer, the account with full administration privileges. This is the first thing you need to do. Limited user access accounts usually interfere with things.

2. Be sure you have installed the latest version of Quicktime, www.quicktime.com. I suggested you read my Quicktime install/uninstall notes at www.sundaysoftware.com/quicktime.htm

3. Turn off draconian security programs to see if the installation and running of the program works for you. You can always turn them back on later.

Kid Pix Compatibility Notes:

Kid Pix 4 is the "FOURTH EDITION". The fourth edition has received several version updates since it's release. Some versions of the 4th edition are Vista and Windows 7 compatible, some are not. Broderbund has not released a patch or upgrade to the 4th Edition in order to make older versions of the 4th edition Vista and Windows 7 compatible.

If you have an earlier 4th edition version that's not working in Vista or Windows 7, and you've tried some of the tricks on this page, then the final solution is to buy the latest available version of Kid Pix 4th Edition.  Some Kid Pix resellers do not stock the latest version of the 4th Edition. They bought large quantities of earlier versions. Sunday Software ONLY sells the latest version. When you get Kid Pix from us, you are getting their latest update at that time. And our current version is both Vista and Windows 7 compatible! To read more, go to www.sundaysoftware.com/kidpix.htm

PAY NO ATTENTION to the Edition 4 technical specs on the package. We've noticed that some versions of Kid Pix 4 don't list W7 as a viable operating system, but will work in it.

0. Kid Pix 4 Installation Problems

a)  Problem: You put the Kid Pix 4 disc goes into the drive and nothing happens.

Solution: First, be sure you have a DVD enabled drive on the computer. Kid Pix 4 comes on a DVD disc (not a CD) because it has so many files.  One way to check: Click "Computer" or "My Computer" on your desktop, and explore your way to the CD drives. See if you can view files on the disk. If you cannot view the files, then your computer doesn't have the ability to read DVDs. Most newer computers do!

To check the disk, put it in another computer and see if it installs there.

Third...be sure you are log-ed in as the MAIN user with full administrative rights. If you don't have full rights, you can't install this program.

b) Kid Pix wants to install Quicktime or Adobe Reader

You always want the LATEST versions of those programs. The KP CD may not have the latest version, but it will attempt to determine whether your computer has that or not. Please note: If you are attempting to install KP4 while in a limited user account log-in, or under some draconian security software config, some installations may not work right. Always log in as the main user with FULL admin rights to install a program.

1. Problem: After installing Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 or 4 on an XP computer, the Text to Speech feature does not work.

Or, the program encounters a problem when it opens and must close.

Solution: Installing the Microsoft® Speech API 4.0 from the Kid Pix CD should resolve the issue on XP. Consult the data that follows for additional information and a resolution.

Kid Pix relies on SAPI 4.x for speech functionality. Windows® XP is packaged with a later version (SAPI 5.0). Because Windows® XP does not ship with the sapi 4.0 speech.dll installed, the Text to Speech feature of Kid Pix® does not work. You must manually install the sapi 4.0 program.

Follow the procedure below to install the Microsoft® Speech API 4.0 from the Kid Pix® Deluxe 3.0 CD. The procedure/folders may be slightly different for the Fourth Edition, but the idea is the same!  (Later versions of the Fourth Edition were made to run with XP/Vista/Windows7  speech application 5.0.)

  1. Place the Kid Pix CD into the CD-ROM drive.
  2. Close all programs and windows and return to the desktop.
  3. Click Start and select Run. The Run dialog box will appear.
  4. Type X:\INSTALL\DATA\SPCHAPI.EXE in the Open: field. (Replace X with the correct drive letter that represents the CD-ROM drive containing the Kid Pix CD.)
  5. Click OK. This will install Microsoft® Speech API 4.0 to the C:\Windows\Speech folder.
  6. When the file copy is complete, click Start and select Shut Down.
  7. Select the option for Restart and click OK to restart.
  8. When the restart is complete, open and use Kid Pix. The issue should be resolved.

2. Importing Graphics and Backgrounds
While working in Kid Pix, you want to import a graphic or background from the hard drive or other media into the program. The remainder of this technical note describes the procedure. Follow the procedure below to import a graphic or background into Kid Pix.

 

  1. NOTE: Kid Pix will import the following graphic or background file types: Bitmap (*.bmp), JPEG (*.jpg, *.jpeg), GIF (.gif) or Macintosh® Picture (*.pic, *.pict).
  2. Click the Menu bar.
  3. Go to the Add menu option and click Add Graphic (to import a graphic) or Import Background (to import a background) from the menu that appears. The Add Graphic (or Import Background) window will open.
  4. Click the down arrow button to the right of the Files of type: field and select the file type for the desired graphic (or background) to import (i.e., *.bmp, *.jpg, .gif or *.pic).  In other words, if you're looking for a GIF file that you saved, it will only appear in the dialog box if you have selected the gif file type!)
     
  5. Using the Look in: field, navigate to the drive and location of the desired graphic (or background) and click once on the file name to select it. A preview of the selected graphic file may appear in the Preview: box.
  6. NOTE: To the right of the preview box is a list of four options describing how the graphic or background will appear when added (or imported) to the current picture. By default, Center at Original Size will be selected if adding a graphic and Shrink/Stretch to fill Canvas will be selected if importing a background. If needed, select another option. The preview to the left may change.
  7. Click OK. The graphic or background selected in Step 5 will appear on the current picture in the Paint Zone. If a graphic was added, adjust the graphic as needed.
  8. NOTE: After adding a graphic (or importing a background) to a picture in Paint Zone, the picture can be saved and added to a slide show in the Slide Show screen.

HUGE GRAPHIC IMPORTING & EDITING TIP:  
When you import a graphic, Kid Pix will import the the whole graphic into your Kid Pix picture and place it rather clumsily on your screen. If you want to import only a portion a graphic into your kid pix project, an place it precisely, follow these instructions....

(See also our Tips page for helpful step-by-step graphics of this process.)

1) First....Import the graphic into a blank Kid Pix screen.

2) Click the GRAB tool and select SCISSORS.

3) CUT around the portion of the graphic you want to appear in your project.

4) Select CUT from the EDIT menu. This saves that cut portion in your Windows clipboard. 

5) Now ADD the background you want to appear in your final Kid Pix project.

6) Select PASTE from the EDIT menu. The graphic you cut will now appear on the screen with some lines through it. 

7) Move that graphic with your mouse to where you want it to finally appear against your background.

8) Finally... click outside of the pasted graphic to lock it into place where you want it to appear. DONE!

This isn't that complicated once you get used to how the Kid Pix scissors and cut/paste functions work.

3. How to Delete a User Name from Sign-In List...

User names can be deleted from the sign-in list by completing the steps presented in this technical note.

To delete a name from the sign-in list, complete the following steps:
Open Kid Pix® Deluxe 3.

Type kidpixadmin into the "Enter your name here" field on the Log In screen at program startup.

Press ENTER on the keyboard. The following three options will appear on the right side of the screen: Done, Add and Delete.

Click once on a name in the list to select it and click Delete.

Click Done when all unwanted name or names have been deleted. The deleted names will no longer appear in the sign-in list.

If the deleted user had files they created, such as saved drawings, soundfx and music, they need to be deleted too. Go to c:\programfiles\broderbund
 \kidpix3\users and delete user folders.

 4. Kid Pix 3/4and Windows XP User Rights

On a system running Windows XP, you must be logged into Windows as a user with Administrator rights to use all of the features of Kid Pix 3. This is due to the fact that Kid Pix 3 must have read/write access to the harddrive to store/retrieve pictures and user files. It must also be allowed to access Windows' integrated text-to-speech synthesis application.

5. Screen Upside Down
or...."Kid Pix could still not be started a second time"

Kid Pix runs fine on 99% of XP machines. But there are some issues with some machines.

First, try curing the Upside Down or Restart problem by switching to Win 98 compatibility mode in XP.

If that doesn't work, then go to www.sundaysoftware.com/support/KidPix_XP_Problem.htm

The problem seems related to a particular Intel video chip and driver on some XP computers. Updating that driver is the solution which has worked for some people. Others have solved it by turning of XP's "rotate monitor" option. Read www.sundaysoftware.com/support/KidPix_XP_Problem.htm for details.

To switch to Win98 compatibility mode in XP...
Do this: Right click your startup icon for Kid Pix, select Properties, and then "compatibility" and set it to Windows 98 compatibility.

 6. Curing the Text playback "cut-off" during slideshow

If your kids have typed a lot of text per page and during playback the read aloud is cut-off or shortened, it means you need to change the playback option for each slide. Here's what you need to do:

1. Click the camera icon on the slideshow page
2. Click the yellow box under the slide
3. Click "Read Text Done"
This will make Kid Pix playback go to the next slide ONLY AFTER the text has been completely read.

7. Solving the Quicktime "JPEG Compressor" error message

This one has bugged many of us for some time. It pops up when you try to save your picture. The solution comes from Jay Y. a computer lab teacher here in Columbus. The "Can't find JPEG compressor" error on KidPix Deluxe 3 happens when trying to save files or print them. The jpeg compressor file is part of the Quicktime installation you probably installed when you installed KidPix (or you most likely have installed Quicktime from one of many other CDs often used in the CE computer lab). During the Quicktime installation, you are given two options: "Minimum" and "Recommended" install option for Quicktime. If you did the "minimum" install, you'll get this error message.

Solution: Reinsert the Kid Pix CD and "uninstall" Quicktime. Then reinstall Quicktime selecting the "Recommended" option.

Later, if you encounter this same error message again, it's probably due to accidentally installing Quicktime from some other CD and selecting Minimal instead of Recommended.

8.  Sticker/Animation doesn't appear

When attempting to add a sticker or animation to a project in EARLIER VERSIONS of Kid Pix® Deluxe 3/4, the handles for the object show in the workspace, but the sticker or animation does not appear. Updating to Quicktime 7.1.3 or higher can cause this behavior. Broderbund/Riverdeep has issued a small 'patch' file you can download from http://support.riverdeep.net/faq_list.asp?id=1294820708  or http://support.riverdeep.net/download_desc.asp?dlid=708 if that other link doesn't work for you.  The patch program will ask you for a password, and it is kpd41update. You're welcome!

If you're getting these problems with a newer version of KP 4, then you may have a quicktime installation mess up. View my notes on how to do a REAL Quicktime clean-install. Simply uninstalling QT the convention way will not do the trick.  See my notes at www.sundaysoftware.com/quicktime.htm

 
9. Notes for Schools and Large Labs, Networks

Sunday Software sells the individual version of Kid Pix. We do not recommending installing it to a server. Rather, we recommend installing Kid Pix as it was designed: to the hard drive of individual computers. Why? Because Kid Pix is a complicated program that accesses many different and arcane parts of the operating system's multimedia and communication features (such as text to speech).

Also.... in large labs where students are given LIMITED ACCESS to the operating system via limited user log-ins, it is possible that by setting up limited accounts, you will also be keeping Kid Pix itself from accessing certain features in the operating system.

Some "Security Software" installed across their network or on individual machines, may also interfere with some of Kid Pix's functionality. We cannot begin to tell you how to configure your specific settings, suffice to say, you need to be prepared to try BACKING DOWN some of the security and firewall features of your system until you find "what allows KP to work" on your system. Already we've had some people "complain" that Kid Pix doesn't work within their draconian (or clumsy) security set-ups. Unfortunately, there is no alternative to Kid Pix, and thus, if you have install or operational problems in a security heavy lab, you're going to have to do some tweaking of your settings to find what works.

10. MORE HELPS for Kid Pix gleaned from sources

Audio Device driver error?
Make sure you are logged in as a user with full admin rights to install and then operate the program. While in the main log in account, RIGHT click the desktop startup icon for KP and selecting "Run as Admin". Otherwise, if you still get the audio error, be sure your audio driver is fully Windows 7 compatible. If your computer was upgraded to W7, the audio driver may not be fully compatible with W7 and in need of upgrading (go to audio chip or computer manufacturer's website)

Misc Errors when trying to operate KP4??

Try RIGHT clicking the desktop startup icon for KP and selecting "Run as Admin".
Be sure you installed the program WHILE logged into the system as the main user with full admin rights.
Try backing off your security software. Some programs are too invasive. See if that helps.

 

Gleaned from other sources.......
 Typically, these are tech notes for Kid Pix 3, however, some solutions may work for KP4 as well.

 

Issue

 QuickTime™ Movie Sounds Do Not Play

Description

 

Solution

After installing Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 on a Windows NT® operating system, the sound attached to the QuickTime™ movies may not play. When Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 is installed on a Windows NT® operating system, you may not be able to hear sounds associated with imported QuickTime™ movies. This is a limitation of the program. However, you will be able to view the movie.

 

Issue

 Too Many Objects…Please Flatten or Delete

Description

 

Solution

While inserting animations in Kid Pix® Deluxe 3, you may receive the following message: "Too many objects on page. Please flatten or delete." Reducing the number of objects or flattening those objects should resolve the issue. This technical note describes how to proceed. Follow the instructions below to flatten objects.

NOTE: When an object is flattened, it becomes part of the background. Once flattened, the animation for that object will not play. Clicking the "Undo Guy" will remove the last change that was made.
 

  1. With your project on the screen, choose the object that you would like to flatten.
     

  2. On the top menu bar, click the Toolbox option.
     

  3. Choose the Flatten option.
     

  4. Select either "Selected" or "All" for the object to be flatten.
     

  5. Click OK. The selected objects will be flattened.

 

Issue

 Cannot Choose a Different Printer

Description

 

Solution

When attempting to print using the program, you want to use a different printer connected to the system. Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 uses the Windows® default printer. There is not a setting within the program to change the printer. Changing the default printer to reflect the printer that you want by using the Window® printer control panel should allow you to switch printers. Change the Windows® default printer in the following manner:
 

  1. Close programs and return to the desktop.
     

  2. Click Start, choose Settings and select Printers.
     

  3. In the window that appears, locate the icon representing the printer that you want to use.
     

  4. Right-click on the icon and select Set as Default.
     

  5. Close the Printer window and print. The printer that you select is now the Windows® default printer.


NOTE: Repeat the steps above to switch back to the original printer.

 

Issue

 Freezes When Using Backgrounds

Description

 

Solution

Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 freezes when attempting to use the Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 backgrounds after clicking the Backgrounds button. An incorrect version of QuickTime® or not having QuickTime® installed can cause the program to freeze. (Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 requires QuickTime® 4.1.2 or higher.) Installing QuickTime® will help resolve this issue. Consult the remainder of this technical note for additional information. Complete the steps below to install QuickTime®.
 

  1. Close all programs and windows and return to the desktop.
     

  2. Insert the Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 CD into the CD-ROM drive.
     

  3. Close any windows that open and return to the desktop.
     

  4. Click Start and select Run. The Run dialog box will open.
     

  5. Type D:\INSTALL\QT4\QuickTimeInstaller.exe in the Open: field. (The letter D represents the CD-ROM drive. If a different letter represents your CD-ROM drive, use that letter when typing the information in the Open: field.)
     

  6. Click OK. The installation of QuickTime® will begin.
     

  7. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
     

  8. Launch and use the program.

 

 

Issue

 Resolution Setting Not Restored (Windows®)

Description

 

Solution

When starting Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 on a computer running Microsoft® Windows®, the screen resolution is changed to 800 x 600. After successfully using and closing the program, the resolution setting is not restored to its original setting. Manually restoring the settings will resolve this issue. This technical note describes the process. Complete the following steps to restore the screen resolution:
 

  1. Close all programs and windows and return to the desktop.
     

  2. Right-click an open area of the desktop (without icons) and choose Properties.
     

  3. In the Display Properties window, select the Settings tab.
     

  4. Near the bottom-left portion of the window under Colors or Color Palette, click the drop-down menu and choose the desired settings.
     

  5. Under the Screen Area or Desktop Area setting, position the mouse pointer on the adjusting needle.
     

  6. Click and hold the mouse button and move the mouse to slide the needle until the desired setting appears.
     

  7. Release the mouse button.
     

  8. Click Apply.
     

  9. Choose Yes if asked: "Do you want to restart the computer?"

NOTE: If any of the desired settings are not available, contact the computer manufacturer for additional assistance and information.

Downloading and Installing the current driver for the display card will help allow Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 to restore the resolution automatically when the program is closed.

See our VIDEOCARD FAQs for info about how to change your videodriver.

 

Issue

 Program Locks when Adding Sound (Windows® XP)

Description

 

Solution

When attempting to add sound to a picture or slide show in Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 on a system running Windows® XP, the program locks up. Typically, this occurs when the user is logged in to Windows® under a user that does not have Administrator rights. Changing that user's rights or logging in under another user that has administrator rights should resolve the issue. This technical note describes how to proceed. For Windows® XP, you must be logged in to Windows® as a user with administrator rights to use all of the features of Kid Pix® Deluxe 3. To change or view your user rights, contact the system administrator.

If the program remains locked up, continue with the following steps:

  1. Press and hold down the CTRL and ALT keys on the keyboard and tap the DELETE key once.
     

  2. Release the CTRL and ALT keys. The Windows Security dialog box will appear.
     

  3. Click the Task Manager button. Task Manager will open.
     

  4. Click the Applications tab.
     

  5. Locate the listing for Kid Pix® and click it once to select it.
     

  6. Click the End Task button. Kid Pix® should close.
     

  7. Close Task Manager by clicking the X in the top-right corner of the window.

 

Issue

 Letters Display When Using Arrow Keys

Description

 

Solution

While editing a text box in Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 on a Windows® XP system, letters display in the text box when the arrow keys are used. Enabling Windows XP Compatibility options will resolve this issue. Consult the remainder of this technical note for additional information. Complete the following steps to enable the Windows® XP Compatibility options:
 

  1. Close any open windows or programs to return to the desktop.
     

  2. Locate the desired shortcut to launch Kid Pix® Deluxe 3. (This icon is typically found on the desktop or the Start menu.)
     

  3. Right-click the icon and choose Properties from the menu that appears.
     

  4. Select the Compatibility tab in the window that appears.
     

  5. Place a checkmark before the "Run this program in compatibility mode" setting.
     

  6. Choose Windows® 98/Windows Me from the dropdown menu that appears below the setting.
     

  7. Click Apply and click OK to accept the changes.
     

  8. Launch and use Kid Pix® Deluxe 3.

 

Issue

 KidPix 3 Has Encountered a Problem (Windows® XP)

Description

 

Solution

When attempting to run Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 on Windows® XP, the following message appears: "KidPix 3 has encountered a problem and needs to close. We're sorry for the inconvenience." The information and procedure presented in the remainder of this note describes how to install and run a program using the Program Compatibility Wizard in Windows® XP. If Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 is successfully installed, complete the "Running Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 in Compatibility Mode" procedure below. If the installation of Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 failed, click here to continue.

Running Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 in Compatibility Mode
 

  1. Close all windows and programs and return to the desktop.
     

  2. Locate the Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 Shortcut icon on the desktop and right-click on it.

    NOTE: If no shortcut exists on the desktop, click Start, select Programs or All Programs, select Kid Pix Deluxe 3 from the list of programs and right-click on the Kid Pix Deluxe 3 icon. Continue with Step 3.

     

  3. Choose Properties from the menu that appears. The Shortcut to Kid Pix Deluxe 3 Properties window will open.
     

  4. Click the Compatibility tab.
     

  5. Under the Compatibility mode heading, click inside the box before "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" statement. The field below the statement will become active.
     

  6. Click the down arrow to the right of Windows 95 and choose Windows 98 / Windows Me from the list that appears.
     

  7. Under the Display settings heading, click inside the box before the Disable visual themes setting to place a check there.
     

  8. Click Apply and click OK to close the Shortcut to Kid Pix Deluxe 3 Properties window.
     

  9. Click the Kid Pix shortcut to launch the program.

NOTE: If the issue remains, uninstall and reinstall the program by completing the steps that follow.

Install and Running Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 in Compatibility Mode

Complete these steps:

NOTE: Windows® XP allows different options for viewing graphical interface. The following procedure assumes that the default Windows® XP view settings are used, rather than the Classic Start Menu View.
 

  1. Uninstall Kid Pix® using the Add or Remove Programs Control Panel. (If Kid Pix® does not show in the Add or Remove Programs Control Panel, continue with Step 2.)
     

  2. Verify the Minimum System Requirements (Technical Note ID: 21012). (This information is needed as the procedure below is completed.)
     

  3. Close programs and return to the desktop.
     

  4. Insert the Kid Pix® CD into the CD-ROM drive.

    NOTE: If a program installation screen appears with a prompt to install the program, click the selection (e.g., No, Cancel or Exit the Installation, etc.) that will cancel the installation and return to the desktop.

     

  5. Click Start on the Windows® taskbar.
     

  6. Click All Programs, choose Accessories and select Program Compatibility Wizard. The icon appears as a question mark (?). The Program Compatibility Wizard Welcome window will open.
     

  7. Click Next.
     

  8. Click the "I want to use the program in the CD-ROM drive" radio button.
     

  9. Click Next. A window presenting the different Windows® Compatibility Modes will open.
     

  10. Click the radio button next to the desired Compatibility Mode and click Next. (Consult the Minimum System Requirements of Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 for system information.)

  11. Click Next. A window showing the heading "Test Your Compatibility Settings" will appear. In addition, the selected settings will appear.
     

  12. Verify that the settings are correct.

    NOTE: If the settings are not correct, click the Back button to return to the previous screen (or screens) and make the necessary changes.

     

  13. With the correct settings selected and showing in the "Test Your Compatibility Settings" window, click Next. The program installation will begin.
     

  14. Follow the prompts to install the program.
     

  15. After the installation is complete, close the program to return to the Program Compatibility Wizard.

    NOTE: After the program is closed, the window with the "Did the program work correctly?" question will reappear. The "Yes. Set this program to always use these compatibility settings" will be selected.

     

  16. If the program functioned properly using the compatibility mode that was selected in Step 10 (above), click Next. (The Program Compatibility Data window will open.) Continue with Step 17.

    NOTE: If the program did not function correctly, uninstall the program (using the Add or Remove Programs Control Panel: Step 1) and repeat the above procedure, choosing different compatibility settings.

     

  17. In the window that opens, select Yes or No and click Next. The Completing the Program Compatibility Wizard window will appear.
     

  18. Click Finish to close the window.
     

  19. Launch and use Kid Pix®.

NOTE: For questions regarding the Program Compatibility Wizard or Windows® XP (or both), contact Microsoft® or go to http://www.microsoft.com for additional information.

 

Issue

 Accessing the User Guide

Description

 

Solution

While using Kid Pix® Deluxe 3, you want to access the User Guide. The remainder of this technical note describes the procedure. Follow the steps below to open the Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 User Guide.

NOTE: The Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 User Guide is in the .PDF file format. Adobe® Acrobat® Reader is required to view and print the Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 User Guide. If Adobe® Acrobat® Reader is not installed, the latest version can be downloaded free from the Adobe® Website.

Accessing the User Guide
 

  1. While in Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 in the Paint Zone or at the SlideShow screen, position the mouse pointer at the top-left portion of the screen where it is black. The mouse pointer will change to a triangle.
     

  2. Click once. The menu bar should appear.
     

  3. Move the mouse to the right and position the triangle (pointer) over Help.
     

  4. Click View User Guide from the Help menu. The Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 User Guide will open in Adobe® Acrobat® Reader.

 

 

 

Issue

 Desktop Resolution Not Restored Upon Exit

Description

 

Solution

After exiting Kid Pix® Deluxe 3, the original desktop resolution and color settings are not restored. Additionally, you may not be able to restart Kid Pix® Deluxe 3 until the computer has been restarted. This issue is caused by an issue with the display driver and can be resolved by lowering the video hardware acceleration or updating the display card driver. View the remainder of this technical note for additional information. For Windows® 98/ME, begin with Lowering Hardware Acceleration (Windows® 98/ME).

For Windows® 2000/XP, begin with Lowering Hardware Acceleration (Windows® 2000/XP).

Lowering Hardware Acceleration (Windows® 98/Me)

Note: Before lowering hardware acceleration using the procedure that follows, contact the computer manufacturer for additional information. Some computers may experience video issues after changing this setting.

  1. Click Start, select Settings and choose Control Panel.
     

  2. Double-click the System icon. The System Properties will open.
     

  3. Click the Performance tab.
     

  4. Click the Graphics button. The Advanced Graphics Settings window will appear.
     

  5. Locate the hardware acceleration adjustment bar. (It will show the words None and Full at each end.)
     

  6. Record the current setting.
     

  7. Position the mouse pointer on the hardware acceleration slide bar and click the mouse button, keeping the button pressed.
     

  8. By moving the mouse, move the hardware acceleration slide bar to the left to the Basic setting and release the mouse button. The word Basic will appear in the sentence immediately under the slide bar.

    Note: Do not select the NONE setting, which is the setting to the far left.

     

  9. For the new setting to take effect, click OK and restart the computer when prompted.
     

  10. Launch and use the program.

Note: After closing the program, return to the Advanced Graphics Settings window (see above) and reset the hardware acceleration to the original setting.

If lowering the hardware acceleration improved program performance, repeat the above procedure before launching and using the program. Updating the Video Driver is recommended to prevent this issue from occurring again. Review the Updating the Video Driver (Windows® 98/ME) procedure for information about updating the driver.

Updating the Video Driver (Windows® 98/Me)

Note: The driver information (make and model information) is found in the Device Manager in the System Properties window.

  1. Close all windows and programs and return to the desktop.
     

  2. Right-click the My Computer icon and select Properties from the menu that appears. The System Properties window will open.
     

  3. Click the Device Manager tab.
     

  4. Select View devices by type, if it is not already selected.
     

  5. In the list of devices, locate and double-click Display Adapters. This will expand the Display Adapters list.
     

  6. Double-click the driver name that appears below Display Adapters. The Properties window will open.
     

  7. Click the Driver tab and record the driver information. (The date of the driver currently installed should be displayed.)
     

  8. Contact the computer or hardware manufacturer to determine if the driver is up to date and if a newer driver is available. Driver information is typically available at the manufacturer's website.


Lowering Hardware Acceleration (Windows® 2000/XP)

  1. Close all windows and programs and return to the desktop.
     

  2. Right-click a blank area on the desktop and left-click Properties from the menu that appears. The Display Properties will open.
     

  3. Click the Settings tab.
     

  4. Click the Advanced button.
     

  5. Click the Troubleshoot tab. A window will open with the display adapter type identified on the title bar.
     

  6. Locate the hardware acceleration adjustment bar. (It will show the words None and Full at each end.)
     

  7. Record the current setting.
     

  8. Position the mouse pointer on the hardware acceleration slide bar and click the mouse button, keeping the button pressed.
     

  9. By moving the mouse, move the hardware acceleration slide bar to the left one position and release the mouse button.

    Note: Do not select the NONE setting, which is the setting to the far left.

     

  10. For the new setting to take effect, click Apply and then click OK.
     

  11. Click OK again to close the Display Properties window.
     

  12. Launch and use the program.

Note: If the issue remains, repeat the above procedure and move the hardware acceleration slide bar to the left one additional position. (Do not select the NONE setting, which is the setting to the far left.)

After closing the program, return to the Hardware Acceleration adjustment area of the Troubleshoot Tab (see above) and reset the hardware acceleration to the original setting.

If lowering the hardware acceleration improved program performance, repeat the above procedure before launching and using the program. Updating the Video Driver is recommended to prevent this issue from occurring again. Review the Updating the Video Driver (Windows® 2000/XP) procedure for information about updating the driver.

Updating the Video Driver (Windows® 2000/XP)

  1. Close all windows and programs and return to the desktop.
     

  2. Click Start, select Settings (Windows® 2000/Windows® XP Classic Start Menu) and click Control Panel. The Control Panel window will appear.
     

  3. Double-click the System icon (Windows® 2000/Windows® XP in Classic View). The System Properties window will open.

    Note: For Windows® XP, if the System icon does not appear in the Control Panel, click Classic View (on the left) and then double-click the System icon. The System Properties will open.

     

  4. Click the Hardware tab.
     

  5. Click the Device Manager button. The Device Manager window will open.
     

  6. Click the plus (+) sign next to Display (video) to expand the list.
     

  7. Double-click on the device driver name that appears in the list. The Properties window will open listing the driver information.
     

  8. Click the Driver tab and record the driver date.
     

  9. Contact the computer or hardware manufacturer's website to determine if the driver is up to date and if a newer driver is available. Driver information is typically available at the manufacturer's website.
     

  10. Click OK to close the window.