This document contains the following sections:

• Getting Started.
• Getting Registered.
• PhotoAdvent's Menus.
• PhotoAdvent's Preferences
• Common Questions.
• Changing your computer's date.
• System Requirements.
• Specific Questions - Macintosh.
• Specific Questions - Windows.
• About VBRUN... (Windows Only)

Getting Started.

Getting Started -> How do I start PhotoAdvent?
Double click on the application. Windows: Double click on "PhotoAdvent.exe". Macintosh: Double click on "PhotoAdvent" Note: PC users - You will need the file "VBRUN300.DLL" in order to run PhotoAdvent. You may already have it - try to run PhotoAdvent. You will be told if you need the file. If you do not have the file, you can download it from our web site or from many on-line services, such as AOL.
Related Links:	More Info on VBRUN300. Download VBRUN300.DLL
Getting Started -> How do I use PhotoAdvent?
To use PhotoAdvent, simply click on the date you wish to open. When the date zooms out (expands), click and hold down the mouse button while you move the mouse in the date square. The mouse will act like an eraser, gradually erasing the covering image and allowing you to see your picture. Clicking outside of the expanded date shrinks the picture again. Click one of the "Screenshot" links below to see pictures of this process. Hint: if you leave the date opened it will eventually start to snow in the window and you may see things begin to emerge from the snow. By default you must open the dates in order. The "Options" menu allows you to change this setting. (See the section on PhotoAdvent's Menus below.) If you click on a date that is later than your computer's date, you will probably get a "No Peeking!" message. You can adjust whether PhotoAdvent allows peeking or not via the Preferences dialog box. If you get "No peeking" messages that you think you shouldn't get, use the Date & Time Control Panel to check and/or reset your computer's date. (See the section on changing your computer's date below.)
Related Links:	Windows Screenshots Macintosh Screenshots Menus Dates

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Registration.

Registration -> Why should I register PhotoAdvent?
PhotoAdvent is a fully functioning advent calendar. Even if you never register PhotoAdvent, it will run using the built in pictures. You are more than welcome to use it in this manner absolutely free of charge. However, PhotoAdvent can also import pictures. This means that pictures you see in the calendar can be your pictures. Pictures of your kids, your pets, birthdays, weddings, Halloween...anything pictures you have! Registering PhotoAdvent allows you to import your own pictures for all 25 days of the Advent Calendar. Unregistered copies of PhotoAdvent are limited to importing the first 5 pictures.
Registration -> How much does it cost to register PhotoAdvent?
A single user license for PhotoAdvent is $20.
Registration -> How do I register PhotoAdvent?
Registering PhotoAdvent is a two step process: Pay for the program. Registration of PhotoAdvent is handled by Kagi, either online, or via the "Register" program which is included when you download PhotoAdvent. Enter your registration code into the program to fully unlock it. Once you get your registration code, follow these steps to register PhotoAdvent: Start PhotoAdvent. Choose "Register" from the "Options" menu. Enter your name in the blank marked "Name" Enter the registration code sent to you by Kagi in the blank marked "Registration Code".    Note: If you receive your registration code via e-mail, it is possible to copy the registration code from the e-mail and paste it into the "Registration Code" text area. Click "OK". Your copy of PhotoAdvent will then be registered and you will be able to import all 25 pictures for PhotoAdvent.
Registration -> Where do I send the payment?
All registration fees are handled through Kagi - a payment processing organization. In general, if you don't order on-line, then it's best to let the Register program (which is included when you download PhotoAdvent) create an order form for you. When you save or print an order form using the Register program, it should give you the information necessary to e-mail, mail, or fax your order in to Kagi. These addresses are duplicated here for your convenience: Ordering Addresses and Numbers: Internet: http://order.kagi.com?I39    (Secure on-line order form.) E-mail: sales@kagi.com FAX: +1 (510) 652 6589 Regular Mail: Kagi 1442-A Walnut Street #392-I39 Berkeley, California, 94709-1405 USA Phone: +1 (510) 601-5244 Weekdays between 9 am and 5pm California time. ($5 handling charge for this option!)
Registration -> My code doesn't work!
Double check the code you've been entering. The best solution, if you received your code via e-mail, is to copy it from the e-mail and paste it into the Registration code blank. For reference, here are some guides regarding registration codes: They are sent in all capital letters. It doesn't matter if you enter them in capital or lowercase letters. They are composed of the digits 1-9 and the letters of the alphabet. There are no zeroes.
Related Links:	Ordering     On-line order form at kagi.com

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PhotoAdvent's Menus.

Menus -> File Menu - 3 items
Import Pictures from Folder This option will automatically import picture files it finds in a folder called "Import", located in the folder that holds the PhotoAdvent application. If you have already imported pictures once, this option may overwrite some or all of your previous imports. (This option may be hidden via the Preferences dialog box.) Edit Imports This option allows you to selectively import picture files. It displays a dialog box with a file selection list. It allows you to preview available picture files and then import them for use on a certain day in PhotoAdvent. (This option may be hidden via the Preferences dialog box.) Quit or Exit This option quits the PhotoAdvent application.
Related Links:	Importing Preferences
Menus -> Options Menu - 6 items
Register This option brings up a dialog box which allows you to enter your registration code. Once you are successfully registered, you will be able to import pictures for all 25 days of PhotoAdvent. Reset Date If a date is zoomed out (expanded) this option will reset that particular date. This option is not available if no dates are zoomed out. Reset All This option resets the entire calendar to its original state - no dates open. Must open dates in order This option has two settings - checked or unchecked. Checked: Dates must be opened sequentially - 1, 2, 3...(This is the default setting.) Unchecked: You may open dates in any order. Please note that this option has no effect on whether "Peeking" is allowed or not. Black Backdrop This option has two settings - checked or unchecked. Checked: A black backdrop is shown, hiding the desktop and other applications.(This is the default setting.) Unchecked: The desktop and other applications will be visible behind PhotoAdvent. Preferences This option brings up a Preferences dialog, allowing you to adjust: Whether the "Welcome" dialog will be shown each time you start PhotoAdvent. Whether you must open dates in order or not. Whether peeking is allowed or not. Whether PhotoAdvent shows a black backdrop which hides the desktop and other applications. Whether the importing options are shown in the File menu or not. Whether you will be notified when your monitor is set to a color depth that could limit the size of pictures you can import.
Related Links:	Registration Preferences Dates
Menus -> Help Menu (Windows version) - 3 items
Welcome to PhotoAdvent... This option shows the informational dialog that appears the first time you open PhotoAdvent. The dialog contains basic information about how to use PhotoAdvent. PhotoAdvent Help... This option shows PhotoAdvent's Help dialog box which has general information, information about the "Options" menu, information about dates, and information about importing. About PhotoAdvent... This option shows PhotoAdvent's "About..." dialog box.
Menus -> Help Menu (Macintosh version) - 2 items
The "Help" menu can be found under the menu marked "Help", or under the question mark icon in earlier versions of the system. Note: In some versions of System 7 (7.61, for example) PhotoAdvent's help menu may disappear. For this reason, the help menu has been duplicated under the Apple Menu. Welcome to PhotoAdvent... This option shows the informational dialog that appears the first time you open PhotoAdvent. The dialog contains basic information about how to use PhotoAdvent. PhotoAdvent Help... This option shows PhotoAdvent's Help dialog box which has general information, information about the "Options" menu, information about dates, and information about importing.
Menus -> Apple Menu (Macintosh only) - 3 items
About PhotoAdvent... This option shows PhotoAdvent's "About..." dialog box. Welcome to PhotoAdvent... This option shows the informational dialog that appears the first time you open PhotoAdvent. The dialog contains basic information about how to use PhotoAdvent. PhotoAdvent Help... This option shows PhotoAdvent's Help dialog box which has general information, information about the "Options" menu, information about dates, and information about importing.

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Preferences

Preferences -> How do I set Preferences for PhotoAdvent?

Choose "Preferences..." from the Options Menu in PhotoAdvent. See the information below for details about what options are available in the Preferences dialog box.

Preferences -> Show "Welcome" dialog on startup

The very first time you use PhotoAdvent, you are shown an informational "Welcome" dialog explaining the basics of how to run PhotoAdvent. This option allows you to choose whether you see this dialog box every time you start PhotoAdvent. If it is checked, the "Welcome" dialog will be shown every time. If it is not checked, the "Welcome" dialog will not be shown when PhotoAdvent starts up.

Preferences -> Must open dates in order

By default, PhotoAdvent, like most Advent Calendars, expects you to open dates in order (1, 2, 3...). This option allows you to adjust that. Please note that changing this option has no effect on whether "Peeking" is allowed or not. If it is checked, dates must be opened sequentially - 1, 2, 3... If it is unchecked, you may open dates in any order.

Preferences -> Allow peeking

By default, PhotoAdvent, like most Advent Calendars, does not expect you to look ahead of the current date. This option allows you to adjust that. Please note that changing this option has no effect on whether dates must be opened in order or not. If it is checked, peeking is allowed. Users will be able to open any date, regardless of the computer's date. If it is unchecked, peeking is not allowed. Users will only be able to open dates that are the same as, or earlier than, the computer's current date.

Preferences -> Show black backdrop

By default, PhotoAdvent will put a black backdrop behind its main window to hide the desktop and other applications. Some people find this more attractive. It can also prevent young users from accidentally leaving PhotoAdvent by clicking outside of its main window. This option allows you to adjust whether the backdrop is shown or not. If it is checked, which is the default, a black backdrop is shown, hiding the desktop and other applications. If it is unchecked, the desktop and other applications will be visible behind PhotoAdvent.

Preferences -> Hide import options in File menu.

PhotoAdvent allows importing of pictures in your computer's native picture file format. Importing options are accessed through the File menu. You may wish to disable these options if young users will be using PhotoAdvent. You might want to prevent them from either seeing the pictures you have already imported, or accidentally importing over them. This option allows you to adjust whether the importing options are visible (and therefore accessible) or not. If it is checked, importing options will be hidden. The only option in the File menu will be "Exit" (Windows) or "Quit" (Macintosh). In order to import pictures, users will have to return to the Preferences dialog box and reset this option. If it is unchecked, which is the default, importing options will be visible and enabled in the File menu.

Preferences -> Show monitor color depth warnings.

PhotoAdvent runs and looks best when your monitor is set to "True Color (16-bit)" (Windows) or "Thousands of Colors" (Macintosh). Although it will run at lower color depths, it may not look particularly good. And, though it will run at higher color depths, it will require more memory. This is an especially important issue when trying to import large picture files. This option allows you to adjust whether PhotoAdvent will warn you before trying to import picture files when your monitor's color depth is higher than the recommended color depth. If it is checked, which is the default, PhotoAdvent will warn you if your monitor's color depth is higher than recommended before it attempts to import pictures. (In the Macintosh version, users will be given an opportunity to have PhotoAdvent adjust the monitor's color depth for them.) If it is unchecked, no warnings will be shown if your monitor's color depth is higher than recommended.

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Common Questions

Common Questions -> I click on a date, but nothing opens up. Why?
The most likely cause for this is that the option "Must open dates in order" is checked. When this option is checked, you must open the dates sequentially (1, 2, 3...). For example, if you click on number 3 but you have not yet opened number 2, number 3 will not open. Instead, PhotoAdvent will briefly outline number 2 to indicate the next date. The solution for this is to go to the "Options" menu and uncheck "Must open dates in order." Another possible explanation is that you clicked on a date when another date was already expanded. If that was the case, then your click only served to close the open date. (See the question below.)
Common Questions -> It seems like I have to double click on a date to get it to open up. Is that right?
No, you only need to single click. However, it takes one click to shrink an expanded date square. So if there is already a date opened and you click on another date, your first click only shrinks the date square which was open. Your second click, by itself, opens the new date square.
Common Questions -> I clicked on a date and it zoomed open, but all I can see is the outline of a black square - where's the picture?
The picture is covered by the image inside the black square. To see the picture, click and drag inside the black square. The covering image will be erased as you move your mouse and you will be able to see the picture.
Common Questions -> Does that mean I have to completely erase every picture?
No. If you simply click once in an expanded date which is covered, it will be "revealed" as far as PhotoAdvent is concerned. If you shrink the date, it will shrink with the picture visible and if you re-open the date it will open with the picture visible. This means that one fairly quick way to reveal dates is to: Open a date. Click once in the date. (To tell PhotoAdvent to "reveal" it.) Click outside the date. (To shrink it.) Click on the miniaturized picture. (To enlarge it in its new revealed state.)
Common Questions -> I keep getting messages that say, "No Peeking!" How can I stop this?
By default, PhotoAdvent, like most Advent Calendars, does not expect you to look ahead of the current date. PhotoAdvent checks your computer's date to decide what is "peeking." If you click on a date that is later than this date, PhotoAdvent gives you a "No Peeking!" message. For instance if your computer's calendar says it's the 13th, and you click on 14, you'll get a "No Peeking!" message. There are at least two possible solutions: Don't click on dates that are later than your computer's date! Use the Preferences dialog box to disable the "No Peeking!" alerts. (If you do this, remember that you and everyone else who uses the program will be able to peek!)
Common Questions -> I know I'm not peeking, but I still get the "No Peeking!" messages. What's wrong?
Your computer may be set to the wrong date. You can check your computer's date within PhotoAdvent by selecting the "PhotoAdvent Help..." menu item and clicking on the "Dates" button. You can also check it by: Windows: Moving your mouse over the time display in the taskbar and leaving it there momentarily. Macintosh: Clicking on the time display in the menubar. If your computer's date is incorrect, you should reset it. See the "Dates" link below for details on how to do this.
Common Questions -> I have reset my computer's date, but I have to keep resetting it every time I restart my computer.
This is a pretty good indicator that your computer's battery (which maintains its internal clock) is low. You probably need to replace your computer's battery.
Related Links:	Preferences Menus Dates

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Dates

Dates -> Changing your computer's date.
If your computer's date is set incorrectly and you keep getting "No Peeking!" messages as a result, you may wish to reset your computer's date. To do that, follow these steps: Windows Open your computer's "Date/Time" Control Panel (in the "Control Panels" folder, accessible from the "Settings"option in your Start menu). Set your computer's date to the appropriate date. (Remember that PhotoAdvent ignores the month and the year - it only looks at the day of the month.) Close the "Date/Time" Control Panel. Macintosh Open your computer's "Date & Time" Control Panel (available from the "Control Panels" option in your Apple menu). Set your computer's date to the appropriate date. (Remember that PhotoAdvent ignores the month and the year - it only looks at the day of the month.) Close the "Date & Time" Control Panel. Note: If your computer's date is correct, but you find the "No Peeking!" messages annoying, it is not necessary to reset your computer's date to avoid them - you can simply use the Preferences dialog to "Allow Peeking."
Related Links:	Preferences

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System Requirements

System Requirements -> Windows
Minimum System Requirements for Windows 95/98: System:   Windows 95, Windows 98. Processor:   486 or better, Pentium strongly recommended. Memory:   8 Mb RAM Monitor:   640x480, 16 bit Color ("High Color") Disk Space:   Around 1 MB. System Tools:   Requires the file "VBRUN300.DLL". "VBRUN300.DLL" is available freely from our web site and also from various on-line services such as AOL. Minimum System Requirements for Windows 2000/NT: System:   Windows 2000, Windows NT. * Processor:   Pentium. Memory:   8 Mb RAM Monitor:   640x480, 16 bit Color ("High Color") Disk Space:   Around 1 MB. System Tools:   Requires the file "VBRUN300.DLL". "VBRUN300.DLL" is available freely from our web site and also from various on-line services such as AOL. * Users wishing to run PhotoAdvent under Windows 2000 or Windows NT should download PhotoAdvent 2.0 for Windows 2000. PhotoAdvent for Windows 2000 currently does not feature the "Black Backdrop" option mentioned elsewhere in the documentation. PhotoAdvent has not been extensively tested on Windows 2000/NT.
System Requirements -> Macintosh
Minimum System Requirements for Macintosh: System:  System 7.0 or later Processor:  68030 or better (PowerPC or better strongly recommended.) Memory:   8 Mb RAM Monitor:   640x480, 256 colors (Thousands of colors strongly recommended.) Disk Space:   Around 1 MB.
Related Links:	More Info on VBRUN300. Download VBRUN300.DLL

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Macintosh Questions

Macintosh Questions -> Most of the time PhotoAdvent runs, but sometimes it won't start and it says there might be insufficient memory. Why is that?

PhotoAdvent is optimized to run on a monitor set to "Thousands of Colors." It can run if the monitor is set to "Millions of Colors", but it requires more memory. If you have the memory available, then most likely, you won't have any problems. Sometimes, however, depending upon the amount of memory available (usually due to open applications), the system cannot give PhotoAdvent enough memory to run. The simplest solution is to quit some of your other open applications. Another possibility is to increase the minimum amount of memory that PhotoAdvent demands. Do this: Click once on PhotoAdvent in the Finder (the normal Macintosh desktop). Choose "Get Info" from the File menu. Increase the setting for "Minimum Size". Try 3500.

Macintosh Questions -> I started up PhotoAdvent and it ran, but the whole background was white. Only the pictures were in color. Why is that?

PhotoAdvent did not have enough memory to draw the background picture. You should increase the amount of memory that PhotoAdvent demands. Do this: Click once on PhotoAdvent in the Finder (the normal Macintosh desktop). Choose "Get Info" from the File menu. Increase the setting for "Minimum Size". Try 3500.

Macintosh Questions -> My monitor is set to "Millions of Colors". It seems like sometimes PhotoAdvent behaves strangely when I try to import pictures. Why is that?

This is a sign that PhotoAdvent does not have enough memory. Either switch your monitor to "Thousands of Colors" (using the "Monitors & Sound" Control Panel) before you try to import pictures, or increase the amount of memory that PhotoAdvent demands. To increase the memory: Click once on PhotoAdvent in the Finder (the normal Macintosh desktop). Choose "Get Info" from the File menu. Increase the setting for "Minimum Size". Try 3500.

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Windows Questions

Windows Questions -> When I try to run PhotoAdvent, Windows tells me that I need "VBRUN300.DLL" to run the program.
Yes. This file is required. The Windows version of PhotoAdvent will not run without this file. If you'd like, you may download it from our web site
Windows Questions -> But I have "VBRUN300.DLL". Why won't PhotoAdvent work?
In order for PhotoAdvent to be able to use "VBRUN300.DLL", the file needs to be in the right place. See the link to VBRUN300.DLL for more specific instructions.
Windows Questions -> When I run PhotoAdvent with my monitor set to 256 colors, it looks terrible!
Yes, it does. The Windows version of PhotoAdvent cannot run in 256 colors. Set your monitor to "High Color" (16 Bit). To do this, follow these steps: Open the Display Control Panel by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing "Properties". Choose the "Settings" tab. Choose "High Color" from the popup menu labeled "Colors". Click the "Apply" button. Depending upon your system, you may need to restart your computer in order to see the effects of your changes. Often this is not necessary.
Windows Questions -> I have the "Font Size" setting in my Display Control Panel set to something other than "Small Fonts - Normal Size (96 dpi)". PhotoAdvent looks weird! What's going on?
Your Display's "Font Size" setting needs to be set to "Small Fonts" - Normal Size (96 dpi) in order for PhotoAdvent to display correctly. Other settings distort the way the computer draws elements of PhotoAdvent's windows. Some things may seem too big or too small, and some things may appear in the wrong location. To fix this, follow these steps: Open the Display Control Panel by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing "Properties". Windows 95: Choose the "Settings" tab. Choose "Small Fonts" from the popup menu labeled "Font Size". Windows 98: Choose the "Settings" tab. Click the "Advanced" button. Choose the "General" tab. Choose "Small Fonts" from the popup menu labeled "Font Size". Click the "Apply" button. You will need to restart your computer in order to see the effects of your changes.
Related Links:	More Info on VBRUN300. Download VBRUN300.DLL

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VBRUN300.DLL

VBRUN300.DLL -> What is VBRUN300.DLL?
VBRUN300.DLL is a file which allows programs written in Visual Basic 3.0 to run. It is a relatively small file (less than 400k). The file is usually placed in the computer's system folder. Because programs written in Visual Basic were and are very common, it is fairly normal for computer users to find that they already have VBRUN300.DLL on their computer. If you do not already have VBRUN300.DLL on your computer, you will need to download it in order to run PhotoAdvent. (It is available from our site.) If you try to run PhotoAdvent without this file, nothing bad will happen, you will just be told that the program requires VBRUN300.DLL.
VBRUN300.DLL -> Where should the VBRUN300.DLL file go?
Windows 95/98: VBRUN300.DLL should be placed in the System folder inside the Windows folder on your C: drive (C:\Windows\System). It is possible, although not recommended, to place VBRUN300.DLL in the same folder as your PhotoAdvent application. PhotoAdvent has NOT been tested extensively with Windows 2000/NT. Should you decide to try it, please remember that the following are only suggestions and may not work for you. Windows 2000/NT: It may be possible to place VBRUN300.DLL in the System or System32 folder inside the Winnt folder on your C: drive (C:\Winnt\System or C:\Winnt\System32). It may be possible, although it is not recommended, to place VBRUN300.DLL in the same folder as your PhotoAdvent application.
Related Links:	Download VBRUN300.DLL

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