This file contains a number of frequently asked questions about Game Maker. This file does not contain questions about how to do certain things in Game Maker but it contains answers to questions related to problems with Game Maker itself. For the other type of questions you best consult the forum at http://forums.gamemaker.nl. You can also consult the following site maintained by Andy Nicholas: GM Knowledge Base.

When installing Game Maker it asks for gmaker.002 but I don't have that file?
This problem should no longer occur with version 6.1. If you have version 6.0, get the most recent version from the website.

When installing the split version of Game Maker it asks for gmaker.007 but this file does not exist?
This problem should no longer occur with version 6.1. If you have version 6.0, get the most recent version from the website.

When installing Game Maker it comes up with "Invalid Configuration File. Can not continue". What can I do to fix it?
This problem should no longer occur with version 6.1. If you have version 6.0, get the most recent version from the website.

When I start Game Maker it indicates that it cannot locate the library folder?
Action libraries must be stores in a folder called lib in the Game Maker folder. Some unzip programs don't keep the folder hierarchy. Make sure all files ending in .lib are in a folder lib in the Game Maker folder. Also make sure you run the program in that folder. (You can make a shortcut to it but don't copy the program to a different location.) Another cause might be that you run the program directly from the zip file without unpacking it first.

When I create an object no actions are shown?
This is cause by the same problem as above.

When running a game or creating a stand-alone executable the program complains that it cannot find the rundata file?
The file rundata must be in the Game Maker folder. If it is not there you did something strange when installing the program. For example, you might have copied the program to a different location, rather than making a shortcut. Another cause might be that you run the program directly from a zip file without unpacking it first.

When running a game the program complains that it cannot save the game information.
Game Maker saves the game in a temporary place. It takes the correct place from the environment variables that indicate the temp folder. If these are pointing to a place where you don't have write permission this error can occur. Make sure they point to the correct place. A final reason might be that your disk is full or you are over your disk quotum.

When creating a stand-alone executable the program complains that it cannot save the game information.
You are trying to save the game data at a place where you don't have write permission. This is normally caused when you run Game Maker from a CD or directly from a zip folder and try to save in the default location with the examples. Try saving some place else. A final reason might be that your disk is full or you are over your disk quotum.

When starting the room editor only three tabs are shown and I cannot use tiles or views.
You are running Game Maker in simple mode. Go to the file menu and select Advanced mode.

The program complains about not being able to use Direct3D.
Game Maker requires a 3D graphics card with preferably at least 16 MB of video memory. Also it requires DirectX version 8.0 or later to be installed on your computer. Make sure you have a recent version of DirectX. (You can download it at Microsoft DirectX page.) If the problem is still there your card most likely is not up to it and you better keep using version 5.3 of Game Maker or buy a new graphics card (even the cheapest currently available card will do).

The program complains about a missing DLL (most likely D3DX8.DLL).
This means that DirectX version 8.0 or later is not correctly installed on your computer. You can download the most recent version at Microsoft DirectX page.

The program complains that is cannot create drawing surfaces.
This means that your graphics card does not satisfy the specs. You can try to reduce the screen resolution and set the colordepth to 16-bits to save memory and check again. Also you might want to install the most recent graphics card drivers and DirectX version. Otherwise, you will need a better graphics card.

The program crashes near to the end of loading the game.
This is normally due to the fact that the sound card drivers for you sound card are not up to date. Try to get the most recent drivers. Also get the most recent graphics card drivers as these might also cause the problem.

I created a networked multiplayer game but I run it from behind a firewall and router and cannot create the connection.
The problem is that IP address gets translated. Also ports are blocked by the firewall. See the following site for information on how to solve this problem: Playing Games through Fire Walls.

What are action libraries?
When you create an object at the right of the form there are a number of tabs, each with their own actions. Such collections of actions are read from library files. These are located in the folder lib in the Game Maker folder. If you never use certain libraries you can actually remove them from this folder.

Can I create such libraries myself?
Yes, you can using the Library Builder (400 KB). The library builder was written for my own personal use. So it is a non-supported product. Don't send me mail questions about it. Realize that the library builder is for advanced users only. You can ruin your Game Maker installation or games if you don't use it properly. Read the documentation before trying. You are not going to be able to use the program without reading the documentation carefully. This version is for Game Maker 6 for older version, you can download the version 5 library builder.

Can I distribute libraries I create with the library builder?
Yes you can, but you must follow the instructions provided in the documentation for the library builder.

I cannot load certain library files in the library maker?
You cannot load the default library files.

For answers to most registration questions, see the special Registration Frequently Asked Questions Page.