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Buy two or more games at a time for 20% off your whole order on PopCap.com!
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Buy two or more games at a time for 20% off your whole order on PopCap.com!
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Buy two or more games at a time for 20% off your whole order on PopCap.com!
PC Games
PC Games
Can I play PopCap games on a Chromebook?
The Chromebook uses Linux as its Operating System. PopCap Games products are available for Windows PC, Mac, and many mobile and console devices, but we do not have any games for Linux at this time.
You will be able to play the free online games such as Plants vs. Zombies and Bejeweled HTML5 in the Google Chrome Web Store.
Download Games
My code isn't working to purchase a game.
If you have purchased a card at a retail store for a PC/Mac download version of Bejeweled 3 or Plants vs. Zombies, you will have a code to enter on our site to complete your purchase. The code on the card appears in three sets of four digits, with spaces in between. However, when you enter the code on our site, please simply leave out the spaces. We're sorry for the confusion!
General Information
How to install a game!
How to install a PC game from PopCap.com:
- Find your game on the All Games page.
- Select the game you want to download.
- On the game page select the Try Free button.
- Select Run to download the game.
- Following the download, select Run and follow the installation instructions.
- If you do not uncheck the "Launch game now" option, your game should start automatically. Otherwise, launch the game by double clicking the icon on your desktop or locating and opening the icon in the Start Menu/All Programs/PopCap Games/<game name> folder.
- Click the PLAY button to begin your free trial! If you have already purchased the game, click here for instructions on registering to unlock the full version!
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
EspañolWhen I buy a game from PopCap.com, how many times can I install it?
When you purchase a game from PopCap.com, it includes 5 licenses. This means you can download, install, and register the game up to 5 times or on up to 5 different computers (all computers must be of the same platform and must be capable of connecting to the Internet to complete the online registration process).
If you use up all your licenses due to reformatting or hardware replacement, please click Contact Us for assistance.
I purchased and registered the game, so why are some levels within the game still locked?
Many of our games have levels that are "locked" when you begin to play. This is because they are either more difficult and require the level of proficiency in the game attained by playing through the earlier sections, or because they are meant as rewards for achievements earned in the other sections. The appearance of certain areas of the game as "Locked" does not indicate your game has not been successfully registered.
For instance, in Bookworm Adventures, only Adventure mode can be played at the start. Once you have completed Book 1 of the Adventure mode, you gain access to the Tome of Knowledge. After completing Book 2, the Mini-Games area is unlocked.
In Zuma, there are some layouts in Gauntlet mode that appear only as "?" because they cannot be played until the game has assessed the player's skill level as advanced enough.
So enjoy the challenge, and hone your skills! You'll find that the games open up one area after another, giving you the satisfaction of victory as well as the enticement of a new skill to learn, a new tool to wield, a new boss battle to WHOMP!
Where can I get the Peggle Nights Bonus Level packs?
There are three packs of Bonus Levels available for Peggle Nights (PC/Mac):
| Holiday | Download for PC | Download for Mac |
| Spring | Download for PC | Download for Mac |
| Art Contest | Download for PC | Download for Mac |
Simply download the files and run the installers! (You must already have Peggle Nights installed in order to install the Bonus Levels.)
If you are running the free trial version of Peggle Nights, you will have only partial access to the Bonus Levels, just as with the standard game.
How to purchase a game from PopCap.com
PopCap.com has some of the greatest games on the planet! If I didn't already own each and every one of them, I'd be buying some too! Here's what you need to know in order to purchase a game from PopCap.com:
Free Trial Downloads are available for every PC and Mac title!
They're Free! They're Trials! They're Downloadable!
They're a great idea, and I'll tell you why:
- You can play the game for an hour or a limited number of levels (the type of free trial depends on the game) before you buy it!
- You can try as many games as you like. Try them all!
- You can make sure the game works properly on your computer. This is important, because not all computers are the same. We recommend reviewing the System Requirements for each game, but there are so many variables between systems that it's just safest to try the game out first. If you have any trouble running the free trial, click Contact Us below to reach our Customer Support Team for help!
So now that I've gotten you all excited about free trial downloads, go on back to the Games page, choose a game, and click Download on the game page to get started!
No really, go ahead. I'll wait!
(An hour passes during which you have fallen completely in love with a game...let's say Zuma. I love Zuma.)
Hey, you're back! And Zuma has you spellbound, eager to keep unlocking new temples and blasting balls? I never doubted it for a minute. So now, let's go on to the next step:
How to purchase a game from PopCap.com:
There are two equally simple ways to buy a game from PopCap.com. One is through the downloaded free trial version you've been playing, and the other is through the website itself. At any point during your free trial, click Buy Now in the game menu to instantly add the game to the Cart. But since you're here on the site right now reading about this, let's assume you didn't do that yet and instead walk you through the website process.
Remember when I suggested going to the Games page, choosing a game, then clicking Download on that game's page? I know you do, because that's how you found Zuma, and we never forget the way we meet a true love! So let's go back to the game page now, where right under that Download button, you will see a very similar button called Buy Now.
Click that Buy Now button, and you will be taken to the Cart page, where you will see your game waiting in the Cart.
If there's another game you're thinking about picking up, this is a great time to point out that any two or more games purchased at a time will get an automatic 20% discount! So feel free to go back to the main page (click the big red PopCap label at the top of the screen) and add some more games to your cart!
The Cart page offers you some choices, and we'll walk you through them briefly:
- Do you have a coupon code or gift certificate? If so, simply paste or type the code into the Add Coupon Code or Gift Certificate field and click Add.
- You may be shown the option to add a backup CD-ROM to your order. (Wait--what's that?)
When you're ready to proceed, just click Checkout!
Next, it's time to enter your billing information and choose your preferred payment method (Wait--what are my options?). Just enter your first name, last name, and the zip code associated with your billing address, then the email address where we should send your order confirmation receipt.
If you're paying by credit/debit card, simply enter the card number, expiration date, and CVN. If you prefer to use PayPal, click the radio button beside Pay by PayPal. Whichever you choose, click Review Order to proceed.
If you are paying by credit or debit card, you will be taken to the final review order page. Check that the information on the screen is all correct, then click Place Order.
If you are paying by PayPal, check that the information on the screen is correct, then click Proceed to PayPal. You will be prompted to sign into your PayPal account. If you do not have a PayPal account, you can create one at this stage. If you prefer to go back and pay by credit card instead, you can click "Cancel and return to PopCap Games".
Once you have signed into your PayPal account, click Continue. You will return to your PopCap.com Shopping Cart and see a button labelled Complete Order.
That's it! After you have placed your order, you will see your order confirmation page containing a download link for your game and the Order Number (POPID) you will need to register your game. This information will also be sent to the email address you entered in the Cart.
Enjoy your game!
Registration
How to register a game!
Now that you have purchased and installed your PC or Mac download game from PopCap.com, there is only one more step before you can play the full version of the game!
Since all games when first downloaded are free trial versions, they must be registered to unlock the game for unlimited play. Registration is a simple process that shouldn't take more than a minute. All you need is a live Internet connection and your PopCap Games Order Number!
To register your game:
- Launch the installed free trial version.
- On the launch screen, you will see the options to Play or Buy Now, as well the prompt that reads "Already purchased this game?" OR "Already Purchased? Enter Info."
- Click on the "Already purchased" option.
- You will be prompted to enter your Order Number. (It looks something like POP123456789 and can be found in your order confirmation email.)
- Click the Register button.
- A browser window should open and connect you to our site. Wait until you see the successful registration confirmation message appear in the browser, displaying your registration key.
- There will be a large yellow button on the page, labelled Register Now. Click this button.
- Then, minimize the browser to see the free trial launch window again, which should now have a button that reads "Continue." Click that button to start playing your game!
If the instructions above did not successfully register your game:
- If you are having difficulty with any online processes, it's always a good idea to clear your browser cache and cookies and try again. Click here for instructions.
- Another possible block to the registration process may be your firewall or virus scanner. We recommend you add our site to your list of "Safe" or "Trusted" Sites for your browser, firewall and virus scanners. Please refer to your software's help articles regarding adding safe/trusted sites.
Still having trouble? Click here for further assistance registering games on a PC.
Your order number doesn't look like POP123456789? Or you only have a registration key instead of an order number? Click here for more information.
Your game is asking for a license name and key combination rather than an Order Number? Click here.
If you are having trouble registering games on a Mac, please click Contact Us.
My game wants a license name and key.
Some of our older games used a license name and key combination for the registration process. These games are:
- Alchemy for Mac
- Atomica (PC)
- Bejeweled for Mac
- Big Money for Mac
- Mummy Maze (PC/Mac)
- NingPo MahJong (PC)
- Noah's Ark (PC)
- Seven Seas (PC/Mac)
- TipTop (PC)
If you are seeing a prompt for a license name and key combination in the registration process for any other game, you may have installed a free trial version from somewhere other than PopCap.com. Click here for instructions on uninstalling, then download the game from PopCap.com or your order confirmation receipt email.
To register any of the above titles:
- Click "Register Now" to register your game.
- Copy or type the Registration Name and Registration/License Code displayed in your Order Confirmation Email into the form when instructed.
- Click on the Register button to launch the online process. After validating your order, your game should be registered and unlocked for unlimited play.
- Return to your game to verify it is unlocked.
- Click "Continue" to play!
If you don't have the license name and key combination for your game, click here.
"<The game> has not been properly installed and will not work if you try to use it."
This installation error can be solved most simply by redownloading the installer and running it in Compatibility mode. First, delete the downloaded installer file and restart your computer. After the system restarts, download the file again, but make sure that instead of automatically running the installer, you instead save it to your desktop.
Follow the instructions below to activate Compatibility mode for the installer.
- Right-click the Desktop shortcut to your downloaded installer file.
- Click Properties.
- Click the Compatibility tab.
- Click the box marked "run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select an earlier version of Windows (e.g. Windows XP Service Pack 2).
- Click the box marked "run this program as an Administrator."
- Click ok.
- Run the installer.
If this does not resolve the issue, it is possible that your Windows Installer service is disabled. To check the settings and correct them if necessary, follow the steps below:
- Click on the Windows icon and type services.msc in the Search bar, then press Enter to launch the Services console.
- Right-click Windows Installer in the list of services, and select Properties.
- There is a drop-down menu labelled Startup type:. If it is set to Disabled, please change it to Manual.
- Click OK.
- Right-click Windows Installer again, and click Start.
Please try running your installer again with the Windows Installer service correctly enabled.
What is the difference between an Order Number and a Registration Key?
When you place an order for a game, you will receive an Order Number. It should start with POP followed by a series of numbers. This is what you will use to register your game. When you successfully register your game, you will receive a unique Registration Key. The Registration Key will take the form of a series of numbers and letters.
Please note that the Registration Key is valid for use only with the computer that generated it; it cannot be used on another computer to register the game. Also, major changes to your system (such as reformatting your hard drive or replacing hardware components within your computer) will invalidate a registration key. You will need to use your original Order Number to generate a new Registration Key if you reinstall the game on a reformatted computer or on a second computer in your home.
Lost your Order Number? Click here for help finding order information!
Error message: "Sorry, things aren't working out. It's not you. It's us."
This error indicates that the build of the game is out of date. Please simply uninstall the game, then download it again from the link below to obtain the current version!
Mystery P.I. The Curious Case of Counterfeit Cove
Troubleshooting
How to clear your browser cache & cookies
We have provided the basic steps for clearing your browser cache/cookies in most common browsers. However, as you may have noticed, the basic steps for completing simple actions change all the time. Software is constantly updated, and little details are altered each time. We strive to keep this updated whenever we notice the processes are changed and whenever a new browser or version is released. If the steps for any particular browser are no longer quite what you see here, please simply check the Help menu for your browser to find the updated information.
Disclaimer: Clearing your cache may fix game issues, but may also result in the loss of automatically saved passwords and web page settings.
Internet Explorer 9
- Launch your Internet Explorer browser.
- Click on the Tools icon at the top right corner of the browser window.
- Click Safety, then Delete Browsing History.
- Make sure Temporary Internet Files is selected.
- Click Delete.
- Close your browser and restart Internet Explorer.
Internet Explorer 8
- Launch your Internet Explorer browser.
- Click on the Safety menu at the top of the browser.
- Click Delete Browsing History.
- Make sure Temporary Internet Files is selected.
- Click Delete.
- Close your browser and restart Internet Explorer.
Internet Explorer 7
- Launch your Internet Explorer browser.
- Click on the Tools menu at the top of the browser.
- Click Delete Browsing History.
- Click Delete All.
- Close your browser and restart Internet Explorer.
Internet Explorer 5.x and 6.x:
- Launch your Internet Explorer browser.
- Click on the 'Tools' menu at the top of the browser.
- Click on 'Internet Options' from the drop-down menu.
- Click on the 'Delete Cookies' button.
- Click on the 'Delete Files' button.
- Click 'OK'.
- Close your browser and restart Internet Explorer.
Firefox for PC:
- Choose 'Tools' from the main menu (at the top of the Firefox window).
- Click on 'Clear Recent History'
- Select all the checkboxes other than 'Cookies,' 'Active Logins,' and 'Site Preferences.'
- Click the 'Clear Now' button.
- Your computer may take a minute or two to delete everything.
- Now, close all Firefox windows and re-open Firefox again.
Firefox for Mac:
- Launch your Firefox browser.
- Click on the Tools menu at the top of the screen and select Clear Recent History.
- Click Clear Now.
- Close your browser window and restart Firefox.
Google Chrome:
- Click on the Customize menu icon (looks like three parallel lines) at the upper right.
- Scroll down to Tools, then to Clear browsing data in the Tools submenu.
- On the window that opens, you will see a checklist. Please make sure Clear browsing history, Clear download history, Empty the cache, & Delete cookies and other site data are checked.
- Click the Clear browsing data button.
Safari for PC:
- Click on the Gear icon at the top of the Safari window.
- Select Reset Safari.
- Make sure "Empty the Cache" is selected. (Unselect any items you do not want to reset.)
- Click Reset.
- Close all Safari windows and relaunch Safari.
Safari for Mac:
- Launch your Safari browser.
- Click on the History menu at the top of the screen.
- Click on Clear History from the drop-down menu.
- Click Clear.
- Close your browser window and restart Safari.
My game score or progress isn't saving between sessions!
So, you played up to level 3-4, closed the game, and came back to continue it later, but when you launched it this time, it started you back at level 1-1? There are a few possibilities. The simplest is that the game wasn't closed so much as the computer got turned off suddenly mid-game, which would prevent any data from being saved. The second simplest is that you may have clicked on the "X" at the upper corner of the game to close the program instantly rather than exiting through the Main Menu and choosing Quit.
- Right click the shortcut to your game (if you don't use a shortcut, right click the .exe file).
- Click Properties.
- Click the Compatibility tab.
- Click the box marked "run this program as an Administrator."
- Click ok.
- Right click the shortcut to your game (if you don't use a shortcut, right click the .exe file).
- Click "Run as Administrator."
This should keep your game progress from being lost the next time you play! We're sorry for any frustration. The best part about replaying levels, though, is that you'll almost certainly score higher the next time through!
How to "Show Hidden Files and Folders" in Windows Vista or 7.
In order to access your PopCap Games user profiles/game progress, you may need to set your Folder Options to allow you to view the directories that are hidden by default. To do so, please follow the steps below.
Windows 7:
- Click the Windows ("Start") button in the left corner
- Click Control Panel
- If your Control Panel is set to Category view, change View by option to Large Icons
- Click Folder Options
- Click the View tab
- Click Show hidden files and folders
- Click OK
- Click the Windows ("Start") button in the left corner
- Click Control Panel
- Click Appearance and Personalization
- Click Show hidden files and folders under the heading Folder Options
- Click the radio button beside Show hidden files and folders
- Click Apply, then OK
My game crashes or freezes!
Is your game crashing, freezing, or running sluggishly?
Restart your computer
"Have you tried turning it off and on again?" It's a cliche for a reason! Whenever anything about your computer or a piece of software you're running seems wonky (that's a technical term!) or isn't doing quite what you expect it to do, start by turning your computer off and back on (using the proper Shutdown technique, of course).
If the problem recurs after a restart:
Step 1: Uninstall/reinstall
The first thing we will suggest in most cases is that you uninstall your game, restart your computer, then download and install the game again. This is because all software relies on a lot of little pieces all being in the same places every time, but since our games are probably not the only thing you use your computer for, it's likely the other programs you run are moving some of the crucial pieces around, or even renaming or deleting them.
Uninstalling and reinstalling puts everything back where it's supposed to be.
Step 2: Stop making your computer work so hard.
Games are intense! There's all sorts of stuff happening at once, heavy-duty graphics being generated, zippy sound effects being triggered, peppy music going the whole while, not to mention the constant decisions being made within the program: you moved your mouse this way, so the game reacts; you clicked here, the game reacts; you made a massive gem explosion, and now the game reacts to that. We take great pride in making games that surprise and thrill the player at every turn, and that makes for software with a lot of moving parts (so to speak...I mean it's all lines of code and bits of data, but they're in motion!).
So if you're playing a game, and it's slowing down or crashing, take a look at what other programs you were running at the same time. Your anti-virus program should always be running in the background, sure, but if it's downloading updates or running a scan of your computer, then that's going to cause a resource drain that could affect your game.
Do you have an email client up in the background? If it's set to Send/Receive and check for new messages every 10 minutes, that may be causing that intermittent graphics delay you're seeing in your game.
There are all kinds of processes you may have running on your computer without really thinking about the amount of processor power they use. So, if you're not actively using some of those programs, it might be good to shut them down until you need them again. Your computer will thank you for it.
Step 3: Run your DxDiag report:
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag) is a Windows tool designed to take a snapshot of your computer's operating components such as the graphics card, sound card, and DirectX version. To launch this tool:
on Windows XP:
- Click on your Start menu
- Click Run...
- In the text field, type dxdiag
- Click OK.
on Windows Vista or 7:
- Click on your Windows icon (bottom left corner)
- In the Search box at the bottom of your Start menu, type dxdiag
- Click Enter on your keyboard.
Note: Occasionally, you may be prompted with a Yes or No question concerning Microsoft Windows digitally signing your drivers. If this occurs, and your computer is connected to the internet, select Yes, otherwise, select No.
Step 4: Update your graphics driver:
What's a driver? Just as your computer uses an Operating System like Windows XP to run, your computer is made up of a lot of smaller devices that have operating systems of their own. The operating systems for graphics and sound cards are called drivers.
Graphics and sound card manufacturers release driver updates regularly to address compatibility issues. Typically, a new driver is available every 3 to 6 months.
The model and manufacturer of your graphics card can be located under the Display tab in your DxDiag. You will find the model of your graphics card next to Name and the manufacturer of your graphics card next to Manufacturer.
Usually, the best way to locate and download the most current drivers is by visiting the manufacturer's website, and searching for your particular model of card under the support or drivers section. Many manufacturers' websites will offer to automatically select the correct driver update for you; this is highly recommended.
If you need more in-depth assistance with this process, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of the graphics card or of your computer.
Step 5: Update your sound driver:
The model and manufacturer of your sound card can be located under the Sound tab in your DxDiag. You will find the model of your sound card next to Name and the manufacturer of your sound card next to Manufacturer.
Usually, the best way to locate and download the most current drivers is by visiting the manufacturer's website, and searching for your particular model of card under the support or drivers section. Many manufacturers' websites will offer to automatically select the correct driver update for you; this is highly recommended.
If you need more in-depth assistance with this process, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of the sound card or of your computer.
Still having trouble after updating your device drivers? Try this!
Step 6: Update DirectX:
DirectX is a set of drivers from Microsoft that controls the sound and video displays on your computer.
Please uninstall the game, update your DirectX, restart your computer, and then reinstall the game.
You can update your DirectX drivers by visiting Microsoft's web site and downloading the latest version. Once you have installed the latest version of DirectX, your game(s) should function properly.
DirectX drivers are required for many games and utilities besides PopCap Games products. Having the latest version of DirectX installed on your computer is just a good idea all around!
If you are still having trouble after trying these suggestions, click Contact Us and provide as much detail as possible about your experience to our Customer Support team.
I have a problem running my game on Windows 7, Vista, or XP
Sometimes, operating systems and software from other companies aren't completely compatible. While we continually test all our games on all operating systems, each computer is different, and there are far too many variables. Running a game in Compatibility Mode can sometimes resolve technical problems that arise.
Windows 7
- Right click the shortcut to your game (if you don't use a shortcut, right click the .exe file).
- Click Trouble Shoot Compatibility.
- Click Try Recommended Settings.
- Click Start the program....
- A blinking shield should appear near the bottom of your desktop. Click the shield to bring up the prompt that reads Do you want to allow the following program to make changes to this computer?
- Click Yes
- If the game launches in the background, click on the game window to start playing and test whether the game runs properly.
- When you close the game, the program compatibility trouble shooting window will still be open. If the game worked, click next, then Yes, save these settings for this program. (If the game worked and you saved these settings, skip to step 11)
- If the game didn't run properly, after closing the game, click No, try again using different settings.
- Check all of the boxes that describe what happens when you try to run the game, then click next.
- Click Start playing, and test your game. The game should now run properly.
Windows Vista
- Right click the shortcut to your game (if you don't use a shortcut, right click the .exe file).
- Select Properties in the right-click menu.
- Click on the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box beside the text: Run this program in compatibility mode for:
- Select Windows XP (Service Pack 2)
- Check the box beside Run this program as an Administrator.
- Click Apply, then OK.
- Restart your game and play!
Windows XP
- Right click the shortcut to your game (if you don't use a shortcut, right click the .exe file).
- Select Properties in the right-click menu.
- Click on the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box marked Run this program in compatibility mode for:
- Select Windows 98/Windows ME.
- Click Apply, then OK.
- Restart your game and enjoy!
Can I save my game progress when I reinstall my game for PC?
So you bought a new computer, or you're upgrading to a new Operating System, or reformatting your computer, and you don't want to have to start your games again from the beginning and lose awesome high scores and unlocked game modes? No problem! We're more than happy to point you toward the files you'll want to save to carry over your userdata for the games.
The steps and file locations vary by Operating System as well as by game. What you'll find below is going to be the most common set of instructions; if you don't find the files for some of your games by following these steps, please contact our Customer Support team for further assistance.
Windows XP
- Click START
- Click MY COMPUTER
- Open the drive you installed the game to (most likely the Local Disk (C:)
- Open PROGRAM FILES
- Open POPCAP GAMES
- Open [Game Name]
- Please locate and save the USERS, PLAYERS, or USERDATA (saved game) folder
Windows Vista or 7
If you are using Windows Vista or 7, the file is in a different directory:
C:\ProgramData\PopCap Games\[game name]\[users, players, OR userdata]
If you're accustomed to Windows XP, then this might be a little hard to get used to, because there is still a directory called Program Files, and it still contains a subfolder called PopCap Games. But on Vista & 7, only the game's operating files get stored there, not your user profile and saved game data. That gets stored in a new directory called ProgramData, which is hidden by default. In order to view and access these files, you will need to set your Folder Options to "Show Hidden Files and Folders."
If you do not find a folder called USERS, PLAYERS, or USERDATA, then the game you are looking for stores those files in a different directory. Please contact Customer Support for game-specific instructions.
Now that I've found my saved game files, what next?
You'll want to save your users/players/userdata folder to a secure location like a flash drive or a writeable CD-ROM.
Once you've installed the game on the new computer, the first step is simply to launch the game, create a user, and play for a minute or so. This is important, because it ensures that your computer properly creates a game save folder in the right location. Close the game, and then navigate to the game save directory just like before. (Don't forget to "Show Hidden Files and Folders" on your new computer if it's Vista or 7!)
For instance, if you have installed AstroPop on Windows 7, navigate to:
C:\ProgramData\PopCap Games\AstroPop
If you have run the game briefly, you'll see a "users" folder has been created in this directory. All you need to do now is Copy the "users" folder from your saved backup and Paste it into the AstroPop folder. You'll be asked if you want to replace the existing files in that location (you do).
After the files are successfully pasted, you should be able to see your old user profile(s) and scores when you launch the game again!
Please note: Some games' save files are stored in non-standard locations. If you cannot locate your files using the instructions above, please contact us!
Common Error Messages
Invalid file or File too short error in Plants vs Zombies
We're so sorry you've encountered this error message in Plants vs Zombies. We are investigating this issue on an ongoing basis and hope to fix it in a future update. This error message means that the save data for the game has become corrupted, preventing the game from launching again. There are a few possible ways to fix this and get back to knocking down the FunDead with your photosynthetic arsenal. We've listed all three below, and some are more complicated than others.
Option 1: Windows 7 "Restore Previous Versions"
Windows 7 offers a feature that allows you to restore a file or folder to its previous saved state. First, you will probably need to change your folder options to "Show Hidden Files and Folders" before you can access the ProgramData directory where the game stores its userdata files. Click here for instructions on changing this setting.
Once you have enabled the "Show Hidden Files and Folders" option, navigate to the following folder:
C:\ProgramData\PopCap Games\Plants vs. Zombies
Right-click on the userdata folder in this directory, and select the "Restore previous versions" option. Select the date you would like to reset to, and click Restore. You will be prompted to confirm this is what you want to do, so just click Restore again.
If this step is successful, you should be able to launch the game and continue from the saved state you restored.
Option 2: Delete your progress and start over.
The simplest fix for this issue is to delete the corrupted save data. Unfortunately, this means that you will lose your game progress and have to start over from the beginning, but we’re confident that you can use your superior botanical powers to quickly dispatch those slow-poke, lower-level Zombies. You can locate your save data in the folder location listed below:
If you are on Windows XP:
C:\Program Files\PopCap Games\Plants vs. Zombies\userdata
If you are on Windows Vista or 7:
C:\ProgramData\PopCap Games\Plants vs. Zombies\userdata
(Note: if you're on Vista or 7, you probably need to change your folder options to "Show Hidden Files and Folders" before you can access the ProgramData directory and find these files. Click here for instructions on changing this setting.)
These folder paths refer to the PopCap.com download version and the retail CD-ROM version of the game. If you bought the game through any other website, the folder path may be different. Try searching for folders called userdata, and don't forget to change your folder options so that you're searching hidden files as well.
Option 3: Rebuild your files.
This one is the most complicated, but if done successfully, it will allow you to resolve the error without losing any game progress. It looks like a lot of information, but it's actually very fast--we just want to be thorough in describing the steps.
Once again, you will start by navigating to the folder location listed below:
If you are on Windows XP:
C:\Program Files\PopCap Games\Plants vs. Zombies
If you are on Windows Vista or 7:
C:\ProgramData\PopCap Games\Plants vs. Zombies
(Note: if you're on Vista or 7, you probably need to change your folder options to "Show Hidden Files and Folders" before you can access the ProgramData directory and find these files. Click here for instructions on changing this setting.)
- Copy the contents of the userdata folder, and save them to a secondary location. The simplest option will be to copy the entire folder and paste it into your Documents directory or onto your Desktop.
- Now delete the userdata folder from its original location.
-
Launch Plants vs Zombies. You will be prompted to create a new user profile. If there were multiple user profiles, you will need to create the correct number of players to match the number of profiles you need to restore.
Look in your saved userdata folder to verify how many profiles you need to create. If you have only user1.dat, then you only need to create one profile. If you have user1.dat and user2.dat, you need to create two profiles. If you have ever deleted a profile, you may see that your files are out of sequence; you may have user1.dat and user3.dat, for example. If that is the case, you need to create three profiles.
It is important to recreate the profiles in the correct order. If Mikey played the game first, make sure your first profile is named Mikey, and so forth.
It is not necessary to play the game under any of these new profiles; all you're doing is making placeholder files of the same names so that you can replace them with your saved originals.
- Exit Plants vs Zombies.
- Go to your saved backup folder, and delete the users.dat file. That's the file that's causing your pain, so be sure to take a moment and revel in the satisfaction of hitting Delete!
- In the new userdata folder, delete all of the files EXCEPT users.dat.
- Copy the rest of the files from your saved backup folder, and paste them into the userdata folder in the game directory. You may be prompted to confirm that you want to replace existing files in that location. You do, so just say yes!
- Launch Plants vs Zombies again. Your game should be right where you left it before that error message came and ate it all up like yummy, yummy brains.
If options 1 and 3 did not resolve the issue, unfortunately the only remaining solution is the deletion of the userdata files so that you can start the game over again.
Error message: Failed to create high score file
We recommend changing a simple setting for your game.
The steps are just slightly different depending on whether your Operating System is Windows Vista or Windows 7.
- Right click the shortcut to your game (if you don't use a shortcut, right click the .exe file).
- Click Properties.
- Click the Compatibility tab.
- Click the box marked "run this program as an Administrator."
- Click ok.
- Right click the shortcut to your game (if you don't use a shortcut, right click the .exe file).
- Click "Run as Administrator."
Graphics & Sound Issues
My cursor isn't visible in the game!
If you can't see your cursor on the screen when you launch the game, that will make aiming way more challenging! And hey, maybe that sounds like extra fun to you super hardcore gamers, but most of us probably like to play without a blindfold. Changing your mouse settings should allow the cursor to display properly.
- Click the Windows icon to open the "Start" menu.
- Choose "Control Panel."
- Click on "Appearance & Personalization."
- Click on "Personalization."
- Click on "Mouse Pointers."
- On the window that opens, click the tab labelled "Pointer Options."
- Under "Visibility," uncheck the box beside "Display pointer trails."
- Click Apply, then OK.
When the Display pointer trails option is disabled, you should be able to see your mouse move within your game again.
If that didn't fully restore the cursor, try opening the game's Options menu next. I know, that will be a little bit tough when you're not seeing the cursor consistently, but if you move the mouse around, you will see the menu buttons light up as you mouse over them, so just feel around for the Options menu until you see that button engage, then click to open it.
In the game's Options, try enabling Custom Cursors. Or, if it's currently enabled, try disabling it. Then click OK. Turning Custom Cursors off or on will often fix problems with your cursor display.
If these steps haven't restored your Cursor visibility, you may need to update your graphics card driver. Click here for instructions.
Sound/Audio issues on Windows
Are you having problems with the sound effects or music in your game? Or have you received an error message referring to the component bass.dll?
These issues usually stem from outdated sound card drivers.
What's a driver? Well, your computer uses an Operating System like Windows XP to run, but your computer is made up of a lot of smaller devices that also need operating systems of their own. The operating systems for graphics and sound cards are called drivers.
Sound card manufacturers release driver updates regularly to address compatibility issues. Typically, a new driver is available every 3 to 6 months.
Updating your driver should be a fairly simple process, though it may sound intimidating. You may need to contact your computer manufacturer for direction, but first we'll walk you through trying this out on your own, because it's easier than it sounds.
Start by running the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag). This is a Windows tool designed to take a snapshot of your computer's operating components such as the graphics card, sound card, and DirectX version. To launch this tool:
Windows XP:
- Click on your Start menu
- Click Run...
- In the text field, type dxdiag
- Click OK.
Windows Vista or 7:
- Click on your Windows icon (bottom left corner)
- In the Search box at the bottom of your Start menu, type dxdiag
- Click Enter on your keyboard.
Note: Occasionally, you may be prompted with a Yes or No question concerning Microsoft Windows digitally signing your drivers. If this occurs, and your computer is connected to the internet, select Yes, otherwise, select No.
The model and manufacturer of your sound card can be located under the Sound tab in your DxDiag. You will find the model of your sound card next to Name and the manufacturer of your sound card next to Manufacturer.
Usually, the best way to locate and download the most current sound card drivers is by visiting the manufacturer's website, and searching for your particular model of sound card under the support or drivers section.
If you need more in-depth assistance with this process, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of the sound card or of your computer.
Graphics issues on Windows.
Is your game not displaying properly on your screen?
These issues are often the result of outdated graphics card drivers.
What's a driver? Just as your computer uses an Operating System like Windows XP to run, your computer is made up of a lot of smaller devices that have operating systems of their own. The operating systems for graphics and sound cards are called drivers.
Graphics card manufacturers release driver updates regularly to address compatibility issues. Typically, a new driver is available every 3 to 6 months.
Updating your driver should be a fairly simple process, though it may sound intimidating. You may need to contact your computer manufacturer for direction, but first we'll walk you through trying this out on your own, because it's easier than it sounds.
Start by running the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag). This is a Windows tool designed to take a snapshot of your computer's operating components such as the graphics card, sound card, and DirectX version. To launch this tool:
Windows XP:
- Click on your Start menu
- Click Run...
- In the text field, type dxdiag
- Click OK.
Windows Vista or 7:
- Click on your Windows icon (bottom left corner)
- In the Search box at the bottom of your Start menu, type dxdiag
- Click Enter on your keyboard.
Note: Occasionally, you may be prompted with a Yes or No question concerning Microsoft Windows digitally signing your drivers. If this occurs, and your computer is connected to the internet, select Yes, otherwise, select No.
The model and manufacturer of your graphics card can be located under the Display tab in your DxDiag. You will find the model of your graphics card next to Name and the manufacturer of your graphics card next to Manufacturer.
Usually, the best way to locate and download the most current graphics card drivers is by visiting the manufacturer's website, and searching for your particular model of graphics card under the support or drivers section.
If you need more in-depth assistance with this process, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of the graphics card or of your computer.
If you are still having graphics/display issues with your game, it may help to change your resolution settings:
Your game cannot be running while you adjust these settings.
- Right-click the shortcut icon for your game (if you don't use a shortcut, right click the .exe file).
- Click Properties.
- Click the Compatibility tab.
- Click the box to run your game in 640 x 480 resolution.
- Click OK.
There may also be settings on your monitor itself that are affecting how your games display. Try using the monitor buttons to look for a display setting with options such as 1:1, Aspect, & Fill. Based on the resolution you have your monitor set to, it may or may not be possible to alter those settings. When you run at a very high resolution, your monitor knows what aspect ratio it is capable of displaying.
Installation & Registration Issues
Error message: Unlock Code Doesn't Match System
We're terribly sorry about the error you've encountered with your game!
Why this error may occur:
When you registered your game on this computer, a registration key was generated and inserted into your Windows registry. The key is unique and specific to your computer, and unfortunately, there are actions that can invalidate it, such as:
- Replacing hardware components such as graphics card, motherboard, etc.
- Switching your Internet provider or connection method (from cable to DSL, for instance)
- Reinstalling or upgrading your Operating System (OS)
- Running disk utilities that are not native to your OS
When you receive this error message, the first troubleshooting step we recommend is to use our online Game Unlock Helper (click here for instructions). You will need your PopCap Games Order Number to register your game again (if you do not have this information, click here).
If the Game Unlock Helper does not resolve this error message, please click Contact Us below, and we will reply with more in-depth assistance.
Please be sure to reference the error message in your help request, and include the following details:
- Game title(s) you are experiencing the issue with
- Order Number or Email Address used to place the order
- Whether you have already tried the Game Unlock Helper instructions (so we don't start by suggesting that!)
I'm having trouble downloading a game.
If you're having trouble downloading a game from PopCap.com, there are some very simple suggestions that resolve most issues.
1. Download only one file at a time.
This wasn't usually an issue on Windows XP; you could download as many files at a time as your Internet connection could handle. But starting with Windows Vista, you may have noticed that it's harder to run multiple simultaneous downloads. So our simplest suggestion is just to take your time and let one download complete before you start another!
3. Restart your browser.
Computer programs often need a little mini-reboot to get back on track.
4. Try a different browser.
This sounds like voodoo, but it's not. Sure, browsers all do the same stuff, so it's easy to think of them as equivalent, so why would using one instead of another make a difference? Well, in this case, each browser stores its downloads, temp files, cache, etc. in a different destination folder. So maybe one of those folders is full? Or you started the download earlier and there's already a partial file with that same name? Just using a different browser can bypass all this little stuff.
5. Restart your computer.
This is just always a good idea if something seemingly simple isn't working quite right. It's so obvious, even I sometimes overlook it in the troubleshooting process. And then, 90% of the time, it turns out to be the answer.
6. Add PopCap.com to your "safe" or "trusted" site list for your Firewall and Anti-Virus.
If your security settings are preventing you from downloading, you may need to add us to your exceptions list. Please refer to your security software's help articles for instructions on adding safe/trusted sites.
Will my games run on a new Windows 8 PC?
- Right-click the game icon and choose Properties.
- In the Properties dialog box, click the Compatibility tab.
- Click the button marked Run Compatibility Troubleshooter.
If this is unsuccessful, try manually selecting your Compatibility setting:
- Right-click the game icon and choose Properties.
- In the Properties dialog box, click the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for "Run this program in Compatibility mode for:"
- Select Windows Vista or Windows 7 in the drop-down.
- Click OK and again run the game.
If these suggestions do not resolve your issue, it may be necessary to uninstall the game and download the most current version available from our site, as you may still be running a pre-Vista version of the game.
We have not fully tested our games for Surface compatibility, only for standard PC play with a mouse and physical keyboard. However, it is possible to install the games on a Surface device. The primary difficulty you may encounter is in the creation of a user name, as the user name prompt will not bring up your virtual keyboard automatically. You may be able resolve this for some games by tapping the icon to set the game to windowed mode, which will then allow you to manually activate the virtual keyboard via the keyboard icon at your lower-right corner. However, not all games will display an icon to change the window size. In that event, the only way to enter a user name may be to attach a physical keyboard via the USB port.
Error message: We were unable to locate your license...
This error may appear during the registration process for one of the following reasons:
- Incorrect Order Number (click here for help locating your order information)
- The game is out of licenses
Click Contact Us below for assistance with this issue. Please include the following information:
- Order Number
- Game title
- Error message received
I can't see the "I Agree" button to click on it!
If you are having difficulties with installing your game because the Agreement page is too large for your screen, please try the following steps, which should resolve the issue.
- Click on the Start menu / Windows icon and open the Control Panel.
- Double-click the Display icon to open the Display settings window.
- Click on the Appearance tab, and make sure the Font size is set to Normal rather than Large or Extra Large.
- Next, click the Settings tab, and increase your Screen Resolution using the slider bar.
- Click Apply, then OK.
Error message: "Unable to read installer data."
If you have downloaded a free trial from PopCap.com but receive the error message "Unable to read installer data" when you try to run it, please follow the steps below to resolve the issue.
First, you will need to clear your Internet browser cache and cookies. Click here for instructions on doing so in various browsers.
- Windows XP users: click Start and then Run.
- Windows Vista/7 users: click the Start menu/Windows icon, and type Run in the text field, then hit Enter or choose the program called Run in the search results.
Purchasing a CD-ROM
Where can I find PopCap Games on CD-ROM in the UK & Ireland?
We are pleased to confirm that retail versions of the following games are available for purchase from retail stores in the UK and Ireland:
- Amazing Adventures: The Lost Tomb
- Bejeweled
- Bejeweled 2
- Bejeweled Twist
- Bookworm
- Bookworm Adventures
- Chuzzle
- Feeding Frenzy 2
- Insaniquarium
- Mahjong Escape: Ancient China
- Mystery P.I.: The Lottery Ticket
- Mystery P.I.: Vegas Heist
- Peggle
- Pizza Frenzy
- Zuma
- Curry’s
- Woolworth’s
- ASDA
- Game
- PC World
What is a backup CD-ROM?
When you purchase a download game from PopCap.com, you may see the option to Add a Backup CD-ROM for your game. A backup CD-ROM is a disk containing the downloadable installer file for your purchased game. It will also contain several additional free trial versions for other PopCap titles.
Backup CD-ROMs DO:
- Include the downloadable installer for the free trial version of your purchased product as well as several other PopCap titles.
- Require that you can access the Internet to complete the online registration process for your purchased game.
- Save time/bandwidth if downloading large files is an issue for you!
- Include a 50% off coupon code for a future purchase from PopCap.com!
Backup CD-ROMs DO NOT:
- Allow you to install your game on computers without Internet access. Registration is still required to unlock the full version of the game!
Don't see the option to add a backup CD-ROM? This may be due to one of the following limitations:
- Backup CD-ROMs are not available when purchasing a game bundle (several titles for a combined lower price).
- Backup CD-ROMs are available in the United States and Canada only at this time due to shipping limitations (sorry--we're working on it!).
- Only the English language versions of the games are available on backup CD-ROM currently.
- Finally, not all games are available in this format. You may have one or more games in your cart which would not be offered on backup CD-ROM.
Can I order a backup CD-ROM for games I have purchased in the past?
No, backup CD-ROMs must be added to the cart at the same time the download version is purchased. There is no way to order a backup CD-ROM after the fact.
If I order several titles at once, will I receive a backup CD-ROM for each game?
No. If you place an order for more than one game title, they will all arrive on one disk.
After I receive my backup CD-ROM, where will I find the 50% off coupon code?
To obtain your 50% off coupon code, simply insert your backup CD-ROM. It is not necessary to run any of the installers in order to view the code. At the very top of the auto-run screen, you will see the coupon code displayed.
Where can I find PopCap Games on CD-ROM in Australia?
We are pleased to confirm that retail versions of the following games are available for purchase from retail stores in Australia:
- Bejeweled
- Bejeweled 2
- Bejeweled Twist
- Bookworm Adventures
- Bookworm
- Chuzzle
- Insaniquarium
- Mystery P.I. The Lottery Ticket
- Peggle
- Zuma
- Harvey Norman
- JB Hi-Fi
- Kmart
- Other large chain stores and outlets
- Or online: http://www.mindscape.net.au/
Where can I find PopCap Games on CD-ROM in Germany?
A wide selection of PopCap Games titles are available for purchase in Germany from a variety of locations. Please visit the website below to find a location near you:
http://www.rondomedia.de/about-us.html
If you require assistance with your CD-ROM purchase, please contact our publishing and distribution partner for assistance:
What PopCap Games titles are available on CD-ROM at retail stores?
PopCap Games are available on CD-ROM in several countries as well as from many online retailers! See below for titles and retail partners in the United States & Canada.
- Amazing Adventures: The Lost Tomb *
- Amazing Adventures: Around the World *
- Amazing Adventures: The Caribbean Secret *
- Amazing Adventures: The Forgotten Dynasty *
- Bejeweled
- Bejeweled 2
- Bejeweled 3
- Bejeweled Twist *
- Bookworm
- Bookworm Adventures *
- Chuzzle *
- Escape Rosecliff Island
- Escape Whisper Valley
- Escape the Emerald Star
- Feeding Frenzy 2 *
- Insaniquarium *
- Mahjong Escape: Ancient China *
- Mystery P.I.: The London Caper
- Mystery P.I.: Lost in Los Angeles
- Mystery P.I.: The Lottery Ticket *
- Mystery P.I.: New York Fortune *
- Mystery P.I.: The Vegas Heist *
- Mystery P.I.: Stolen in San Francisco
- Mystery P.I.: The Curious Case of Counterfeit Cove *
- Peggle
- Peggle Nights *
- Plants vs Zombies
- Vacation Quest: The Hawaiian Islands
- Vacation Quest: Australia *
- The Wizard's Pen *
- Zuma
- Zuma's Revenge
- Amazon - http://www.Amazon.com
- Apple Stores
- Best Buy - http://www.bestbuy.com
- BJ's - http://www.bjs.com/
- Costco - http://www.costco.com/
- Fred Meyer - http://www.fredmeyer.com
- Fry's - http://www.frys.com/
- GameStop - http://www.gamestop.com
- Hastings
- J and R Computer - http://www.jr.com/
- MicroCenter - http://www.microcenter.com/
- Nebraska Furniture Mart - http://www.nfm.com/
- Office Depot - http://www.officedepot.com
- OfficeMax - http://www.officemax.com
- Sam's Club - http://www.samsclub.com
- Shopko - http://www.shopko.com/
- Staples - http://www.staples.com
- Target - http://www.target.com
- Toys R Us - http://www.toysrus.com
- Trans World Entertainment
- Wal Mart - http://www.wal-mart.com
In Canada, please visit http://www.futureshop.ca
I need help with a CD-ROM purchased in a store (Retail Version)!
I bought my game on retail CD-ROM, but it's asking me to register!
If you bought a game on CD-ROM from a retail store or site, there is no online registration process required. If you are still seeing the Buy Now and Register prompts when you launch the game, that indicates you have a free trial version of that game installed on your computer. The free trial version will need to be uninstalled before you can install the full version from your CD-ROM.
For instructions on uninstalling a game, click here.
You may have noticed that there are several free trial versions included on your CD-ROM. We hope you will enjoy those games for their free trial period. If you want to unlock the full versions, please visit PopCap.com to place your order, or look for those games on CD-ROM at your favorite retailer!
I'm having trouble installing the game on my retail CD-ROM.
If you bought a retail CD-ROM version of a game and are encountering errors when you try to install, we suggest the following steps:
1. Uninstall any previous instance of the game on your computer.
If you have ever downloaded a free trial version of the same title from our site or any other, the previous installation is probably getting in the way of your current installation procedure. For instructions on uninstalling a game, click here.
2. Try running the installer in Compatibility mode.
(If you are on a Mac, skip to step 4!)
Click here for instructions on Compatibility settings. To set the Compatibility options for the installer before running it:
- With the disk in your CD-ROM drive, click the Start/Windows menu, then My Computer
- Right-click on your CD-ROM drive, and select Open
- Open the file called "installers"
- Right-click the installer for your game (e.g. Bookworm Setup, Peggle Setup, etc.)
- Follow the Compatibility troubleshooting instructions for your version of Windows.
3. If you receive the error message "install is corrupted:"
- Uninstall your game using the game's uninstall tool.
- Restart your PC.
- Reinstall your game.
- Uncheck the box that says "Launch game now" and select done.
- Launch your game using the shortcut on your desktop.
4. If you are still having trouble:
Please click Contact Us below, and include the following information:
- Title of the game
- Error message received or description of difficulty encountered
- Operating System of the computer you were trying to install on if it is different from the computer you are using to contact us
My Global Star CD-ROM with Bejeweled and Alchemy won't install.
We would like to replace this CD-ROM with a download version of these games. Please click Contact Us and provide the following information for a new order:
- Your first and last name
- Your address
- Your email address
- Date and place of purchase
- UPC code - you may find this on the bar code on the packaging/case
We will create a new order for your games and send it to your email address.
I need help with a CD-ROM ordered on www.popcap.com!
I need help locating order information for games I have purchased from PopCap.com.
If you're trying to install or register a game you bought from PopCap.com, but you no longer have the email receipt, there are a couple of simple ways to retrieve the information you need!
Have you created your PopCap.com user account? If you sign up for a free user account, you will always have the option to view your Order History.
If you have changed email addresses, or you don't see some orders in your History, click Contact Us below for help. Here's the information that will be most helpful to our Customer Support team in looking for your orders:
(Don't worry--we don't expect you to have all of this information! But as many of the following details as you can provide will help us help you faster!)
- First and Last name associated with the order
- Zip code associated with the billing address
- A general timeframe for when you made the purchase
- What game title(s) you are looking for
- Any email addresses you may have used when you placed the order(s)
- Whether you paid by credit/debit card or PayPal or got the game with a coupon code/promotional offer/gift certificate
When will I receive the game I ordered?
If you have ordered a download game from PopCap.com, you can download, install, and register it immediately upon completing the purchase! As soon as you finish the shopping cart process, you will be shown a copy of your order receipt right in your browser window. From that page, you can download and install the free trial (if you have not already done so). Your Order Number will also be displayed on that page, and that's all you'll need to register the game!
If your order included any physical products, such as a backup CD-ROM copy of your purchased game, please allow 7-14 days for delivery by USPS.
If your order was completed more than 14 days ago, and you have not received your backup CD-ROM, please click Contact Us below to request assistance. We can reship backup CD-ROMs within 90 days of the original order date.
My game registration didn't work!
Trouble registering your game? The very simple steps below should get your game unlocked in no time!
Note: This process only works in Internet Explorer.
The game you are trying to register must be installed on your computer, but do not launch the game at this time. If it is running, please close it before proceeding.
- Open Internet Explorer and click on the following link or copy/paste the link into your address bar - https://us.shop.popcap.com/popcap_gazoo/unlock/form
- At the next screen, enter the Order Number from your order confirmation email (it will look something like this: POP123456789).
- Click the GENERATE REGISTRATION CODE button.
- There will be a large yellow button on the page, labeled REGISTER NOW. Click this button.
- Then, launch your game from the shortcut icon on your Desktop. The game should now be registered, so it will open straight to the game without asking you to Register or Buy Now.
Enjoy your game!
If your game is not unlocked, or you receive an error message during the above process, please click the Contact Us button below and provide us with the following information so we can provide an alternative registration solution:
- Exact details of what occurs including the wording of any error message you receive.
- Your Operating System and Browser names and version numbers.
- The name and version number of any anti-virus or firewall software you may have running on your machine (Click HELP and ABOUT on your software to obtain the name and version number).
