Hi,
I am hoping to get some people from EarMaster to respond, and maybe any users that have tried to use EarMaster 5 on a Windows 95 computer.
I realize that the official position is that EarMaster 5 requires Windows 98 or later. But my problem is that while my work computer is a Mac, I am not supposed to install personal software on it, and trying to run Mac Boot Camp for a personal Windows software, would really be a problem, if I was caught doing that.
At home I have a PC laptop, that I only use as a Journal/Diary (using Microsoft Word) to write out my goals and brainstorm ideas. It is about 10 years old, and runs on Windows 95. I am taking your 21-day free trial and have installed it on my laptop, and it seems to be running properly. Before I purchase the software, I want to make sure that it will continue to work on Windows 95. I am not going to spend a $1000 to buy a new computer, just to run this program.
My questions are:
1) Has anyone at EarMaster ever seen, or even tried to use EarMaster 5 (build 610p is what I installed) on a Windows 95 machine? Any users out there that have tried it, and can share their experience with me?
2) While the program installed with no problems, every time I open Earmaster, and it is loading, I get a message box that says "One of the library files needed to run this application cannot be found: SHFOLDER.DLL" It just has one button that says "OK" on it, and when I click that, the program loads properly. Does anyone know what "SHFOLDER.DLL" is, and its importance for the program? I would rather not even try to download that DLL and install it, for fear of making the machine unstable--I have been able to use the software and just need to know if that DLL is a necessary file, or if I can use the software without it.
My Windows 95 machine has 24 MB of RAM and over 100MB of free space on the disk. It is Windows 95 (version 4.00.950) if that makes a difference. I have tried answering a couple of questions from each of the 12 exercise areas, with no problem. I have the display set at 16-bit, 800x600, and the program looks great, just like the screenshots on your website. I have even been able to make some Custom Exercises, with Custom Scales, and have saved those files and been able to open and use them later. Like I said, the program runs smoothly.
The only problem is that once an error message said "Illegal operation: program aborted" and the program closed. But I could re-open it with no problem, and it functioned just as before.
I am 4 days into the 21-day trial, and love the software. I just need to have some idea that it will continue to work, I don't want to buy it and then have it stop working, and have spent my money for nothing. The chords sound a bit muddy, but I am not going to try to upgrade the sound card in such an old machine, I can live with that. And I don't even have this machine connected to the Internet, and will never have other programs open while EarMaster is running.
I would appreciate any insights into what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to see the program install on Windows 95, and the only problem seems to be that "SHFOLDER.DLL" is missing, but it works great.
If I do not get any more sudden crashes ("Illegal Operation") messages, I am leaning towards buying it at the end of the 21 days, I like it a lot. Just hoping for some advice from any EarMaster personnel (or other users) with experience on this topic.
EarMaster 5 on Windows 95--Anyone ever tried this?
Moderator: Quentin
SHfolder.dll is a part of the API in Windows 98/ME, which EarMaster uses to get the path to standard folders in Windows (like Application data, My documents, etc).
You can install SHfolder.dll from Microsoft here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en
Best regards,
Hans Jakobsen
EarMaster
You can install SHfolder.dll from Microsoft here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en
Best regards,
Hans Jakobsen
EarMaster
Thank you for showing where I can download "Shfolder.dll" from.
I have a couple of questions:
1) What functions/uses does Earmaster have that rely on "Shfolder.dll"?
In other words, what am I missing from the software, by NOT having "Shfolder.dll"?
I have been using the software for a week now, and have not found any problems with it.
2) Are there any risks to running the program (that you hyperlinked to), on an old Windows 95 laptop? In other words, could anything go wrong, if I try to run the installation program (that installs "Shfolder.dll")?
I am concerned that my laptop (which is about 10 years old) might have problems if I run the installation program (that installs "Shfolder.dll").
My fear is that if I try to install the "Shfolder.dll" and somethign goes wrong, or the OS crashes, that I may not be able to run Earmaster AT ALL, and I really want to run the program.
But if you recommend installing it, I will go ahead and do that. The Microsoft download site (that you gave the hyperlink of) says that the installation of "Shfolder.dll" is supported on Windows 95, so that is reassuring. But if my OS crashes, or there are problems, I don't have any idea how to fix it (and I do NOT have the discs of Windows 95, if I need to reinstall the OS--so that would basically prevent me from using the PC).
My first instinct is to minimize risk, even if I am missing some features of Earmaster (although after a week, all the features have worked so far).
I am not a computer expert, so I appreciate your knowledge/intuition on this matter.
I have a couple of questions:
1) What functions/uses does Earmaster have that rely on "Shfolder.dll"?
In other words, what am I missing from the software, by NOT having "Shfolder.dll"?
I have been using the software for a week now, and have not found any problems with it.
2) Are there any risks to running the program (that you hyperlinked to), on an old Windows 95 laptop? In other words, could anything go wrong, if I try to run the installation program (that installs "Shfolder.dll")?
I am concerned that my laptop (which is about 10 years old) might have problems if I run the installation program (that installs "Shfolder.dll").
My fear is that if I try to install the "Shfolder.dll" and somethign goes wrong, or the OS crashes, that I may not be able to run Earmaster AT ALL, and I really want to run the program.
But if you recommend installing it, I will go ahead and do that. The Microsoft download site (that you gave the hyperlink of) says that the installation of "Shfolder.dll" is supported on Windows 95, so that is reassuring. But if my OS crashes, or there are problems, I don't have any idea how to fix it (and I do NOT have the discs of Windows 95, if I need to reinstall the OS--so that would basically prevent me from using the PC).
My first instinct is to minimize risk, even if I am missing some features of Earmaster (although after a week, all the features have worked so far).
I am not a computer expert, so I appreciate your knowledge/intuition on this matter.
As a rule of thumb, never change a working system. If EarMaster works, then let it be, if you have problems solved it then.
EarMaster use SHfolder.dll to find the location where data should be stored. In EarMaster Pro on Win 95, this is only used to find a place to store the default exercise setup. If SHfolder.dll is not found, EarMaster will use the current path, which is not always the same.
If you use the tutor or you save your custom exercise setup in a named file, then you should not have any problems without the SHfolder.dll
Only if you have problems with data not being saved or files not being found, then you should install SHfolder.dll.
Best regards,
Hans Jakobsen
EarMaster
EarMaster use SHfolder.dll to find the location where data should be stored. In EarMaster Pro on Win 95, this is only used to find a place to store the default exercise setup. If SHfolder.dll is not found, EarMaster will use the current path, which is not always the same.
If you use the tutor or you save your custom exercise setup in a named file, then you should not have any problems without the SHfolder.dll
Only if you have problems with data not being saved or files not being found, then you should install SHfolder.dll.
Best regards,
Hans Jakobsen
EarMaster
You said: "Only if you have problems with data not being saved or files not being found, then you should install SHfolder.dll. "
it turns out that not having "Shfolder.dll" was making a problem, after all, and certain files (my results, in Statistics) were being lost.
While it seemed like Earmaster had been working flawlessly, I noticed that it was not saving all of my results. If I used the "Tutor" it would automatically save my results, but when I did a "Custom Exercise" (which I had no problem in creating, or in answering the questions), it asked me "Save Results: Yes/No" but when I hit "Yes" and then opened the Statistics, the results were nowhere to be found!
I decided that I want to have the results of Custom Exercises, as I want to make sure I measure my progress accurately, and only move on to a new topic when I have mastered the current topic, so I ran the "Shfolder.exe" that you pointed to, on the Microsoft web site.
It only took a second to automatically install "Shfolder.dll" and then I held my breath as I opened Earmaster....
It works! There is no more "program cannot find Shfolder.dll" message upon opening the program, and more importantly, I can save the results from a Custom Exercise, and they are saved in the Statistics, along with the results of the Tutor exercises.
One odd thing: If I do a Custom exercise, and then do "Save custom exercise as...", the program does not save the results for some reason (nor does it give the prompt to "Save results: Yes/No"). In order to save the results into Statistics, I have to do one of 3 things:
1) Do "Open custom exercise" and select a custom exercise (even the SAME one that I am already doing). Then the program gives me the prompt, and the results are saved into the Statistics.
2) Press the "Tutor" icon, to open the Tutor exercises. THis automatically gives me the prompt, and the results are written into the Statistics.
3) Close/Exit the program, then it gives me the prompt to save before it closes, and when I re-open the program, the results are in Statistics.
I don't know if these are supposed to be the only ways to save results from a Custom Exercise. I would think that "Save custom exercise as.." should save the current RESULTS, as well as the exercise settings--but maybe I am wrong, maybe my program is working as intended (the User Guide does not specify exactly HOW to save results).
In any case, I now have a way to monitor my progress and see what I need to work on, not just for the Tutor exercises, but also for my own Custom lessons. Which is excellent, because this way I can really isolate the "problem" areas of my hearing. For example, I like to make an exercise where I compare Unison with another interval (say Minor 3rd). This way, my ear really gets LOTS of practice hearing the Minor 3rd interval, as the only other interval is Unison, which is very easy to identify.
The Tutor has lessons that compare the Minor 3rd to Major 3rd, but my Custom exercise is better for me, because it really focuses me to concentrate on ONE thing at a time. Obviously my exercise is EASY (maybe TOO easy for some people), but it lets me REALLY focus on hearing that ONE interval, without any distractions. Maybe others can learn faster than I can, but the main thing is that I am able to be confident in what I hear, and these types of narrow, focused Custom exercises are very useful to me. And now I can see my results, and know when I have absolutely mastered one area, and am ready to move forward!
I am halfway through the 21 day trial, and will buy the program this weekend. Thanks for all of your excellent advice/support, and especially for creating such an awesome program for music lovers like myself!
it turns out that not having "Shfolder.dll" was making a problem, after all, and certain files (my results, in Statistics) were being lost.
While it seemed like Earmaster had been working flawlessly, I noticed that it was not saving all of my results. If I used the "Tutor" it would automatically save my results, but when I did a "Custom Exercise" (which I had no problem in creating, or in answering the questions), it asked me "Save Results: Yes/No" but when I hit "Yes" and then opened the Statistics, the results were nowhere to be found!
I decided that I want to have the results of Custom Exercises, as I want to make sure I measure my progress accurately, and only move on to a new topic when I have mastered the current topic, so I ran the "Shfolder.exe" that you pointed to, on the Microsoft web site.
It only took a second to automatically install "Shfolder.dll" and then I held my breath as I opened Earmaster....
It works! There is no more "program cannot find Shfolder.dll" message upon opening the program, and more importantly, I can save the results from a Custom Exercise, and they are saved in the Statistics, along with the results of the Tutor exercises.
One odd thing: If I do a Custom exercise, and then do "Save custom exercise as...", the program does not save the results for some reason (nor does it give the prompt to "Save results: Yes/No"). In order to save the results into Statistics, I have to do one of 3 things:
1) Do "Open custom exercise" and select a custom exercise (even the SAME one that I am already doing). Then the program gives me the prompt, and the results are saved into the Statistics.
2) Press the "Tutor" icon, to open the Tutor exercises. THis automatically gives me the prompt, and the results are written into the Statistics.
3) Close/Exit the program, then it gives me the prompt to save before it closes, and when I re-open the program, the results are in Statistics.
I don't know if these are supposed to be the only ways to save results from a Custom Exercise. I would think that "Save custom exercise as.." should save the current RESULTS, as well as the exercise settings--but maybe I am wrong, maybe my program is working as intended (the User Guide does not specify exactly HOW to save results).
In any case, I now have a way to monitor my progress and see what I need to work on, not just for the Tutor exercises, but also for my own Custom lessons. Which is excellent, because this way I can really isolate the "problem" areas of my hearing. For example, I like to make an exercise where I compare Unison with another interval (say Minor 3rd). This way, my ear really gets LOTS of practice hearing the Minor 3rd interval, as the only other interval is Unison, which is very easy to identify.
The Tutor has lessons that compare the Minor 3rd to Major 3rd, but my Custom exercise is better for me, because it really focuses me to concentrate on ONE thing at a time. Obviously my exercise is EASY (maybe TOO easy for some people), but it lets me REALLY focus on hearing that ONE interval, without any distractions. Maybe others can learn faster than I can, but the main thing is that I am able to be confident in what I hear, and these types of narrow, focused Custom exercises are very useful to me. And now I can see my results, and know when I have absolutely mastered one area, and am ready to move forward!
I am halfway through the 21 day trial, and will buy the program this weekend. Thanks for all of your excellent advice/support, and especially for creating such an awesome program for music lovers like myself!
Well, I couldn't wait...I was going to order the program this weekend (as I still have about 14 days left on the free trial).
But, having successfully installed the "Shfolder.dll" and with everything working smoothly (and making sure to reboot the computer and close and open the software a few times, to make sure it works properly), I couldn't resist--my copy is on its way from Amazon.com!
Thanks again for the great support and quick response. Now I just need to put in the time, and so far that has been no problem--especially with the Custom Exercises, I can focus on small, achievable goals with each exercise, to maximize learning and minimize frustration (and believe me, FRUSTRATION in music has been my story, whatever smarts I have, they haven't applied to music--my love of it is in inverse relation to my natural aptitude, probably a joke by the gods...)
After just a week, using Earmaster for an hour a day, I noticed that I am picking up some "licks" on guitar and bass without as much effort as before (small phrases, from solos and riffs). An easy bass line from Radiohead (picked it up quite quickly) and part of a solo from Robben Ford (got some of the key notes from his solo--the bulk of the solo is still beyond me). I used to "hunt and peck" trying to find the correct notes, it was SO frustrating, just a painful process--but today I noticed I just found the right notes in a few tries, without much effort! Most of all, I actually ENJOYED playing what I heard from the song, it felt natural, not like some sort of torture! I can only imagine what great musicians must feel when they play songs the first time they hear them!
I just have to make sure that I don't overdo it, I noticed that after about 45 minutes of Earmaster my head starts to ache a bit, I have to really push myself to do that last 15 minutes--I have to improve my mental concentration I guess! But even if I only do 30-45 minutes a day, I am sure I will make progress.
Now, if you can just make a software program that downloads the musical talent of a Jimi Hendrix (guitar) and Keith Jarrett (piano) directly into the user's brain...
Thanks, Hans, your quick response made it so that I could buy the software before my free trial expires--I have been playing guitar for 20 years, piano for only 5, and I don't want to wait any longer to improve!
But, having successfully installed the "Shfolder.dll" and with everything working smoothly (and making sure to reboot the computer and close and open the software a few times, to make sure it works properly), I couldn't resist--my copy is on its way from Amazon.com!
Thanks again for the great support and quick response. Now I just need to put in the time, and so far that has been no problem--especially with the Custom Exercises, I can focus on small, achievable goals with each exercise, to maximize learning and minimize frustration (and believe me, FRUSTRATION in music has been my story, whatever smarts I have, they haven't applied to music--my love of it is in inverse relation to my natural aptitude, probably a joke by the gods...)
After just a week, using Earmaster for an hour a day, I noticed that I am picking up some "licks" on guitar and bass without as much effort as before (small phrases, from solos and riffs). An easy bass line from Radiohead (picked it up quite quickly) and part of a solo from Robben Ford (got some of the key notes from his solo--the bulk of the solo is still beyond me). I used to "hunt and peck" trying to find the correct notes, it was SO frustrating, just a painful process--but today I noticed I just found the right notes in a few tries, without much effort! Most of all, I actually ENJOYED playing what I heard from the song, it felt natural, not like some sort of torture! I can only imagine what great musicians must feel when they play songs the first time they hear them!
I just have to make sure that I don't overdo it, I noticed that after about 45 minutes of Earmaster my head starts to ache a bit, I have to really push myself to do that last 15 minutes--I have to improve my mental concentration I guess! But even if I only do 30-45 minutes a day, I am sure I will make progress.
Now, if you can just make a software program that downloads the musical talent of a Jimi Hendrix (guitar) and Keith Jarrett (piano) directly into the user's brain...
Thanks, Hans, your quick response made it so that I could buy the software before my free trial expires--I have been playing guitar for 20 years, piano for only 5, and I don't want to wait any longer to improve!