<h3><strong>C&C - The First Decade</strong></h3>
<strong><a name="TFD_CD"></a>Why won't my First Decade CD work in my CD-ROM drive?</strong>
The Command and Conquer: The First Decade CD is actually a DVD-ROM.
In order for your computer to read this disc, you must have a DVD-ROM or DVD-RW drive.
CD-ROM or CD-RW drives will not be able to read the disc.
Make sure you have the proper hardware to read this disc.
The compatibility of your drive is usually embossed on the front of the tray that slides out when the drive ejects.
Look for the DVD ROM symbol.
For further assistance, please contact your computer manufacturer or local retailer.
Electronic Arts Warranty Policy can be found here.
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<strong><a name="invalid_serial_TFD"></a>What can I do about Invalid Serial Error? I have installed using The First Decade Command and Conquer.</strong>
If you're encountering the invalid serial error, you have to rename the Woldata.key file in
C:\Program Files\EA Games\Command & Conquer The First Decade to Woldata0.key.
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<strong><a name="TFD_shortcut_installer"></a>What is the TFD shortcut installer? What does it do?</strong>
The XCC The First Decade Short cut Installer can be dowloaded by
clicking here.
The installer installs direct shortcuts and also fixes the invalid registry keys.
The installer is completely silent, so just check your Start Menu after running it.
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<strong><a name="TFD_map_editor"></a>I am running the First Decade and I can't get the Map Editor to work. The program tells me to Please insert a Red alert CD into the CD-ROM drive".</strong>
Append -CD. to the command line when running the map editor. Don't forget the period after the -CD.
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<strong><a name="TFD_play_old"></a>Why can't I play my old Command and Conquer games after I've installed First Decade?</strong>
As a long-time fan of the Command and Conquer series, you may have individual installations of the game on your system.
If this is the case, you may notice when attempting to install The First Decade that you will be prompted to
uninstall those individual games before proceeding.
If you proceed without uninstalling, The First Decade will install 'on top' of the existing copies.
While the First Decade games themselves will install to a new folder structure, old registry entries will be
overwritten and corrupted. Attempts to launch the old versions of your games will fail.
If this happens, you should be able to continue playing The First Decade without incident.
However, should problems arise, we recommend a full uninstall and reinstall of all Command and Conquer
titles on your system. If the Uninstall program provided with each game does not work, please see the
following for help with a manual uninstall.
Command and Conquer Gold, 95, Covert Ops
Command and Conquer Tiberian Sun and Firestorm
Command and Conquer Red alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge
Command and Conquer Generals and Zero Hour - <strong>Note - XWIS does not support Generals and Zero Hour.</strong>
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<strong><a name="TFD_whats_new"></a>What's new with Command and Conquer: The First Decade?</strong>
Command and Conquer: The First Decade brings together the first ten years of the popular RTS strategy series, Command and Conquer in one convenient DVD. While the actual content of the games remains largely untouched, each game installed through First Decade comes with the latest patches. In addition, some of the older games that previously were unable to run on Windows XP are now playable.
Command & Conquer (Aug. 1995)
Command & Conquer: The Covert Operations (April 1996)
Command & Conquer: Red alert (Oct. 1996)
Command & Conquer: Red alert�The Aftermath (Sept. 1997)
Command & Conquer: Red alert Counterstrike (Mar. 1997)
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun (Aug. 1999)
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun Firestorm (Feb. 2000)
Command & Conquer: Red alert 2 (Oct. 2000)
Command & Conquer: Yuri's Revenge (Oct. 2001)
Command & Conquer: Renegade (Feb. 2002)
Command & Conquer: Generals (Feb. 2003) - <strong>Note: XWIS does not support Generals and Zero Hour.</strong>
Command & Conquer: Generals Zero Hour (Sept. 2003) - <strong>Note: XWIS does not support Generals and Zero Hour.</strong>
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<strong><a name="system_requirements_tfd"></a>What are the minimum system requirements for Command and Conquer: The First Decade?</strong>
The minimum required system specifications to run Command & Conquer: The First Decade are as follows:
Operating System: Windows XP (Administrator rights required)
CPU: 800 MHz or faster
RAM: 256 MB or more
Disc Drive: 8x or faster DVD Drive
Hard Drive: 9.8 GB if installing the entire DVD
Video: DirectX 8.1 compatible video card
NVIDIA GeForce 2 (or greater) or ATI Radeon 7500 (or greater) chipset required
Sound: DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card
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<strong><a name="wchat"></a>My game is prompting me to install WChat. Where do I find it?</strong>
If you are getting an error while attempting to connect to online services, and you get a message prompting
you to install WChat from the CD, follow these directions. WChat does not come included with the First Decade.
Please note that WChat is no longer supported by Electronic Arts.
Close your game.
Click here to download Westwood Chat.
To Download the version of WChat for languages other than english
click here.
For example, WC4221E.EXE for English, WC4221F.EXE for French, etc.
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<strong><a name="tfd_ra2_generals_install"></a>Why can't I uncheck Red alert 2 or Generals during a custom installation?</strong>
Yuri's Revenge and Zero Hour must be unchecked first if you do not wish to install Red alert 2 or Generals.
Since Yuri's Revenge and Zero Hour are expansions and require the base game in order to install properly,
the installer will insist on installing them unless they are unchecked.
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<strong><a name="tfd_crash_black_screen"></a>Why does the game crash after a full black screen?</strong>
Crashing after a black screen can be caused by a few different things, including (but not limited to)
an incompatible video card, older drivers for a compatible video card or sound card, or a corrupted version of Direct X.
There are several steps we can take to try and resolve this issue.
First ensure that all of the games minimum requirements are met.
The minimum system requirements can be found on the bottom of the game packaging.
You can also search our FAQ's for these requirements.
Also, be sure you have the latest drivers available for your video and sound card.
Click here for instructions on updating drivers.
Make sure any unnecessary background tasks are terminated. These tasks could interfere with the running of the game.
Click here for instructions on ending your background tasks.
Make sure you have any patches for the game that are available.
Click on the Start button.
Select All Programs.
In the list of programs find the game folder.
The default should be in the EAGames or EASports folders.
In the game folder there should be a Check for Update or Auto-Update icon. Double-click on that icon.
It should now log on and check for updates.
During installation, on occasion some files that contain graphics for the background, maps, players etc. may
not be installed, or copied to the hard drive from the CD rom/DVD correctly. You might need to completely
uninstall the game try reinstalling it.
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<strong><a name="tfd_crash"></a>What can be done when the game locks up or freezes?</strong>
There are a variety of different ways a system can "lock up" or freeze during gameplay.
The steps below will give you a better idea on where the issue may lie.
If the screen is blank and nothing is happening there are a few immediate things you can try.
Hold down the Alt button and tap the Tab key. This should minimize the window.
Hold down the Alt key and tap the F4 key. This should close the current window.
If your keyboard has one, hit the Windows button. This should bring up the Windows start bar.
Hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys, then tap delete once. This will bring up the task manager.
From here you can manually shut down the game.
If these steps fail to get you out of the lock up you will have to restart your system.
If you cannot turn the system off normally try holding in the power button for ten seconds.
Once the computer is back up, try the following to troubleshoot this situation:
Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements for the game.
Click here for assistance in finding the minimum requirements for the game.
Make sure your drivers and system files are as up to date as possible. The computer might be giving an instruction to a device that simply does not know how to proceed.
Click here for instructions on updating drivers.
Make sure that there are no extra programs running in the background that might interfere with the games execution.
Click here for instructions on ending your background tasks.
Some of these lock ups could be sound related. Lowering sound acceleration is a good way to test this.
Click here for instructions on changing your sound acceleration.
Make sure that you have all the patches that are available for the game.
Click on theStart button.
Select All Programs.
In the list of programs find the game folder.
The default should be in the EAGames or EASports folders.
In the game folder there should be a Check for Update or Auto-Update icon. Double-click on that icon.
It should now log on and check for updates.
If the above steps fail, uninstall the game completely then reinstall it.
Also, you can try the game on a separate computer. If the same thing happens, then it could be a bad disk.
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<strong><a name="tfd_crash_splash"></a>Why is the game crashing to the desktop after the splash screen?</strong>
Crashing after the first game screen or splash screen can be caused by a few different things,
including (but not limited to) an incompatible video card, older drivers for a compatible video card
or sound card, or a corrupted version of Direct X. There are several steps we can take to try and resolve this issue.
First ensure that all of the games minimum requirements are met.
The minimum system requirements can be found on the bottom of the packaging for the game.
Click here for assistance in finding the minimum requirements for the game.
Also, be sure you have the latest drivers available for your video and sound card.
Click here for instructions on updating drivers.
Make sure any unnecessary background tasks are terminated. These tasks could interfere with the running of the game.
Click here for instructions on ending your background tasks.
Make sure you have any patches for the game that are available.
Click on the Start button.
Select All Programs.
In the list of programs find the game folder.
The default should be in the EAGames or EASports folders.
In the game folder there should be a Check for Update or Auto-Update icon. Double-click on that icon
It should now log on and check for updates.
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<strong><a name="tfd_graphics"></a>Why is there graphical corruption in the game?</strong>
Graphical corruption is usually a conflict with the video card or other display settings in the system.
Verify that your video card meets all system requirements, and it is using the newest manufacturer video drivers.
Click here for steps on verifying requirements and driver versions.
Adjust your desktop resolution to 1024x768 for the best compatibility with your game.
Click here for steps on changing your desktop resolution.
If you have raised any video/graphics settings in the game from their defaults, lower them back to their default setting.
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<strong><a name="tfd_patch_error"></a>Why is there a 'transfer error' or 'patch failed' error during installation?</strong>
Transfer errors during installation can be caused by a number of conflicts.
There are steps you can take to remove the source of conflict before attempting to reinstall the game.
End all background tasks to prevent conflicts with other programs.
Click here for instructions on ending your background tasks.
Empty your Temp folder to prevent file conflicts.
Click here for steps on emptying your Temp folder.
If you have a secondary DVD disk drive try the installation from there.
Basic installation troubleshooting steps will help prevent conflicts with the installation program, itself.
Click here for installation troubleshooting steps.
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<strong><a name="tfd_game_exe_error"></a>What can be done about the [Game].exe or program causing an error?</strong>
This is a generic Windows error. These errors happen when the game either makes a request that the computer
does not understand or fails to respond with correct data. The computer picks up on this error, but since it is
not a specific error, all it can do is give this generic error response.
When troubleshooting these generic errors we have several steps we can take.
Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements for the game.
Click here for assistance in finding the minimum requirements for the game.
Make sure that you have all the patches that are available for the game.
Click on the Start button.
Select All Programs.
In the list of programs find the game folder.
The default should be in the EAGames or EASports folders.
In the game folder there should be a Check for Update or Auto-Update icon. Double-click on that icon.
It should now log on and check for updates.
Make sure that there are no extra programs running in the background that might interfere with the games execution.
Click here for instructions on ending your background tasks.
Make sure your drivers and system files are as up to date as possible. The computer might be giving an
instruction to a device that simply does not know how to proceed.
Click here for instructions on updating drivers.
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<strong><a name="tfd_serial"></a> Where is the serial number? It does not appear on the back of the DVD case.</strong>
The serial number is located on the back of the game manual. Be sure to keep the manual in a secure
location so that you can reference it when needed.
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<strong><a name="tfd_DVD_emulation"></a>Why does the game say 'CD/DVD Emulation Software Detected'?</strong>
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<strong><a name="tfd_lag"></a>How do you improve online gameplay and lag?</strong>
Online gaming is a fairly involved process. Several factors can contribute or take away from, a fun online
experience. When troubleshooting online performance you have to keep in mind that you are not only dealing with
your computer, but also the computer you are connecting to. Every computer your signal passes through can also
affect the speed and overall quality of an online game.
Information transfer on the Internet is handled by shuttling bits of information, known as packets.
For example, when you visited this web page all the parts of the page were passed to your modem in packets.
Playing online games, is simply a matter of passing packets back and forth between your computer and a server.
One issue possibly affecting high-speed connections to our online games is one of packets. Many high-speed modems
have no minimum specified packet size for outbound packets. When given a smaller packet, a correctly configured
router will pad the packet to an acceptable size, and then will pass the information along. In the case of
the older Internet router code, these packets may not be padded and can be discarded or corrupted before
continuing along to the game server. The information passed through your modem to our servers may be corrupted or
discarded - resulting in lost information, disconnects, lag, and other problems.
To check into this packet loss you can run a trace route program to see if there is any major loss on the way.
EA uses a trace program that was originally made for one of EA's games. This program can be used for any online trace.
Run UOTrace to determine routing factors.
Click here for instructions on using UO Trace.
Another issue is the speed with which your system processes the data and sends it our again. If your system
meets the minimum requirements for the game make sure the system also meets the requirements for playing on the Internet. These extra requirements can include:
Proper connection speed
Higher memory requirements
If your system has any virus scanning or Internet security software running these to, can slow down your signal.
These programs check every packet that goes in or out of the system. Make sure that all non-essential programs
are turned off before starting the game.
Click here for instructions on ending your background tasks.
Along with background tasks make sure the system is running in top performance. Make sure all of the drivers are up to date. If the drivers are up to date then it reduces the chance of system hang ups which could create lag.
Click here for instructions on updating drivers.
Ingame details and options can impact packet size and speed. The more details you have turned on, the more information the game has to process. If you have any filters for text, these can also slow down the game. Try lowering options to speed up game play. Here is a small example list of things that could slow down online games.
Translation filters for incoming text.
Error logging
Obscenity filters
High end lighting effects
High graphic details
In-game viewing distance.
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<strong><a name="tfd_direct3d"></a>Why are there 'Direct3D' or 'D3D' errors when starting the game?</strong>
These errors result from a conflict with your video card.
Open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Click here for steps on opening the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Verify that you meet all requirements for the game, especially the video card requirements as this error relates to a video option.
Click here for assistance in finding the minimum requirements for the game.
On the Display tab, make sure that Direct3D Acceleration is set to Enabled.
Click the Enable button if it is set to Disabled.
If Direct3D is N/A then you will need to contact you system or video card manufacturer to correct this.
Make sure you have the newest manufacturer video card drivers.
Click here for assistance locating video card drivers.
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<strong><a name="tfd_lock_sound"></a>Why does my game lockup with repeating sound?</strong>
If the game locks up with a sound loop this can often be caused by a conflict with the sound card.
Often the sound card's hardware acceleration must be adjusted to communicate properly with the game.
In this case it will be necessary to lower the system's sound hardware acceleration to Basic.
Click here for steps on adjusting sound hardware acceleration.
Additionally it is important to ensure that all background tasks have been ended. Applications running in the
background can result in random lockups occurring within the game.
Click here for instructions on ending your background tasks.
After all background tasks have been ended it is advisable to empty the Windows Temp folder.
Click here for steps on emptying your Temp folder.
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<strong><a name="tfd_lock_debugger"></a> Why does the 'Unload Debugger and Try Again' error message occur?</strong>
Typically this is related to a debugger that comes with either the ULead software for an AMD processor,
or the software for an Audigy 2 sound card. These are relatively easy to disable.
Disabling the ULead software debugger that comes with an AMD processor just requires renaming a file.
Click the Start button.
Click Search (it may be called Find on some computers).
Select All Files and Folders.
Type amdfix.sys in the search box.
Once found, right-click on the amdfix.sys file and choose Rename.
Rename the file to amdfix.sys.old.
Restart your computer.
You should no longer receive the error (assuming you do not have another debugger running). If the ULead
software reports any errors, simply remove the .old from the file name, but you will need to rename it again
before playing the game.
Disabling the software that causes the conflict with Audigy 2 software requires changing an option in the software.
Click on the Start button.
Click on All Programs.
Click on Creative.
Click on Sound Blaster Audigy 2.
Click on the Welcome Menu.
On the lower right hand side, click on Do Not Show This Again.
Click on Close.
Restart the computer.
The error should no longer occur. If it does, you may need to uninstall the Audigy 2 software and
install drivers without the extra software.
Check to locate information on your
sound card and finding driversfor it if you require more assistance.
Another solution is uninstalling the Audigy 2 software package and installing the Audigy 2 with the Drivers Only option.
Closing down all unnecessary background applications will help prevent the error as well.
Click here for instructions on ending your background tasks.
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<strong><a name="tfd_directx"></a>Why doesn't the DirectX version update after you install a new version?</strong>
This is typically due to an improper installation. Try reinstalling DirectX directly from Microsoft's
webpage to allow it to update. If your system still doesn't allow DirectX to update, contact your system
manufacturer for further assistance in installing DirectX as it is a system program from Microsoft.
Click here for information on reinstalling DirectX
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<strong><a name="tfd_autoplay"></a>Why does the autoplay screen not appear?</strong>
When the autoplay screen does not appear, this is usually due to processes running in the background
that conflict with the game.
First, make sure the game disk is in the drive. If you have a DVD-edition disk, please make sure you are
using a DVD-rom drive and that all of the background tasks have been shut down.
Click here for instructions on ending your background tasks.
Now you can start the game manually.
If you need to start the installer:
Open My Computer.
Right-click on the game disk icon and choose Open.
Double-click on the Setup icon. This will start the installation.
If you want to play the game (it has already installed):
Double-click on the game icon on your desktop or in the Start Menu. This will start the program.
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<strong><a name="tfd_getsetup"></a>Why is there a 'GET SETUP' error whilst installing DirectX?</strong>
This error is typically due to a conflict in the system files. You can, however, manually replace a
file that should allow you to install DirectX.
Insert the game disk into the drive.
Open My Computer.
Right-click on the game disk icon and choose Explore.
Open the DirectX folder.
Right-click on the dsetup.dll file and choose Copy.
Close the window.
Re-open the My Computer window.
Open the Local Disk C: drive.
Open the WINDOWS folder.
Open the SYSTEM32 folder.
Right-click on any empty space in the folder and choose Paste.
Close all open windows.
Now run the installation again.
If the issue persists, you should reinstall DirectX directly from Microsoft's webpage.
Click here for information on reinstalling DirectX
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<strong><a name="tfd_virus"></a>Why is there a virus or file content warning during installation?</strong>
Virus protection programs can stop, block, or otherwise prohibit proper installation of many programs.
Before installation, please completely turn off and disable all such protection programs, then end all unnecessary
background tasks and processes.
Click here for instructions on ending your background tasks.
After closing those, you can run the installation program. When this is complete you may turn your protection programs back on. We do not recommend running protection programs when you are running the game, either, if conflicts (such as not allowing saving) occur.
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<strong><a name="tfd_sound"></a>Why is there no sound in the game?</strong>
If there is no sound at all in the game, this is usually due to a miscommunication in the hardware itself.
Check the volume level on your speakers to make sure they are set to an audible level.
Check the connections from your speakers to both the computer and a power source.
Check the volume settings on your computer to make sure they are set to an audible level.
Locate the speaker icon for volume next to the clock on the taskbar.
Right-click on the icon and choose Open Volume Control.
Make sure nothing is muted.
You may want to set all the sliders to full volume until the issue is resolved (at which point you can adjust the sliders to suit you).
Make sure that you have a sound card not only installed, but recognized by the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Click here for steps on using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Verify that your sound card meets the requirements for the game.
Click here for assistance finding the minimum requirements.
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<strong><a name="tfd_winlogo"></a>'Has not passed Windows logo testing' error when installing DirectX.</strong>
This is a known system conflict that has been documented by Microsoft
(who produce both your operating system and the DirectX program). Please contact Microsoft or
your system manufacturer for further information and troubleshooting for this issue.
You can also visit Microsoft's Support site at
http://support.microsoft.com.
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<strong><a name="tfd_site_licence"></a>How do I obtain a site license for Electronic Arts games?</strong>
If you own a LAN game center (a physical and permanent business location offering PC and/or console games)
in the United States or Canada, you can obtain a site license authorizing the use of certain games published
by Electronic Arts.
iGames is a company that offers services for game centers. They manage EA�s game center site license program.
To obtain the site license:
Register your game center as a Standard or Advantage iGames member at
www.igames.org.
Log into your iGames account
Go to the licensing section and apply for the EA Site License.
You will be required to fill out the Site License Agreement and purchase all games for use in the game center through the designated sales channel.
If you would like more information, please contact license@igames.org or call iGames directly at (650) 917-9888 ext 223.
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<strong><a name="tfd_warranty"></a>What is the Electronic Arts Warranty Policy?</strong>
NOTICE: Please refer to the original documentation that came with your product for warranty replacement
information specific to your product.
Product Exchange or Return:
If you meet one of the following criteria and you are within the 90 day warranty period, you can return the product to Electronic Arts for a replacement.
The product was determined to be defective by an Electronic Arts Technical Support representative.
The product has been determined to be incompatible with your computer by an Electronic Arts Technical Support Representative.
The product will not work on your computer because you do not meet the requirements.
When sending us your product, be sure to include a photocopy of the sales receipt showing the date of purchase, as well as the Requested Information shown below.
Product Replacement:
If you meet one of the following criteria, you can send your product along with a nominal fee to Electronic Arts for a replacement product.
The product is 90 days past the purchase date
The product has been scratched, broken, or has been damaged in another fashion.
When sending us your product, be sure to include a check or money order for the amount shown in the replacement costs section made payable to Electronic Arts, as well as all of the information in the requested information section below.
Make all checks payable to: Electronic Arts
Documentation Request:
If the purchased product does not contain a manual in either a physical or electronic form, and you are within the 90 day warranty period, you can return the product to Electronic Arts for a replacement. When sending us your request, please be sure to include a photocopy of the sales receipt showing the date of purchase as well as all of the information in the requested information section below.
Documentation Replacement:
If the manual has been lost, or you wish to purchase a printed version of the manual, you can request that one be sent to you. When sending us your request, please be sure to include a check or money order for the amount listed in the replacement costs section made payable to Electronic Arts, as well as all of the information listed in the requested information section.
Make all checks payable to: Electronic Arts
Requested Information:
Explanation of your situation
First and Last Name
Return Address
E-mail Address
Phone Number
Replacement Costs:
PC-CD products: $13.00 USD
Playstation 2, Xbox, or Xbox 360 products: $20.00 USD
Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, or Sony PSP products: $15.00 USD
Sony PlayStation products: $15.00 USD
Nintendo Gameboy, Gameboy Color, or Gameboy Advanced products: $15.00 USD
Jewel Case Classics products: $7.50 USD
Manual (Documentation) replacement: $5.00 USD
Mailing Address:
Electronic Arts Customer Warranty
209 Redwood Shores Pkwy
Redwood City, CA 94065
Note: We strongly recommend that you send your product using a traceable delivery method. Electronic Arts is not responsible for products not in its possession.
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