While setting up a new PC for my kid's school, I discovered that Type to Learn 3 would not work on Microsoft Vista Home Premium.
The error I was getting was: Fatal Error : Failed to open DAT file "Splash"
I tried the various compatibility modes and Vista, but always got the same error immediately upon launching the program. A Google search for this error revealed some reviews from people getting the same error, but nothing helpful.
I called the Sunburst tech support number and they explained that the version I was installing (marked 1.0h on the CD) was not compatible for Vista. They did manufacture a version of Type to Learn 3 that was compatible with Vista, but it had been discontinued since Type to Learn 4 was their current release.
I decided to see if I could debug the issue myself and found a folder on the installation CD named "Res" that did not get copied to the program folder at the time of installation. It had a subdirectory named "DAT", which contained a file named "SPLASH.DAT". Aha! I then copied the entire contents of the "Res" folder to the TTL3Home program folder on the PC (See note below), tried the program again, and it worked fine. Problem solved.
Note that I initially tried to copy the "Res" folder while logged in as a non-administrator. As expected, Vista prompted me for the administrator password, but then it only pretended to copy the files. Nothing actually copied and there were no errors indicated. I had to logout of the user account and login as an administrator before I could copy the files. Probably something obvious, but the reason doesn't come to mind immediately. In any case, the problem is fixed so all is good.
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Thank You!!! We read over and over that this program is not compatible with Windows 7. We tried your fix and it worked!!! Thanks for posting this. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for taking the time to post this! We purchased this software to parallel activities at my son's elementary school. I was ready to return it when I found your post - simple copying of the folder and we were up and running!
ReplyDeleteThanks - one fo the top hits on google for type to learn 3 failed splash dat. 30 second fix and my daughter thinks I'm the biz!
ReplyDeleteThank you for figuring out the fix! I bought the "Type to Learn 3" package for my granddaughter, thinking the '3' in the title meant a typing skill level, not a software version. Sunburst, the manufacturer, sent me a copy of your fix when I made a complaint to them. After following your instructions, I made the program work fine!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS! Your fix also works for Windows 7 Pro 64-bit! Just to clarify all I did was install normally and then copy the "Res" directory and its contents from the install disk into the "C:\TTL3Home" directory on my hard-disk. Do NOT change the program location or the "Sunburst" name/folder during install to anywhere or anything else. Then program works properly. I do get some jitter in the sound and it occassionally freezes (just push something and it unfreezes), but the kids don't care - it works and is a fun program for them (and me).
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this and for leaving it up. At our school, we cannot afford to update our software when the operating system is changed, so we truly appreciate this information.
ReplyDeleteThanks worked for me also!!! I also have windows 7 and got the same error. I followed your advice and now the program is working!!! Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteThis might be of possible interest to those in a school environment?
ReplyDeleteIf you're installing on Windows 7 from a network UNC share, the installer program seems to get decidedly unhappy and doesn't actually install the program, though it says it has. WinXP doesn't appear to need the copy over of the setup, but it does need the ISS answer file copied over.
I ended up using a compiled AU3 script which first copies the installer folder to the %temp% drive, then add compatibility flags to the per-user key for the setup.exe in the temp folder. It then changes the NTFS permissions so that non-admins can write to it.
I should say our Win7 setup has UAC disabled, so I can't guarantee the script will work if you have it enabled.
The code is laughable, but at least it seems to work. I've made it in lots of subroutines so that it's hopefully vaguely easy to follow :)
I can't put it here as the script is too long, but should anyone require it, get in touch via the contact part of my website and I'll send them the source.
Thank you!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks... worked like a charm
ReplyDeleteThis tip is 3+ years old and it is still working. Just tried on TTL3 on my windows 7 home and worked. Tried TTL4 earlier but its design was so much worse than the old TTL3, so we have to stick on the old TTL3 for the time being.
ReplyDeleteYup. Still working in 2017, this time on Windows 7 Pro, which is installed via Bootcamp on a MacBook Pro. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteWorks with Windows 10! Thank you
ReplyDelete