Thank you for purchasing EA SPORTS NBA LIVE 2004. This README file contains
information on new features not covered in the manual. It also contains
instructions on installing and running NBA LIVE 2004. Finally, this README
file contains up-to-date information on Dynasty Mode, performance issues,
multiplayer issues and hardware issues.

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1) System Requirements
        a) System Requirements 
	b) Multiplayer Requirements
	c) Supported 3D Graphic Accelerators
	d) Supported Input Devices
2) Installation
	a) Installation Program
	b) DirectX Installation
3) Performance Issues and Troubleshooting
	a) Memory Tips
	b) Video Tips
	c) Sound Tips
	d) Game Controller Tips
	e) CD-ROM Tips
	f) 3D Accelerator Tips
	g) Gameplay Performance Tips
        h) Windows Service Packs
	i) Network Connect Tips
	j) Internet Connect Tips
4) EA SPORTS Dynasty Mode Info
5) Roster Accuracy
6) Saved Files
7) EA SPORTS Online Services
	a) Overview
	b) EA SPORTS Online Requirements
8) Screenshots

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===========================================================================
1) SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
===========================================================================

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a) System Requirements
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OPERATING SYSTEM
- Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 or Windows XP
  (Windows 95 and Windows NT are not supported)

CPU
- 600 MHz Intel Pentium III or higher

MEMORY
- 128 MB RAM

HARD DRIVE SPACE
- 1500 MB free hard drive space
  (additional space required for DirectX 9.0a installation, Internet
  Explorer 6.0 SP1 installation and Windows swap-file)

GRAPHICS
- 32 MB DirectX 9.0a Compatible Video card
 (see supported video cards in section 1.c)

CD-ROM
- 16x CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive using 32-bit CD-ROM driver

AUDIO
- Sound card with DirectSound support and DirectX 9.0a compatible driver

INTERNET
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1

DIRECTX
- DirectX 9.0a

INPUT DEVICES
- Keyboard
- Mouse

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b) Multiplayer Requirements
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INTERNET PLAY (2-8 PLAYERS, 2 PC's, 1-4 PLAYERS PER PC)
- 56 Kbps or faster Internet Connection
- High speed serial port (16550 UART) required for external modems
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1
- 1 NBA LIVE 2004 CD per PC
 
NETWORK (2-8 PLAYERS, 2 PC's, 1-4 PLAYERS PER PC)
- TCP/IP compliant network
- 1 NBA LIVE 2004 CD per PC
 
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c) Supported 3D Graphic Accelerators
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ATI Radeon 7200, ATI Radeon 7500, ATI Radeon 8500 
ATI Radeon 9000, ATI Radeon 9100, ATI Radeon 9200, ATI Radeon 9500, 
ATI Radeon 9600, ATI Radeon 9700, ATI Radeon 9800, Matrox Parhelia, 
NVIDIA GeForce 2/MX/GTS/Ultra/Ti, NVIDIA GeForce 3/Ti,
NVIDIA GeForce 4/MX/Ti, NVIDIA Quadro series,
NVIDIA GeForce FX series, SIS 315, SIS 400

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d) Supported Input Devices
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Microsoft Windows compatible Keyboard, 
Microsoft Windows compatible Mouse
NBA LIVE 2004 recommends the Logitech Dual Action controller. This 
controller will give access to all the gameplay features.
===========================================================================
2) INSTALLATION
===========================================================================

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a) Installation Program
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1) Start the Windows operating system.

2) Close all open programs and background tasks, including virus
   scanners.

3) Insert the NBA LIVE 2004 CD #1 into your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive. The
   Autorun menu appears.

NOTE: If the Autorun menu does not automatically appear, click the Start
      button from the Windows Taskbar and select Run....
      At the Run dialog box, type d:\autorun, then click OK.
      (substitute the correct letter of your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive if other
      than D:)

4) Click INSTALL. The CD Key screen appears.

5) At the CD Key screen, enter the CD Key code.

6) The computer then detects if DirectX 9.0a and Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1
   are installed on your system.

NOTE: If DirectX 9.0a (or higher) or Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1(or higher) 
      are not detected on your computer, a prompt informs you that it is
      necessary to install both programs. Follow the on-screen
      instructions. Click OK to continue and restart your computer.

7) The Setup Type screen appears. Select TYPICAL USER (recommended for
   most users) and Click NEXT to continue.

NOTE: If you choose ADVANCED USER installation please note that the default 
      install directory is C:\Program Files\EA SPORTS\NBA LIVE 2004
      (where C:\ is your system default drive). To change the directory,
      click BROWSE, then choose the folder and/or drive you want to install
      to.

8) The Electronic Registration screen appears.

NOTE: Select REGISTER NOW and follow the on-screen instructions
      regarding Electronic Registration. Once completed, the Registration
      Confirmation screen appears. Select OK.

NOTE: If you choose REGISTER LATER, a dialogue box appears regarding
      technical support. Select OK.

9) The files are copied from the CD to your hard drive. Once all files
   have been copied NBA LIVE 2004 will automatically launch.

NOTE: Only eject the CD when the game asks for the 2nd CD in the 
      installation process otherwise do not eject the CD while installing 
      the game. It can prevent the game from installing properly.
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b) DirectX Installation
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If you do not have DirectX installed to your computer, or you have a
version previous to 9.0a installed, you need to install DirectX 9.0a. It
is included on the NBA LIVE 2004 CD.

DIRECTX INSTALLATION NOTES
DirectX is an Application Programming Interface provided by Microsoft,
which gives Windows based applications high-performance, real-time
access to your hardware. This makes the DirectX API well suited for
Windows games. NBA LIVE 2004 uses the DirectX 9.0a API and includes 
DirectX 9.0a files that you can install.

Two DirectX components, DirectDraw and DirectSound, may require updating
your video card and sound card drivers respectively, for proper operation
of these components. Using video card and sound card drivers that do not
have DirectX support will result in display and audio problems in DirectX
applications. During the installation of DirectX, your video card and
sound card drivers will be updated if required.

===========================================================================
3) PERFORMANCE ISSUES AND TROUBLESHOOTING
===========================================================================

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a) Memory Tips
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WINDOWS MEMORY
NBA LIVE 2004 requires 128 MB RAM plus Virtual Memory Enabled. We advise
that you let Windows manage the amount of virtual memory automatically
(the default setting), and that you have at least 100 MB free hard disk
space after installation.

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b) Video Tips
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WINDOWS 98/ME VIDEO PROBLEMS
Choppy or stuttering video problems while running in Windows 98/ME
may be improved by adjusting the CD-ROM read-ahead caching. This option is
available by right-clicking on your the "My Computer" icon, selecting
Properties, then Performance, File System, CD-ROM and choosing "Optimize
access pattern for quad-speed or higher" from the menu. The "Supplemental
Cache Size" should be set to SMALL.

NOTE: Setting this to maximum will not improve performance in NBA LIVE 2004
      and may actually harm performance by reserving RAM that would
      otherwise be available for the game.

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c) Sound Tips
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WINDOWS SOUND
NBA LIVE 2004 requires a sound card with DirectSound support. If your sound
card driver does not have DirectSound support you may experience choppy or
stuttering sound, or sound that cuts in and out.

INSTALLED SOUND CARD, BUT THERE IS NO SOUND
Make sure your speakers or headphones are plugged into the appropriate jack
and the volume control is turned up.
 
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d) Game Controller Tips
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A Microsoft Windows compatible mouse is required to navigate through the 
front end screens and menus of NBA LIVE 2004. It is also required to 
operate the Pause Menu and Instant Replay during gameplay.

CONTROLLER CALIBRATION IN WINDOWS
You must calibrate your controller from the Control Panel for the controller
to be recognized within the game. To install or calibrate your controller
in Windows, access the Control Panel, and launch the Gaming Options
applet. Note that some gaming devices use their own applets or software
for installation and calibration.

If problems with controllers are encountered, ensure you have the latest 
manufacturer drivers installed. There is a known issue with several 
gamepads not being properly recognized at the side-select screen. Simply
use your mouse to drag the controller to the side you wish to play and 
the controller should function correctly during gameplay.
 
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e) CD-ROM Tips
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CD-ROM REQUIREMENTS
A 16x or faster CD-ROM drive is required to run NBA LIVE 2004.
 
RECEIVE "A REQUIRED FILE COULD NOT BE FOUND" ERROR MESSAGE WHEN INSTALLING
OR RUNNING THE GAME
- Make sure the game was properly installed.
- Make sure that the CD is in the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive. The CD must be in
  the drive to install or run the game.
- Make sure that the CD is not scratched or damaged.
 
CD-ROM PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS
Ensure that you are using a 32-bit native Windows driver to control your
CD-ROM drive. These drivers can be configured from the Device Manager in
the Control Panel > System Properties. Do not use a DOS-based 16-bit
driver (loaded in CONFIG.SYS) to control your CD-ROM as this is not
supported in NBA LIVE 2004.
 
CHOPPY OR STUTTERING VIDEO OR AUDIO
These problems may be improved by adjusting the CD-ROM read-ahead cache
(Windows 98/ME):
 
To adjust the read-ahead cache:
- At the Windows desktop, right-click the "My Computer" icon,
  then select Properties from the pop-up menu.
- Click the Performance tab, then click File System
- Click the CD-ROM tab, then click in the "Optimize access pattern
  for:" box, and choose QUAD-SPEED OR HIGHER.
- Move the "Supplemental cache size:" slider to SMALL, then click Apply.

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f) 3D Accelerator Tips
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are experiencing problems with your video card and NBA LIVE 2004,
we recommend updating you video card driver by downloading the latest
driver available from the video card manufacturer. If there is no
improvement, try using the latest driver provided by the video chipset
manufacturer. Your video card chipset is the video processing chip located
on your video card. If there is no information in your video card manual or
website, check the video card for an identifying chip with the chipset
manufacturer's name on it
 
If you experience video problems, try lowering Details levels
from the menu within the game.

HARDWARE GRAPHICS ACCELERATION
NBA LIVE 2004 requires the Hardware Graphics Acceleration setting in
Windows to be set to Full.
To set the Graphics Acceleration setting to Full:
1. Open Display Properties, then click on Settings.
2. Click on Advanced..., then Performance/Troubleshooting.
3. Click on Performance.
4. Drag the Hardware acceleration Slider to the rightmost position.
5. Click on Apply.
6. Click on OK and exit Display Properties.

SCREEN TEARING
If you experience tearing effects on screen, try toggling the V-SYNC
setting in the Detail Settings screen to ON.

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g) Gameplay Performance Tips
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
If gameplay is not as smooth or responsive as desired, there are several
things that can be done to improve performance. In general, your computer's
CPU speed and your video card will be the most important factors impacting
performance, but memory configuration and CD-ROM configuration can also
affect performance. Refer to Memory Tips and CD-ROM tips earlier in this
document.
 
WINDOWS PERFORMANCE
At Electronic Arts we strive to bring you the best in graphics, audio
and gameplay. We are always pushing the envelope of computer performance.
While we have made every effort to ensure that NBA LIVE 2004 multi-tasks
with all Windows applications, we recommend that you shut down other
applications (including virus scanners) and run NBA LIVE 2004 by itself
when possible.
 
DETAIL SETTINGS
To improve speed and responsiveness in gameplay, you can use the Detail
Settings screen in the Pause menu and Front End to toggle various options
on or off.
 
Your monitor may not support some of the resolutions that your video card
may be able to display. NBA LIVE 2004 detects the resolutions that your
video card can display, not your monitor. Check your monitor manual for
its available display resolutions or attempt to change your Windows
desktop resolution to the same resolution to want to achieve. If you change
the resolution in the game via the Detail Settings menu and the display
becomes scrambled and illegible, your monitor probably does not support
that resolution.

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h) Windows Service Packs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

We recommend that you install the latest Service Packs if you are using
Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

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i) Network Connect Tips
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NBA LIVE 2004 requires a TCP/IP protocol network and network interface
card for network play.
 
If you experience difficulties with network play, you may want to consult
your network manual or network administrator for specific information on
loading drivers.

CONNECTION PROBLEMS
Make sure the computers you are trying to connect are on the same network
and are using the same protocol.

NETWORK PERFORMANCE ISSUES
There are various adjustments you can make to be sure you get the best
performance out of your network game. These apply to the host computer
as well as the clients, but try them on the host alone first as this
may solve all the problems.
 
Make sure the host computer (the one that creates the network game) is
the fastest of the computers, as it controls the game speed.
 
High-traffic networks will slow the game down considerably. Avoid playing
the game at peak traffic hours, while there are large file transfers or
print jobs being done.
 
The slowest computer limits performance. Adjusting the in-game resolution
via the Detail Settings menu on a slow machine can help boost performance
in a network game.
 
GENERAL NETWORK INFORMATION
Do not run any Windows applications that communicate over the
network in the background (e.g., mail programs, personal schedulers,
system or network monitors).
 
Make sure you have messenger services disabled.

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j) Internet Connect Tips
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
NBA LIVE 2004 requires a Windows compatible 56 Kbps or faster modem for
Internet play. A high-speed (16550 UART) serial port is required
for external modems.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
In order to experience the best possible gameplay, you will require a high
performance Internet connection. Internet performance can change
dramatically depending on a variety of factors: how far the game
information has to travel, the route it takes to arrive at its destination,
the amount of traffic sharing the same route, and the throughput of the
computers that operate the Internet and ISPs (Internet Service Providers).
 
In general, the faster your Internet connection, the better your
performance will be. Upgrading to ISDN, DSL or Cable modem if these
services are available in your area will improve your connection speed.
However, the quality of performance is dependent on the speed of both
computers' connections. For this reason you should always attempt to
connect to computers with fast connections of their own.
 
If you experience performance problems when playing over the Internet,
make sure you are using a dependable ISP.

TCP/IP CONFIGURATION NOTES
In certain situations, NBA LIVE 2004 may incorrectly identify the existence
(or non-existence) of an active Internet connection on your system. This
situation can arise when both a Network Adapter configured to use TCP/IP,
and a Modem (and associated Dial-up Networking connection to an Internet
Service Provider) are installed simultaneously in the same system.
 
To avoid this detection problem, select "Never dial a connection" in the
"Connections" tab in the Internet Options dialog located in the Control
Panel. This will prevent the Modem from trying to automatically dial your
ISP. If you connect to your ISP manually BEFORE running NBA LIVE 2004
(using this setting), the game will function normally.

===========================================================================
4) EA SPORTS DYNASTY MODE INFO
===========================================================================

This section of the README file is intended to give you a basic
introduction to some of the key parts of Dynasty Mode. It is a very
simple overview, without providing too much detail.

CORE ELEMENTS OF DYNASTY MODE
 
POINT LIMIT
This simulates the salary cap management aspect of a GM's job and must be
managed throughout Dynasty Mode. The Point Limit increases over the 25
seasons.
 
CPU SIGNING/TRADING
Computer-controlled GM's will attempt to improve their teams by initiating
trades and signing available Free Agents.
 
FREE AGENCY
Players are signed to contracts between 1 and 7 years and become free
agents when the contracts expire.
 
RETIRING PLAYERS
Players may decide to call it quits once they reach a certain age.
 
DRAFT LOTTERY
Held once per year in the off-season, the draft lottery is used to
determine first round order of selection for the rookie draft.
 
ROOKIE DRAFT
Held once per year in the off-season, the rookie draft provides the
league an influx of new talent.
 
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Players' skills improve and decline at the end of each season. 
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO REMEMBER
- Dynasty Mode extends for 25 seasons, after which GM performance is
  graded in several key areas.

- Players are signed to contracts at a per-year point amount. Contracts
  range from 1 to 7 years.

- The number of points a Free Agent requires to be signed over the
  current contract length is based on the player's relative worth compared
  to the rest of the league, his age, and other factors.

- You cannot go over the Point limit when signing a Free Agent unless
  you are re-signing your own player during the Re-sign Players phase,
  or signing a player for minimum points (30,000).

- You may sign any Free Agent for minimum points.
 
- When making a trade that would end with one or both teams over the
  point limit, the points involved in the trade must be equal on both
  sides to within 20% of the higher point amount, plus a fudge factor
  of 10,000 points.
 
- When a player is released to free up roster space, his contract
  continues to count against his former team's point limit until the
  contract runs out, the player is signed by another team, or he retires.
 
- Order of selection in the first round of the Rookie Draft is determined
  by the Draft Lottery.
 
- Teams with fewer wins in the previous season have a higher chance of
  receiving one of the top three draft picks. Teams that made the playoffs
  in the previous season are not eligible to receive a lottery pick.
 
- Following the Rookie Draft, first round rookies are signed to guaranteed
  3 year contracts at a point amount based on the rookie point scale for
  their draft position. Second round picks are signed to 1 year contracts
  at minimum points.

- The Scouting Report shows information about each rookie in the rookie
  draft, including an approximate prediction as to where he should/will
  be drafted, and his top three strengths or weaknesses. It also lists
  his potential for continued development.

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5) ROSTER ACCURACY
===========================================================================

The Team Rosters in NBA LIVE 2004 are determined by actual NBA rosters as
of October 9, 2003. Some players are not included in the game for legal
or contractual reasons.

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6) SAVED FILES
===========================================================================

NBA LIVE 2004 stores various saved files and settings in the
MY DOCUMENTS\NBA LIVE 2004 folder on your hard drive. Under Windows 2000
and Windows XP these files are stored on a per-user basis. The following is
an overview of the name of the folders and what information they contain:

\database\profiles  stores User Profiles saved from the User Profile
                    Overlay
 
\screenshots        stores Screenshots saved from Instant Replay and by
                    pressing F12 on the keyboard
 
\playerstats        stores Player Stats saved from the Player Stats screen
\gamestats	    stores Game Stats saved from the Team Stats screen
\teamstats          stores Team Stats saved from the Team Stats screen
\userstats          stores User Stats saved from the User Stats screen
 
\configs            stores Controller Configurations saved from the
                    Configure Controller screen
 
\saves              stores Rosters, Season, Playoff and Dynasty Mode
		    files saved from the Load/Save screen

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7) EA SPORTS ONLINE SERVICES
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a) Overview
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join EA SPORTS Online today and unlock the most exciting online sports
gaming experience!  Already an EA SPORTS online Member? Returning 
members qualify for 2000 Tokens in each title they register.  
Even if you are new to the EA SPORTS community the new and improved 
features in 2004 are sure to keep you playing online.

Your Career
You are an online athlete!  Participate and compete online to build up 
your statistics, improve your Ranking and watch your Career progress 
year after year!  Your History lists your accomplishments in all 
titles. Your Level indicates to everyone your experience. And your 
Rating determines your absolute abilities making you the most sought 
after competitor or the biggest target on the Internet!

MatchUp
It has never been easier to play your favorite EA SPORTS title 
online!  MatchUp makes locating an online opponent fast and easy.  
Locate another Member with similar abilities or go for it and 
challenge a Member rated as one of the best!   

Tournaments
Every EA SPORTS Online title includes the ability to join or 
create large scale, high stakes Tournaments!  Create a single 
round knockout event or a round robin Club Vs. Club blowout! 
Establish the rules and let them line up to enter!  Or sign up for 
EA SPORTS sponsored events around the world! 

Clubs
Combine your efforts with other online athletes to create a Club for 
friendly competition or become a devastating force of online sports 
supremacy.  Compete as a Club in regular online contests and against 
other Clubs in new Club Vs. Club Tournaments. 

Messenger
Message other EA SPORTS online Members instantly!  Add other online 
Members to your Messenger and be instantly connected to your friends 
and rivals.  Share a password, recruit to a Club, or challenge each 
other to an online MatchUp.  Even message other Members playing other 
EA SPORTS online titles.

Pro Play
Play by the rules. The official EA SPORTS Online rules of online play 
mean that Rankings are based on everyone playing with the same game 
options. Create a custom game according to your preferences, or 
select Pro Play and go right into game play.

Leaderboards
Which Club is number 1?  Who is the highest Rated player?  And who 
is the best online athlete in the EA SPORTS community? The new 
Leaderboard tracks and sorts the top Clubs and Members against a huge 
variety of game play statistics.

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b) EA SPORTS Online Requirements
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

To play online, you have to ensure:

a. The correct version of Internet Explorer is installed
- Go to www.microsoft.com and click on "more downloads" on the right hand 
  side of the webpage
- Select Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 and download this executable
- Install IE 6 SP1 on your computer

b. Macromedia Flash(tm), version 6.0.79.0 or later is installed.
The software will install Flash for you if you don't already have it on your 
PC.

c. EA SPORTS Online components are installed
- After the game is installed, EA SPORTS Online components may be 
  installed by doing the following:
		- Insert Disc 1
		- Run EASOInstaller.exe in the CommonEASO folder
		
d. Firewalls
Note that if you have a firewall and want to play online, the following 
TCP/IP ports must be open in the outbound direction:
	HTTP		80       TCP/IP
	HTTPS		443      TCP/IP
	MsgConn/IM	13500    TCP/IP
	Roomsvr		24801-24809      TCP/IP

The following UDP ports must be opened for game packets for the outbound 
and inbound connections:
	Game Packets 	3658   UDP

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8) SCREENSHOTS
===========================================================================

You can take screenshots in NBA LIVE 2004 at any point by pressing F12.
Alternatively, you can take screenshots from Instant Replay by clicking the
SCREENSHOT button. Screenshots are placed in the MY DOCUMENTS\NBA LIVE
2004\screenshots folder on your hard drive.

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