Nancy Drew: #2 Stay Tuned for Danger – Installation
Stay Tuned for Danger Digital Installer Instructions
Make sure you’re logged on as an Administrator for your computer, temporarily disable your anti-virus protection (be sure to re-enable your anti-virus protection after the game download is complete).
In order to install the digital download of Stay Tuned for Danger (STFD) the following steps will need to be taken, in addition to the installation steps.
1. Create a new folder under: C:\Program Files (x86)\Her Interactive and label it STFD.
2. Double-click the “StFDSetup.exe” to start the unpacker.
3. Click “Next” to begin.
4. Click “Next” to continue, do not change install path.
5. Click “Next” to continue, do not check desktop icon box.
6. Click “Install.”
7. Wait for installation to complete.
8. Click “Finish” to close the unpacker and launch the game installer.
Note: Users with UAC on will see the warning message that Setup.exe (game installer) is from an unknown publisher, if you see this warning message click “Yes” to continue. After clicking “Yes” it can take upwards of twenty minutes for installation to proceed. To avoid this, turn UAC off, reboot your computer, and proceed with installation. If you need instructions on turning UAC off, please email techsupport@herinteractive.com.
Installation:
1. Click “Install Stay Tuned for Danger” to begin.
2. Click “Next” to continue until you are prompted to choose a destination location.
3. Click “Browse” to open the directory window.
4. Change the default path to C:\Program Files (x86)\Her Interactive\STFD
5. Continue forward with the installation process. When asked if you want to install DirectX, check “No, I will install myself.”
6. Upon completion, click “Finish and exit setup.”
You may also need to run in compatibility mode:
1. Right-click the game icon that is now on your desktop, select ‘Properties.’
2. Under ‘Properties’, click on the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
3. Check the ‘Run in Compatibility Mode’ box and then select ‘Windows XP Service Pack 3’ or ‘Windows 98/Me’ from the drop-down menu.
Note: this installer does not create a desktop shortcut; if you would like a desktop shortcut, go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Her Interactive\STFD. Locate the application file (Game.exe), right-click, hover over ‘Send To’ and select ‘Desktop’ (create shortcut).
If, after installing, you receive a sound engine error, see the below steps.
Resolving the Nancy Drew Sound Engine Error
The issue pertains to the driver for the audio device in your computer. At this time, it seems to only affect “integrated” sound cards; it does not appear to affect after-market sound cards that can be added internally or externally to a computer.
To help identify whether you are using “integrated” sound, locate the wiring from your computer speakers and follow it back to where it plugs into your computer. If the speaker cable plugs directly into the computer with connectors that looks like those pictured below, you are using an “integrated” audio device.
If you trace the speaker cable back to a connection that looks like it sits in a slot similar to the picture below, then you likely have an after-market “add-on” sound card.
The sound error arises when a Nancy Drew game launches and it looks for the sound card drivers; some integrated sound card drivers are incompatible and will result in an error.
There are several possible fixes for this issue –
- First, update the sound driver for your existing audio device. Be sure to reboot your computer after updating the driver then try your game again. If that does not resolve the issue, you can try the next step.
- Add or Replace the audio device in your computer.
There are several external USB sound cards available, that are very inexpensive, that can help resolve this issue as well as provide additional sound configuration options for your computer.
In addition to updating the sound card drivers or adding/replacing a sound card, you may need to right-click on the game icon or desktop shortcut, select properties, click the compatibility tab and change it to Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Windows 98/Me, at the bottom of the window check the “Run as Administrator” box, and apply the settings.
If you have multiple sound cards, it may also help to disable any onboard sound cards or other sounds cards on the computer. To locate the sound card(s) right-click the sound icon 
in the task tray, select sounds, select the Playback Tab. Alternately, you can open the Control Panel, select “Hardware and Sound.” Under “Sound” select “Manage audio devices” (or Sound). Under the Playback tab, right-click on any sound device that you would like to disable and select “Disable.” The same process is used if you add or change a sound card, except you will select “Set as Default Device” after right-clicking on the new sound card/device.
For additional information, please email techsupport@herinteractive.com.
It says “2. Double-click the “StFDSetup.exe” to start the unpacker” which is where?
Hi Pauline, check out the video. It shows that it appears in your downloads folder after you have purchased and downloaded the game. 🙂
ohhhh! i thought it’s for free…haha :):(
like Purble Place.
Will this be available for mac?
Hi Jordan! Sadly we didn’t make this game Mac-compatible. Sorry! We suggest you try Virtual PC or a product called Boot Camp from Apple.
After I’ve done the first part of the game, the actual installation for the game didn’t pop up. I know you said to look for setup.exe in the Stay Tuned for Danger folder but I can not find it. What do I do?
Hi Allison, please contact us at techsupport@herinteractive.com for further help. Thanks!
I actually still have the CD. Do I need to purchase the digital copy anyway?
Hi, Sam! You do not need to download the digital copy of Stay Tuned for Danger. If however you are finding the CD does not work, see the Stay Tuned for Danger Installation Instructions here. Skip the first portion and start where it says “Installation”. You still need to login as administrator and temporarily disable anti-virus/secuirty software. If you encounter other problems, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com for further help. Thanks!
Are we able to download this re-release if we are Mac users? I have a MacBook Pro.
Hello, Jessica! The re-release of Stay Tuned for Danger is only for Windows. However, there are several programs you can download onto your Mac (like Virtual PC, Apple Boot Camp, and Wineskin to name a few) that should allow you to play PC games on your Mac.
Will there be a Mac option available in the future?
Hi Andrea! Sadly, there are no plans to make this game Mac compatible, or to remaster it.
The game downloaded, but whenever I try to play it it says it can’t play the sound so I need to restart it. I figured out I have integrated sound but I don’t understand what I need to do to play the game.
Hi Maya! If you are still having troubles, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com. Thanks!
Hey Maya, I am having the same problem, and I wondered if tech support had ever helped you resolve this issue?
Ive done everything for the sound issues for this game and it is still popping up and will not allow me to play, is there anything else that can help with this?
Hi, Victoria! If you’ve already looked through the Stay Tuned for Danger Installation Instructions Page, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com. Thanks!
I cannot get the setup.exe file to work. When I click on it, there is the pop up, and I click ok, but nothing happens. Help!
Hi Stefanie! Have you already seen our Installation FAQ post here? If so and you’re still encountering problems, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com for further help. Thanks!
Hey Stefanie! I had the same problem, check my comment under my post bellow and it might fix it! Game on!
I’ve gone through all the instructions and still have the sound issue which refuses to let me play. I’m not about to buy an external USB soundcard for my pc to play one outdated game, it’s ridiculous! refund!
Hi, Anna! I’m sorry the installation process was being difficult for you. For a refund, please email us at customerservice@herinteractive.com. Thanks!
I have installed the StFDSetup, and followed the steps for setting up the installer. However after I hit Finish on the Setup it doesn’t launch the installer. I even went to and tried to launch it from the file in Program Files with the Setup application like the install video said. It just tires to load for a second and then doesn’t open anything. I have a ASUS laptop with Windows 10.
Hi Jennifer! If you’re still encountering issues, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com, and we can assist you further. Thanks!
Never mind I fixed it my self, thanks anyway! Anyone who is having the same problem what I did was went to the task manager and ended the task for the setups that were running in the background. Then, I turned off my antivirus and restarted my computer. Then I ran Setup.exe from the game file under Program Files Nancy Drew and after waiting a LONG time it finally worked. Hope this helps other people having the same problems! Game on!
How long did you have to wait?
I have managed to complete the first part successfully but have not been able to get the second part to start despite following the aforementioned steps and waiting almost an hour for it to start. What am I doing wrong?
Hi, Mary! If you’re still encountering installation issues, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com for further assistance. Thanks! -Tess
Purchased digital download of stay tuned for danger,nothing but problems, emailed support, got phone # for tech support, have called all day! They are supposed to be there 11 – 4:00, very bad customer service!
I’m so sorry that happened to you, Angela. If you shoot techsupport@herinteractive.com another email, we will be able to respond to you within 48 business hours and get you past all the installation problems. Thank you! -Tess
It’s telling me I need to insert a disc.
Can I download for Vista? Will new Salem game be usable by Vista? Carol
Hello, Carol! Yes, you can play Stay Tuned for Danger on Vista. As for Midnight in Salem, it should be, but we will let you know for sure as we get more information that we can share. If you’ve followed these instructions for installation and you’re still encountering problems, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com. -Tess
Buyer beware, this game will likely be unplayable! Though if you’re on this page it’s probably too late for you too.
I have already contacted techsupport and customerservice. Suggesting that your customers purchase additional hardware to work around a bug in your software is an insult to your loyal fans. Please release a version that works!
Install a virtual sound driver for sound error.
I tried this and it worked for me. I get sound and the game works so far.
hi there, cane this game play on Vista?
Hi, Darlene! Yes, you can play Stay Tuned for Danger on Vista. If you’ve followed all the installation instructions listed here and you still encounter difficulties, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com. -Tess
How come the play screen is so tiny? Is there a way to fix this?
Hi Elizabeth! The answer to this depends on a few different factors. If this is still happening, go ahead and email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com. Be sure to also provide information on:
–what game(s) you’re trying to play,
–where you purchased the game(s) from (e.g. from the HeR Interactive website, Steam, a retail store, etc.),
–whether the game is a physical disc or digital download,
–and the operating system you’re using (i.e. Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Mac Yosemite 10.10.1-10.10.5+, El Capitan 10.11).
Thanks! -Tess
Dear Nancy,
i had the Sound Error “Nancy Drew is unable to play sound for you…” with Onboard Sound and Win10.
On my System, it works with the Software “Virtual Audio Cable”. Just had to unplug and replug the audio-plug after installation.
No need to buy an USB Soundcard.
Nancy, you do a real good Job, and i know that you need our Bugs to do so. But next time less trouble?
Your´s Markus
Thank you, Markus. We appreciate the feedback. 🙂 -Tess
Thanks for the tip! I installed Virtual Audio Cable and now the game works!
Hello,
My wife really wanted to play this game,
however it would not start due to a popup
regarding the sound.
If you don’t mind playing it without sound try these steps:
Navigate to the where it asked you to install nancy drew(try C:\Program Files (x86)\STFD\), right click on the game.ini(the game file that DOES NOT have the nancy drew icon), go to security tab, then press the button “edit”, from there you should see a screen with a list which you should find “Users” in the list, click on that, then check the box that says “full control” under allow. then click “OK” twice.
Finally right click on the GAME.ini(the game file that DOES NOT have the nancy drew icon) then click edit(it should open with notepad)
Find: SoundSystemIsActive=1
and change the 1 to a 0
Save the file, then right click on the GAME.exe(the game file WITH the nancy drew icon) and go to “Compatibility” tab and check the “Run as administrator” box.
then click ok, and your game should now run, however without sound.
Enjoy!
You are a GENIUS!! Thank you!
HELP! It keeps saying “Insert CD1 or click exit”
Hi, Kate! Please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com and we can help you further. -Tess
http://www.herinteractive.com/2014/04/ini-error-or-calciftree-error/
Try this on windows 10 for the sound problem and INI Error or CAL/CIFTREE Error. Worked for us.
It tells me to “Please insert disk”
I do not have one seeing as how I purchased the downloadable version. How do I fix this?
Hi Michaela! I’d suggest re-trying the instructions and following it very closely. If you are still having troubles, please feel free to contact us at techsupport@herinteractive.com. Thanks!
I was also getting the sound error until I plugged and used my usb headset.
I purchased the DVD of this game, prior to these instructions being available. Do I have to purchase the game, again, for this method to work, or can I used the game I’ve already purchased?
Hi Theresa, there are a few minor differences in the installation process if you are trying to install the CD. Would you please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com and let us know which operating system you have? Thanks!
Hi, I’ve followed these instructions and installed the game a total of three times. But every time I save the game and close it, I have to reinstall the game each time I try to open it. It’s not allowing me to load my previous game, meaning I’ve had to replay the same chunk of game 3 times! At this rate I’ll never finish. Am I doing something wrong? I’ve watched the video and followed along. I’m really starting to get frustrated, & really disappointed in this game.
Hi Becky. Would you please contact us at techsupport@herinteractive.com with these details so we can help you further? Thanks!
So ive wrote the people at herinteractive for two days now, they havent answered or replied to me. but i purchased the downloadable version of this game and at first it was having a issue of jus getting the setup screen to come on. but once i figured my way around that by myself, now its saying that my computer isnt compatible for it…………………………………………………………… i have a WINDOWS 10!!!!!!!! i thought they redid the game so it can be played on newer operating systems… sooooooo upset. can you guys jus come out with midnight to salem already..!!!!!!
Hi Brittany! I’m sorry for your frustration. We have not been in the office until today since we were on Christmas break. We will get back to your email as soon as we are caught up, I promise. In the meantime, have you watched the installation video or read the old games FAQ post about installing on Windows 10?
Hey Brittany, how did you get around the setup not coming up? I have the same problem. As for the compatibility, search in the windows bar for “Programs made for older versions of windows”. Find the game, and then do the tests it says to do. Anyway, please answer my question asap.
Hi Kevin, in the video it mentions the setup not coming up and what you can do about it. If this method doesn’t work, please email us at techsupport@heriteractive.com for more help. Thanks!
I have done every step, but when i go to get into the game it comes up with an error of incorrect path to INI file what does this mean?
It’s likely the game was installed in the wrong location. You can email us for additional instructions if you’d like, at techsupport@herinteractive.com.
So I set up the game and I can play it up until Nancy has to take a cab to the studio. Then the game shuts down.
It says Unable to create file c:\program files (x86)\stfd\CONSTD.SAV
followed by Runtime Error
Program: C:\Program Files (x86)\STFD\Game.exe
abnormal program termination.
I don’t know what any of it means but is there a way to fix it?
Hi Rosis, would you please email this issue to techsupport@herinteractive.com? Thanks!
How do I fix the sound if I’m playing from a laptop?
Hi Olivia! Would you please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com and let us know what operating system you are on? Thanks!
Does anyone know if this re-release can be run on an HP laptop running Windows 10? The install instructions seem geared towards desktop PC users. I only ask because I purchased and downloaded Phantom of Venice on this computer and the program refused to run under any compatibility settings.
Does anyone have any experience running the game on a Windows 10 laptop and having it function properly or not work?
Hi Jess! Feel free to email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com so we can help you further. 🙂
The instruction video really helps when you follow along carefully. I am now ready to play this game. Is it ready for me?
Hi Gayle, you can download the game here.
Hey, Little Jackalope!
First and foremost, thanks for all of your videos on this site; they make me laugh my butt off! You are simply adorable!
Secondly, I already emailed techsupport with my issues… my question is, will they be able to help me out by phone like I requested? I am technologically inept, and am worried about following their instructions.
Thanks for the helpful video as well, even though I ended up getting the dreaded sound error! X(
Aw, thanks, Nikki! I’m glad you enjoy the videos! 🙂 If you emailed techsupport, you’ll receive an email with instructions on return. If those instructions don’t make sense, feel free to contact us during business hours! Our number is on our Contact page. 😉
Ok, so I got beyond the sound thing and now it’s asking me to insert disk 1. Help!
Hi Mileah! Did the video instructions on the Stay Tuned for Danger page make sense? Check that out, and if you still need help, let us know at techsupport@herinteractive.com!
This was super helpful, thank you so much!!
I did everything suggested. now i have an error that said something about my windows 10 not being able to play game on display mode.
help?
Hello VC, would you please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com and let us know all that you’ve tried? That way we can help you out more directly. Thanks!
so when i right clicked and clicked on properties I could not find compatibility. All it showed on the top was general sharing security previous versions and customize. Is that it under any of those (I have a windows 10 by the way)I have already emailed tech support but do i need one on one help here
Hello Syrin, was tech support unhelpful? They can help you with instructions and trouble shooting.
Can I ask why does this game need the external sound card to work? I’m just a little frustrated that I purchased the game unaware that it had these issues and now I have to wait to play until the sound card comes in the mail. Why does it make a difference? Will it matter which sound card I purchase?
Hi Kaylee, this game is really old and is tricky to get to work on newer machines. There is a workaround though, if you go to the web page for Stay Tuned for Danger, there is a video link for instructions on installing. If you still have trouble, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com. Thank you!
hi i have windows 8.1 and i dont know how to do the volume thing please help
Hello Kirsten! If the installation video on the web page for Stay Tuned for Danger doesn’t help, then please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com so we can walk you through it. Thanks!
still haveing a hard time sigh wish it could happen for tablet to play on
Hi again Kirsten, if you are having trouble, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com. Be sure to mention your operating system, too.
Hi, I’ve been having problems with my sound. A box comes up and says that “We have changed the way we play sound” and I have tried everything. I have a physical disk for Stay Tuned for Danger, and I can’t return the disk. I have a Windows 10 for HP computer system, and my speakers are the company Insignia (if that matters). And I have already watched the installation video and read the instructions for windows 10 and I still need help because this is frustrating.
Hello Sarah, would you please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com so we can help you further? Thank you!
help! i install the game and it says the path was changed and couldnt be found but i never changed the file name what should i do ? i have to figure it out before i cant download the game anymore
Hi Kaylee! When installing, you need to tell it to save to a specific file folder – one you create yourself so that it can find itself. If the video instructions on the web page for Stay Tuned for Danger don’t help, please contact us at techsupport@herinteractive.com.
i also have emailed support and still heaard nothing its been 4 days!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Kaylee, I am sorry for the delayed response. We have limited tech support and are backed up on all the holiday emails. 🙁 Our team will get to it soon!
I too have recently tried to get this game for digital downloan. My problem is that the installation wont run. I’ve tried all the work arounds and tips from here and what feels like everything else on the web. If I hit the ‘SETUP” (mine doesn’t show as ‘setup.exe’ and im not sure if that’s the problem) literally NOTHING happens. Tried running in compatibility mode, still nothing. Ive tried to have nothing else up on my computer and anything else I can think of and I just cant even get to the actual installation. Tech Support hasn’t answered and its frustrating to not be able to play a game I actually purchased for the second time because I remember enjoying it so much. anyone have a suggestion while we wait for tech support?
Does this work for the first, first game as well?
I mean I have the discs not download
We haven’t found it to consistently work with the original Secrets Can Kill, but when we know of a solution, we will certainly post it to the FAQs as well. 🙂
I downloaded the digital copy, followed all the instructions and then got the sound message. I downloaded the Virtual Audio Cable and that let me access the game but now it has no sound. Solutions?
After installing the Virtual Audio Cable, it messed up the sound on my actual computer so I just didn’t have sound, so I had to disable it in order to have sound on my computer at all. So now I am back in square one with the sound error message. I am not going to buy a new sound card in order to play your game. If that is necessary I will be looking for a refund.
Hello Rebecca, I’m sorry your sound was messed up on your computer. Is there a web site for that Virtual Audio Cable you installed? If so, do they have tech support or FAQ posts to refer to for installation and fixing help? If you think the installation worked, please contact us at techsupport@herinteractive.com so we can help check the installation steps for Stay Tuned for Danger. Thank you!
If you struggled with running the setup.exe (I have windows 10):
Things I tried and finally got it to work (after doing the steps here):
-After running in compatibility mode for many versions of windows for setup.exe (keep this troubleshooter window open)
-Went to task manager > details > right click on setup.exe and click analyze wait chain
-Ended the process it was waiting on
-Clicked test again on the compatibility troubleshooter and it worked right away (at least I got the nancy drew pop up, need to wait a few minutes after this)
You’re a legend – thank you so much from 2 years in the future!
Holy Crap! Thank you so much! This fixed it for me! I am so excited!
Oh my word this is brilliant!! Thank you so, SO much! I was having trouble installing both STFD and SCK1 on my Windows 10 and this just allowed me to install both of them!!!!
I never thought that I would post on one of these things. I don’t know if you get a notification that someone replied to your post after all these years.
I just need you to know that you are a true hero. The real MVP. The Goat. So much wasted time and research. HeR Interactive needs this on this info on their Install Tutorial Page.
Hello! If you are trying to follow through on this step, but nothing pops up in the analyze wait chain, turn off your User Account Control temporarily. At that point, there might be something in your analyze wait chain after trying again. Once you close it, you’ll have to try opening SETUP.EXE again (I know), but this time it should work. At least, it did for me.
Can we get an F in the chat for this absolute genius???
Thank you Lindsay you are a lifesaver!!! (hello from 2023)
Since you’re apparently not producing any new PC games, are you going to fix “Stay Tuned for Danger” so it will run on a modern computer?
Hello Scott! We found this workaround to work on Windows 10 – if you are trying to install it and it isn’t working Please contact us at techsupport@herinteractive.com. In the meantime, we continue to work on the next Nancy Drew game – Midnight in Salem. At this time we do not want to divert the attention on this game to working on remastering the 1999 release of Stay Tuned for Danger.
I have the disc game for Stay Tuned for Danger and followed the steps, but when I try to open the application I get an error pop-up window saying is the incorrect path to INI file?
Hi Lauren, would you please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com so we can help you out further? There are additional instructions on the FAQ about the .INI file here, too.
For those with the sound problem on Windows 10, installing the free demo of Virtual Sound Card fixed it for me: https://www.e2esoft.com/vsc/
Thank you so much. This instantly fixed my sound issue!
Hi everyone,
Just a tip: Someone recommended installing a Virtual Sound Card emulator above and that works fine except with the free trial there is a voice that says Trial Version every 10 seconds unless you pay 20 bucks.
Alternatively, if you have a desktop computer and a screen/monitor that has speakers built in you shouldn’t have this problem. Simply switch, in the volume control panel, to your Monitor/Screen speakers and the game will start up. You can also plug your green speaker cable into the back of your monitor and it will sound great (if you have this option).
No need to buy a sound card or download additional software.
Hope this helps a fellow sleuth or two out there.
Hello,
STFD has always worked well on my computer ( a windows 7) but now it has suddenly stopped. Whenever I try to play the screen goes black and a message says “Nancy drew is unable to play sound for you. We have changed the way we play our sound and now the game is shutting down.”
I have absolutely no clue what to do as this game has always ran fine on my computer.
Hi Nicole! Has this workaround for installation fixed the problem? If not, please email us at techsupport@herinteractive.com so we can walk you through it and help you out more, thanks!
I was having the error about how the game has changed the way it plays sound and forcing an exit. I plugged in a USB headset instead of using regular speakers, and then the sound was just fine.
What if I’m getting the sound error message and I have an integrated sound card with sound running through my monitor using hdmi? Is there anyway to fix this error message without giving up one of my USB ports or buying a sound card and taking up a pci slot that I need for other things?
Hi Jeremy! Did you also try installing the game the way the video shows on this page?
I have the disc version of the game but every time I click to install nothing comes up please help
Hi Matthew,
Have you tried the youtube walkthrough of how to download? -Indy
Does this help? https://www.herinteractive.com/2014/04/install-does-not-start-when-i-put-the-disc-in-the-drive/ -Indy
It is the only game in the bundle that I am having a hard time downloading. My Computer runs Windows 11. Will they fix this so I can run it on 11 soon?
In case anyone is purchasing in 2024….all you need to do to fix the sound issue is plug a set of headphones into the pink hole (mic port) in the back of your monitor. The game started right up for me and sound came through my speakers.