ABC2Win

Whoever deals with the ABC notation system under Windows is most probably using ABC2Win by Jim Vint. The last update for this software was published before Windows XP, on which it runs rather nicely and without problems, nevertheless. If it was not for this problem that only haunts some users. Whenever you try to draw a music sheet you get the following message concerning an error 41 in the staff drawing routine of ABC2Win:

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This is due to an XP feature called ClearType for anti-aliasing fonts on flat screens. ABC2Win cannot cope with it.

The following ways all get you around this problem:

1. Install the new beta version of ABC2Win for Windows 2000 and XP. The final version should be ready later on in 2006.
2. Start ABC2Win via a link that opens it in 256-colour mode.
   Right-click the link - Properties - Compatibility - Run in 256 colours.
3. Deactivate ClearType.
   This solution is advisable if you use a CRT monitor, since readability of fonts on screen can hardly be improved by ClearType.
   Right click Desktop - Properties - Appearance - Effects - Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts. Either deactivate this feature or change it to Standard.
4. Set up a user account for ABC2Win.
   The settings for ClearType only have effects on the user currently logged in. You can therefore create a user account that does not use ClearType and use that account for your work with ABC2Win.
5. Temporarily deactivate ClearType.
   A little program by ioIsland named ClearTweak can sit in the System Tray next to the clock. When you right-click it you open a menu in which you can turn off ClearType. This is a faster solution for power users than changing the display settings.
   The main purpose of this program is to provide an offline tool for changing ClearType settings. There is a special Microsoft webpage for this. ClearTweak is freeware.

links

If you have not got the slightest idea of what this is all about check these sites for information on ABC:

• ABC
  Chris Walshaw is the man who started all this. He wanted to send tunes via e-mail and therefore developed the ABC notation standard.
• ABC programs
  On this page on Chris' website you can find an overview of practically all programs that are important in this context.
• ABC2Win
  Jim Vint finally managed to continue working on his program, yet there is still no FAQ page on his website. This is why we set up this page here at blechtrottel brodaktschns.