My Secret Circle - Only My Friends...Online!

General

Q: What are the technical specs to use My Secret Circle?
A: My Secret Circle can be used for both Windows and Mac.
Windows Requirements
Minimum:
Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Internet connection (at 128 kbps)
CPU 1.5 GHz
RAM 512 Mb
Video 32 Mb (3D Graphics support not required)
USB port
Sound Card
DirectX® 8.0
Recommended:
Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Internet connection (at 256 kbps)
CPU 3.0 GHz
RAM 1024 Mb
Video 32 Mb (3D Graphics support not required)
USB port
Sound Card
DirectX® 8.0

Mac Requirements
Intel MAC 2.66 GHz or greater
RAM: 1GB
Minimum Space required: 50 MB (this is for initial installation with 5 themes. For each extra theme, it may required an additional 5MB).
OS Supported: MAC os X 10.5.6 or greater

Before plugging in your My Secret Circle Online Access Key, make sure that your computer is running the most recent Windows updates for software and drivers. Since My Secret Circle is constantly being updated, please make sure to visit www.mysecretcircle.com for any questions you may have.

Q: Why doesn't my key work?
A: The computer may not have the latest Microsoft Windows updates. Unplug the key and run Windows Update.
OR
A: Make sure the key is securely plugged into the USB port on your computer.

Q: I plugged in my key and it says “Connecting with QiGo...Downloading Software.” What's going on? What should I do?
A: My Secret Circle is constantly updating with new content and features which sometimes requires you to download additional software. Be patient, after the download your My Secret Circle Experience will be even better.

Q: When I plug in my key, I get an error message about installing the .Net Framework, what should I do?
A: My Secret Circle uses the latest technology available. If you are receiving this message, it means that the computer you are using is not up to date. Remove the key and run Windows Update on your computer.

Q: How do I add friends to my circle?
A: You must exchange Friend Codes with your friend in real life before you can add them to your My Secret Circle group.

Q: How do I give someone my friend code? Where is my friend code?
A: From the “All About Me Page,” click the Friends button near the top right hand side of the page. Click the Friend Code Generator button. Click the PRINT button and a ready made envelop will print on your printer. Assemble the envelope. Give it to your friend next time you see them and ask for their code. When she gives you her code, click the Friends icon and enter her code. IMPORTANT: Only when you have both entered in each other's codes will she be added to your friends list.

Q: Someone named Serena Circle is in my friends list. Who is she?
A: Serena is your personal guide to the world of My Secret Circle. She always has the 411 so if you want to learn more about what's going on, click on her icon to visit her profile page.

Q: What if I lose my key? Do I have to start all over again?
A: If you lose your key, you will not be able to access your previous My Secret Circle Account.

Q: What do I do when I'm done using My Secret Circle for today? How do I end my session?
A: Remove the My Secret Circle Access Key from the computer and it will close automatically.

Q: How do I set up my password?
A: Have your parents or guardians read the terms of use/privacy policy and give their consent. Plug your Access Key into the computer. It will ask you to create a password. Make one up that is easy for you to remember, then write it down in case you forget it. (There is a place in the instruction manual for you to write down your password for safe keeping.)

Q: What if I forget my password?
A: We do not store your password, so if you forget it and you cannot remember it or did not write it down, you must purchase another Access Key and start over again. (Drag! We suggest you write it down and give it to your parents or guardian so this doesn't happen.)

Q: Should I tell my friends my password?
A: No. Do not even tell your best friend your password. It is important to keep your password secret to protect your privacy.

Q: What is a friend code?
A: A friend code is a special code created by My Secret Circle that friends exchange in order allow them to join each other's circle. (Note: Friends who do not exchange friend codes in real life, cannot interact together on My Secret Circle.)

Q: What is my screen name?
A: Your screen name is a kind of nickname for your friends to identify you. You should not use your real name or the name associated with your email address. Get fun and creative with your screen name.

Q: What should I do if I see a Diva that I don't recognize in my circle?
A: Tell your parents immediately. Then, you or they should go to the “Friends” section and click the “X” button next to their Diva. This will delete them from your friends.

Q: What kind of information should I not share?
A: We recommend that you do not share your first and last name, address, email address, online contact information like your IM identifier, telephone number, or your social security number.

Q: Who can see me when I'm online? Who can see my “All About Me Page?”
A: Only friends whose “friend codes” you have entered and who have entered your friend code can see when you are online and your “All About Me Page.”

My All About Me Page

Q: How can I see my friend's pages?
A: Click on their Diva icon on your “All About Me Page.”

Q: When I'm visiting my friend's “All About Me Page,” why can't I click on their journal or photo album?
A: Your friends can display any photos or journal entries they want on their “All About Me Page.” You cannot access their photo or journal pages because that is their own personal
stuff.

Q: How do I show (or hide) comments on my public Journal entries listed on my All About Me Page?
A: Click the arrow next to the comment. If the arrow points up, it will not show the comment on your page. If the arrow points down it will show the comment.

Q: How do I leave a note for my friend?
A: Visit your friends' “All About Me Page” and click “Pass A Note.”

Q: How do I get back to my “All About Me Page” fast?
A: Click the My Secret Circle logo and it will always take you back to your “All About Me Page.” Or, if you are visiting a friend's “All About Me Page,” click the “Home” icon in the bottom left hand side of the page.

Q: How do I send an Instant Message to one of my friends?
A: Go to your “All About Me Page” and click the “IM” icon near the bottom of the page. Click the Diva of the friend you want to message. If they accept your invitation to IM, you can send messages back and forth. Just type your message and click the “send” button.

Q: How do I remove a friend?
A: Go the “Friends” section and click the “X” button next to their Diva. This will delete them from your friends.

Q: How do I voice chat with my friends?
A: In order to use the voice chat feature, both you and your friend must purchase a My Secret Circle Headset with Chat Cap. Simply plug them into your key and you can talk with any of your friends for over the Internet while using My Secret Circle.

My Journal Page

Q: How do I make a journal entry?
A: Click the Journal icon at the bottom of the page. Then click the title box to name your entry. Then click the large box and start typing away. When you're done, click the “save” button. A window will ask you if you want to save the entry as PRIVATE or PUBLIC. Private entries can only be seen by you. Public entries appear on your “All About Me Page” so your friends can read them.

Q: How do I add pictures or icons to my journal entry?
A: When you're writing an entry on the Journal Page, click on any of the pictures or icons on the right side of the screen and drag them into the box next to your journal entry. Click and drag it to the trash if you want to remove it.

Q: How do I post a journal entry for my friends to see?
A: After you've finished writing your entry on the Journal Page, click the “save” button. A window will ask you if you want to save the entry as PRIVATE or PUBLIC. Click the public button and your friends can see them on your “All About Me Page.”

Q: How do I make a journal entry that no one else can see?
A: After you've finished writing your entry on the Journal Page, click the “save” button. A window will ask you if you want to save the entry as PRIVATE or PUBLIC. Click the private button and only you will be able to read that entry.

Q: How do I remove a journal entry from my All About Me page?
A: Go to the Journal Page and choose the entry you want to delete. Then click the DELETE button.

Q: How can I read my past journal entries?
A: Your most recent entries are listed on the left side of your your Journal Page. Click on them to read them. If you'd like to read older entries, click on the calendar to to go previous days or months.

Q: How can I read my friend's journal entries?
A: Click on their friend icon. There you can see their latest public journal entries.

Q: How do I use my Journal to remind me of important future dates?
A: On the Journal Page, click the arrow on the right side of the calendar to find the month of your important date. Then click on the day and write yourself a note in the journal entry box.

My Photos Page

Q: How do I upload my photos?
A: Click the Photos icon near the bottom of the screen to go to the My Photos Page. Click the “browse” button to find the pictures on your computer. After you've selected the pictures you want, click the “upload” button to add them to your My Photos library.

Q: How many photos can I keep on my My Photos Page?
A: You can store up to 100 photos.

Q: How do I delete a photo?
A: Select it on the My Photos Page. It will appear in the editing window on the right side of the page. Click the delete button.

Q: How do I edit my photos?
A: On the My Photos Page, click on the photo you want to edit and it will appear in the editing widow. There you can trim the photo with the scissors, paint on your photo, type on it, and add stickers.

Q: Agh! I've ruined my photo! How do I start over?
A: If you haven't saved the photo yet, you can click the “reset” button and all your changes will be removed. If you already saved the changes, you can delete the edited photo and select your original photo from your library to begin editing again.

Q: Where does My Slideshow appear?
A: Your slideshow appears on your “All About Me Page” for both you and your friends to see.

Q: How do I add photos to my slide show?
A: Select the photo on the My Photos Page, then click the “slide show” button below the editing window.

Q: How do I change the order of the photos in my slide show?
A: Click on the photo in the slide show menu and drag it to the position you want.

Q: How do I remove a photo from my slide show?
A: Click the photo in the slide show menu. Then click the “remove” button.

My Options Page

Q: How do I create my own Diva?
A: On the “My Options Page,” click on any of the tabs in the center column; “features,” “accessories,” or “background.” These will pull up hundreds of options to make your own custom Diva. Not feeling creative? Just click the “random” button under the large Diva picture on the left side of the page.

Q: How do I change the background on my “All About Me Page?”
A: On the “My Options Page,” at the top right, scroll through different background samples and then click the one you like.

Q: How do I add or change the information in my profile?
A: On the “My Options Page,” click on the gray boxes beneath each label on the left side of the page. Fill them in or press delete or backspace to edit them.

Q: How do I make sure my photos always come from the same folder on my computer?
A: On the “My Options Page,” near the bottom right of the page is a heading called “My Photos.” Click on the folder to select a place on your computer where you would like My Secret Circle to regularly search for new photos you wish to upload and use.

My Games Page

Q: Why can't I play certain games?
A: Some games like the “Best Friends Forever” are made for 3 players. So if you want to play, you need you to invite at least two other friends BEFORE you can play the game.

Q: How do I invite friends to play a game?
A: Select a game. A window will pop up that says “Invite Friends.” Invite 2 or more friends. When they accept, you can play together.

Q: What is “Table Talk?”
A: Table talk is a way for you to chat with your friends on the games page. All of your friends that are online and you have invited to play a game on the “My Games Page” will appear in this section. Type a message in the bottom box to chat with your friends.

Q: What if I forget how to play a game?
A: Click the “help” icon on the top right hand side of the page.

Q: How do I get out of a game and back to “My Arcade Page” fast?
A: Click the “games” icon on the top right hand side of the page.

Q: How do I adjust the settings of a game?
A: Click the game setting icon on the top right hand side of the page.

Q: How do I play a game?
A: Click the “games” icon. It will take you to your “My Games Page.” There you can choose to play any of the available games in “My Arcade.” (Note: Some games require you to invite friends before you can play.)

Q: When will new games be added to the “My Arcade Page?”
A: We're creating new games all the time! Get new games with “Game Snap Caps” sold separately!

My IM
Q: How do I send an Instant Message to one of my friends?
A: Go to your “All About Me Page” and click the “IM” icon near the bottom of the page. Click the Diva of the friend you want to message. If they accept your invitation to IM, you can send messages back and forth. Just type your message and click the “send” button.

Q: Why can’t I send an IM to one of my friends?
A: Make sure your friend is currently online to accept an invitation to IM. If their icon is ghosted out then you will have to wait until they are back online.