diff --git a/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI b/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
index 98e03d222..ecf88d1d8 100644
--- a/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
+++ b/gamedir/Data-1.13/Ja2_Options.INI
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ WRITE_PROFILE_DATA_TO_XML = FALSE
 ; INFO: This drop system only takes effect, if you have not choosen "Enemies Drop All Items" in the start new game screen.
 ;------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-USE_EXTERNALIZED_ENEMY_ITEM_DROPS =	1
+USE_EXTERNALIZED_ENEMY_ITEM_DROPS = 1
 
 ;------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ; Tells the game to load ja2set.dat.xml (located in the MODs "Data" folder) instead of the old "BinaryData\ja2.set.dat" file
@@ -275,11 +275,11 @@ EXPERTS_GET_DIFFERENT_CHOICES = TRUE
 ; The following values deal with M.E.R.C recruitment settings
 ;------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-;When set to TRUE: sends the initial M.E.R.C e-mail at the beginning of the game and thus opens the website up on day #1.
-MERC_WEBSITE_IMMEDIATELY_AVAILABLE = TRUE
+; When set to TRUE: sends the initial M.E.R.C e-mail at the beginning of the game and thus opens the website up on day #1.
+MERC_WEBSITE_IMMEDIATELY_AVAILABLE = FALSE
 
-;When set to TRUE will allow you to hire any of the M.E.R.C mercs as soon as the website opens.
-MERC_WEBSITE_ALL_MERCS_AVAILABLE = TRUE
+; When set to TRUE will allow you to hire any of the M.E.R.C mercs as soon as the website opens.
+MERC_WEBSITE_ALL_MERCS_AVAILABLE = FALSE
 
 ;------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ; The Following settings define whether A.I.M/M.E.R.C mercenaries can die while away on other missions (if they have not been hired).
@@ -290,7 +290,7 @@ MERC_WEBSITE_ALL_MERCS_AVAILABLE = TRUE
 ; 0 = default behaviour, mercs are on assignment at start, mercs go on assignment during campaign
 ; 1 = all mercs available at the start of the game, during the campaign they will go on assignment
 ; 2 = all mercs at your disposal. nobody goes on any other assignment than yours
-MERCS_CAN_BE_ON_ASSIGNMENT = 1
+MERCS_CAN_BE_ON_ASSIGNMENT = 0
 
 ;Can AIM/MERC mercs die while away on other assignments?
 MERCS_CAN_DIE_ON_ASSIGNMENT = TRUE
diff --git a/gamedir/Data/Ja2_Options.INI b/gamedir/Data/Ja2_Options.INI
index ef06dca60..b82286c11 100644
--- a/gamedir/Data/Ja2_Options.INI
+++ b/gamedir/Data/Ja2_Options.INI
@@ -275,10 +275,10 @@ EXPERTS_GET_DIFFERENT_CHOICES = FALSE
 ; The following values deal with M.E.R.C recruitment settings
 ;------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-;When set to TRUE: sends the initial M.E.R.C e-mail at the beginning of the game and thus opens the website up on day #1.
+; When set to TRUE: sends the initial M.E.R.C e-mail at the beginning of the game and thus opens the website up on day #1.
 MERC_WEBSITE_IMMEDIATELY_AVAILABLE = FALSE
 
-;When set to TRUE will allow you to hire any of the M.E.R.C mercs as soon as the website opens.
+; When set to TRUE will allow you to hire any of the M.E.R.C mercs as soon as the website opens.
 MERC_WEBSITE_ALL_MERCS_AVAILABLE = FALSE
 
 ;------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------