How do I diagnose basic problems with DirectX?

Question

How do I diagnose basic problems with DirectX?

Answer 1

If you're having problems getting a game or movie to play properly, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool can help you pinpoint the source. DirectX is a suite of technologies used by many of the multimedia programs in Windows.

To open the diagnostic tool:

·         Click the Start button, typing dxdiag in the search box, and then press Enter.

Once the Diagnostic Tool has finished, here are three key things to check:

·         Check your video card.

Some programs run very slowly—or not at all—unless Microsoft DirectDraw or Direct3D hardware acceleration is turned on.

To determine this, click the Display tab, and then under DirectX Features, check to see whether DirectDraw, Direct3D, and AGP Texture Acceleration appear as Enabled. If not, try turning on hardware acceleration.

1.       Open Screen Resolution by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, and then, under Appearance and Personalization, clicking Adjust screen resolution.

2.       Click Advanced settings.

3.       Click the Troubleshoot tab, and then click Change settings.

4.       Move the Hardware Acceleration slider to Full.

If that fails, you might need to update the video driver or the card, itself. You can typically find the latest drivers for your hardware in the support section of the manufacturer's website.

·         Check your game controller.

If a joystick or other input device fails to respond, it might not be installed correctly.

Make sure the device shows up on the Input tab. If not, reinstall the device according to the manufacturer's instructions. If it's a USB device, unplug it and then plug it back in.

·         Check for "unsigned" drivers.

A driver that's been digitally signed has been tested by the Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Lab for DirectX compatibility.

If the Diagnostic Tool flags an unsigned driver, updating the driver might solve your problem. You can typically find the latest driver for your hardware on the support section of the manufacturer's website.

Answer 2

Alright, I have already gone through this process, when i get into the Display menu in the Dxdiag the (DirectX features) all say "Not Available". When i go to upgrade my video card it merely sends me to the "windows updater". From there it tells me all my systems are up to date. The Troubleshooter is also set at full, there is no "apply" so I just click "Ok". I have been trying to play a game but every-time it goes to the start up screen the DirectX error box comes up Saying it needs DirectX9 or higher along with telling me that my Hardware acceleration needs to be ON and check if my graphics card is up to date.

Answer 3

As a satisfied owner of several Macs, I can state that a real gamer will not be happy with an Apple. 3D hard-core gaming = PC = Windows. Sorry, fuzzpuss. Now go stir someone else's pot.

---

MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

Answer 4

Get an Imac and you won't have anymore problems.

Answer 5

I realize you Softies are just seeding the forums with useful information, but this bit of DirectX troubleshooting found by my gamer son may also be useful:

Win7 includes DirectX 11. However, it doesn't include all the components of previous versions of DirectX. This can cause some games not to work. The solution is to download and install the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2DA43D38-DB71-4C1B-BC6A-9B6652CD92A3&displaylang=en

Download the Web Installer and run it. It will search for and install the components you need.

---

MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!