In order for most games
to function properly, your hardware must be certified to work with Microsoft
DirectX. DirectX is an application program interface for creating and managing
graphic images and multimedia effects in applications such as games that will
run in Microsoft's Windows operating systems.
DirectX is designed so that
some functions can be performed on a graphics accelerator card, freeing up the
microprocessor for other work. The video accelerator manufacturer provides a
driver especially for DirectX.
Sometimes certain hardware
(video cards and sound cards, for example) will not be completely compatible
with DirectX, and this will cause games to crash (stop working correctly). While
eGames cannot support your computer's hardware and its compatibility with DirectX,
we can point you in the right direction.
You will need to navigate
through the DirectX Diagnostic Tool under the following conditions:
- You want to check what
version of DirectX you have.
- Game crashes with an
illegal error (or Blue Screen of Death).
- Game crashes with an
error involving a D3D.dll Ddraw.dll or anything that sounds suspiciously like
D-something.dll
- Game will simply not
run on the computer or can't initialize 3D.
The first thing you should
do is make sure you have DirectX properly installed. You can try to reinstall
DirectX by highlighting on the “DirectX” menu above, and clicking on the “Install
DirectX” button. After it is finished installing, try running the game again.
If that does not work, try these
simple steps to determine your computer's level of compatibility with DirectX.
- Double click on your
My Computer icon.
- Double click on your
C:\ drive, then the Program Files folder, then the DirectX folder
and then the Setup folder.
- Double click on the Dxdiag
icon.
- This brings up the "DirectX
Diagnostic Tool". This tool will provide you with information about how your
computer interacts with DirectX. Click the "Help" button for complete instructions
on how to use this tool. There is even a section on how to report problems
directly to Microsoft.
- The first page will display
information about DirectX, as well as information about your computer system.
Click the "Next Page" button to begin the tests.
- The next page is called
"DirectX Files". If there are any files associated with DirectX that are not
functioning correctly, they will be listed in the "Notes" field at the bottom.
- Click "Next Page" again
to view the files for "DX Media Files" and "DirectX Drivers". Please note
any errors reported in the "Notes" field.
- Click "Next Page" again.
On the Display page, you will find 2 buttons for "Test DirectDraw" and "Test
Direct3D". Click each of these buttons and perform the tests as instructed.
- Check to make sure that
the Approx. Total Memory is equal to or greater than the game's System Requirements.
If not, see if you can return the game to the place of purchase for a game
of equal or lesser value. Otherwise, the hardware must be upgraded to play
the game.
- Keep clicking "Next Page"
until you have performed all the tests and viewed all the messages. By now
you may have been given some sort of error message or seen a note about files
being "uncertified". You should click on the "Save all Information" button
and save all this information to a text file.
If you received any error
messages, then that means you are having compatibility problems with DirectX
on your PC. You should contact the manufacturer of the conflicting device for
further assistance. Or if you are unsure of what piece of hardware is the problem,
contact your PC manufacturer.
You can also visit Microsoft's
online support page by clicking here.
This is an excellent resource for troubleshooting DirectX related problems.
Just click on the DirectX Support Resources link for a complete online DirectX
help resource guide and answers to all your DirectX questions by the creators
of DirectX.