Direct X 9.c Alert

[Lempereur1]

It appears that 5 days ago, Microsoft released an updated Direct X 9.0c , but its supposed to be the same version. (Hmmmmm)

Several people that have been reporting graphic crashes installed this updated version of Direct X 9.0c and there graphic problems went away.

The Direct X Installer that we use is all Microsoft Code, we just invoke it and after that Microsoft takes over.

A couple of things could be happening.

1. Direct X 9.c was already installed on your system before Distant Guns was installed and one of the files is corrupted. When we invoked the direct X installer, it checked your previous Direct X install and saw that it was the latest so it did not install.

2. The other possibility is that your system is playing "DUALING DLLs".
Sometimes, Video Card makers, copy over certain DX9 DLLs (Dynamically Linked Libraries) and cause new problems to occur.

3. Microsoft has had problems and they slipped in new fixes last week.


Here is two links for Microsoft Direct X 9.0c
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Browse.aspx?displaylang=en&categoryid=2 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Browse.aspx?displaylang=en&categoryid=2)
Select the DirectX End-User Runtime

Or the general DirectX page:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.mspx)

[Redwolf]

I can second the warning that there are several versions of DX9.0c out there that are different enough to make games run or fail. Panzer Command has the same problem. You should probably make sure that you always have whatever MS publishes at the above link, and if a game wants its own DX install that and then reinstall the official MS one. Not because MS' is generally better but because you need to create a stable situation for debugging, so that you can tell your developers exactly what you have.

[FJ88]

When does the sdk version come out?
Or is it out?

[Bullethead]

When does the sdk version come out?
Or is it out?

It appears to be out, but I had a problem with it (see below).

WTF is SDK anyway?

I followed the 1st link in Jim's post above, and tried the generic End User Runtime as he said, which was the top link on the page he specified. This downloaded about 11 megs of stuff and apparently installed it as it went along. Then I got an error message in the SDK part, which said "A cabinet file required for installation can not be trusted. Make sure you have Cryptographic Services enabled to check certificates."

Hmmm. So I tried this link a couple more times and got the same error message immediately instead of after a big download. I had no idea what SDK was, what the error meant, nor how to enable cryptographic services, and the online help wasn't helpful at all.

So then I tried the next link down, which was for 9.0c End User Runtime. This ran without a hitch, but didn't download or install anything, either. Apparently it checked to see if I needed anything for 9.0c and decided I didn't.

I've been a little nervous since then, wondering if my system is now crippled, but things seem OK. In fact I've noticed a very slight improvement in the campaign frame rate. It's up to 3.6 FPS from its previous average of 2.1....

[Dogbert]

SDK is the software development kit, so only really necessary or useful if you're planning on building your own application using DirectX

[Bullethead]

SDK is the software development kit, so only really necessary or useful if you're planning on building your own application using DirectX

Ah, thanks. Nice to know I don't need it :).

[Lempereur1]

Bullethead:

I dont believe the SDK was in the end user stuff. We conatcting Microsoft also.

It appears that other games are having similar problems and similar luck with the new Direct X version.

Someone posted that Panzer Command was also having the same related problems and a new Direct X update solved them.

[APHILL]

Okay,
What was done with the version 1.010? NOW ITS WORKING!!. I was able to get to Day 10 into two tactical battles and back to the campaign screen with no error as a Russian Admiral. This was done without doing anything to my DirectX?

[Simjockey]

Didn't work for me. Installed the update - only a few files for my system. I have been getting further into the Russian campaign with every update since 1.008 tho' and enjoying the tactical battles generated. At some stage in the campaign it crashes to black still.

MV Ixius
P4 @ 3.4GHz
2.5 Gb Ram
nVidia 8600 Go
Realtek Sound Card

[APHILL]

How far have you gotten into the campaign?

[Simjockey]

I'll have to check the saved game files - the last one was (I think - a lot of detail I don't take in) day 3 after about 5-6 engagements - after the last engagement the game crashes going back to the Campaign Map.

[WallysWorld]

I have a question if you don't mind.

I am having no problems with DG! or any other games, but I haven't updated my DirectX 9.c for a long time.

Should I install this latest update even if I am having no problems? Some people on other forums have reported performance increases after the update.