Glossary:DirectX
Introduction
DirectX is a collection of API's for Windows that allows programs to interact directly with hardware. For most PC gamers, it is one of those things that most games require you to install before running the game. Most PC games require some version of DirectX to run.
Updating DirectX
Operating system | Included DirectX version | Latest DirectX version |
---|---|---|
Windows 8 | DirectX 11.1 | DirectX 11.1 |
Windows 7 | DirectX 11 | DirectX 11 |
Windows Vista | DirectX 10 | DirectX 11 |
Windows XP | DirectX 8.1 | DirectX 9.0c |
To obtain the latest DirectX, download the DirectX Web Updater and run it.
Old Games on Windows Vista/Windows 7 Fix
One chief problem that PC gamers run into these days (relating to DirectX) is trying run older games on Windows Vista/Windows 7. Because Windows Vista and Windows 7 run DirectX 10, some important .dllL files may not be installed, leading to errors when trying to run these games. If a game is complaining about a missing .dll file and you are running Windows Vista/Windows 7, follow these instructions:
1. Write down the name of the .dll the games says is missing.
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\system32\
3. Locate the .dll that has the same name as the missing .dll but with an additional x in the name. (I.e. if the game can't find dplay.dll, navigate here and find dplayx.dll.)
4. Make a copy of that .dll, and rename the copy to the initial .dll that was missing. (I.e make a copy of dplayx.dll and rename the copy dplay.dll).
With any luck, the game will see now be able to find the .dll and play normally.
NOTE: Be sure to create a copy of the .dll and rename the copy. If you rename the original, other games may cease to work.