....beaten back huh...go to the Microsoft Download center and download the
DirectX Runtime update, and I'm not sure what it is called, look for
DirectX9c, it will be near the top of the list. It will download a small
update file then download and install necessary DirectX updates.
For some reason Windows nor Microsoft Update lists a DirectX update when
you choose either update at Microsoft.com . You need to update DirectX
manually always, and there is an update issued every month...sillie trickie
microsoft...
This is only a suggestion, but it may be the answer. If you have not
realised this before and your operating system has been installed for a year
or 6 months the download will be some megabytes.