Windows XP with Service Pack 2 wouldn't allow DirectX 9C to install.

[Joe M]

Hi, I know that Windows XP Service Pack 2 has DirectX 9C built in. But the
problem is many games 'eg. The Sims 2' does not run with the built in
Service Pack 2 version of DirectX 9C and the games would run with the
distribute End user runtime version of DirectX 9C.
And because WindowsXP with Service Pack 2 already has DirectX 9C it does not
allow the distribute runtime version of DirectX 9c to be install again. Is
there any way to override this default behaviour of Windows XP and allow the
distribute runtime DirectX 9c to be install?????? I believe there are
certain files/registry keys missing for the Service Pack 2 integrate version
of DirectX 9c.

Or even to UNINSTALL the Service pack 2 built in version of DirectX 9c and
reinstall the distribute runtime version. Thanks.

 

[Chris H.]

Have you contacted the support section for the game itself? Seems to be an
issue some people are running into, and they should be made aware of it:
http://thesims2.ea.com/help/
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -

 

[Joe M]

Hi Chris,
Like I said to you if I install the distribute runtime version
of DirectX 9c. The game would run. Eg. Install on a Windows XP service pack
1 or install on Windows 2000, the game would run fine. Because it can then
install the distribute runtime version of DirectX 9c. No, I don't think it's
a problem with the Game The Sims2. Many other games are getting the same
problem too. I have seen it happened many times throughout the years, even
in the installation of Video card drivers.
Eg, a computer already has DirectX 9c, but then I installed a video card
drivers with the directX 9B distribute runtime. Sometimes the Video Card
driver will failed to install. But if I install the Video card without the
computer having Direct9c already present, it would install fine. Then I can
upgraded to DirectX 9c without problems. I know this because I am a computer
technician, and have install many video cards.
It's like there are some files missing in the built in version of DirectX 9c
or some registry key is not correct or something.

 

[Phil Taylor]

the developers of the Sims2 are performing a bad version check, they need to
patch the game.

thats the first place to ask.

second place is if MS will clean up the Sims2 mess for the developer.

 

[Chris H.]

Joe, the separate download and the installed XP SP2 DirectX 9.0c are
identical. The difference is with the Sims 2 not recognizing it properly.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -

 

[Joe M]

Chris, how do I get Games such as Sims 2 to recognise it properly??? I know
lots of games are like that. Is there some sort of registry keys to
change??

 

[Chris H.]

That's why I suggested contacting their support area. If the program is
improperly recognizing already installed items as it should, that program
needs to be changed.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -