Problem getting demo to run

[aldo]

Running PIII, 1Ghz, 192 Meg memory, TNT 16meg (old driver, Dell 9.145), DX8.1. When installing demo, first I got notice that I needed to install Dx 8.2. Did so from the demo disk and rebooted. Then began installation process. Install successful. When I tried to run the demo, I would get a warning that Dx 9.0 is not found. After clicking OK on the warning, nothing would happen. After a few attempts, I uninstalled the demo and tried to install it again. This time, I did not need to install Dx, but the demo disk is telling me that a 3d card is not found. I checked my system manager and the video card is running. Lather, rinse, repeat -- the same result. I placed Dx8.1 back on the system. Tonight I will update the video card driver with Detonator 28.** and see if that helps. However, I cannot understand why the demo is asking me for Dx 9.0 adn why the disk is telling me that a 3d card is not there. Any suggestions as to what I should do to run the demo?

[ÜberJumper]

I believe it's not detecting your video card properly (obviously). The DX9 errors, I believe, are because the error message may simply be indicating DX9 when it should be indicating the version of DX8.

Try the latest detonator drivers for your TNT. Let us know if it doesn't work.

[aldo]

Uberjumper, here is what is happening now. I updated to Detonator 28. However, that is seemingly not the problem. Now, when i put in the PCGamer disk, it stil does not see the videocard. When I try to run Homeworld, it does not star up and tells me that dsound is missing. When I run dxdiag, it tells me that a whole number of Direct X files are missing. I downloaded Direct X 8.1 from microsoft and reinstalled it several times, but dxdiag is telling me that I have the same missing files and I cannot resolve this problem. Any suggestions? I was thinking of running a program to delete all of Direct X files and reinstall it fresh. If that is the course I should take, should I install Direct X from the Windows CD? I am open to suggestions. Many thanks.

[ÜberJumper]

If you are comfortable uninstalling DirectX and then re-installing, I would suggest going that route.

You might want to completely uninstall the video card (leaving an SVGA Card installed for some 640x480x8 bit fun), then install directx, then reinstall the latest Detonators.

[aldo]

Uberjumper, by uninstalling, do you running it uninstall through add/remove hardware in the control panel, or physically removing the video card as well? Also, I do not know if direct x can or need to be installed from my original windows cd and later updated. What do you recommend. I found a couple of different pieces of software, such as Direct X Eradicator or Direct X buster that should take care of removing Direct X and then I was planning install 7.0 from Homeworld cd and try installing updated one later from Impossible Creatures CD. Thanks

[aldo]

Uberjumper, I thought that I'd make it easier and will post dxdiag report later tonight.

[ÜberJumper]

I recommend that you install the latest released version of DirectX after uninstalling DX using one of those programs. Skip 7.0 and go right to the latest.

[aldo]

Problem solved. There were two defective installations, one was the updated drivers for TNT and the other one was Direct X. Used Detonator destroyer and Direct X Eradicator. installed new TNT drivers, rebooted, installed downloaded Direct X 8.1. Popped in demo disk, it recognized direct X and TNT, installed demo. Ran tutorial last night, can't wait to play some more.