DirectX 9 and Windows 10 question

[OldProf]

Since updating to Windows 10, I've had DirectX 9 initialization error messages pop up in the background while running TS2016. The sim doesn't crash, but it does seem to pause briefly while the DirectX error message appears on screen. Clicking makes the error message go away and then Alt-Tab returns me to TS, so I've been ignoring this glitch. Today, I finally became curious enough to search for DirectX in "programs and features": not there. The next logical step seemed to be installing DirectX 9, which I did by running its setup within the Steam folder.

Now, I'm wondering whether this was a good idea or not . . . I'll reboot and see what happens. With fingers crossed, of course.

[peterhayes]

Tom
That can happen on occasion when upgrading to Win 10 it says that directX is not installed or not initialised.
You did the correct procedure and you shouldn't have any issues.
When Win 10 installs DirectX 12 it should include, 11.0, 10, 9.0C (this is the one we need) but as you found out it doesn't always work!
If you do experience any issues just dl and install the latest version of Direct X for Win 10 and that should fix any problems and initialize DirectX 9.0C: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/179113

pH

[OldProf]

Thanks, Peter.

[OldProf]

Update: I opened a ticket with Dovetail Games Support about this error. After suggesting that it could be caused by an out of date graphics driver, which is not the case, their latest suggestion is that the error is Microsoft's fault, not theirs, despite the fact that the error appears only in relation to TS2016. So, I've now received the usual baloney on pumpernickel sandwich. What next???

[buzz456]

Did you do as Peter suggested and delete direct x and re-install it? The reason you are getting it with TS is probably it's the only thing you have that uses it.

[peterhayes]

Tom
I tend to agree with DTG (Sorry ) that this is a Microsoft Issue.
If my suggestion did not work then you may have a serious issue with Windows that only affects TS2016.
Open a command prompt as administrator (https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/lib ... 13(v=ws.10).aspx) then run sfc /scannow and see what is repaired, if anything
Windows + r/R key type in dxdiag - OK - any errors?

Have you run ALL of the .exe files in the \Railworks\Install folder including in the DirectX folder? (DXSETUP.exe)
(The latter is where the issue probably lies, and on one occasion I had to manually copy direct X Files from another install to get it working - in this folder it only needs one corrupt file and that will cause this error)!)

Have you tried running TS2015 in Windows "SAFE" mode? http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/wind ... =windows-7

Then, you could try, update Direct X as above.
If that doesn't work, my advice delete everything in the RAILWORKS FOLDER except the "ASSETS" and "CONTENT" folders.
Then verify the integrity of the game cache via Steam.
Repeat until it says "0" files need to be reacquired.
Does that work?

Finally if NOTHING works - a clean install of Windows - last resort.
Peter

[OldProf]

Did you do as Peter suggested and delete direct x and re-install it? The reason you are getting it with TS is probably it's the only thing you have that uses it.

I've been searching the web for a way to uninstall DirectX, which does not show up in the Programs and Features section of the Control Panel. I've yet to find a method that makes sense to me. I have, however, discovered that version 12 is installed on my computer and according to several x-spurts 12 includes 11, 10, and 9.

DirectX9 came with XP and I think it's correct to say that our dear TS is the only software still dependent upon it.

[peterhayes]

Tom
Usually you do NOT uninstall Direct X you install the latest version, and that should fix any corrupt files.
If you try to uninstall then you may corrupt the Windows (WinSxS) manifest files and folders.
You definitely need to install this part of Direct X ie

Install DirectX End-User Runtime if your application or game requires an earlier version of DirectX

This is in the link that I gave you above.
Do read my post above.
Regards
Peter

[trev123]

Maybe some useful info here Tom, https://steamcommunity.com/app/203140/d ... 589265329/ or here https://www.google.co.nz/webhp?tab=ww&e ... tion+error

[peterhayes]

Trev123
With all due respect - this is a WINDOWS 10 installation issue and your links may not cover that.
For instance in you second Google NZ reference the "fixes" date from 2013 - you really need to apply the time filter say for the last 12 months to get better results that possibly pertain to Windows 10.
Windows 10 is a whole new ball game and "fixes" for other versions of Windows may not apply.
Sorry but IMO Tom would be better to follow my original suggestion and reinstall Direct X.
Regards
pH

[OldProf]

Peter:
In regard to your first suggestion, "Open a command prompt as administrator (https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/lib ... 13(v=ws.10).aspx) then run sfc /scannow and see what is repaired, if anything
Windows + r/R key type in dxdiag - OK - any errors?"
Yes: "We are sorry. The page you requested cannot be found. The URL may be misspelled or the page you're looking for is no longer available."
So much for that.
Second suggestion: "Have you run ALL of the .exe files in the \Railworks\Install folder including in the DirectX folder? (DXSETUP.exe)
(The latter is where the issue probably lies, and on one occasion I had to manually copy direct X Files from another install to get it working - in this folder it only needs one corrupt file and that will cause this error)!)"
Yes, I did that before initiating this thread and I've just done it again. By the way, DXSETUP.EXE is the only EXE file in that folder, so I'm not sure what you meant by "Have you run ALL of the .exe files ..."

I appreciate your advice, Peter, but some of it is just too extreme for me, such as running TS2016 in Windows safe mode (does that even still exist in Win 10?) and going through a variety of deletions and re-installations. DTG's refusal or inability to move beyond the WIN XP version of DirectX is not my fault and rather than go jump through all of those hoops I'll just put up with the irritating error message.

[trev123]

You can always ask a question on the Microsoft forums Tom. I have had a couple of issues with Windows 10 and they have been solved there. Usually a MS Tech person replies.

[peterhayes]

Tom
Did you reinstall Direct X and the runtime versions as I put above? That is the first step!
This file is vital to TS 2016 •DirectX 9.0c for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003•Download DirectX 9.0c End-User Runtime
and this

Install DirectX End-User Runtime if your application or game requires an earlier version of DirectX
Some applications and games require DirectX 9. However, your computer includes a more recent version of DirectX. If you install and then run an application or game that requires DirectX 9, you might receive an error message such as "The program can't start because d3dx9_35.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem."

To resolve this issue, go to the following Microsoft website to install DirectX End-User Runtime:
DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer

Command prompt as admin http://www.intowindows.com/command-prom ... indows-10/
It is important to run sfc /scannow as that can repair windows files.

Dxdiag too that can tell you if there is a graphics issue.

I couldn't have made it clear when I asked to run ALL of the exe files in the "INSTALL" folder but you also need to run the 2/3 x .exe files OUTSIDE of the Direct X Folder
ie Dotnetfx40_full_x86_64.exe, vcredist_x86.exe, (the PhysX file would be optional)

Windows 10 safe mode - yes it exists: http://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-b ... windows-10

pH

TOM this is a complex error and it may be worthwhile following Trev123's advice and contacting Microsoft - they may help guide you through the intricacies of fixing your DirectX problem.