What is DirectX?

DirectX is a software interface developed by Microsoft to handle multimedia and video on Microsoft platforms. If your computer runs Windows, there’s a good chance it uses DirectX to display video graphics—especially if you play a lot of games with 3D graphics.

Components of DirectX

• Direct Draw / Direct2D – draws 2D graphics
• Direct3D - draws 3D graphics
• DXGI - accelerates adapters and monitors
• DirectWrite - used for fonts
• DirectCompute - GPU computing
• DirectInput - connects keyboards, mice and other input devices
• DirectPlay - communicates over local and wide area networks
• DirectSound - records and plays back wave sounds
• DirectMusic - used to play soundtracks from DirectMusic Producer
• DirectX Media - used in DirectAnimation for both 2D and 3D animation
• DirectX Diagnostics (DxDiag) - designed to diagnose DirectX problems
• DirectX Media Objects - used in streaming

DirectX Driver Errors, Problems, and Issues

DirectX is installed on all Windows operating systems. It helps run video, games, MS Word functions--all sorts of things.

DirectX is just on too many computers doing too many things for there not to be an occasional error. Luckily, Microsoft is on top of these problems and releases updates on a regular basis.

Do You Have these Problems with DirectX?

• Wrong Version Installed - This is the most common problem with DirectX. Many computers will have an old version of DirectX installed when you purchase them. You can get the latest version via Windows updates.
• DirectX Won't Run - This is usually means a problem with the graphic card driver. Installing or updating the graphic card driver will resolve the problem.
• DirectX Games Don't Run - This means you have a conflict in the drivers. Updating the DirectX, video card and sound card drivers may be necessary to resolve the problem.
• Error Message: "DirectX encountered an unrecoverable error" - Update the video, sound and DirectX drivers to resolve the problem.
• Runtime Errors with DX in the error (d3dx9_25.dll, d3dx9_26.dll, or d3dx9_27.dll )- This is a registry error and you will need to use a registry cleaner to resolve the problem.

Since most of your computer programs use DirectX in some way, outdated and corrupted drivers will cause your computer not to run properly. DirectX driver updates will keep your graphics running smoothly. It's important to keep them updated.

How to Update DirectX

DirectX is a type of software which runs the majority of graphics on your PC. It is part of the Microsoft Windows operating system; therefore, updates are offered through the "Windows Update" feature. Running the "Windows Update" feature on a regular basis should keep your DirectX running smoothly. However, it will not update the graphic card or sound drivers on your computer.

How to Use the Windows Update Feature

1. Click Start
2. Click Control Panel
3. Select System and Security
4. Select Windows Update
5. Click Check for updates on the left
6. Check the DirectX updates
7. Click OK
8. From there, you will be notified of any problems or errors

How to Install DirectX Drivers Manually

It's difficult to install DirectX drivers yourself, because you may get an outdated or corrupted version. It is best to either use the Windows Update utility, or use driver update software to prevent errors from occurring.

1. Go to the Microsoft DirectX (see link below)
2. Click the Download button
3. Save the DirectX file in a convenient spot
4. Double click the downloaded file to begin the installation

How to Update DirectX Drivers Automatically (Recommended Method)

Since many of the problems associated with DirectX involve more than just DirectX itself--it can have to do with how DirectX interacts with other hardware and hardware drivers. When you use driver update software, the software finds all outdated drivers on your computer and installs the appropriate driver updates, so that your video cards, games, etc work just fine.

Relevant Links for Acer Drivers

• Microsoft DirectX Downloads - DirectX Download Page
• Learn more about DirectX Here