Microsoft DirectX is an advanced suite of multimedia APIs (application programming interfaces) built into Microsoft Windows operating systems. DirectX provides a standard development platform for Windows-based PCs, by enabling software developers to access specialized hardware features without having to write hardware-specific code. DirectX was first introduced in 1995 and is a recognized standard for multimedia application development on the Windows platform.

Simply put, DirectX allows games to run through Windows 95/98 and WindowsME. All new games from most manufacturers will use DirectX to allow their games to run correctly in Windows 95/98 and WindowsME. DirectX also provides developers with tools that help you get the best possible performance from the machine you're using. It automatically determines the hardware capabilities of your computer and then sets the application's parameters to match. With DirectX, you can even run multimedia applications that require support for features your system doesn't have by simulating certain hardware devices through a "hardware emulation layer", which provides software-based drivers that act like hardware. For example, a DirectX game that makes use of 3-D imagery can run on a machine that doesn't have a 3-D acceleration card because DirectX simulates the services of a 3-D card.

In order for DirectX to allow a game to run correctly it needs to be installed on your PC. Any game that uses DirectX will have a version of DirectX on the CD, and this can be installed during or after the install program. DirectX includes components which replace or supplement the current Windows 95 display and sound drivers with the DirectX drivers. DirectDraw and DirectSound replace the current drivers, DirectInput and DirectPlay are supplemental

The drivers that are installed allow the game to use your PC's hardware without having to know exactly what the hardware is and how it works. As new technology is introduced, such as next generation 3D Accelerators and 3D soundcards, DirectX evolves to support these new technologies. In order to operate correctly, DirectX may need to update the software drivers for your video card, sound card, or 3D accelerator. Using drivers that do not have support for the version of DirectX that you have installed on your machine may result in display or audio problems in the game that you trying to run. 

Although your PC and its hardware may work fine with Windows 95/98/ and WindowsME it may not work correctly when DirectX is being used. If this is the case you will need to update the drivers for the piece of hardware that is not working properly with DirectX. These driver updates can usually be found on the Web sites of the manufacturers. A list of manufacturers web sites can be found on the EA web site at:

http://www.retailsupport.ea.com/tech_support/support.html

..in the Hardware Links & driver Updates section.

If the manufacturer does not have any drivers available for your hardware then we suggest you contact them to see when they will be available.

During the installation of DirectX, your video card, sound card and 3D accelerator card drivers will be checked for compatibility. If possible, the DirectX installer will update any incompatible drivers automatically. However, if you have a very new piece of hardware in your system, or a lesser-known model, you may need to contact the manufacturer of the component as above for the latest software drivers with support with your version of DirectX. 

Important Note: During the installation of DirectX, the Setup program detects whether or not your drivers can be updated successfully. If the driver being replaced has not been tested or replacing the driver is known to cause problems, the Setup program warns you accordingly. We recommend you abide by these warnings.


How do I install DirectX?

When you install your game, your system will be scanned for DirectX. If you have an earlier version of Direct X than the version that is supplied on the game's CD, Direct X will detect this and you will be prompted to install DirectX from the game's CD. We recommend you follow the advice given by the Setup program.

If you want to install DirectX after installing please follow the following steps:

1. Click the [Start] button on your Windows taskbar, then highlight [Find] and finally click on [Files or Folders]. 
2. In the Named box, type dxsetup
3. Ensure the Look In box is set to the drive letter of your CD-Rom (e.g. D:) drive, then click on Find Now. 
4. When the file appears, double click on the dxsetup icon in the Name column. 
When the DXSetup window appears, click on Reinstall DirectX to complete the process.

Check your system!

If you have Direct X 6.0 or higher

To check if your computer fully supports DirectX, run the DirectX Diagnostics Tool after installing DirectX.

1. Click the [Start] button on your Windows taskbar. Then click [Run],
2. From the Run dialog box, type dxdiag then click [OK]

The DirectX Diagnostics Tool gives you information on your video card, sound card and 3D accelerator card drivers. 

• To check your video card drivers, click on the [Display] tab, or the [Display 1] tab if you have one.
  
• To check your sound card drivers, click on the [Sound] tab. 
  
• Some 3D accelerators have their own tab, called [Display 2], so you may need to check this also.
  

• If your driver is reported as 'Certified: Yes' your device has DirectX 7 support and should work properly.
  
• If your driver is reported as 'Certified: No' your device does not have DirectX 7 support and you may experience problems running the game. Please consult the notes section at the bottom of the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window. Windows 98 users may also consult the [Troubleshoot] button, accessed from the [More Help] tab. Normally, updated drivers that support DirectX7 will be available from the manufacturer of the device in question, which will allow you to play the game without any problems. In this case, we suggest you contact the manufacturer of the device, and request the latest DirectX 7 compatible drivers. These are normally available free of charge from the manufacturer's web site, or via their technical support help-line.