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genkn0wledge's avatar
genkn0wledge
5 years ago
Solved

DirectX 8.1 Error for C

Trying to run C&C Generals / Zero Hour and getting a DirectX 8.1 or higher error.  I have DirectX 11 on Win7 (I know, need to update to Win10 but need new SSD for OS) and AMD Radeon HD 7800 Series w/ 4GB onboard, 32 GB sys RAM w/ AMD 6 core processor.  Seems unlikely to be a hardware issue and will be seriously disappointed if I need a new video card.

Tried running in compatibility mode for XP SP3 and Win7 and no compatibility, no luck. 

  • Nyerguds's avatar
    Nyerguds
    5 years ago

    @genkn0wledge 

    The problem is that the "or higher" refers to higher versions of DirectX 8/9, not higher versions of DirectX beyond 9. The game can't actually use the DirectX 10/11/12 that is installed on windows machines by default nowadays.

    The solution is simple; install DirectX 9:

    • Download the DirectX Redistributables package from June 2010. Be sure to uncheck any other junk they want to add to it. It should be a file called "directx_Jun2010_redist.exe".
    • Run the downloaded file. It'll ask for a folder to unpack in. Make a new folder somewhere on your disk and unpack it there. It doesn't matter where you unpack it; it can be deleted afterwards anyway.
    • Go to the folder where you told it to extract.
    • Find "DXSETUP.exe", and run that to install the missing components.
    • After the installation finished, delete the folder you unpacked everything in.

    Since this is a completely separate thing, it will not interfere with your installed higher-version DirectX.

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  • Nyerguds's avatar
    Nyerguds
    Hero+
    5 years ago

    @genkn0wledge 

    The problem is that the "or higher" refers to higher versions of DirectX 8/9, not higher versions of DirectX beyond 9. The game can't actually use the DirectX 10/11/12 that is installed on windows machines by default nowadays.

    The solution is simple; install DirectX 9:

    • Download the DirectX Redistributables package from June 2010. Be sure to uncheck any other junk they want to add to it. It should be a file called "directx_Jun2010_redist.exe".
    • Run the downloaded file. It'll ask for a folder to unpack in. Make a new folder somewhere on your disk and unpack it there. It doesn't matter where you unpack it; it can be deleted afterwards anyway.
    • Go to the folder where you told it to extract.
    • Find "DXSETUP.exe", and run that to install the missing components.
    • After the installation finished, delete the folder you unpacked everything in.

    Since this is a completely separate thing, it will not interfere with your installed higher-version DirectX.

  • ForgottenUSA's avatar
    ForgottenUSA
    5 years ago

    So this method isnt working for me and i dont see anywhere in the 2010 files where there is direct x 8 or 8.1, only 9 and up. but either way i have windows 10 i have played before on windows 10, just not recently. looking to play again.

  • Nyerguds's avatar
    Nyerguds
    Hero+
    5 years ago
    @ForgottenUSA wrote:

    and i dont see anywhere in the 2010 files where there is direct x 8 or 8.1, only 9 and up

    I'm not sure what you're looking for. I told you the file to run is called "DXSETUP.exe". DirectX 9 counts as an updated version of DirectX 8, so it has everything these games need.

  • burlymike's avatar
    burlymike
    5 years ago

    having the same issue , i ran the dxsetup file and im getting the same error, also says make sure video card meets requirements  ...but the game is pretty old so i cant see that being an issue

    appreciate any help

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