Author Topic: DirectX and Windows XP Pro (Read 285 times)

Ductape · « **on:** August 18, 2002, 09:14:10 PM »

I recently installed a video card and have since had a small problem keeping my auto-climb working when I engage it. I have always heard that it is a good idea to re-install DirectX after installing the drivers for a video card. My problem is that I can not seem to find a DirectX download for Windows XP. I understand that Windows XP comes WITH DirectX but I am unable to find it on the CD.
Can someone please point me in the right direction? Granted my problem is small, but it is rather annoying to go afk for a cold drink only to come back to a plane in a power dive to the ground.
The DirectX downloads I HAVE found are only for 95, 98, ME, and 2000.
PLEASE HELP.

SKurj · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2002, 11:28:36 PM »

try the w2k dx download...

I think thats what i used...

Most likely though the problem with auto pilot is caused by a joystick thats abit spikey. Is it USB?
USB usually has fewer problems in this area. Another thing to try is increase your deadband and damping abit

SKurj

Seeker · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2002, 03:27:47 AM »

XP does come with DirectX: but there is now a later version available.

Somewhere on your system (usually at the top of the start menu; or in your favourites folder) is a short cut for something called "Windows update". That'll take you to an "auto updater"; just like AH's (no; they can't tell who you are or where your Windows came from). If you've never used it; expect about a 20Mb download (in little bits); as XP had quite a few flaws when released.

jonnyb · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2002, 07:46:18 AM »

Yes Windows XP comes with directx 8. However, it is not installed like it was in previous versions. It used to be that you went to http://www.microsoft.com/directx to obtain the download. With Windows 2000, or any other variant this is how it still occurs.

Now, however, any core updates -- ie directx -- are handled via windows update and are considered "hot fixes". To get your version of XP updated, simply point your browser to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and let it scan your computer. It will automatically select any critical updates that you may need, and will give you a list of other possible installs, including any hardware drivers that might not be up to date.

If you've never used windows update, be prepared to be hit with a large download (about 25 megs) and at least one reboot of your computer.

After you've finished, you can check your version of directx by going to start->run and typing "dxdiag" (without the quotes). This will fire up the directx diagnostic program, which will give you all the information you've ever wanted, and allow you to tweak some settings to better suit you.

Hope this helps.

Blank · « **Reply #4 on:** August 19, 2002, 11:02:23 AM »

Also used to have auto climb probs, I increased my dead band on my Joystick for pitch and roll so that a little movement wouldn't make it skip out of auto Pilot, same for a squad mate.

Ductape · « **Reply #5 on:** August 19, 2002, 05:52:00 PM »

Thanks for all the great help.
Yes, I have been to the auto updater for windows. I have been running XP almost since it was released and know about the holes they had to fix. I have a legal copy so I am not worried about them coming after me.
When I went to the updater yesterday, it did not give me any new version of DirectX. I took someone else's suggestion and installed the download available for Win2K. It did NOT help the problem.
I also increased the deadband and did not help the problem.
I DID FIX THE PROBLEM HOWEVER.

I mentioned the problem to a squadmate and he suggested re-installing my joystick drivers. SO, I uninstalled the old ones, re-installed them and voila`. Problem fixed.
I do still have a small spike every so often, BUT it is not enough to kick off the auto climb.

Thanks for the input. Working together we can move mountains. It's just too bad Rooks don't do it more often!:eek: