I have XP with SP1 (I'm not sure what version of DX this represents). I see that DX 9.0a is available, and have a question about the validity of a restore point. If it all goes bad after DX 9.0a is installed, does restoring from a pre-set restore point bring it all back again?Of course, I don't expect any great improvement with DX 9.0a and FS2002, and using a G3 Ti200 card (I think I'll wait for FS2004 before buying another card). Thanks,Bruce.P4 1.8G1G PC2700G3 Ti200.

Bruce,Select Start, Run, Type dxdiag, OK. This starts directx diagnostic. Let it stabilize and read the directX version you have installed on the main menu page. WinXP SP1 may have update directX to version 8.1, I just don't remember. DirectX9.0 and now 9.0a were delivered afterward.I installed 9.0a over the 9.0 yesterday on two computers, 98SE and 98SE/WinXPPro dual boot. The only problem I had was on the WinXPPro side and I believe it was my fault not going to my administrators side after the reboot so directx could complete the install. I ended up reinstalling it a second time.After you install any directx product, run dxdiag and test all the functions.

Thanks.Bruce.

Bruce - MS pulled the 9a file yesterday - I don't know why. If you have downloaded it, I wouldn't install it without a very specific reason. It appears letting the dust settle a little (again) might be a prudent move.Trip

Hi Trip,Thanks- yes I saw the thread on the MS forum, and will certainly take the advice. Thanks for taking the time to post about it.Bruce.

May I ask a more elementary question, pls.I have read where Dx9 is causing "some" limited problems on cards not able to use Dx9. I'm also following the threads on the Dx9a issue(s).Can you "easily" (bad word) re-install a previous version of Dx without great cleaning, effort, or manual file elimination ? If so, how ?New system involves a card that is not Dx9 capable. Maybe better to reinstall a Dx8 version instead ?Opinions ?Thks !

What card are you installing that won't use DirectX9.0? If you are going to use newer games, you will need DirectX9.0 capability.

Hi Bill,The GeForce 4 Ti4200 is not Dx9 compliant, I'm told. It is working great, no problems. Just reading the threads about 9a problems, and some comments about going back to 8 if your card can't use 9 features anyway....Ron

Well, I am using a 4200 card and am testing some software that requires directX9 and it works properly. If you install directX9, you can test the card"s ability.I have another machine that doesn't have directx8 and x9 capability. All it says when you are testing is that is is going to skip the x8 and x9 testing since your card doesn't support them. Directx7 files are still a part of directx9.

Hi,Just a couple of other opinions:http://www.guru3d.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=50287..and here's why MS pulled the DX9.0a from their servers: