DirectX and Call of Duty 4

[Zadok13]

I'm running Windows Vista with DirectX 10, and I can't get it to run (error messages, etc.). Activision tech support is suggesting that I downgrade to the version on the disk - I'd rather not do that for hundreds of different reasons (top of the list is Crysis). So I just want to ask if there's anyone else out there with Vista and DX10 who *can* get CoD4 to run?

For the benefit of those who don't know, Vista comes with DX10 installed and if you don't know your version, go to 'start, then 'run', type 'dxdiag.exe' and hit OK (if you have Vista, go to 'start', type it in the search box and hit enter) - the version should be somewhere on the first page that comes up.

 

[Archonsod]

DX10 is fully compatible with DX9, so Activision are talking out of their arse.

Of course, knowing the actual errors would help, Direct Errors are generally sod all to do with Direct X itself and everything to do with the hardware it's talking to.

 

[Zadok13]

OK then. Perhaps I should elaborate a bit.
Upon attempting to launch CoD 4, (singleplayer or multiplayer) I get the following error message:


Selecting 'OK' results in the following:


Which, without interaction, turns into this:



Activision tech support have so far suggested deleting my sound drivers and letting Windows reinstall its own, which didn't work, then they suggested upgrading said drivers, which also failed to achieve the desired effect, and now they are suggesting that I install the version of DirectX on the disk, i.e. DX9.0c but I'm hesitant to try this, especially since I don't have a copy of the DX10 install program to revert to (not that I couldn't acquire one I guess). And besides, according to an article on microsoft.com, DX10 contains Direct3D 9 and 9Ex in addition to the new one, 10, for backwards compatibility. I am reluctant to actually downgrade, so I'm asking for other opinions.

 

[Redcoat-Mic]

As far as I know, installing a version of DirectX9 won't overwrite anything. Same as I can play any game with an old version of DX.
My friend had an error like that, updated Direct X, worked fine. So that probably is your problem.

 

[Archonsod]

Direct X won't downgrade unless you remove the DX10 install first. What it will do is check the components currently on the system with those in it's library, and update or install as necessary. You'll only replace the DX10 you have on there by installing a later version of Direct X, it's worse than sodding spyware if you ever do need to be rid of it. Running from the disk would be the easiest solution and should solve the problem, alternatively running a complete DX install off the net would also work, but the disk is probably the quickest and most convenient option.

Don't know why they were mucking about with your sound drivers though, it's nothing to do with the sound driver and everything to do with the game not finding a DX9 library it's looking for.

I'd guess you've not run a Direct X install since Vista was put on the machine, although since it's a missing DX9 component I'd also assume you had a pre-installed OEM version of Vista

Of all the useful things to put on Windows Update, Direct X would seem the no brainer to me. No idea why Microsoft don't bother.

 

[Zadok13]

Damn, I love the intro movie - I'm sorely tempted to start it now, but it's midnight and I have a 9:00 lecture tomorrow (aha, today). I thought that installing DX would replace whatever was already present already - had I known better I would've just installed the disk's version in the first place. Thanks for the help fellas, I shoulda just come to you in the first place!