The Complete Guide on DirectX
A set of APIs developed by Microsoft that enables programmers to write programs that access hardware features of a computer without knowing exactly what hardware will be installed on the machine where the program eventually runs. DirectX achieves this by creating an intermediate layer that translates generic hardware commands into specific commands for particular pieces of hardware. In particular, DirectX lets multimedia applications take advantage of hardware acceleration features supported by graphics accelerators.

DirectX 2, released in 1996, supports the Direct3D architecture. DirectX 5, released in 1998, adds new layers to the DirectX API, In addition to the low-level layer that communicates directly with multimedia hardware, DirectX 5 also includes a Media layer that enables programmers to manipulate multimedia objects and streams. DirectX 5 also supports USB and IEEE 1394 buses, AGP, and MMX.

Windows 98 DirectX Diagnostic Tool

A Guide to DirectX
http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/pctech/content/17/03/tu1703.001.html
PC Magazine tutorial article that describes the purpose of DirectX, as well as descriptions of the technologies that offer access to different hardware types. Also includes information about media-layer components and a chart highlighting the relationship among the DirectX components and other multimedia technologies that will be in place with Windows 98 and Windows NT 5.

DirectX developer page
http://www.oocities.org/SiliconValley/Way/3390/
Offers a collection of articles, book reviews, resources, and tips and tricks for DirectX development and Windows 95 games programming.

DirectX FAQ
http://avault.com/hardware/index.asp?reviews=directxfaq
These are answers to questions about DirectX versions, revisions, components, and drivers.

Microsoft DirectX Multimedia Expo
http://www.microsoft.com/DirectX/default.asp
Microsoft site for news, information, and resources regarding DirectX.

The dark side of DirectX
http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,557,00.html
This February 1997 CNET GameCenter article describes the problems that have occurred with DirectX drivers and the default installation procedure.

Troubleshooting DirectX and Windows 95
http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,557,00.html
Covers how to install DirectX, check for conflicts, update drivers, disable hardware acceleration, and other topics. The site is maintained by Electronic Arts.

What is DirectX?
http://www.cdmag.com/Home/home.html?brand=OGR&section=
hardware&article=/Sponsors/html/hardware/spotlight/hardware.html
Contains an overview of DirectX along with information about DirectDraw, DirectPlay, DirectInput, DirectSound, Direct3D.

Yahoo!'s DirectX page
http://dir.yahoo.com/Recreation/Games/Computer_Games/Programming/DirectX/
Yahoo!'s directory of DirectX.


Windows 98 DirectX Diagnostic Tool

Use the DirectX Tools in your Windows\System folder to verify the correct version is installed -a software install may have changed the default drivers.

DirectX 6.1 installs a new powerful diagnostic utility.
Start - Run (type) dxdiag

DirectX Diagnostic Tool
This tool reports detailed information about the DirectX components and drivers installed on your system. It lets you test functionality, diagnose problems, and changes to your system configuration to work best.

http://members.aol.com/Knows98/
The "More Help" tab lists some other tools that may help with the problem you are experiencing.
Cannot Remove DirectX 6.0 Upgrade from Windows 98
Troubleshooting Video Display Problems in Windows 98
To search for Hardware Vendors - Display Adapters
Having trouble with Direct-X - use the "bug reporting" tool
DirectX Diagnostic Tool Reports Old or Beta Files
DirectX Information Tool Reports Wrong Amount of Video Memory
Black Screen When You Run a DirectX-Based Program
Using Game Compatible Device to Troubleshoot Sound Problems
DirectX- How to Reinstall DirectX 6.1 and Replace All Files
DirectX 6 Troubleshooter
DirectX 6.1- DirectX Setup Does Not Install Old DirectPlay Files
DirectX- List of New Features Included in Microsoft DirectX 6.1
DirectX- List of Files Installed by the DirectX 6.1 Update
DirectX 6.1- Description of DirectX Diagnostic Tool
DirectX 6.1- List of Files Displayed in DirectX Diagnostic Tool
DirectX- Files That Are Updated When You Install DirectX 6.1
DirectX Home User Frequently Asked Questions

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