I can't run MTWII on Vista

[Icefrisco]

Today I got a new computer that has Vista and for some reason MTW2 will not run. I have very little idea why this is happening. Can someone help me?

Edit: What happened is that when I try to run MTW2 I get a notice that says "d3dx9_30.dll was not found" and then my computer tells me to reinstall MTW2 Is there a way to fix this problem without having to reinstall the game?

[StayingPower]

Have you installed directx 9 yet?

[snuggans]

from http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findth...l-download.htm

1. Restart your computer if you haven't yet done so.
   
   The d3dx9_30.dll error might be a fluke or one-time issue and a simple restart could clear it up completely. It's unlikely this will fix the problem, but restarting is always a good first troubleshooting step.
2. Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX 9. Chances are, upgrading to the latest version of DirectX 9 will fix the d3dx9_30.dll not found error.
   
   Note: Microsoft often releases updates to DirectX 9 without updating the version number or letter so be sure to install the latest release even if your version is technically the same.
   
   Note: Are you a Windows Vista user with DirectX 10? Your game or program may still need DirectX 9 files to run properly so give the installation a try. Don't worry, both versions of DirectX can be run side by side in Windows Vista.
3. Assuming the latest DirectX version from Microsoft doesn't fix the d3dx9_30.dll error you're receiving, look for a DirectX installation program on your game or application CD or DVD. Usually, if a game or other program utilizes DirectX, the software developers will include a copy of DirectX on the installation disc.
   Sometimes, though not often, the DirectX version included on the disc is a better fit for the program than the latest version available online.
4. Uninstall the game or software program and then reinstall it again. Something may have happened to the files in the program that work with d3dx9_30.dll and a reinstall could do the trick.
5. Restore the d3dx9_30.dll file from the DirectX 9 software package. If the above troubleshooting steps haven't worked to solve your d3dx9_30.dll error, try extracting the d3dx9_30.dll individually from the DirectX 9 package.

you could also try downloading that particular .dll file from a .dll download site and place it in your windows folder, but actually the site i linked you to advises against doing so, and has a link explaining why, and i'm inclined to listen even though i've done such things in the past.


p.s search function is your best friend! http://www.twcenter.net/forums/searc...earchid=249205

p.p.s this should go on the M2TW technical help forum!

[Dewy]

I have MTW2 on vista try insatlling DirectX 9 if you havn't. I have DirectX 10 so if you have that its not the problem

[Icefrisco]

Thanks for trying to help me. However, my problems are only getting worse. It appears my problem is not vista but my new computer itself. I got the HP TouchSmart Computer and at least one of its programs is running a directx component (i got a message that told me this). Since a program is using it I can not install directx9. I do not know which program is running a directx component. Is there a way of finding out which program is running a directx component?

[eisenkopf]

Thanks for trying to help me. However, my problems are only getting worse. It appears my problem is not vista but my new computer itself. I got the HP TouchSmart Computer and at least one of its programs is running a directx component (i got a message that told me this). Since a program is using it I can not install directx9. I do not know which program is running a directx component. Is there a way of finding out which program is running a directx component?

1. try safe mode. it should not load any components besides the absolutely basic ones. then you should be able to install/uninstall pretty much anything, including directx:

To get into the Windows Vista Safe mode, as the computer is booting press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.
Note: With some computers if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you get the startup menu.

(from: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm#03 )


2. use sysinternals tools to find out what process uses the dll.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s...c5a693683.aspx

3. use task manager to kill running processes or msconfig from the command line to stop processes from being started at bootup


if you have no idea what this might mean, don't try it! (sorry, not meant in a disrespectful way, it's just that you might mess up a lot).

[Harry Lime]

Moved to Medieval II: Total War Technical Help

[Azim]

1. try safe mode. it should not load any components besides the absolutely basic ones. then you should be able to install/uninstall pretty much anything, including directx:

To get into the Windows Vista Safe mode, as the computer is booting press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.
Note: With some computers if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you get the startup menu.

(from: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm#03 )


2. use sysinternals tools to find out what process uses the dll.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s...c5a693683.aspx

3. use task manager to kill running processes or msconfig from the command line to stop processes from being started at bootup


if you have no idea what this might mean, don't try it! (sorry, not meant in a disrespectful way, it's just that you might mess up a lot).

Really, all you have to do is go to Windows Advanced Options, as Snuggans explained, but choose "safe mode with networking" instead. Then, open up Internet Explorer, and download and install DirectX 9.

[Icefrisco]

Thanks for helping me! +rep to all of you.

[Thanatos]

Try upgrading to XP.