Total War: Rome steam version won't start anymore - DX9?

[razgondk]

So, after getting a new laptop, one of the first things I always do is install Rome Total War. Only, this time I can't run the damn game. It just starts flashing between a black, and a grey screen, which I sometimes am lucky enough to get out of by pressing alt-ctlr delete. That is when I get the error that I have to install dx9 which it cant find. I've tried various disitributables, but all say I have a newer version of dx9 installed

This is on window 8, 64 bit laptop with i7 processor, Nvidia 750m, 8 gb ram.

Any help would be appriciated, due to how much fun the game is :-)

[irishron]

1. Log in as Administrator.
2. Disable the UAC.
3. Take ownership of C: drive.
4. Install Steam outside Program Files (x86).

Now, try the redistributables.

[razgondk]

Well, I've done all of those except for installing steam outside of program files... A bit annoying but if it works, I guess its worth it. Stupid windows 8.

[irishron]

Win 8 is this way to pacify lawyers. We just to learn how to outsmart it.

[razgondk]

Sadly, the above doesn't help. I can't install any DX since it says I have a newer version already, and the game still won't start, just flickers black and grey and then until it sometimes says it can't find DX9.

[irishron]

Sure it's not installed? "Having newer version installed" is as old as Vista release and usually can be overcome by logging in as Administrator and disabling the UAC. The message says you have not done one or both.

Have you activated your copy of Win 8 and run Windows Update manually installing all software options?

[razgondk]

my windows copy is activated , uac is disabled and its fully updated
I managed to find an install of Dx9 that would install since I downloaded the entire pack instead of just the 285 kb executable, but even after installing that, removing rome and re-installing it the dx9 isn't found error still persists. I have a feelings its related to something steam changed recently in companionship with it being a x64 system. I can't install Retrofit mod either for Kingdoms since it says it can't find the installation as well. Something is very weird.

[irishron]

Rome and dx9 install have been a problem too long and I doubt will ever be addressed.

Refrofit will overwrite your vanilla unit files and make vanilla unplayable. Being Steam and Kingdoms, search the Mod Workshop for launcher programs.

[irishron]

Rome and dx9 install have been a problem too long and I doubt will ever be addressed.

Refrofit will overwrite your vanilla unit files and make vanilla unplayable. Being Steam and Kingdoms, search the Mod Workshop for launcher programs.