How do I find out which DirectX is

[Gary R]

installed in my computer
A program I was looking at requires DirectX 7.0, but I don't know if it is on this system.....
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Windows 98SE (Ver. 4.10.2222A), Outlook Express 5.50; Internet Explorer 5.50; 1 GHz. Athlon Thunderbird; 256 Mb. RAM; 32 Mb. Sound Card; 32 Mb. Video card.

 

[brianF]

start/run/type dxdiag and press enter.

 

[Gary R]

VERY INTERESTING Program!

First time I'd even heard of it! Sure tells a lot.
OK, for DirectX, mine says its version 6.1a (4.06.03.0518). So if I get the prog., will have to find 7.0 & figure where to save it
Does DirectX Ver. 7 have any problems i should be aware of before downloding & setting it up?
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not very tech minded had old computer (200 MHz. Pentium Pro; 32 Mb RAM) 3 years and never opened the Registry program just to see what it looked like.

 

[brianF]

directx 8 is the current version, should be alright to download and install from windows update

 

[WiseOldOwl]

As a total ignoramus re tech issues, could you please tell me what is the function of Direct X?? If it is important, should I upgrade to 8.1 and what potential problems should I be looking for.

Thanks for your help.

 

[brianF]

It's microsoft's api drivers for d3d. You should upgrade but I would check for upgrades for your video and sound cards before installation. Only problems I have really heard about are with sound cards using really old drivers.

About DirectX
Microsoft DirectX is an advanced suite of multimedia APIs (application programming interfaces) built into Microsoft Windows operating systems. DirectX provides a standard development platform for Windows-based PCs by enabling software developers to access specialized hardware features without having to write hardware-specific code. DirectX was first introduced in 1995 and is a recognized standard for multimedia application development on the Windows platform.



you can download directx from here
http://www.microsoft.com/directx/homeuser/downloads/default.asp

or use the windows update feature

 

[WiseOldOwl]

Brian....

Thanks very much!! Particularly appreciate your prompt response and pointing out the need to check the video drivers.