This method works best for me. First off, I use Norton Ghost 2003 to make an image of my Windows drive. When I make this image, I have already installed WinXP SP1 plus all the latest Windows updates I can get. Also, I have already installed useful and necessary programs like Norton Antivirus 2002, ZoneAlarm Firewall, NoAds, Analog X Cookiewall. I make sure that I don't have any videocard drivers installed. As for Direct X, it's the default one installed when you first install WinXP.
Now that I have the image, I go on and try installing new Direct X versions or new videocard drivers. If something goes wrong and messes up my system or I'm not happy with the performance of the new drivers or Direct X, I use Norton Ghost 2003 to restore my image. By restoring the image, I have everything back--WinXP SP1 + all updates, programs I've installed, etc. The process only takes about 4 minutes compared to reinstalling Windows + all the programs manually (3-5 hours).
With the image backed up to that original point, I try alternative drivers or Direct X files until I find a setting I like.
This is the way I test new Detonator drivers and Direct X files. It's fool-proof and makes me more bold in trying out new stuff.
If you need more background on the benefits of Ghost 2003 and its usage, check out this guide at Radified.com:
BTW, if you remember the date that you installed Direct X9.0, you might be able to go back to your 8.1 setting by restoring your system to that point using System Restore found under Start Menu and System Accessories.
i'm the queen of chaos, so i let WinXP have full reign with setting restore points.
it makes a restore for me every time i make ANY change. cuz even with all this experience at things going haywire, i STILL forget to make restore points.
according to my bf, Bill Gates sat around and brainstormed a way to help me personally, and came up with restore points.
either way, when i'm trying new drivers, i always go down to Safe Mode (uninstalling all the drivers and using regedit to erase any leftovers hanging around).
then depending on the card, i follow the read me directions to the letter. ATI has a system where you don't always reboot when the system asks you to AND advises you on how to get down to safe mode.
read me's put out with the drivers are very good things to read.
V***V
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