Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Direct X Nowhere to be found on my PC after download!

Jul 16, 2010 5:34AM PDT

I am on a Gateway notebook, running the dreaded Vista, and just tried 2 times to download Direct X from Download.com. I can locate the files just fine, and have tried installing the program twice, as well, but cannot seem to find it to actually run it! I put it into the Documents folder, and the set-up file is there, with all its zillion cabinet files, but no icon for running the application seems to exist anywhere, nor does it show up in the Programs list. Even the search option yields no results. Help!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Downloaded from where?
Jul 16, 2010 6:22AM PDT

Most Vista systems already have DirectX installed as standard. Where did you download yours from? There may be installation instructions there.

Another thing, have you tried running DXDIAG from your Run command? If so, what happened?

Mark

- Collapse -
Re: Downloaded from where
Jul 16, 2010 7:24AM PDT

I downloaded it from download.com. I just ran the DXDAIG, which you recommended. It said there were no problems, but I still have no clue where to find the application itself, or to run it. I know I must be missing something obvious here, but I am simply at a loss. Would it help if I posted the monstrously long report the DXDIAG generated here

- Collapse -
Re: download DirectX
Jul 16, 2010 6:25AM PDT
- Collapse -
Direct X download
Jul 16, 2010 7:29AM PDT

I found the Direct X I downloaded at Download.com. I just ran a DXDIAG, at the suggestion of someone else on this forum, but the question still remains: Where is the application, on my computer, and how do I run it?

- Collapse -
DirectX isn't an application.
Jul 16, 2010 7:39PM PDT

It's a bunch of drivers, dll's and such. What exactly are you looking for? And why do you think you should look for that?

Kees

- Collapse -
Doh!
Jul 17, 2010 5:28PM PDT

Yes, my son just told me it was something that comes into play when he is gaming, and now I feel like an idiot for trying so hard to track it down, when it is something that just automatically works when you need it!

The reason I thought I needed it is that I was originally a Mac User, and at the same time I got my last Powerbook, I also purchased a Panasonic Camcorder. Well, several years later, my Mac died, and having fallen on hard times, I had to replace it with a super-crappy Gateway notebook, which, of course has no CD/DVD drive. I have an external one, but again, the crappy quality shows in the fact that at less than a year old, it no longer plays CD-roms!

I could not install the software that came with my camcorder, so I went to try to download it, going by what the manual said about the necessary software. Foremost among those items listed was DirectX, but there was no in-depth explanation of where it might reside, and what it does! And the quest was on...

I did a bit more Google searching, and found that my horrific Vista OS came with a video program called Windows Movie Maker, which seems very similar to the iMovie software I had on my Mac. I found it serviceable, and am making due with it until I find something better.

I really want to understand my PC, but having only ever owned Macs, I find the learning curve on the steep side! I am embarrassed to have wasted people's time here, and thank everyone for their kindness in not pointing out how ignorant I seem about these matters.

--
Spiral out!!!
Sylph

- Collapse -
Ahh, Windows
Jul 17, 2010 8:53PM PDT

A complete mystery to me at the best of times, so I understand your pain, Devil

dxdiag.exe is just one of those many mysteries. It's a component of Windows without any documentation or easy access route. As you have found out, it's necessary for many 'enhancements' such as games, sound, and so on, and you will often see on game CDs the comment, "DirectX version 9" needed, or similar, but with no explanation how to check, or how to get it.

No need to be embarrassed and good luck with your learning experience.

Mark

- Collapse -
READ ME ABOUT LOST CDROM DRIVES.
Jul 17, 2010 11:09PM PDT

One of the enduring problems with Windows is the CODE 39 issue. I am at a loss why this issue was not addressed by MSFT and vanquished with some patch or other method. But let's move on.

Google this -> VISTA CODE 39

You should find a fix it for me article and if your CDROM is missing I'd try that. I also would research how to clean a CD LENS.
Bob

- Collapse -
Vista Code 39
Jul 18, 2010 7:25AM PDT

Who knew this could be addressed?! I will check into it. I would be thrilled if my drive could once again be fully functional! Thanks for the tip!

- Collapse -
Direct X,,,
Jul 16, 2010 9:08PM PDT

is probably locatd at System32, but is hidden... it is "integrated" into the OS. "It" being a bunch of components. You cannot "run" it, but it comes into play for programs which require it. [e.g. graphics, games..]

- Collapse -
Yeppers!
Jul 17, 2010 5:31PM PDT

I'm a real noob! Sorry for being so flagrantly ignorant. Thank you for explaining without talking down. I really appreciate the kindness of the folks on this forum. Happy

- Collapse -
So did that work?
Jul 16, 2010 9:36PM PDT

You didn't say if running DXDIAG worked for you.

Mark

- Collapse -
Yes, it worked! :-)
Jul 17, 2010 5:17PM PDT

I downloaded it from download.com. I just ran the DXDIAG, which you recommended. It said there were no problems, but I still have no clue where to find the application itself, or to run it. I know I must be missing something obvious here, but I am simply at a loss. Would it help if I posted the monstrously long report the DXDIAG generated here?

- Collapse -
No it wouldn't help, :-)
Jul 17, 2010 8:42PM PDT

As others have said, DXDIAG isn't an application with it's own Program files folder, or listed in Add/Remove programs. It's a Windows Component.

If you want, you can search for the dxdiag.exe executable. In my system it is located in C:\Windows\System32, (I also have other copies elsewhere, which is not unusual).

But I'm not sure what you want to do with that.

Glad yours is working though.

Mark