posted 05-27- 02:53 PM               

Here are some things to try:

* Uninstall your graphics drivers, install default PCI drivers, reboot.

* Install your graphics drivers again, reboot.

* Note your Direct X version, and reinstall the same version again.

I've found this is a nice way of fixing the prob, short of a reformat

I think SDOE goes blank screen when there is a prob with Direct X and/or your graphics drivers. Maybe if you installed another program recently, sometimes some install proggies will put on a version of Direct X without telling you and this can be a pain.

I hope this helps...

posted 05-29- 08:29 AM               

As far as I know, once you install a newer version of Direct X, you can't go back to an older version unless you reformat. Hopefully the other program you installed didn't try and install an older version of DX.

Yes, that's what I'm saying. What version of DX did you have before this problem occured? If known, note this down, and reinstall that version that wasn't giving you probs. This is how I fixed the problem.

Now, I'm not 100% certain DX is at fault here, but seeing as you say you did install another program around the same time the prob started, this is probably the cause. This is how it happened to me too and I was getting the same errors you're describing with SDOE. I also noticed my other 3D games like H & D where locking up after a short time playing. You might want to try your other 3D games that use DX as well and if they have probs too, if so, then it must be a DX related prob.

Also, try running Direct X diagnostics and trying the various DX tests and see if your system checks out. When I had this problem, some of the graphics tests locked my computer. To run diagnostics, click "Start", "Run" and type in "dxdiag". This will start Direct X diagnostics and it will also give you version info.

As for running the other program, it depends on the programs age. If its a very latest application, then it may not run well, but it's impossible to tell unless you can find some documentation on that program. Try and see if it has a readme and look for Direct X requirements.

Be wary when trying this stuff, Direct X is something you can't uninstall properly like most other programs. I don't want to get you into more trouble. This is how I fixed my prob and hopefully it will work for you too. You might want to try first reinstalling your graphics drivers and see if that fixes the problem.

Hope this helps.

posted 05-30- 10:29 PM            

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