How to Distinguish Between DirectX 3.0 and 3.0a (168388)


The information in this article applies to:

  • DreamWorks Interactive, Scholastic's Goosebumps Series: Escape from Horrorland 1.0
  • DreamWorks Interactive, The Neverhood 1.0
This article was previously published under Q168388

SUMMARY

DirectX 3.0a is an update to DirectX 3.0 supplied to game vendors. Only minor changes have been made in this update.

To determine the version of DirectX 3.0 installed on your computer, check the version of the file C:\Windows\System\D3drg55x.dll. 
                   DirectX 3.0        DirectX 3.0a
                   ------------       ------------

   D3drg55x.dll    4.04.00.0068       4.04.00.0070
To check the version, in Windows Explorer click the file with your right mouse button, and then click Properties. Compare the version with the information listed above.

MORE INFORMATION

If a game requires DirectX 3.0a, that version of DirectX will be available from the game manufacturer.

DirectX Setup (Dxsetup.exe) may report Direct3D as either 4.04.00.0068 or 4.04.00.0069. This does not indicate version 3.0a, as some packages of DirectX 3.0 include Direct3D 4.04.00.0069.

3D Artifacting

If you are using a 3D display card in a game that uses 3D mode, and you see "artifacting" on the screen (small irregularities in the pixels), you may want to obtain a version of DirectX newer than version 3.0. DirectX 3.0a includes a fix for the 3D artifacting problem.

NOTE: This will not solve hanging or other serious problems -- only artifacting problems. The latest version of DirectX is available at http://www.microsoft.com/directx.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/6/2003
Keywords:kbdisplay kbinfo kbref kbsetup KB168388
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.