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Hi, whenever I try to start a game, like Sim Theme Park or something, I get an error message that says:
The file DDRAW.DLL cannot start. Check file to detect the problem.
Please tell me what to do! I have tried d-loading then unzipping a file.
I even have DirectX ver. 8
*feel free to e-mail me*
Hello there try the below steps;
j-wolf
SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to start any of the above programs, you may receive an error message similar to one of the following:Ddraw.dll cannot start.
-or-Failed to open ddraw.dll.
CAUSE
This issue can occur if DirectX is corrupt, your video adapter does not meet the minimum requirements, or your monitor is set as unknown or default.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use one or more of the following methods.
Method 1: Check the Amount of Video Memory
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type C:\Program Files\DirectX\Setup\Dxdiag.exe, and then click OK.
Click the Display (or Display 1, if present) tab.If fewer than 4 megabytes (MB) of video memory are installed on your video adapter, you need to install additional video memory or install a video adapter with more memory.
Method 4: Restart Your Computer by Using a Clean Boot and Reinstall DirectX
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type msconfig, and then click OK.
On the General tab, click Selective startup, and then click to clear each check box.When you receive the confirmation message, click Yes.
Restart your computer.
See the following Microsoft Web site:http://www.microsoft.com/directx/homeuser/downloads/default.asp
On the Home User Downloads Web page, click the appropriate Web link to download DirectX.
In the File Download dialog box, click Save this program to disk, click OK, and then click Save.
When the download process is finished, click Open, and then click Yes.
Click Yes to accept the license agreement.NOTE: If you do not accept the license agreement, you will not be able to install DirectX.
When prompted, restart your computer.
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Hmm.. I tried the methods above, I have 8 megabytes of video memory, so that's not the problem i guess. The second method, sadly, did nothing. :/ Any other suggestions?
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Does it only happen with certain programs?
I had the same problem with Roller coaster Tycoon, traced it to a cheat program I was using, I installed the latest patches and it went away.
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get and install the latest video drivers
uninstall directx stated above(the first reply) USING METHOD 4 because ddraw is a component of directx. If this does not work, I am not sure what else at the moment. But make sure you have all the latest drivers as the ones you have may not be certified to work with directx 8.
Sorry I cant be more help, its getting past my bed time - my brain is really tired :)
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Hi unfortunatley directx is a core of the os that means u cant repair in and neither can u uninstall it. and moreover u have to install a more new version of it. U can surely try one thing, boot into dos go to the path where the dll is and rename it then reboot into windows and run dxdiag it should show a yellow triangle next to the file name, then try installing directx again. Hope it works. Else it is complete format reinstall.
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