Directx 9.0c wont install in Win XP SP2

When your try to install DirectX 9.0c over DirectX 9.0b in Windows XP SP2 OS it won't allow you to do so. When the installation begins, it goes straight into the "Installation Finish" dialog box.

This is a (stupid) bug from Microsoft's DirectX 9.0c installation program. Technically, the install program (setup.exe) will check the Windows version first. If it is Windows XP with SP2 installed, it will then check the DirectX version, but only the major version (the number behind the dot). If it is "9” (including 9.0a and 9.0b), the program will think that you already have DirectX 9.0c installed since most Windows XP SP2 installation already come with that DirectX version. Big mistake, isn't it?

So anyway, here's the solution for the DirectX 9.0c installation problem.

1. Get DirectX Uninstall program. There are lots of them on the web. Search using "directx uninstall download" keyword will do. Most of them are freeware so don't worry about wasting extra money.
2. Run the program you've just downloaded. I think all, if not most of them, will ask you to restart the computer. Do it.
3. Once your computer restarted, your DirectX 9.0b (or 9.0a) is gone. Instead, you'll get the native DirectX 8.1 that comes with the original Windows XP installation.
4. Download DirectX 9.0b distribution package. You will also need 9.0c distribution package, so download it if you don't have it yet. Extract them on any folder you want, for example: DX9B (for DirectX 9.0b) and DX9C (for DirectX 9.0c).
5. Now here goes the tricky part. Copy all the CAB files from your DirectX 9.0c folder (DX9C) into your DirectX 9.0b folder (DX9B). Choose "YES" when prompted to overwrite files. Note that copying NON-CAB files from DX9B into DX9C might NOT work (It didn't work for me so I can't guarantee it).
6. Run the DirectX installation program from the 9.0B folder (DX9B). DirectX 9.0c installation should work now. It works for me, so I hope it'd work for you too, guys!

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Tags: Windows XP

Published Date: 20070812