[starjax]

So you went and bought a game. Installed it, and when trying launch, it comes up with a missing file (d3dx9_dll for example). Instead of trying to Google the file name and download it from some sketchy site (never know if it will be malware) you just need to run the direct x update. You don't have to worry about what version you have. By running the update, it will put the newest version of the files you need, corrupted or missing files, and so forth. Most newer games will come with the update included to insure that they game works correctly.

To read more about it and obtain the update please go here:
http://www.microsoft...ails.aspx?id=35


Instructions

Click the Download button on this page to start the download, or choose a different language from the drop-down list and click Go.
Do one of the following:
To start the installation immediately, click Open or Run this program from its current location.
To copy the download to your computer for installation at a later time, click Save or Save this program to disk.


Additional information

The DirectX end-user installation includes the D3DX, HLSL Compiler, XInput, XAudio, and Managed DirectX 1.1 components.
Note that the DirectX Runtime (Direct3D, DirectInput, DirectSound) is not part of this package as it is included as part of the Windows operating system, and therefore cannot be installed or uninstalled. Updating the DirectX Runtime is achieved by installing the latest Service Pack or obtaining a newer version of Windows.
For information on obtaining DirectX 11 for Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 971644.
The DirectX End-User Runtimes installer contains all of the components installed by the Web Installer in a single package and is recommended for those users that do not have an Internet connection during installation.

Additional help can be found here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/179113