Trouble with Direct X

[LenapeSue]

I have downloaded the Spore started kit and when i go to start the game i get this message:

Could not create the Graphics Device Direct X is unavaliable

I downloaded the lastest version of direct x and checked to see if it was on my computer and it shows that i have dirext x on my computer.

Here is what my system has

Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, build 2600)
Systme Manufacturer: Dell
System Model: Dimension 4600
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS Plus Version 1.10 A10
Processor: Intel(R) Oentium (R) 4CPU 2.80 GHz
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.000.0904)
Device: NVIDIA Geforce MX 440 with AGP8X
Drivers: nv4_disp.dll version 6.14.00 10.9371
WHQL: yes
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
VDD: n/a
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)

i dont understand why i dont have directx 10 since that is what i downloaded. i also dont understand why it tells me direct x is unavailable

any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated because i have ran out of ideas to try

Thank you

[ManagerJosh]

I think the problem is that your card didn't make the system requirements.


Device: NVIDIA Geforce MX 440 with AGP8X

http://uoem.com/spore/omnipedia/articles-2/spore-system-requirements---pc-1/

[swmeek]

Your card doesn't support Directx 10 anyways.
You need to find the files you downloaded and remove them and then go download DX9.0c.
Only the newer ATI and Nvidia 9xxxx series and the new 260/280 gt's support DX10.
Considering you have an AGP slot if I were you and you still want to play the game open up the side of the case and look up at the tag on the power supply to see what the maximum wattage output is for your Dell or look in the literature (if you still have it) and see if it lists anything there.
If you have a 350 - 400 watt power supply you might be able to upgrade to a 6600 or a 7600 agp card.
You might want to contact Dell and see if you have to use Dell certified parts or not.
Some Dells and older Hewlett-Packards you have to use parts that you have to get through Dell or HP.

[ManagerJosh]

One other possibility:

Go to Properties from the desktop, then click Settings, Advanced, Troubleshoot, and slide the Hardware Acceleration bar all the way up to full.

Let us know if that works :)