Topic: AGS Games will not run in Direct3D 9

[Jaffles]

Hi all, I've been trying to run AGS Games in Direct3D 9, instead of DirectDraw, but every time I try I get the following error message: "There was a problem initializing graphics mode 640x400 (16 bit) (Problem: 'The requested adapter mode is not supported')

I've tried with quite a few different games and get the same message every time.

My computer currently has DirectX 11 installed
I've run a DirectX Diagnostic and it reports that Direct3D acceleration is enabled.

I'd like to be able to run games in Direct3D so I can use FRAPS to record gameplay, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Khris]

Try checking the "Force alternate letterbox resolution" option in winsetup.
Also try using the x2 or x4 filter, depending on whether it's a 640 or actually a 320 game (to get to 1280 x XXX).

What is your Desktop resolution?

[DoorKnobHandle]

In addition, you should try windowed mode and Direct3D 11 is actually absolutely independent from Direct3D 9 so because you have 11 doesn't mean you have 9, this is a common assumption people get wrong. Check if you have Direct3D 9 installed as well! It's also a possibility that your graphics card doesn't support pixel shaders 2.0 if it's older (ie. 5-6 years old) - although I believe the error message is different if that's the case.

[Jaffles]

Thanks for the responses!

I tried Force Alternate Letterbox and the filters, but got the same message. This leads me to believe I don't have Direct3D 9 installed.

I'm not sure if I have Direct3D 9 installed, how do I check that? And if I don't, do you guys know of a place where I could download it?

[Khris]

      directx 9.0c
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35

[Jaffles]

I know, it was simple to find, I just wanted to make sure I was downloading the right thing! 


But unfortunately, I downloaded/installed DirectX 9 and it still refuses to work. I think my computer may just be too old... (it's from 2001)

[Khris]

Really, you put Vista or 7 on a computer from 2001?

[Crimson Wizard]

Really, you put Vista or 7 on a computer from 2001?

Yeah, and -

But unfortunately, I downloaded/installed DirectX 9 and it still refuses to work. I think my computer may just be too old... (it's from 2001)

It is strange that although you think that it won't work with DirectX 9 because your computer is old, you still were trying to make it work with DirectX 11.

[Jaffles]

I do indeed have Vista on an ancient Desktop from 2001!

But yes, none of this is making sense to me either, how could a computer be more advanced yet too old at the same time? 

[Khris]

Are you using an onboard graphics card?
Maybe there's simply not enough graphic memory.
Try turning off the desktop background and switching your desktop to 640x480, Hi Color, then try again.

Edit: Also, isn't the box really, badly slow? The greatest memory hog of all time (Vista) on a box that's over ten years old? I can't and won't imagine what's it's like to work on that thing. I'd put the XP performance edition on there.

[Jaffles]

It's not... great. But AGS is really the only thing I use it for, and that runs well enough. I am using the on board graphics card, so that could be the problem. I'll try those suggestions!