Microsoft KB Archive/308117

= Games: Error Message: Ddraw.dll Cannot Start =

Article ID: 308117

Article Last Modified on 12/18/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Midtown Madness 2
 * Microsoft Flight Simulator 98 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Golf 2001

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This article was previously published under Q308117



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

 * 1) Click Start, and then click Run.
 * 2) In the Open box, type C:\Program Files\DirectX\Setup\Dxdiag.exe, and then click OK.
 * 3) 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 2: Configure Midtown Madness to Use Software Rendering
To resolve this issue in Midtown Madness, follow these steps:
 * 1) Start Midtown Madness 2.
 * 2) In the Startup dialog box, click Options, and then click Graphics.
 * 3) In the Renderer dialog box, click Software only (no 3D video card), click Done, and then click Back.

Method 3: Check Your Monitor Setting

 * 1) Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
 * 2) Double-click System, and then click the Device Manager tab.
 * 3) Click the plus sign next to Monitors.
 * 4) If there is more than one monitor listed, make sure that the selected monitor is the same as the monitor that you are using.

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/windows/directx/default.mspx

 On the Home User Downloads Web page, click the appropriate Web link to download DirectX.</li> In the File Download dialog box, click Save this program to disk, click OK, and then click Save.</li> When the download process is finished, click Open, and then click Yes.</li> Click Yes to accept the license agreement.

NOTE: If you do not accept the license agreement, you will not be able to install DirectX.</li> When prompted, restart your computer.</li></ol>

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MORE INFORMATION
To download the latest version of DirectX, see the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.mspx

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