DirectX error on Server 2003 SP1

[CeryxMantis]

I know, I know. Windows Server 2003 isn't supported, but lately I've found a few needs to use it on my workstation.

Anyways, I installed FFXI and the game ran great after updating. Turned all the graphical options up to high and there were no troubles. Later that night I installed 2k3 SP1 and now the PlayOnline viewer reports that I no longer have DirectX8.1 or greater installed. If I uninstall POL then reinstall, POL boots, updates, quits, then the new POL version once again complains about my lack of an updated version of DX. (Running DX9.0c, BTW, and all the server-related changes, such as disabling graphical features, have been manually re-enabled)

Anyone else tried to get FFXI working on 2k3SP1? Or thoughts on how to force POL to see DX? It clearly works without SP1, looks like I might just be forced to backtrack.

Thanks much

Ceryx

[Macht]

Well looks like it takes more insite into what the 2k3 SP1 did or changed. Probably something as simple as a single key in the registry needing a small change to correct the problem.

[KamuroIshigami]

Ah, I just figured out what it is and posted on a sticky thread.

In any case, you must uninstall DirectX 9.0c that comes with SP1. It breaks A LOT of things. Premiere stopped working, POL stopped working, etc.

I had to force a manual downgrade, it was not pretty, but I got it to work.

I see I am not the only one with Windows 2003.