DirectX is a technology that enables programs to work more directly with the hardware in your computer rather than relying on Windows for the service - e.g. graphics, sound, network etc. Some issues can arise as a result of corrupted files, or incompatibilities between the version of DirectX installed and your hardware/drivers.

To verify that your installation of DirectX is properly configured, you should run the DirectX diagnostics tool:

1. Click Start.
2. Click Run
3. Type dxdiag, then click OK

Information on DirectX-related errors can be found here: http://www.softwarepatch.com/tips/howtodirectx.html

For further information click here: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q190900

If the above link fails, visit the Microsoft Website at www.microsoft.com and search the site for the word 'dxdiag'.