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Troubleshoot DirectX with a built-in diagnostic tool

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool is a troubleshooting utility that ships with Windows XP.

This tool primarily helps administrators who are troubleshooting problems around DirectX.

To launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, type dxdiag in the Run prompt. Here's a look at the tabs that appear and a few of their features:

• System: This displays information about the system, such as the computer name, version of the operating system, and DirectX version.
• DirectX Files: This lists all of the DirectX files on the computer, plus their respective versions and dates.
• DX Media Files: This lists all of the DirectX media files on the computer, plus their respective versions and dates.
• DirectX Drivers: This lists all of the DirectX driver files on the computer, plus their respective versions and dates.
• Display: This provides information about current display settings. It also allows you to test DirectDraw and Direct3D.
• Sound: This provides information about current sound settings. It also allows you to test DirectSound.
• Music: This provides information about installed music ports and current Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) settings. It also allows you to test DirectMusic.
• Input: This lists the installed input devices and drivers.
• Network: This lists the registered DirectPlay providers and applications that are installed on the computer. It also allows you to test DirectPlay.
• More Help: This provides links to additional troubleshooters and utilities.