sp2 rc2 and direct x 9.0c

they dont work together. it doesnt install anything it just says conplete. this is really bugging me because ive just got the sims 2 and installed it and i cant play without it. its K_I_Z_A by the way. ive tried installing it on 3 computers deleting direct x from the registry. and reinstalling but it doesnt work. all 3 of the computers have bits and bytes unattended install of windows on it which installs sp2 aswell. its driving me nuts!!!! please help me!!! also we are having major troubles with networking and ICS with this install too. neone else have the same problem? HELP!!!!!

QUOTE FROM http://pcpitstop.ibforums.com/index.php?showtopic=62741

IM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM

I have been having a problem with directx 9.0c installation

I downloaded the dxwebsetup.exe and directx_9c_redist.exe from microsoft but it was having the same problem

When i run the setup file, click the "i agree" button then the "next" button it seems to skip the installation and say "Install complete" even thow nothing was installed.

i ran dxdiag and it says that i still got 9.0b installed but not 9.0c wassat.gif

also in dxdiag - directx files no problem was found

I have tried using a program called directx eradicator to remove directx for my pc and install the 8.1 that comes with xp but i still cant install 9.0c after that but i can install 9.0b of the doom3 cd.

i also have tried downloading directx from guru3d but no difference

crytographic services is enabled and is running

i have also scanned the pc with ad-aware, spybot and norton with the latest updates
and turned off norton firewall and auto-protect when installing directx

I got this pc about a 3-4 weeks ago and it had Service Pack 2 v.2096
is that the beta version or somthing? cos it came with the pc ( i have a 56k modem so wont download service pack 2 from microsoft cos it will take time tongue.gif but may be my only option )

Any help would be great (formating or re-instaling xp is the last option on the table)

first of all, sp 2 is a full release now, there's no reason to be using release candidates, so update that. secondly, i've heard numerous reports of the sims 2 just having screwed up copy protection. take the game back and ask for another copy. and if you can't take the game back because you didn't buy it, too bad.

If you're on dialup, a lot of the latest pc mags have got the full SP2 on their coverdiscs (APC being one that comes to mind).