Two DirectX 9.0b Redistributable versions issued by MS

[switch]

I just found out by coincidence that MS published for download in the past TWO versions of DirectX 9.0b Redistributable:

1. dated 23.7.2003, filename dx90b_redist.exe, filesize 32614 KB
2. dated 6.10.2003, filename dx90update_redist.exe, filesize 35914 KB

I had the old version on file, since I was unaware that MS silently updated the first version.

The fact is that I just did a fresh install of XP a week ago and installed the old (1) version.

Can I overwrite the old version by the new version? Anyone knows what the difference is between (1) and (2)?

[pointreyes]

I believe that there have been security updates to DX9. Maybe the newer redist. has those updates in it.

[switch]

we'll never know if the delta relates to security patches. May be, may be not. More importantly, can I safely overwrite the new one with the old one? Anyone any experience on that. My system is very stable, except I have an FM RAdio problem on my AIW 9600 Pro.

A Hotfix for DirectX 9.0b was issued by MS in November, which was fixing a problem for TV using PAL (mainly Europe) using ATI AIW. Now I don't know if that was a Hotfix for the (2) version of DirectX 9.0b or for the (1) version or both (1) + (2).

I know though that the TV function in MMC is closely knitted with the FM Radio function (at first install of MMC you first have to cofigure the TV before configuring the FM Radio function)

So to conclude above: can I overwrite the old DirectX 9.0b safely with the newer version?

[SubZero]

Heya buddy! :)

You can safely install the latest version but I would strongly suggest creating a restore point before doing so. Just in case. I'm not sure if XP will create one automatically when installing system components but I think it will.

I have no clue what the real differences are between MS downloads. They seem to make silent updates more than we are bargening for.

I seem to remember having both of those files (or upgrading with the 2nd one) in the past and it didn't give me any problems. I also remember seeing some hotfixes on windows update regarding DX9. I can't remember if it was the 2nd download you were referring to. I think it was a minor hotfix and not a complete download.

In case you are wondering whether you can downgrade or uninstall DX? You can't. Whatever some sites may say, running utilties or tools that delete a previous version of DX will bound to give you problems. So my advice: make a restore point and don't change your system date inbetween!!! Even better: if you have the diskspace and time available: create an image using trueimage or any other imaging software.

Cheers, SZ :)

[switch]

SZ, thanks for your input. Just learned from BINK that you can download DirectX 9.0c Redistributable as of now (July 22, 2004) from the MS site.

To create a Restore Point is even recommended by MS, as you also suggested.

Thanks anyhow!

Groet uit CH

[SubZero]

Groeten terug aan Zwitserland!! :)