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Q277649: DirectX: Screen Flickers When You Start a Program

Article: Q277649
Product(s): Microsoft Home Games
Version(s): 2000,95
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbdisplay kbimu
Last Modified: 13-JUN-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- the operating system: Microsoft Windows 95 
- the operating system: Microsoft Windows 98 
- the operating system: Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition 
- the operating system: Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition 
- the operating system: Microsoft Windows 2000 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you start a program that uses Microsoft DirectX 8.0, you may experience the
following symptoms:

- Your screen may flicker.

- Programs that are running on your computer may briefly stop responding.

CAUSE
=====

This behavior occurs because DirectDraw tests the capabilities of your video
adapter the first time that you start a program that uses DirectX 8.0 on your
computer.

The symptoms occur while DirectDraw tests different display modes.

MORE INFORMATION
================

DirectX 8.0 cycles through several display modes to test the capabilities of
your video adapter. The results of the video tests are written to the following
file:

  D3d8caps.dat

If you delete the D3d8caps.dat file or change the configuration of your video
adapter, the same symptoms occur the next time that you start a program that
uses DirectX 8.0.

NOTE: These symptoms also occur if you test DirectDraw by using the DirectX
Diagnostic Tool (Dxdiag.exe).

Additional query words: msgame direct-x dx8 dxdiag flash blink winme

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbdisplay kbimu 
Technology        : kbOSWin2000 kbOSWin98 kbOSWin95 kbOSWinME kbOSWin98SE kbOSWinSearch
Version           : :2000,95
Issue type        : kbprb

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