DOCUMENT:Q277649 13-JUN-2001 [homegame] TITLE :DirectX: Screen Flickers When You Start a Program PRODUCT :Microsoft Home Games PROD/VER::2000,95 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS:kbdisplay kbimu ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 2001.