Uninstalling DirectX 9.0

[mike2002]

Just a curiosity question:

I've read that that DirectX 9.0 cannot be uninstalled or returned to an earlier version.
Can someone explain why it isn't possible to merely delete DirectX, and install another version, as one would with a normal program.
:confused:

[BigBlue66]

Programs should never be just deleted, but rather, uninstalled.

Apparently, DirectX 9 embeds itself so far into the registry that it's impossible to just delete it, or uninstall it for that matter.

Only way you can get rid of it is a format and reinstall of the OS.

[ErnieK]

Have a look at this
http://www.cybertechhelp.com/html/downloads/download.php/id/6?vo=2

Or here
http://www.3dcenter.de/downloads/directx-dx9uninstaller.php

Depending on your OS you can un-install DirectX wih one of them.

[mike2002]

ErnieK: What would happen if I downloaded version 8. Would it install over version 9 no? It sounds too easy! But what WOULD the result be?

BigBlue66: You say it embeds itself into the Registry. But, say you deleted DirectX from Windows/System, then ran a Registry checker to remove any invalid references - no? Sounds too easy again?
Surely a few remaining Registry 'remnants' wouldn't hurt if they got left behind!

[mjc]

No, DirectX uses version checking, so the installer aborts if a later version is detectd.

DX9 (especially 9.0b) not only writes many Registry entries, but it also changes/updates several critical system files. On an OS susch as XP these files are protected and most normal means of removing them are locked out. They would be restored with the verified updated version if you were successful in actually deleting them.

Any way, why are you thinking about reverting to an earlier version?

9.0b is the version to run, considering that it patches a major (well maybe not according to MS, yet, but considering their track record this past week......new RPC patch to supercede the July one....HTA patch that doesn't work....ByteCode Verifyer bug that the last JavaVM edition may not have fixed....it is only a matter of time before the DX hole becomes critical) security hole in DX. For versions of Windows earlier than 2k it seems the only way to protect against it is to upgrade to 9.0b.

In 98, you may be able to do it manually...if you have all the correct files to replace and do it in DOS......after stripping the registry info before booting into DOS....then installing the version of choice after getting back into Windows.....chances of success are slim.

[mike2002]

MJC: I was contemplating reverting back to version 8 as I have a Hauppage 2000-t USB Digital Terrestrial box for receiving digital TV and radio. It is very unpredictable in both launching and running the device, and some users have reported problems that could be due to DirectX 9, although they may be refering to the PCI version.

Your comments regarding uninstalling don't exactly seem promising.
And yes, a complete reformat and reinstall of Windows would appear to be the only positive (and safe) method.

Regarding the 2000-t, I posted another thread in the Multimedia section asking if anyone knew why this unit does not appear anywhere in my Device Manager - so far no one can hazard a guess.
:confused:

[saphalline]

Wow! Good thing I updated to DX9.0b today! Here I've been running 9.0 for weeks without a clue!! :eek: :p Hehe, thanx for the info.