D3dx9_36.dll Not Found Error Resolution

Steps to Resolve the D3dx9_36.dll Not Found Error Message

D3dx9_36.dll Error Messages

D3dx9_36.dll errors can show up on your computer in a number of different ways. Many of the more common d3dx9_36.dll error messages are listed here:

• "D3DX9_36.DLL Not Found"
  
  
• "File d3dx9_36.dll not found"
  
  
• "The file d3dx9_36.dll is missing"
  
  
• "D3DX9_36.DLL is missing. Replace D3DX9_36.DLL and try again."
  
  
• "D3dx9_36.dll not found. Reinstalling might help fix this."
  
  
• "Missing component d3dx9_36.dll"
  
  

D3dx9_36.dll errors appear when a software program, usually a game, is started.

In non-game applications, a d3dx9_36.dll error might appear before certain advanced graphics features of the program are used.

Cause of D3dx9_36.dll Errors

D3dx9_36.dll issues are caused in one way or another by a single issue - some kind of problem with Microsoft DirectX.

The d3dx9_36.dll file is one of many similar files contained in the DirectX software collection. Since DirectX is utilized by most Windows based games and advanced graphics programs, d3dx9_36.dll errors usually show up only when using these programs.

Resolution

Important Note: Do not, under any circumstances, download the d3dx9_36.dll DLL file individually from any "DLL download site." There are a number of different reasons that downloading DLLs from these sites are never a good idea.

Note: If you've already downloaded d3dx9_36.dll from one of those DLL download sites, remove it from wherever you put it and continue with the following steps.

1. Restart your computer if you haven't yet done so.
   
   The d3dx9_36.dll error might be a fluke or one-time issue and a simple restart could clear it up completely.
   
   
2. Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX 9. Chances are, upgrading to the latest version of DirectX 9 will fix the d3dx9_36.dll not found error.
   
   Note: Microsoft often releases updates to DirectX 9 without updating the version number or letter so be sure to install the latest release even if your version is technically the same.
   
   Note: Are you a Windows Vista user with DirectX 10? Your game or program may still need DirectX 9 files to run properly so give the installation a try. Don't worry, both versions of DirectX can be run side by side in Windows Vista.
   
   
3. Assuming the latest DirectX version from Microsoft doesn't fix the d3dx9_36.dll error you're receiving, look for a DirectX installation program on your game or application CD or DVD. Usually, if a game or other program utilizes DirectX, the software developers will include a copy of DirectX on the installation disc.
   
   Sometimes, though not often, the DirectX version included on the disc is a better fit for the program than the latest version available online.
   
   
4. Uninstall the game or software program and then reinstall it again. Something might have happened to the files in the program that work with d3dx9_36.dll and a reinstall could do the trick.
   
   
5. Restore the d3dx9_36.dll file from the DirectX 9 software package. If the above troubleshooting steps haven't worked to solve your d3dx9_36.dll error, try extracting the d3dx9_36.dll individually from the DirectX 9 package.
   
   
6. Update the drivers for your video card. While it's not the most common solution, in some situations updating the drivers for the video card in your computer could correct this DirectX issue.

Applies To

The d3dx9_36.dll error message could apply to any program that utilizes Microsoft DirectX, most commonly video games.

Some common games that have been known to generate d3dx9_36.dll errors include PCSX2 (a PlayStation 2 emulator), Breakpoint 2008, Irth Worlds, Call of Duty 4, Civilization IV, PDC World Championship Darts 2008, and more.

Any of Microsoft's operating systems since Windows 98 may be effected by d3dx9_36.dll and other DirectX issues. This includes Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.

Still Having D3dx9_36.dll Issues?

Let a community of computer support enthusiasts help out! Post the details of your problem in the Focus on PC Support Forums. Be sure to let us know the exact d3dx9_36.dll error message that you're receiving and what steps, if any, you've already taken to resolve it.