Windows Vista Gaming Tips
February 10, 2009 Windows Vista Tips
Some games require fixes to run in Vista. These games require the latest version of Directx9. Vista does not actually 
contain a full installation of Directx9, just some elements for compatibility purposes.
To install Directx 9c on Windows Vista:
1. Download the latest DirectX 9 redistributable file from Microsoft.com.
2. Unzip the file into a folder on your desktop or in your documents.
3. Run the DXSETUP file.
4. You can delete the folder after the install has finished.
Vista allows you to nest commands within the executable file which will turn off the Vista 3D effect like the Aero desktop when you run the game.
To disable the 3D desktop while gaming:
Locate the executable file for the game. Go directly to the c:\program files directory and find the folder for the game in question. You can also use the search function.
1. Right click on the executable file and choose ‘properties.’
2. Click the ‘compatibility’ tab.
3. Under the ‘settings’ heading, check ‘disable visual themes.’
4. Click ‘OK.’
Note that this tip disables the Aero desktop only for the game you just modified.
There are a lot of programs and games that should work on Vista but don’t. Luckily various patches added since the Vista release have helped the issue, but many of your old games still won’t play ‘out of the box’ on Vista.
Try enabling the XP compatibility mode for your older games. Just as Windows XP had various compatibility modes included to mirror older OS environments, so Vista can mirror the XP environment to a degree.
To enable XP compatibility mode for a game:
Locate the executable file for the game. Go directly to the c:\program files directory and find the folder for game in question. You can also use the search function.
1. Right click on the executable file and choose ‘properties.’
2. Click the ‘compatibility’ tab.
3. Check the ‘run this program in compatibility mode for …: box and ensure that the dropdown box underneath is set to Windows XP Service Pack 2.’
4. Click ‘OK.’
This must be done separately for each game.
If you have a Creative Audigy or X-Fi sound card that you know supports 3D positional audio, but either the option is not available in some of your games or you get no sound when you activate it, this fix is for you.
Creative Labs created a program called ‘ALchemy’ which bridges the gap between their hardware and what it expects from the software. ALchemy is not free. If you need it, download the program from Creativelabes.com.
If you’re disappointed with the performance when you run these games in their full DX10 glory, there’s a solution.
Navigate to the games folder (‘start\games’) and right click on the icon that starts your directX10 game or directX11. You should see a ‘play Direct X9′ option. You may sacrifice a few of the visual bells and whistles, but your frame rates are almost guaranteed to be better.
