Sims 2 says I Don't have DirectX 9.0c Compatible Graphics Adapter - Ash

[Ashley19175]

Everytime i try and play the sims 2 i get this message:

failed to find any directx 9.0c compatible graphics adaptors in this system. Make sure you have direct x 9.0c compatible graphics adaptor and you have installed the latest drivers provided by your manufacturer.

Heres my info

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System Information
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Time of this report: 8/4/2009, 09:42:48
Machine name:
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 1 (2600.xpsp1.020828-1920)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Model: Gateway 400VTX
BIOS: Rev 1.0
Processor: Mobile Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 - M CPU 2.00GHz, ~1.2GHz
Memory: 246MB RAM
Page File: 191MB used, 414MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.0001.0904 32bit Unicode

Display Devices
---------------
Card name: Intel(R) 82852/82855 GM/GME Graphics Controller
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) 82852/82855 GM/GME Controller
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_3582&SUBSYS_0402107B&REV_01
Display Memory: n/a
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Digital Flat Panel (1024x768)
Monitor Max Res:
Driver Name: ialmrnt5.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.4497 (English)
DDI Version: unknown
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 2/7/2006 08:56:16, 45697 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ialmnt5.sys
Mini VDD Date: 2/7/2006 09:04:34, 1399615 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-76C2-11CF-5A62-0824A0C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x3582
SubSys ID: 0x0402107B
Revision ID: 0x0001
Revision ID: 0x0001
Video Accel:
Deinterlace Caps: n/a
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Not Available
D3D Status: Not Available
AGP Status: Not Available
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

I do have directx 9.0c

I'd appreciate some help

Thanks. Ash

 

[raybay]

Usually this is a driver error.
Try downloading a new driver set, or the previous driver set, then remove you existing drivers.
Then reboot.
Then install the new driver set.

 

[Ashley19175]

A. where do i find a new driver set and what one do i need
B. I don't know how to uninstall the old one...

 

[raybay]

Before I answer your question below, I must apologize for missing a key point in your first post.
You have a Gateway 400 VTX, and ONLY 256 MB of memory.

What you really need to get it working is a memory upgrade.

You have 256 MB of onboard installed memory.

You need two modules of 512 MB DDR PC2700 memory... one in each slot. Give your 256 MB module away, if you want to run games on that laptop.

Now, if you want to upgrade the drives, you will also need the memory upgrade.

Since you are using Windows XP Home, you can go to Start->Control Panel->System->Hardware->Device manager, and disable or remove the old device/Drivers only.
Before you do this, though, get the current and most recent drives, and download them to a place on your computer where you can find them later.
Then when you disable or remove the old drivers, reboot, then go to the location where you have stored the new drivers and install them. Read the instructions from the website of the manufacturer carefully as installing some drivers is tricky... I would write them down or print them out.

 

[raybay]

There are plenty of sites for the DDR PC2700 laptop memory... Crucial.com, Kahlon.com, TigerDirect.com, Zipzoomfly.com, NewEgg.com, and my recommendation, www.directron.com.
It is not diffcult to replace. You need a screwdriver to remove the memory cover on the bottom of your laptop, then carefully while wearing rubber gloves or plastic bags, unseat the clips on each side of the slot and pull out the old memory modules directly out being careful not to force anything.
Then insert the new modules, and be sure the clip is back in position.