Jeff, Same here I'd still be using my ZX81 if I could. Regards IDP "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Champagne in one hand - strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO - What a Ride!" "Never drive faster than your gaurdian angel can fly" Priest & Sons Model Engineers http://www.kinvermes.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/p1.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeff Dayman" <jeffdayman@xxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 12:33 PM Subject: [modeleng] Re: Direct Error OTOTOT Sounds like a graphics card issue to me. Many of the new games require the very newest and best (very expensive) graphics cards. Been through it recently with my son too. Computer store staff, who I have dealt with for years successfully, say the new standard practice is to expect to change the entire computer to an upgraded spec every TWO years. Don't know where they find the money, but I guess the lure of the new games is that great. We won't be meeting the new standard at our house. Cheers Jeff Dayman ----- Original Message ----- From: "I.D.PRIEST." <idpriest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 4:03 AM Subject: [modeleng] Direct Error > Gents, > I know this isn't quite model engineering but it is spoiling my model engineering time so I'm prepared to take the wrap. > > My son has installed a game on his lap top [pentium dual core, tons of memory and so on so forth] When he tried to play the game all he gets is the report DIRECT 3D ERROR CREATE DEVICE FAILED. > > The game when istalled on my machine [pentium 4 but only a 32meg graphics card gives the same error report. > > Anyone got any ideas. > > Ill now go and beat myself for posting an off topic post. > > Suitably admonished IDP > > "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving > safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in > sideways, Champagne in one hand - strawberries in the other, > body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO - What a > Ride!" > > "Never drive faster than your gaurdian angel can fly" > > Priest & Sons Model Engineers > http://www.kinvermes.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/p1.htm > > MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. > > To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, > modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line. > MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line. -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.3/423 - Release Date: 18/08/2006 MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.