Global Conflict

Well, I fixed my boot issues, but I think I discovered why my joystick hasnt been working.... I get a message when I start BF2 saying that the file D3dim.dll is not a valid windows image file, and I should restore it from disc. According to the Microsoft Knowledge Base this is a file originating in Direct X THREE (yes, three). Direct X three apparently relates to direct input from Joysticks (hence why my stick has been mysteriously not working). Ive already tried installing the latest DX, and with no luck. So, any ideas? BF2 actually RUNS (well except it crashed when I clicked JOIN after loading into the server), but that error has me worried about farther issues.

check your keyboardsettings in game.
may be they are gone.

Also check the language /country settings for your keyboard (I remember my US-bf42 eddition did only work when I switched to US-Keyboardsettings)[/list]

Cant check those right now, but I dont know why id have a keyboard language issue. US OS install, US keyboard, US game copy.

I'd say quit wasting time chasing down issue after issue and just back up your data (and make sure to dload and burn to CD the latest drivers, patches, updates, etc for all your stuff first), format and reinstall Windows.

Im really trying to avoid that because I cant find my BF2 CD key. Ive got the reg entry backed up just in case, but I would rather avoid going through that.

Isn't the CD key just another key in the registry like it was in BF1942? Meaning it could be just written down from the registry...

i dont think so, as its encrypted

tho u could try this:
-copy reg entry (encrypted) from registry (export)
-reinstall whatever u need to reinstall
-install bf2 using some fake key
-import ur old/real reg entry with encrypted serial key

not sure if it would work

when I start BF2 saying that the file D3dim.dll

Teamspeak overlays used to have a compatibility issue with directx files. BF2 even had a patch built in to the overlay window. Could that be related to your problem?

Winter

OMG Winter I surely haven't seen you around for a while!

Reinstalling windows somehow doesn't sound to be the solution of coise if it can be helped IMHO.

I would be concerned of other windows files being corrupted also since you had memory issues. Seriously, run MEMTEST PLUS http://www.memtest.org/ off a CD by downloading their image and making a bootable CD. Your memory may be occasionally fragging files even tho windows can run. Especially if you have been having alot of BF2 crashes lately.

You can try a quick band-aid and see if running "SFC /scannow" from the run box checks the directx files besides the windows files. Have your windows XP CD in the drive as it will need to copy files off it if it finds any funky.

Ill be a son of a biscuit. Why didnt I think of this sooner?
Deleted the offending DLL, reran the dx installer....and all is well again.

Glad to here m8!

RESOLVED added