You may experience the D3dx9_38.dll error if you like playing games on your PC. A frequent error message on a PC game includes File d3dx9_38.dll not found. The file d3dx9_38.dll is missing, D3DX9_38.DLL Not Found, and D3dx9_38.dll not found. Reinstalling might help fix this. This article explains how to fix the D3dx9_38.dll error on your PC.
The D3dx9_38.dll error message is a common occurrence for programs utilizing Microsoft DirectX. You can expect to experience the error message when installing programs like PC games or launching an installed program relying on Microsoft DirectX. The D3dx9_38.dll file is part of a collection of DLL files in the Microsoft DirectX program.
You can read the content below to learn how to fix the D3dx9_38.dll error on your PC.
1. Restarting your PC
It sounds a bit lame and an IT cliché to recommend that you restart your PC to fix the error message. However, it is surprising how frequently the solution works to resolve the D3dx9_38.dll error on your PC. You can try restarting your PC first to solve the D3dx9_38.dll error message, and you can proceed to the solutions below if it does not work.
2. Uninstalling and installing the latest version of Microsoft DirectX
The latest programs can be incompatible with the old version of the DLL files on your Microsoft DirectX on your PC. You can try downloading and installing the latest version of the Microsoft DirectX program from their official website.
The Microsoft DirectX program does not include the version number on their releases, so ensure you get the current and latest update on their website.
3. Installing the Microsoft DirectX program
Third-party programs like PC games include their version of the Microsoft DirectX program in their installation CD, DVD, or Zip download folder. The coding of the third-party program may require a particular version of the Microsoft DirectX program to function seamlessly.
Sometimes the program may be incompatible with the latest or any other versions of the Microsoft DirectX program. You can fix the D3dx9_38.dll error message in such a case by installing the Microsoft DirectX program included in the installation package for the third-party program.
4. Uninstalling and reinstalling the third-party program
On some rare occasions, some files may fail to install as expected during the installation process of third-party programs. The incomplete installation can be due to power failure or interrupted system processes. Uninstalling and installing the program is the best solution to fix the D3dx9_38.dll error message on your PC.
It is important to note that you need to completely uninstall all files related to the third-party programs on your PC. Uninstalling the third-party program on your Pc using its uninstaller may leave some remnants of DLL files on your PC, and this can cause the D3dx9_38.dll error message to reoccur after installation.
You can use third-party uninstallation programs to remove every file related to your game or software. You can also remove the remnant files from your PC manually. Manual removal of the remnant files may require advanced skills using the Registry Editor on Windows.
Several tutorials exist online that you can use to learn advanced skills for using the Windows Registry Editor, and all you need is patience and the willingness to learn.
5. Restore the D3dx9_38.dll file manually
You can use this solution if you are sure that only the D3dx9_38.dll file is missing from the Microsoft DirectX installation. The restoration solution requires an offline installation package for Microsoft DirectX.
It is a simple process, and you can use the steps below to restore the D3dx9_38.dll file on your PC.
Step 1: You can start by downloading the same version of Microsoft DirectX on your PC if you do not already have it.
Step 2: Extract the offline package installer to see all the installation files.
Step 3: Locate the D3dx9_38.dll file in the extraction folder. You can use the Search bar on file explorer to find the D3dx9_38.dll file.
Step 4: Copy the D3dx9_38.dll file from the extraction folder before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Open the installation folder on the Drive C partition. You can find the installation folder by navigating to C:\ Windows \ System32.
Step 6: Locate any occurrences of the D3dx9_38.dll file and delete it from your file directory. Confirm your changes if prompted for administrator privileges. Paste the file you copied earlier to the installation folder. Confirm your changes when the prompt for administrator privileges pops up.
Step 6: Restart your PC and open the game or software program.
6: Install the latest drivers for video card
Video cards release frequent updates to ensure that you get the best graphics experience while playing your favorite game or rendering your graphical project.
You can use the steps below to install the latest drivers for your graphics card. You can start by checking the latest drivers for your graphics card.
Step 1: Right-click the Start icon at the bottom left of your screen before clicking on the Device Manager option.
Step 2: Wait for the Device Manager console to launch before locating drivers for your graphics/video card.
Step 3: Right-click on your graphics/video card and click on the Properties option.
Step 4: Click on the Driver tab and note the Driver version and name of the Driver Provider of your graphics/video card.
Step 5: Launch your internet browser and open the official website for your graphics/video card provider.
Step 6: Check under the download section if you have the latest driver for your graphics/video driver. Download and install the latest drivers for your graphics/video card if you have an outdated driver on your PC.
Step 7: Restart your PC and open your game, rendering software, or program.
Conclusion
The critical thing to note is that the D3dx9_38.dll error message on your PC is related to the Microsoft DirectX program. You can attempt to fix the D3dx9_38.dll error message by addressing issues with the Microsoft DirectX program or video/graphics card drivers. All the steps listed above are simple for anyone with little to no experience troubleshooting Windows problems.
