Since writing the first part, I have reloaded Halo for PC, Combat Flight Simulator 3 and Fable Lost Chapters.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the DirectX 9 'pack' has improved the way the games play now. I can set detail in each game on the highest settings possible, and they will run without 'blue screening' and the action is smooth. Admittedly, the games are not cutting edge anymore, but the DirectX 9 updates should improve gaming experience across the board for users still running DirectX 9 video cards.

The link again..

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3&displaylang=en

To get the DirectX 9 download, you will have to be running an activated Vista. You will be pleased to note that there is no reboot necessary after installation. What you should notice is that games play better. For me, Zuma plays well again, and I think that detail and movement within Age of Empires III has improved too.

There is no time like the present.