I'm receiving a DX9-class video device error in Max Payne 2

Last Updated: August 21, 2020

Question: I'm receiving a DX9-class video device error, but I definitely have a video card that meets this requirement!  What can I do?

Answer: There are several potential causes for this error, and not all are related to your actual video card. These reasons include, but are not limited to:

Some part of your system does not meet the minimum system requirements for Max Payne 2, INCLUDING the use of an integrated audio device or "onboard sound chipset." Please note that the game is not guaranteed to run or work properly on machines that do not meet the minimum system requirements. These requirements are listed on the bottom of the Max Payne 2 game box, as well as listed in the Readme file installed with Max Payne 2.

You have not reinitialized your Direct X Features with your updated video drivers. To do this, you will need to enter the Direct X Diagnostic Tool, or "DXDIAG." To start up DXDIAG, click on "Start," then on "Run..." In the text box that appears in the new small window, type in "dxdiag" and press the ENTER key.

Once you do this, you will see one of two things: a "Yes or No" question in a small window, or a larger window with several tabs that run across the top of the information section.

If the question appears, read the information and answer how you see fit (the question basically asks you if you would like to allow Microsoft to see your system information), then the larger window should appear after a few seconds. This larger window with the tabs across the top is the main DXDIAG window.

Click on the tab labeled "Display," then look in the window about half way down the screen; you will see a narrow section labeled "Direct X Features." There are three options available, next to which is a button. Click the button once so it displays "Disabled," then click it again so the button reads "Enabled." Exit from the DXDIAG tool, and then restart your computer. After your PC reboots, try to play the game.

You are running a Windows XP platform, and have a dual-CPU machine or some high-performance processors.

To solve this issue, run the game in "Windows XP Compatibility Mode." To do this, right-click on your Max Payne 2 shortcut on your Windows Desktop, and select ""Properties"" from the drop-down menu that appears. On the new window that appears, click on the "Compatibility" tab, then select the option to "Run this program in Compatibility Mode." Then choose to emulate the Windows 98 operating system.