Skip to main content
S
Steve33320792wq70
Participant
November 1, 2023
Answered

Photoshop Elements 9 : unable to use due to Direct x issue

  • November 1, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 1038 views

Hi

I'm hoping someone can help me.

I haven't used Elements 9 for a good number of years.

Now I've retired, I have more time to start to use my copy of Elements 9.

I appreciate it's a really old version but I'd like to see if I can use it to post process raw images I've collected on a recent photography tour.

Unfortunately, when I start the program up I encounter a pop up message saying I need Direct x in order to use Elements.

Using the dxdiag run command, I can see that I have Direct Version 12 installed on my Windows 10 laptop.

I can also see that successive Ms updates have placed lots of directx files in c:windows folders.

Did anyone else encounter this issue and does anyone remember what the solution was?

 

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Jeff Arola

    I think you need to turn on DirectPlay as described below from this thread:

    https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-elements-discussions/phtoshop-elements-12-can-not-find-quot-directx-directplay-quot/td-p/9107095#9540653

     

     

    - Click "Start Button"

    - Type "Turn Windows Feature On & Off"

     

    - Open it

    - Check for "Legacy Components"

    - Click the + sign

    - Check "Direct Play"

     

    - Click "Ok"

    2 replies

    Jeff Arola
    Community Expert
    Jeff ArolaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    November 1, 2023

    I think you need to turn on DirectPlay as described below from this thread:

    https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-elements-discussions/phtoshop-elements-12-can-not-find-quot-directx-directplay-quot/td-p/9107095#9540653

     

     

    - Click "Start Button"

    - Type "Turn Windows Feature On & Off"

     

    - Open it

    - Check for "Legacy Components"

    - Click the + sign

    - Check "Direct Play"

     

    - Click "Ok"

      S
      Steve33320792wq70Author
      Participant
      November 2, 2023

      Thanks for your reply Jeff

      After posting my issue I found the same solution elsewhere on the Adobe community site (turning on Legacy Components for DirectX).

      It worked perfectly after a reboot so all's good (except I then stayed up until 3am using Elements 😉)

      Thanks for taking the time out of your day to respond - it's greatly appreciated 

      Steve

      Greg_S.
      Community Expert
      Greg_S.Community Expert
      Community Expert
      November 1, 2023

      Try running Elements 9 in compatibility mode.  Go to the C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 9 folder and find the ElementsEditor.exe file.  Right-click on the file and choose Properties from the context menu.  This will bring up a dialog with a Compatibility tab.  Use that to select a compatibility mode.  Here is a screenshot of the dialog in Win 11, but Win 10 should have something similar.  If you are still having difficulty, try running the Compatibility Troubleshooter.

       

      S
      Steve33320792wq70Author
      Participant
      November 2, 2023

      Thanks for your reply Greg.

      After posting my issue I found a solution elsewhere on the Adobe community site.

      Jeff Arola also directed me to the same solution (turning on Legacy Components for DirectX).

      it worked after a reboot somall'dps good (except I then stayed up until 3am using Elements 😉)

      thanks for taking the tme out if your day to respond - it's greatly appreciated 

      Steve

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices