Vectorworks KnowledgeBase :: DirectX Diagnostics and System Profiler

Knowledgebase Home

Search the Knowledgebase

Browse by Category

Knowledgebase Home > Technical

DirectX Diagnostics and System Profiler

Choose your operating system:

Windows

Mac OSX

DirectX and dxdiag (Windows)

DirectX Diagnostics is a utility designed to display the specifications of the machines's hardware, as well as to test DirectX software, including sound and video. To open this program type dxdiag in the Windows Vista start menu search bar or the Run command (Start->Run...) in any other version of Microsoft Windows.

To save your dxdiag.txt file for emailing to technical support:

Windows XP: Click Start > Run > Type dxdiag > Click Save all information > Save the text file.

Windows Vista or Windows 7: Click Start(Windows Logo) > In the search bar type dxdiag > Save all information > Save the text file.

DxDiag is a diagnostics tool used to test DirectX functionality and troubleshoot video- or sound-related hardware problems. DirectX Diagnostic can save text files with the scan results. These files are often posted in tech forums or attached to support emails in order to give support personnel a better idea of the PC the requester is using in case the error is due to a hardware failure or incompatibility.

By default the utility can be located in C:\Windows\System32 | DirectX: Description of the DirectX Diagnostic Tool In Windows Vista, DxDiag only shows information; it is no longer possible to test the hardware and the various DirectX components.

Functions

The System tab displays the current DirectX version, the computer's hostname, the operating system's version, information on the system BIOS, and other data. The DirectX Files tab displays information about the versions of specific DirectX system file, which are mostly portable executables or dynamic-link libraries (DLLs).

DxDiag displays information about the current display settings and the video hardware on the Display tab. If the computer has multi-monitor setup, then DxDiag will display a separate tab for each monitor. This tab can disable DirectDraw, Direct3D, and/or AGP Texture Acceleration for troubleshooting purposes. If the installed display driver has passed Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing, DxDiag will display this result on the right side of the window.

The Music tab displays information about the computer's MIDI settings, and lists different music-related software and hardware on your computer. The Input tab, displays information about input devices installed in the computer such as keyboards and mice. It will also attempt to detect problems with these devices. DxDiag displays information about the installed DirectPlayService Provider. It is possible to set up a very basic chat room using the network diagnostic and inputting various IP addresses.

Diagnostics

Many people have found good use to assist others with problems and issues by creating what's most commonly referred to as a "Dxdiag report". This report contains some extended information about what is installed on a PC including installed hardware, drivers, codecs and more but does not include any information which could be harmful by giving away personal information. In order to get this report one must do the following:

On XP: Click Start > Run > Type dxdiag > Click Save all information > Save the text file.

On Vista/Windows 7: Click Start(Windows Logo) > In the search bar type dxdiag > Save all information > Save the text file.

System Profiler (Mac)

System Profiler is a software utility that has been bundled with Mac OS since Mac OS 7.6 (until Mac OS X it was called Apple System Profiler). It compiles technical information on all of the installed hardware, devices, drivers, applications, system settings, system software programs and kernel extensions installed on the host computer. It can export this information as plain text, Rich Text Format/RTF or in the plist XML format. This information is used to diagnose problems. It can be extremely useful if attempting to diagnose a hardware problem. A user can send the information directly to Apple Inc. if the user desires. It has support for scripting automation through AppleScript and some limited support in Automator.

System profile can be found in: HD:Applications:Utilities, or by clicking the Apple icon at the top right of the screen, choosing "About This Mac" and then clicking "More Info".

Vectorworks Technical Support may ask you to send them this information from time to time.

With the System Profiler utility open, go to File > Save and you can save the entire profile as a single file which can be sent to another user or technical support specialist for further troubleshooting.

DO NOT use the .RTF format. The file should be saved as a "System Profiler" or "XML" file.

If you are on OSX 10.7 Lion, you will see this screen after clicking "More Info":