SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

[heeshung]

Very frequently, to supply adequate technical help for FS8, 9, or 10, we need a good idea of the computer specifications the person who's having difficulty is running on. Many times, people have no clue how to find that information. Usually it involves going to Windows' System Information, and wading through menus and sub-menus in vain of finding the right piece of information.

Using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool makes this task a lot easier. It groups all the important specifications onto one page, with extra information to spare. The user need not look through the specs, either. A simple click on the "Save All Information" button does the trick. The user can then paste the contents of the text file onto the forums so whoever helping can take a look at it.

Besides the usual CPU, RAM, and graphics card information, the text file also includes a large assortment of extra other stuff, if we ever need it, from screen resolution to the date and version of the sound drivers.

The next post will be a fully guided tutorial explaining how to use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool so even the über-noobs will be able to do it.

[heeshung]

Heeshung's DirectX Diagnostic Tool Tutorial-Über-Noob Friendly




1.) Start by clicking on the "Start" button. It is usually located at the bottom-left corner of the desktop. Refer to Figure 1.1

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/UnitedVirtualResources/1-1.jpg
Figure 1.1




2.) Next, click on "Run" after the Start Menu pops up. Refer to Figure 2.1

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/UnitedVirtualResources/2-1.jpg
Figure 2.1




3.) After the "Run" window opens, type "dxdiag" in the box, and click on "OK" Refer to Figure 3.1

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/UnitedVirtualResources/3-1.jpg
Figure 3.1




4.) When the diagnostic windows opens, it should look similar to Figure 5.1

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/UnitedVirtualResources/4.jpg
Figure 5.1





5.) Your vital system information, with the exception of the graphics card, will be displayed. If you wish to view your graphics card specifications, click on the "Display" tab. To save the text file, click on the "Save All Information..." button. Refer to Figure 5.1 above




6.) A "Save As" windows will display. Save the text file wherever you want, as long as you remember where you saved it. Refer to Figure 6.1

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/UnitedVirtualResources/5-1.jpg
Figure 6.1




7.) Once saved, you may open the file from the directory you have saved it to, and copy & paste the contents into your SurClaro post.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/UnitedVirtualResources/6.jpg
Figure 7.1




That's it! Now everyone who tries to troubleshoot your issue will have exact specifications of your computer to help them.

This tutorial has been compiled by heeshung, and I hope it helps!

[viche12345]

Great tutorial heeshung!

If someone were to ask for your system specs to be posted on this forum, attach it! Don't copy and paste into an existing topic. There are some people here who hate scrolling. Ahem?

[heeshung]

See, I thought of that, but when I went to test it out, the forums don't let you upload .txt files. I then had to go back and edit all of my posts.

[groundsquirrel]

Well, since you are only a teenager, we will excuse your not wanting to work for the knowledge by *ahem* ... scrolling. Like stacking bricks would be easier.... :roll:

[viche12345]

HAHAHAH good point there GS