How to Fix D3dx9_25.dll Not Found or Missing Errors

A troubleshooting guide for d3dx9_25.dll errors

by
Photo of Tim Fisher, Lifewire GM and Writer
Tim Fisher
General Manager, VP, Lifewire.com
Tim Fisher has 30+ years' professional technology support experience. He writes troubleshooting content and is the General Manager of Lifewire.
our editorial process
Tim Fisher
Updated on March 24, 2020
A young network administrator looks at a server rack.

Hero Images / Getty Images

There are a number of different ways that d3dx9_25.dll errors may display on your computer. Some of the more common d3dx9_25.dll error messages include:

  • D3DX9_25.DLL Not Found
  • Cannot find d3dx9_25.dll
  • The dynamic link library d3dx9_25.dll could not be found in the specified path [PATH]
  • The file d3dx9_25.dll is missing
  • D3DX9_25.DLL is missing. Replace D3DX9_25.DLL and try again
  • D3dx9_25.dll not found. Reinstalling the application might fix this
  • Error initializing the application because the file d3dx9_25.dll was not found
  • The application failed to start because d3dx9_25.dll was not found

Information in this article applies to all Microsoft operating systems including Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.

Cause of D3dx9_25.dll Errors

All d3dx9_25.dll issues are caused by problems with Microsoft DirectX. The d3dx9_25.dll file is one of many files that make up the DirectX software collection. D3dx9_25.dll errors usually appear when a software program is started.

Since most Windows-based games utilize DirectX, d3dx9_25.dll errors often appear when you try to start a PC game. Occasionally, d3dx9_25.dll errors will show up after a game is loaded but right before the game actually starts. In other applications, a d3dx9_25.dll error might show up before certain advanced graphics features are initiated.

Some games that have been known to generate d3dx9_25.dll errors include Heroes of Might and Magic, Battlefield, Age of Empires 3, Fable: The Lost Chapters, Zoo Tycoon 2, and Rise of Nations.

Do not download d3dx9_25.dll from a DLL download website. If you need a copy of d3dx9_25.dll, obtain it from its original, legitimate source.

How to Fix D3dx9_25.dll Errors

If rebooting your computer doesn't solve the problem, try these solutions in order until the issue is fixed:

  1. Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX. Upgrading DirectX to the latest version will fix most d3dx9_25.dll errors. Microsoft often releases updates to DirectX without changing the version number or letter, so be sure to install the latest release even if your version is technically the same.

    DirectX download page on Microsoft's website

    The same DirectX installation program works with all versions of Windows. It will replace any missing DirectX 11, DirectX 10, or DirectX 9 files.

  2. Install the version of DirectX that came with the program. Look for a DirectX installation program on your game or application CD or DVD. If a program utilizes DirectX, the software developers will often include an installable copy of DirectX on the setup disc. Sometimes, the DirectX version included on the disc will work better with the program than the latest version available online.

  3. Reinstall the program. Reinstalling the software should replace the missing or corrupted d3dx9_25.dll file.

    Uninstall apps in the Windows settings

  4. Restore the missing DirectX files. You can restore missing DirectX DLL files by extracting them individually from the DirectX package.

  5. Update your video card drivers. Outdated or corrupted drivers can sometimes cause DirectX issues, so try updating the drivers for the video card.

    Update driver option on the Windows Device Manager menu

  6. Test and replace your hardware. Use a free hard drive testing program to check for hardware-related DLL errors. If a problem is detected, replace the hardware component as soon as possible, or take your PC to a professional computer repair service.