How to fix Generals DriectX8.1 error

This is for anyone with Windows 11 that is receiving the "DirectX error" when launching C&C generals: Zero hour

"Please make sure you have DirectX 8.1 or higher installed"

This is for anyone with Windows 11 that is receiving the "DirectX error" when launching C&C generals: Zero hour

If changing your ini settings in documents does not work like some guides say to do, try this instead. This is what I had to do personally to run the game.

1) locate your C&C generals zero hour game folder

This should look something like ~steam/steamapps/common/Command & Conquer Generals - Zero Hour

Alternatively you can right click the game in your steam library, go to properties, then installed files and hit the "browse game folder" option to open the directory

2) Delete the file dbghelp.dll

If your worried about breaking the game further by doing this just leave it in recycle bin or in another directory and restore if this method doesn't end up working for you.

3) Run the game

Pretty simple, after hours of digging through ini hell this is the only solution that had worked for me. Hope it helps someone else out there too

[Humpy]

had this problem the solution is easy create a options.ini file inside it put the line
resolution 800,600 start the game. the game hates high resolutions...

[Wolveroo]

didn't help. I have uninstalled and reinstalled and still doesn't work deleting that file both times.

[LORD JEFFREY]

Nothing has worked for me. I've tried everything

[moonsvalley]

Worked. Many Thanks!!

[Phoenix Amaku]

EA has removed that 8.1 bug it is no longer in the file

[mq.hamdam]

not helping, i even restartedPC

[danrisseinductivo92]

I have a resolution problem I only play with 800x600 I want to change it to bigger resolution but when I change it it doesn't work

[danrisseinductivo92]

where can i download a legit direct x 8.1?thanks

[Rocky]

Forgot to mention, all the Microsoft redistributes needed for games through all of time can also be updated so you never need to download 1 again. Its all on the Microsoft web site. If you update all redistributes and also DirectX your PC should be able to run anything back to about windows 98 without a problem.

[Rocky]

NO! just update your directX. Just search "DirectX update" make sure its from Microsoft web site, than download it and run it. It will give you ALL old directX files and updates from 10.5 backwards to the earliest. There is also a "direct draw" update if you have a game that needs it.