Demo Error D3DERR_NOTAVAILABLE

[Kesto11]

I get this error every time I try to open the demo version. I've tried unistalling, reinstalling, redownloading several times. It downloads a 235MB demo version 1.6. Any insight? I really want to play this game, but I won't buy it until I know it actually works on my laptop. I run a virtual windows xp system on my macbook pro. Other games such as CWG2, Age of Empires have worked fine, but I cannot get this demo to work.

[ADukes]

It's an issue with your graphic card or your DirectX installation.

Make sure that you have the latest version of DirectX and the graphic card driver installed.

[Kesto11]

I updated DirectX, same error. How do I update my graphic card?

[RebBugler]

Search online, all graphic card makes provide updates on their website.

[Kesto11]

I couldn't find any updates that were free and I am hesitant to fork over more money not knowing if it will even work.
Edit: I do have access to a Windows 7 computer that the demo works on, but that is only when I'm home with my parents, which leaves me with another question. If you buy the boxed cd version, would I be able to install it on multiple computers or does registration of the serial number prevent that? I would like to avoid paying twice for the game because I've loved it just from the demo and I am a huge Civil War buff, participated in the 150th Gettysburg (BGA event). I don't think I'll be able to get it to run on vmware on my mac, I wish they'd make a mac version but I know that requires a lot of work.

[RebBugler]

You are allowed to install multiple copies on your computers. Sounds like you were using an integrated graphics card, these don't work well for SOW, a separate card is recommended.

Cool about your Civil War enthusiasm, SOW will definitely add to the immersion and history. Hope it eventually works out that you can update, or probably upgrade, and discuss your SOW experiences, and learn to mod, to build whatever you can dream.

[Kesto11]

Can you install on multiple computers from purchasing the download version too or only box edition? If both work, then I'll definitely buy it tomorrow and enjoy it while I'm home for the summer and see if I can work something out when i go back to college I've spent time with very simple amateur modding of CWG2 and AoE3. Simple stuff like messing around with unit weapons, stats, upgrades etc. Gotta learn the ropes of the game and get that learning curve down (I spent probably 5 hours last night replaying the demo corps battle trying to better understand the mechanics of controlling separate regiments and discovered my limit so far: if i try to control more than one brigade at a time, it doesn't turn out too well haha. Plus going through the other tutorials should help quite a bit (demo only has the first and last one i believe, a bit of a jump to make). Been looking for a game like this for a long time- real time with lots of troops on the field plus dead bodies making it realistic. Can't wait for more

[RebBugler]

Can you install on multiple computers from purchasing the download version too or only box edition? If both work, then I'll definitely buy it

Both work, so probably, welcome aboard!