According to the directx web installer....

Directx setup has determined that a newer or equivilent version of directx has been installed already.No installation is necessary.

I'm up to date,unless something is wrong somewhere with a corrupt file(s) or registry entry.

I tried installing ati catalyst 9.6 and had a bluescreen event.I noticed the word "bad pool header" before my computer rebooted.Any idea what this is?I'll try reinstalling ati catalyst 9.5 and see what that does.

I successfully installed ati catalyst 9.5,but the sims 2 doesn't start.

As it stands i have the most current drivers and directx.I have the sims 2 deluxe edition and university expansion pack installed.Nothing starts up.Why i have no idea!Maybe i need to mess around with the ati catalyst settings.I'm going to try running the sims 2 again with xp sp2 compatability and administrator.Might try disabling visual themes and desktop composition also.Disable display scaling on high dpi settings may be worth a try also.

tried running with xp sp2 compatability,run as administrator,disabled visual themes ,disabled desktop composition,and disabled display scaling on high dpi settings.No go.I'm fresh out of ideas(and energy).It's up to you folks to find the answer.I'm too tired now.I'll see you tommorroww.

FYI,i installed ati catalyst 9.2 and sims 2 and expansion packs work at last(mine being university and open for business).I noticed 9.3+ had besides win vista64bit drivers also served, apparently, as win 7 beta or win 7 drivers(i think that's why the sims 2 didn't work..pure guess).If your an ati vid card owner try ati catalyst 9.2 and see what happens with the sims 2.Some of you may have no problems with the latest drivers,but not me.Again ati catalyst 9.2 if your having problems with the sims 2 and the latest ati catalyst.Hopefully,this stands and i don't have any further problems.