Enable Graphic Acceleration

Windows Server 2003 Graphics Acceleration is disabled by default, which disables DirectX functionality. This is to enhance server stability and is not needed in standard server scenarios. To enable DirectX, Direct3D and DirectDraw, follow these steps:

 1. Right-click on the desktop and select 'Settings->Advanced->Troubleshooting'
 2. Set the 'Hardware Acceleration' bar to full then click 'OK'
 3. Click on the Start button and select Run
 4. Type in 'dxdiag' and click OK
 5. Click on the Display tab
 6. Click on the 'Enable' button for DirectDraw and Direct3D