Directplay on Windows 10

BTW, I just did a clean system install two days ago and haven't even installed my anti-viral software yet. Not that it matters since I can't find the option to activate it. Also, Adobe wasn't kind enough to include an install file on the disc, so no love there.

FOUND IT!!!!!!

Over on Ubisoft support, they offered a different approach to finding the switch. For anyone else looking, here is what worked for me:

Activate DirectPlay

1. Press the Windows key (between Ctrl and Alt) and the R key at the same time.
2. In the Open box, type Control Panel and click OK.
3. Then, select Programs.
4. Finally, click on Turn Windows Features on or offand turn on the DirectPlay feature in this new window.

The Xbox troubleshooting agent said they cant help we must ask Windows...

The 1709 update has attempted to fix the Direct Play issue.

With Win10 v1709, if you disable Legacy Components > Direct Play, and run a game that requires it, Windows will pop up a Compatibility

error message that offers to 'install' Direct Play.

• This should re-enable Legacy Components > Direct Play. If not, the manual option via Programs and Features should work. 

[ EDIT: Dec '19 - Apparently the change made by MS describe above has caused problems with enabling Direct Play via Programs and Features.

Curious that MS went the complicated route when they could have just switched Direct Play to enabled by default with the 1709 update.

Those who are having this problem enabling Direct Play may find it will enable if they boot into Safe Mode ?

I think the real issue here is...

Why did MS make Direct Play  off  by default on Win10 if they intended promoting Win10 as 'the best gaming Windows ever' ?

How is having Direct Play enabled by default going to be a problem for people who don't play old games ?

Are the Windows developers in the gaming department Ivory Tower so out of touch  that they didn't realise how many

people still play old games ?  Or do they just not care ? How many votes for the later ?

While 1709 may have introduced this issue, it has not affected everyone using 1709 (I have switched Direct Play off/on several times

since the 1709 update), but it may be just one more example of why these bi-annual version updates are going to become on

going headaches for Win10 users. These very large 'patches' to Windows are inherently dangerous. The bigger the patch the greater

the chance of corruption - Murphy's Law - v2.0087  ;D ]

Hi,

Thank you for your interest in Windows 10.

Microsoft DirectPlay has been deprecated. Deprecated components of "Microsoft DirectX 9.0 for Managed Code" are considered obsolete.

When writing new applications, you should avoid using these deprecated components. When modifying existing applications, you are strongly encouraged to remove any dependency on these components.

I suggest you to refer the article below:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb153243(v=vs.85).aspx

For anything gaming or Xbox related, head over to the Xbox Forums & they’ll take care of you.

Hope this information is helpful. Please do let us know if you need further assistance, we’ll be glad to assist you.

Answers and DECISIONS like this are the reason Windows is turning into a complete pile of DOG CRAP!

SOLUTION: Here's how to FIX Direct play and launch games like ICEWINDALE 2 and their ILK:

CONTROL PANEL > Programs and Features > Turn on Windows Features > Hit the + to expand LEGACY drop box > Install: DIRECT PLAY

Enjoy playing your game that WINDOWS and their GARBAGE designers BROKE.