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I am using Windows XP SP3, so perhaps this only happens with SP3 – but I have found mentions of it all over the net.

Basically upon the installation of Madden ’08 (just after you enter your code) you will be told that your version of DirectX is too old (even if you already have 9.0c installed) and when you try to update it – it won’t update. The installation then exits.

1. In order to fix this, simply insert your DVD then go to My Computer. Open the content of your Madden DVD and you should see a file named AutoRun.exe.
2. Right-click on this file and select Create Shortcut – you will be prompted as to whether you want to create the shortcut on the Desktop – select Yes.
3. Right-click on the shortcut you just created and select Properties. Go to the Compatibility tab and under Compatibility Mode, select Windows 2000.
4. Click OK on the Properties window to close it, then double-click the shortcut to start the installation.

You can now install Madden ’08 as normal.