I just want to be clear that the problem began before I unsuccessfully installed the newest DirectX.  Now the game won't start, I get the DirectX error message.  Before I can test anything new with the game, I need to be able to start it up, so I need to figure out how to fix the DirectX problem first.  I turn off all of my antivirus programs before installing anything or starting up the game.  Also, the antivirus programs are all new and update automatically.

Thanks for replying.  The first link you gave is to the old DirectX 9.0c version that I used to have.  The second link is to the exact version that I downloaded and installed.  It did download completely, and it even says that it is already installed correctly when I try to re-install it, but it doesn't show that I have the newest version when I open up the DirectX diagnostic tool.  I don't understand what you mean that something is attached to my graphics.  It doesn't make sense to roll back, then re-install all of the latest drivers on my computer, because I had the problem with the game before I updated the drivers and DirectX.  I made sure to download all of the latest drivers for everything else on my computer before I downloaded the latest DirectX.  I've tried re-downloading and re-installing DirectX, but I keep getting the same message that the installation is complete.  I've tried re-booting numerous times, but I keep getting the same results.  Any ideas for anything different? 

Thanks for responding.  I do have XP.  I downloaded the latest DirectX 9.0c, and the installation went normally, but for some reason when I open up the DirectX screen, it doesn't show that I have the new version, it still lists the old version.  When I try to run Life Stories now, I get an error message before the game starts.  This is what the error message says: "Failed to find any DirectX 9.0c compatible graphics adapters in this system!  Please make sure you have a DirectX 9.0c compatible graphics adapter and have installed the latest drivers provided by the manufacturer.  This application will now terminate."  I haven't gotten this error message before, so DirectX definitely installed something different from what I had before.  I've also tried re-installing the latest DirectX - I installed "DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer" - is that the right thing?  I'd really appreciate any advice on what to do now.

I'm not very computer literate, but I've been able to fix problems before.  I was wondering if anyone here could help me.  (And not just by pointing and laughing)  I've had Life Stories for months and I finally had time to install and try it out this weekend.  I checked to make sure that my ancient laptop met all of the system requirements, and I was pretty sure that it did when I tried it out.  I was able to play the game for about 45 minutes before it crashed (when I was downtown) and my screen went blue and I got an error message.  It said something about the driver, so I installed all of the latest drivers on my computer.  I tried the game out again and it crashed when I was downtown and I got another error message, but this time the computer didn't stay blue, it just restarted, so I couldn't read the whole message.  I think the message said something different than before, but it wasn't on the screen long enough to read.  I went to the "Electronic Arts' Easy Info" screen for Life Stories, and it says that my computer passes or has unknown capability with everything except the display memory, which fails.  My video card (ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 - which is labeled as an accepted card on the system requirements), video driver, and sound driver are all under "unknown capability."  Under display memory, it says that 32.0 are required and my computer has 0.0.  I went to check the display memory on my computer and DirectX says the approximate total memory on the display tab is n/a.  Under "current display mode" it says 1024x768 (which I know is my screen resolution) then it says (32 bit) (60Hz) - is that the 32 bits of memory?  Is my computer really not compatible with this program?  I've been able to run Sims 2 and University, but everything after that requires more than my laptop can handle.  My computer meets or exceeds every other requirement listed.  Please let me know if I should list any other system specs or if there's any way to fix this.  Thanks!

Are you talking about the Buntah clothes?  TSR categorizes all of them as everyday clothes.  BTW, your avatar always makes me burst out laughing. 

I know these don't hold a candle to the child boob meshes (which remind me of me at that age  ), but I'm surprised no one has put up anything by Buntah of TSR (or her own site) yet.  Not only do the patterns and colors make your eyes bleed, but they also have hideous cuts.  These are all categorized under everyday clothes.

This one's called the "Colorful Party Outfit" - There's a reason why the little girl wearing it looks miserable.


"Fuzzy Fuscia Short Set" - Are those black holes everywhere supposed to make it look fuzzy?  And what's with all the hotpants?


"Short Set" - I don't even need to say anything, just see her description: "Pretty blend of a pale fuschia loosely woven vest and shorts over a shortsleeve baby blue sweater. Blue and fuschia striped shoes to match. Perfect for the playground." 


And....drumroll please....The fugliest creation by Buntah for a female child....

"Two-piece shorter party dress" - "This is the two-piece version. Notice the yellow petticoat that shows when she walks :-) It requires the mesh file in this set." - Notice the stiff mile-high legs.

Thank you, simsbaby!  My laptop doesn't meet the requirements for Celebration, but I really wanted this hair. 

I've had problems like this without any hacks or cheats, too.  Most of the time it's with the green mist staying around a sim even though they've taken a shower.  It just usually goes away on its own after a few showers, or I guess in your case, a few nights' rest.  This problem happens most of the time when I'm going at the maximum speed.  Good luck.

Julie =)