If you are trying to use the directx option for rendering you would probably have to download the directx sdk not to be confused with the directx runtime. XSI uses some of the directx library files to compile shader code. Even then you would still have to apply a *.fx material to your mesh to see it in directx.

Edit: Oh I'm sorry. Your problem is of a different nature: http://softimage.wiki.avid.com/index.php/XSI_DirectX9_Display_-_XSI_could_not_create_a_DirectX9_surface

I know the solution to the problem is to change the %XSI_HOME%\Application\directx\DX9Display.dll file I just can't seem to find it any help would really be apreciated

 

This problem happened in the first few days/weeks of the mod tool and XNA, the solution was to rename the file to something else. This made the system choose the OpenGL device (From memory), but it leaves you with another problem.... you can not export directx shaders.

From what we found this was on the On board Intel graphics chipsets only and there was an update on the intel site for the drivers. It had something to do with the caps for the directx device, I think xsi released a small fix as well.

I personally gave up and went back to Blender.

So even if I do change the file name I can't export anything to XNA? And if there's another way to fix it could someone please post a link once again thanks

 

You can export models.... just not DirectX Shaders...

Thanks you've been a real help

Would you please post the link for required update for my INTEL CHIPSET VGA driver. I searched for my driver's update everywhere but could not find any. If INTEL does not have this problem fixed for their drivers, does SOFTIMAGE XSI MOD TOOL have any solution? I could not find any of XSI solution either. I downloaded and installed their Software Patch available on their XSI MOD TOOL download page but that did not solve this problem. Please post any patch link or anything else that solve my problem. I just want my problem solved. This will be a great help for me because I am working on a deadline for my University software project.

This forum seems to be dead most of the time!

The forums themselves are pretty active just this particular subset of them that are a little slower. The XSI mod tool is used by a subset of the community so responses are a little slower and the developers of it tend to be a little later on their responses. Sorry about that and hopefully someone jumps in here soon with an answer for you. This tool  isn't something I've used so I'm of no help to you other than to apologize for it taking so long for you to get any answer.

Try the XSI forums e.g.http://community.softimage.com/forumdisplay.php?f=31