CoD Steam - issue with installing Directx

[twopots]

The tip to install the DirectX from the redist folder has no effect for me. When I try to launch the game in Steam it just sits there on updating Direct x 1 -5 (steps I presume).

Went away to the garbage dump (1.5 hour round tip) and checked the screen when I got back. It hadn't budged.
Contemplating a symbolic trip to the dump to dump this game. Why are sims in particular so prone to birth pangs like this? (rhetorical question!)