I recently upgraded my project from 1.7.2 to 1.8 and discovered that normal mapping under dx9 was no longer working.
Running some tests using the supplied compiled example - 11.PerPixelLighting
1.7.2
1.8
Console Output
XP Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
DirectX 9.0
NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS nv4_disp.dll 6.14.12.8558
Here the output from 1.7.2 stops
1.8 also outputs
Currently available Video Memory (kB) 983040
Could not load shader function D3DXAssembleShader from dll, Shaders disabled: d3dx9_43.dll
Could not load vertex shader.
Could not load vertex shader.
The above screenshots were taken at the same time so there is no change in hardware etc that could account for it. OpenGL however works fine in all cases.
[no bug]DirectX Changes in 1.8
Re: DirectX Changes in 1.8
Try updating DirectX and your video drivers. That problem looks like you have outdated drivers.
"There is nothing truly useless, it always serves as a bad example". Arthur A. Schmitt
Re: DirectX Changes in 1.8
Thanks Mel - DirectX was the culprit.