I was really excited to play the game, but it just won't start. The only thing that happens is that a window opens and closes again. I tried to redownload and reinstall it several times now, but the problem remains the same.

Any ideas ?

My game says it's missing a d3dx9_49.dll file. :(

Generally,downloading the dll and placing it in the game directory solves this kind of issue.

The upcoming update may help resolve your issue. Also, try downloading this file:

spelunkyworld.com/files/config.txt

and placing it in the Spelunky/Data folder. It will force the game to start in windowed mode, which may work as a work-around for the moment.

EDIT: I had to leave the www. off to post the link.

Me too. Where can I download this file?

Running this: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35 should get your DirectX all up to date.

You may also need this: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5582

Also, the upcoming (second) update may address problems starting the game in Windows 8.

There was no problem with the game at all. I just needed to download directx. Forgot to do it, and then did. It works. ;)

It didn´t work... I have Windows 8.

I've heard others have similar issues with Windows 8. Try running the game in XP compatibility mode and see if that works.

Hmmm this update created another Fatal Error message: Error creating Direct3D9 device.

Done. But It hasn´t worked yet. I still receive the message about the lack of the d3dx9_49.dll file.

Hmm... usually that's solved by installing DX9.0c, but I've heard from multiple people that it won't install under Windows 8. So I'm not sure what to do. Anyone know how to get the legacy DirectX working under Windows 8?

I´ve just installed Retro City Rampage and it installed the Direct X.... After this, Spelunky worked! I don´t remember if Spelunky asked to install the Direct X though... Well, now it worked!

Awesome, glad you got it working!

Solution is to install "Direct-X End-User Runtime" from Microsoft.com