I installed BOINC the other day. Since then I have been having problems playing DX games (EQ2 in particular) with it giving me a Could not create D3D Device on 8500GT error. I have diagnosed the problem is the Boinc Screen saver. What happened is this:
I tried to play EQ2 but it wouldn't work with the above error. So I went to the Control Panel and checked out the nVidia Control Panel (CP). I noticed that the normal 3d icon of nVidia's that usually rotates was not working either. So I rebooted my computer and went back to the CP and the rotating 3d icon was back. I then had to go do some chores for a few minutes. When I came back the screen saver was on. I moved my mouse and on a lark I went and checked the CP again. The Icon was gone again. I tried to play EQ2 and it didn't work again. So I rebooted, was able to play EQ2 again. Exited EQ2 and then waited for the screen saver to take over again. Soon as it did I moved my mouse again and tried EQ2 again, same error as before.

Running:
Windows Vista Business 32-bit
Boinc 5.8.15 (just upgraded to 5.8.16 same problem)
nVidia 680i SLI (EVGA) MB 15.00 drivers
nVidia 8500GT (EVGA) 158.18 drivers
C2D E6600

I made you a ticket in Trac: http://boinc.berkeley.edu/trac/ticket/181

If you want to add to it, please Register separately.
Do add your email address as a CC to see changes to the ticket.

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I made you a ticket in Trac: http://boinc.berkeley.edu/trac/ticket/181

If you want to add to it, please Register separately.
Do add your email address as a CC to see changes to the ticket.

I just downloaded and installed 5.10.13 and the problem does not occur for me anymore. I did the same test I did originally and did not have it fail. This problem appears to be fixed.