Well, windows 7 is on service pack 1, Windows XP is on service pack 3, and vista, who knows. SP2 maybe? You get them from windows update, which is at update.microsoft.com on xp, or on the windows update icon on the control panel for vista or 7. Some games require the latest service pack to operate, but it should have installed automatically. Plus most of the service packs update dirextX. If your service pack installation is failing, it may be due to an outdated driver, particularily audio drivers. FFXIV is one of those that does better on the correct service pack usually.