By Bismarck.Phaded 2014-01-09 18:30:14
Not sure if the second post in this thread was overlooked but the D3D error happens exactly for that reason. Most PC users can go way above the normal resolutions preset in the FFXI config, and will either use the registry to manually set their resolution settings to something higher, or use the Windower GUI options in the launcher. Setting any resolution with these methods will not play nice when you go back to standard POL and you will get that D3D cannot initialize error.
To resolve it in the past, I have had to open the standard FFXI Config launcher, and set the overlay and background resolution there. Once done, save and log in thru normal (vanilla) POL. Can even just be lazy and click default and then save since you are just trying to get past a CS. Not sure if the CS you are trying to get past is the Kamhir one, otherwise it might be a corrupted .dat as was suggested before. When done you can relaunch thru Windower and the previous settings you had will be used.
TL:DR : If your overlay and background resolution have been set with windower, it will not play nice with normal POL. To fix set those resolutions within the FFXI Config > Screensize tab.