Eric: "_noshadows.fx" is the max 9 version, the technique is SM3 and it's the same machine. Revel:I'm using the old shader on max 9 because i get errors with 1.5 (only works with max 2008+ i believe). I would've used 3PS light, but again i'm screwed. The ghetto workaround is importing a max 9 scene with shader applied =/.
How come the 2nd rollout has the title "_noshadows.fx"? Looks like you might be using a different shader in Max 9. What is the Technique dropdown set to on each? Is this the same machine, or two different ones? Could be the two graphics cards don't support the same shader model (3 vs. 2).