Errors after loading x.file

Hi, I''m new to this forum and I need advise on my current problem. I bought a textbook "Multiplayer Game Programming" by Todd Barron published by Prima Tech. Inside there was a sample tutorial for Todd Barron''s game SpacePirates. I''m new at this and I need to trouble shoot. I''m using DirectX 8.0 SDK. I use 3D Studio Max R5 to model a simple looking mech to replace the mech in SpacePirates. I used the conv3ds.exe to export the game to .x format. I know there are a whole lot of options for this conversion, but nontheless I just used it without the options. I change the file to my new mech''s and started the prog. The game runs after I start hosting and my new model appears somewhat. However the model is somewhat jumbled up. Half the mech appears normal, but 70% of it loads weirdly. Parts are facing the wrong direction, distorted and missing. What kind of problem am I facing here? Even if i used the SDK''s own sample programs ie: ''Optimised Mesh'', the model stills appears the same. Is there information loss? Is there a guideline I need to follow before converting my model (from .max to .3ds and then to .x format)? Is there something I must do during the modeling stages? I don''t really know what else to ask because I don''t really know what I''m up against. Is this a common problem and do I need to re-model my mech from scratch? Is there a better conversion program out there that i can use? I hope you guys can give me some pointers. I need help ASAP too. Thanks in advance. Cheers.