I have tried the suggested options of -nv, -w3d, setting video_mode and video_screen to 0, but no solution.

I want to run the server on a Windows 2003 root server, and these come usually without a 3d graphics card. I have 5 servers running at this time, and on all the test server package refuses to run.
Should I change to special (probably expensive) servers with 3d capabilities or is there another way ?

Stand alone servers are supported by Pro only. Otherwise, use a server with DirectX installed. The OS does not matter. It has also no influence on the price. DirectX is free.

Video options like -nv or -w3d make no sense on a standalone server. Also, video_mode and video_screen settings are ignored because there is no video screen.

I have the Pro edition, however the stand alone (-sv ?) option causes the same Direct3D crash as any other setting.

DirectX is installed, but the video card does not accept Direct3D calls.
When I run a test server that does no other action as posting to an online list, meaning no graphics interaction at all, the result is the same.

As for using a dedicated server with DirectX and Direct3D possibilities installed, could you direct me towards a provider that delivers those ?

A standalone server with -sv option does not use Direct3D and thus can not cause a "Direct3D crash", whatever you mean with that. But DirectX 9.0c or above must be installed. Otherwise you'll get an error message at startup.

Maybe the DirectX version is too old? Which engine version are you using?

After update at least the basic application runs with the -sv option.
There is still a problem, but I guess that is not related to Gamestudio.