SimControl 2.0 to prevent disasters?

[Bamboo1]

Last weekend I managed to totally trash my FS2004 installation while installing a bunch of new planes and panels. Even my default 737 panel blew up, with the nice round gauges becoming egg shaped, and an elongated panel totally filling the screen.
I've got lots of extra hard drive space, so usually I'll make a total backup of FS before horsing around with its guts, but hadn't bothered prior to this download and install session. Oops!

I fiddled around for many hours, but nothing helped, so I finally dumped the entire FS2004 installation, and am now painfully reconstructing my setup (checking my work as I go).

I'm pretty gunshy about repeating my error, because I don't even know what mistake I made, which means repeating it is likely. With seemingly perfect timing, I just received PC Aviator's ad for SimControl 2.0, which claims to be able to manage downloads and eliminate problems of missing gauges and funky planes.

SimControl could be great, but I'd like a reality check before I buy it. Has anyone tried this program? Does it perform as promised? Is it worth $40? Has anyone ever written a download guide that offers troubleshooting advice that might make SimControl redundant?

[Hagar]

Hi Bamboo. I never trusted any of these installer utilities myself. I certainly wouldn't spend out $40 on one without being able to check it out first.

My best advice would be to learn to install stuff properly. Then you will know what to look for if anything goes wrong. Don't go on a download spree & install everything at once. Do each one individually & check it out in the sim every time. Then you will know which addon caused the problem if you have one.

Installing aircraft & panels is perfectly straightforward once you understand the basic principles. The Help section here at SimV has all the tutorials you should need. You can also visit my Lair. Post here on the forum if there's anything you don't understand.

Here's a couple of tutes to go on with.
http://www.simviation.com/acinstall.htm
http://www.simviation.com/paninstall.htm

PS. 3 more tips.
Always take a backup copy of files you intend modifying.
NEVER unzip files direct to the sim.
When installing gauges DON'T overwrite existing files/folders if prompted.