Simviation Forums

I've tried to use my Sidewinder Precision Pro (Not Force Feedback Type) with my new computer which is on Windows Millenium but for some reason I can't install it can anyone advise me where I might find the proper drivers so I can use my Joystick again.

Also when my aircraft are ready for take off and i'm rolling down the runway their veering to the right all the time is there any way of sorting this or is this a known issue with FS 2002

Thanks

Jim

Don't you still have the Disc that came with the Sidewinder??

When my acft. start veering right (and it's usually right) a quick unplug and replug of the joystick USB connection fixes the problem. Don't know about other USB connections, but on the Sidewinder, at least mine anyway, they get worn, dirty or a little of both.

If you do have the disc, then the drivers are there and they work fine with Millenium. I used it for several years.

Might also check and see if you have Plug and Play activated.

Thanks for the reply i've tried several times with the disk in and also plug and play but still get the NOT CONNECTED message in the Gaming Options window

Try different USB ports.

Look in Device Manager and see if it is listed. Probably won't be but you can then let it search for new hardware.

If you loaded up the drivers from the disc, then you ought to be able to get that stick working, provided you are using a good USB port and the connection for the stick or stick itself hasn't gone bad.

I have an old SW Pro. I never needed to install any drivers as they're bundled with WinMe.

also, msft. has closed their website of sidewinder products, so you can't update. i got the precision 2, and it came with a CD. did you get a CD with yours?

Yep got the CD tried to install drivers they come up on the list of gaming options but keep getting a NOT CONNECTED when it is connected to the game port and USB

That tells me that there is a problem with the connection between the stick and your machine. The USB connector on your stick could possibly have gone bad or is just extremely dirty. Try plugging it into another spot and/or even cleaning the connector on the stick itself.

A little electrical contact cleaner spray works wonders. ;-)

i had a problem with the joystick itself at one point last year. I brought the problem to microsoft, who told me this was a minor problem with the joysticks, and you'll get a replacement ASAP.

appearntly the Precision is not a good joystick, although my replacement has been working fine so far!

so, email MSFT and tell them whats going on.

Hi Jim ,

I probably can't be on any help , but I have used the old Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro for several years ( actually have two ) and each have performed beautifully .  I started with W98 and installed with the CD using the Gameport and all went well .  Updated to a newer PC and have Windows XP ( which I like very much )  .  I tried to install the Sidewinder and had no luck .  I got the " not connected " indication and gave up .  I finally tried the USB adapter and plugged into that port and it accepted the controller and didn't have to use the CD at all .  Has worked beautifully !!
I think you tried the USB port so am wondering about Windows ME ( which I don't like )  ????

Jamie

[quote]Hi Jim , I think you tried the USB port so am wondering about Windows ME ( which I don't like )

Same here as far as a good joystick. I have torqued the crud out of mine when flying in combat online. Tongue hanging out and all, and my stick still performs flawlessly.............other than the occasional USB connection problem. Like I said, a quick unplug and then plug back in fixes the problem. But that is with XP. When I was on ME, I think I had to go to settings and let it recognize my stick again after unplugging and plugging back in.

Look in your Device Manager and see if there is are any problems listed.

Re-install the sound drivers for your system, me thinks it'll work then.

By the way, WinME is not a well received Op Sys in these parts, it has most of the flaws/inadequacies of Win'98 but uses the resources of WinXP, (120mb of ram instead of 60mb like Win'98!). Consider updating to a modern Op Sys.

As far as the sidewinder goes, always used to full effect!

I'll keep mine until it falls to pieces.