FSX re-install

[boromir125]

I know by the research, I'm not the only one to have this problem, but I can't find a real solution either. My OS is Windows 8. I had a problem that wouldn't correct with restore, so I had to refresh, which of course left my files intact, but erased most of my programming...FSX included. I went to re-install and don't you know, at the end ran into that little sign that said 1722 error. After much searching, I found a download from windows "guaranteed to work" and of course, it didn't. I will keep searching for the correct answer, but thought some of you might have the answer. I've been flying since FS1 hit the shelves many years ago and don't want to be grounded now. Thank you in advance, and my eternal gratitude to the one(s) with the answer.

[ThaddeusHWJ]

Hi there! Quite coincidentally, I just performed a re-install of my FSX on my Windows 8 OS a few minutes ago.

There are a few things you should do before you attempt a re-install.
-> Create a backup of all your FSX planes and helicopters in another file and place it somewhere like on the desktop.
-> Uninstall all your add-on Aircraft and maybe scenery.

*Bear in mind that although you have removed FSX, FSX Acceleration is still in your system and has to be removed from the 'Programs and Features' category in the Control Panel.
** My FSX version is FSX Gold, hence I have FSX Deluxe + FSX Acceleration. As far as I know, Windows 8 only supports FSX Gold, and players that do not have FSX Gold have said that FSX does not run on Windows 8. I don't know if it is true, as I have never tried it before.

Now, if your FSX is FSX Acceleration like mine, you must have 4 things:
- FSX Disc 1
- FSX Disc 2
- FSX Acceleration
- Product Key for FSX Acceleration
- Product Key for FSX Deluxe (Optional)

Here are the steps for the re-install:

1. Put Disc 1 into your disc drive. Run it.
2. Choose the option "Remove FSX" instead of "Repair FSX".
3. The removal will start, but somewhere in the middle, the removal will pause, and you will be prompted to remove Disc 1, and put in Disc 2. Do so accordingly.
4. Disc 2 will remove most of the files from your Local Disk.
5. Now remove Disc 2, and uninstall FSX Acceleration, if you have it.
6. After removing everything, head back to your main FSX Folder (Microsoft Flight Simulator X) in your Local Disk. Some files should still be there.
7. Delete the entire file.
8. Now, run Disc 1 again, and Install FSX.
9. Somewhere into the installation, there will be another prompt to put in Disc 2. Do so accordingly. The installation will resume.
10. Disc 2 will end the installation. Now, immediately remove Disc 2 from your disc drive and put in FSX Acceleration. This will install FSX Acceleration.
11. Now, after the installation of FSX Acceleration, run FSX from the main FSX folder in your Local Disk.
12. While loading, they will prompt you to activate the game. *** If the you installed and uninstalled, and reinstalled FSX in the same PC, and you entered in the Product Key, the Key will STILL WORK, even if you uninstalled and reinstalled it. *** If you done so in another PC, I do not know how to help you.
13. The game will be activated, and you can play the game.

Hope this helps.

ThaddeusHWJ

[boromir125]

I appreciate the help. Thanks. I'll give it a try. I have FSX standard, and it worked in OS 8, although not well at times. I may have to try to find an updated version of FSX and try that as well.

[ThaddeusHWJ]

Hi there! I'm glad I could be of help.

I've heard others saying that FSX crashes sometimes on Windows 8, so I decided to get FSX Gold.

Anyway, since you have FSX Standard, you can just ignore my FSX Acceleration instructions.

[jandjfrench]

Hi,
A couple of things: FSX needs SP1 and SP2. Was the fix that was guaranteed to work really from "windows"? There are a lot of windows fixes that are disguised spam. Here's a fix from MS:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928080
Jim F.

[ThaddeusHWJ]

Thanks Jim for the additional info

[boromir125]

Thanks all for your help. The fix I got Jim was from your link...it didn't help unfortunately. Not real sure what the problem is, but next step is to go to Microsoft directly. They may not support FSX anymore, but the may be able to tell me what to do in Windows 8 to correct the problem. Ahhh, for the good old days of XP and XP pro. Why do the "big guys" always insist on fixing things that aren't broke?

[ThaddeusHWJ]

Best of luck!

[Huy753]

I had the same problem, I couldn't download the Demo of Fsx so I just bought the full Fsx version and it suddently worked again. I don't really know the problem of this, I have windows 8, and running it in diffirent compatibility modes doesn't work. You can try to rename the Installshield folder to Installshield1, some people says that will fix it (Im not sure)

[garymbuska]

Time out here
First off You do not need any disk to uninstall FSX or any program for that matter however that is one way to uninstall it It is easier to use the remove programs feature No disks are needed for this
The other thing you will need is the unlocking tool with out this you will not be able to reinstall the software unless you completely reinstall your windows.
This is the link you need

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928080

Run this after you have uninstalled FSX and removed all of the folders left from the uninstall