Looking for some software

[Modlerbob]

I have been using some form of the MS flight simulator for over 20 years. I recently purchase a new computer with Windows 7 pro loaded. Initially I found that my copy of FS2000 was having trouble loading and working. I then discovered that some time back I had purchased FS2002 and it loaded with no trouble on my new computer. It wasn't long before I started looking for some new planes to add to my library which lead me to Simvation. I have downloaded 20 or so planes and have had varying degrees of success getting the files in the right places. Some don't show up on the list of planes and others have blank instrument panels. I don't know whether the problem is with the files or my lack of understanding precisely where things go. So I looked around a while and found the Air Man program which I thought was an auto loader but it has a problem when I try to install an aircraft a message comes up "Flight Simulator folders not defined" and that is where I am stuck.

Is there a software download that will install the planes I have already downloaded?

[Fozzer]

I have been using some form of the MS flight simulator for over 20 years. I recently purchase a new computer with Windows 7 pro loaded. Initially I found that my copy of FS2000 was having trouble loading and working. I then discovered that some time back I had purchased FS2002 and it loaded with no trouble on my new computer. It wasn't long before I started looking for some new planes to add to my library which lead me to Simvation. I have downloaded 20 or so planes and have had varying degrees of success getting the files in the right places. Some don't show up on the list of planes and others have blank instrument panels. I don't know whether the problem is with the files or my lack of understanding precisely where things go. So I looked around a while and found the Air Man program which I thought was an auto loader but it has a problem when I try to install an aircraft a message comes up "Flight Simulator folders not defined" and that is where I am stuck.

Is there a software download that will install the planes I have already downloaded?

That is your main problem!

Don't rely on various "installation programs" to do the work for you, to install your Planes, etc. It will put your files in the wrong places, and also add unwanted files!

Far better to learn how to manually install the files that you download yourself, where you have full control on where they are situated!

After a while it becomes easy!

Paul.... ...!

[Jetranger]

How very True,,, I gave up on trusting someone who uses Self Installers, as I found out they weren't taking the time to properly direct and Line Out the self installer to put the files into the right places.

[Bass]

I surely agree with Paul and Jet.
But be aware, some payware stuff from TRUSTED sites you need to use the .exe file! Otherwise things can easy go wrong, cause the amount in the installing process

[Apex]

I would first move to FS9 or FSX. I have Win7 Home Premium, FS9 works just fine. Win7 Pro & Home Premium are virtually the same. I cannot comment on FSX as I've never tried it.

FS2002 is outdated. Get the most out of your new computer.

All I do to install any new aircraft is copy or move the aircraft folder into the FS9 'Aircraft' folder. Just remember that you cannot copy a compressed (zipped) folder,
which is usually how aircraft are contained when downloaded, you have to drag the aircraft folder out of the zipped folder and into the FS9 Aircraft folder.

Also, any aircraft you install must be compatible with the version of FS that you are using. That's always specified, of course, you should not have any problems identifying which is which.

Blank instrument panels? That is, the panel shows, but there are no gauges? There usually is a separate gauge folder in the zip file or sometimes inside the aircraft
folder. Look for it. That should be copied into the FS gauges folder. If the aircraft's gauge folder is within the aircraft folder, I think that still works OK, but I forget exactly.

[mustangaroo]

If you find disgusting holes in your panel you might try dragging the gauge folder to the panel folder....sometimes the cab stuff won't show up right if it is in the gauges (root) folder. Not a good idea to mix fs9 stuff with fsx and I can't tell you much about 2000 or 2002 but fsx hates fs98 stuff.

[Hagar]

If you find disgusting holes in your panel you might try dragging the gauge folder to the panel folder....sometimes the cab stuff won't show up right if it is in the gauges (root) folder.

I could be wrong but I don't think that gauges installed to the aircraft Panel folders will be recognised in FS2002. (It's many years since I messed around with FS2002 & my memory is not what it was.) There is no reason I can think of that compatible gauges won't display if correctly installed to the Gauges folder in any version of MSFS.

[hertzie]

Hi Modlerbob,

Send me a pm, name a plane that is bothering you and I'll see what I can do for you.

Regards, hertzie.

[Modlerbob]

I have a question about FSX. I am pretty happy with most everything about 2002 except the out of date scenery and a lot of missing landmarks. I lived most of my adult life in and around Orlando, Florida so I like to start my flights at Orlando Executive Airport. As I fly toward downtown I have discovered that one of Orlando's most famous landmarks is missing, the fountain in the center of down at Lake Eola. I am a graduate of the University of Central Florida and I can't find anything that remotely resembles the campus that is east of Orlando. Also further east on the coast I can't find Port Canaveral, the cruise ship port except there is a body of water that roughly resembles the shape of the port. I also lived for a while in the Atlanta area and can't find Stone Mountain which should stick out like a sore thumb as it rises about 800 ft. above the surrounding terrain. I don't know whether features like these can be inserted into the basic terrain model of FS 2002. I have updated the model of Orlando International Airport

Even so I am not a software engineer and at my age I'm not about to become one. So, does FSX have much more up to date terrain? I flew for years in AOL's Air Warrior and later in MS fighter ace until it was finally shut down. When you are flying in a combat sim what's on the ground and the level of ground detail was relatively unimportant, however when you are just putting around doing takeoffs and landings what you see out the windows and the level of detail in the cockpit takes on more significance. I didn't want to upgrade from Windows XP and unless there is a significant improvement in the scenery package in FSX over FS2002 I would just as soon not help to pad Bill Gates pockets any further. I am retired and living entirely on social security so every penny counts.

[Modlerbob]

Well, after consulting with my younger brother about FSX I pulled the trigger and ordered the disc(s). He is a pretty avid sim pilot to the point of spending hours at night flyin in an online virtual airline community. A lot more involved than I will ever be.

[Bass]

That is a good choice you and your brother did, bob!
When you got it up and running to your satisfaction, you'll find a HUGE improvements from 2002. (Fs2004 would do the same)
Feel free to ask about anything in this forum.
Good luck

[ViperPilot]

Modlerbob,

If you're going to make the jump to FSX, I feel it necessary to advise you on a couple of things...

1) DO NOT, under any circumstances, Install FSX in the default Program Files location. Create a separate FSX Folder on your hard drive, and prompt the Installation Wizard to install it there. That way, you'll minimize User Account Access (UAC) and Permissions issues.

2) Depending on how powerful your Computer is, you will need to play around with your Sim Settings to find a balance between performance and 'appearance'. FSX is much more resource intensive than either FS 2002 and FS 9, and will manifest that trait by stuttering with more complex aircraft, or higher density Scenery. As you add more complex add on airplanes or Scenery, this trait will become more prevalent unless the Sim Settings are adjusted.

3) I would highly suggest that you peruse the Major FlightSim Forums and spend some time reading about the 'tweaks' you'll need to make to FSX run smoothly. This is fast becoming more of an art form, and there are many steps and suggestions out there which would assist you greatly. However, each computer is different, and tweaks that work for some may not work for others; hence, the 'art form' comment.

Take your time, and do the Install step by step. Don't rush, and once you have FSX installed (without Add Ons), you can slowly add them and tweak as necessary.

Hope this helps...

[logjam]

Hi Modler. Welcome to SimV. You'll find everthing you need here. Just remember we're all just enthusiasts just like you and your son. Some are real experts and software geniuses, others have found their way through hard knocks. The secrets can be shared or not, please just try to understand that some of us are from different cultures and it takes time to understand the translation intoEnglish that we can all understand. Good luck with your installation,let us know how you are getting on.

[papituwall]

You don't mention the specs of your new PC, but if your brother has suggested FSX i asume that is good enough for this program.
FSX, as Viperpilot says depends a lot of the internal and external configuration, it is not a "plug and play" program.

In order to be fast in the implementation process I would suggest Kosta's guide: http://kostasfsworld.wordpress.com/fsx-software-and-hardware-guide/ and the use of Bojote's fsx tweaking tool http://www.venetubo.com/fsx.html.

When you have FSX running OK, remember that there is a DirectX10 mode, this means a better performance and image appearance-realism including shadows in cockpit, this also needs some tweaks being Steve the master: https://stevesfsxanalysis.wordpress.com/ . The same Steve has a payware tool that works perfect: SteveFX - DX10 Scenery fixer.

Good flights!

[mustangaroo]

I understand not wanting to make Bill Gates any richer. That does not mean you cannot find fsx in other venues however. I bought three for my grandsons...and as it turns out my sons through ebay at reasonable prices. One thing you will have to do after it is loaded is register but then you won't need a disc to make it fly on your puter. Two things: make sure all the discs are shown in the ebay listing and they were not already registered. The gold edition should meet any need for eye candy and animations that you cannot get through fs 2002.