Changing planes exits to WinXP Desktop

[Susquatch]

I recently upgraded from FS2002Pro to FS2004.  The default Cessna seems to work just fine.  But, when I try to switch to another plane, FS2004 immediately exits to the WindowsXP Desktop just like as though I quit the program.  It does not even try to create the raster files.  It just exits.  I upgraded my video driver with no effect.  The only other plane I can fly is the helicopter (which I still don't know how to use .....  8(

Any advice?

[garymbuska]

Are you able to use any of the default FS2004 aircraft
Not all aircraft from fs2002 will work in fs2004 I rember having something like this happening before. But I can not remember what the exact problem was I removed the airplane and stay away from fs2002 planes.
was the default cessna you used from fs9 or fs2002
Did you copy files from FS2002 to fs2004

[Susquatch]

I have not transferred any FS2002 planes to FS2004.  The planes that cause FS2004 to exit to the Windows XP Desktop are all the default built in planes that come with FS2004.  Only the default Cessna and for some reason the helicopter work.  Nothing else will load.

Thanks

[garymbuska]

That is a new one I recently had a problem where I could not select the default B747 every time i did FS would stop responding. I wound up completly uninstalling FS and reinstalled. Sounds to me like this is where you are heading as well make sure you copy any addon scenery and aircraft you might have before you uninstall. Remember after you uninstall to remove the old folder before you reinstall
I tried everything I could think of before I unistalled but no luck.
I wish I had a better idear but that sounds like it might be the only answer. If you still have the same problem after the reinstall I think I would give M$ a call you might have a bad disk or a illeagel copy

[Susquatch]

The only reason I have not tried re-installing is that I wanted to wait till I got some feedback from folks like you.  I'll wait a bit yet in the hopes that others have some ideas.

I probably won't waste my time contacting M$.  I've already looked at their support for FS2004.  Its abysmal.  Almost like they didn't even write or sell the program!

I'm absolutely sure my copy is legit.  Its from a major distributor in the original sealed metal box that alone would be a lot harder to forge than the software.

Thanks for trying to help.

[RIC_BARKER]

Maybe you got a corrupt install?

Try searching through your CD's (the xx.cab files) and re-extract your aircraft and gauges, then overwrite the ones you have currently.

If that doesn't work, then it looks like a re-install might be your only choice.

Ric B.

[leostr]

Have you got any addon scenery installed as well? I had EXACTLY the same problem using some scenery - would CTD when i changed craft, irrespective of location. Removed offending scenery (the most recently installed) from the CFG, and this fixed it. Dont ask why, but it did!

Hope this helps, Leo

[Hagar]

Susquatch. What are your system specs? I suspect this is a display driver issue. You might like to check your video card manufacturer's site for the latest DX-compatible drivers. Also visit the Windows Update site for critical/recommended updates (especially drivers) & install the latest DirectX 9.0b.

[garymbuska]

Susquatch
 I think I would try ric bakers idea on removing all of the default air craft and reinstall them by unzipping the Gameone.cab file on disk 1. Put them in a different folder other than in FS, then click and drag them over to FS and overwrite any old files. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope this helps if not. then you might not have any other way to fix this without doing a reinstall.
 lots of luck

[Susquatch]

I'll try the cabinet extract.  Might have to dig out my old notes on how to do that, but sounds like its worth a try.

[Susquatch]

No add on scenery, planes, or anything  .... yet!

[Susquatch]

Hagar:

Already loaded latest drivers and patches and DX9b.  It was the very first things I tried.

System specs are 2.2GHz Intel, with 1Gb RAM, ATI All-In-Wonder Radeon 9800, DVDR/W, CDRom, CDR/W, Creative Audigy Platinum, 90Gb/60Gb HDrives, M$ SideWinderPro Joystick.  Doubt there are hardware problems as system has worked great for over a year with tons of other stuff.

[Hagar]

OK. Just thought it worth mentioning. Maybe the others are correct & you somehow have a corrupt install. Treat CAB files in the same way as zipfiles. You can extract them with WinZip or whichever utility you use for unzipping files.

If that doesn't work the reinstall of FS9 would be the quickest way out. I can't promise it will fix your problem.

Good luck.

[Susquatch]

Hagar:

"Treat CAB files the same as ZIP files".  

Hmmmm.  That never worked for me.  Always had to use "Extract *.* filename.cab".  Could never know what I was getting till I did the extract!

My own favorite zip utility does not work with Cab files.  Perhaps I'll look around at a few others including WinZip to see what I can find since that does seem to be a LOT EASIER!!! ......  if it works.

[garymbuska]

SUSQuatch
Winzip will work fine. I use ALLZIP, I like some of the feature it has. But winzip works ok and you will have to extract the cab file but you will see what you are extracting. Set up a folder to put unzipped files into do not unzip any file straight into FS as this could cause headaches