Need some help figuring out what's wrong...

[Dukes]

Alright well to put it in as few words as possible, FS2004 is letting me run in minimum quality only. The slider bars in the display options are locked to the left side, the traffic settings let me check the boxes but don't let me set density, again locked to the left. I've tried uninstalling, reinstalling, etc. but no luck. If you can tell me what you need as far as system info I will be glad to get it.

Info I think you guys might want:
Graphics Card:
NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
- As best I can tell it is up to date, Microsoft couldn't find any driver updates and I couldn't find any on the NVIDIA site so... I dunno...
System Processor:
Intel(R) Pentium(R) M processor 1.40GHz
Direct X Version:
9.0
Screen Resolution:
1280x800 (Widescreen Laptop)
Color Quality:
32 bit
Operating System:
Windows XP Professional SP2
What the computer itself is:
Dell Inspiron 8600
Physical Memory:
512MB
Virtual Memory:
2GB

Need anything else, just tell me. Thanks ^^

[simonmd]

Sounds like FS9 hasn't recognised your graphics card. From the menu at the top (or from settings at the main screen) go, options-settings-display. Then selct hardware from the tabs at the top (the one on the far right I think). This page should show your graphics card and driver details, if not, then select the option to find it.

[BFMF]

Do you have the current version of DirectX???

[legoalex2000]

and just for safe measure, did you delete FS9.cfg. t's in your registry or something, i'll have to check on that.. it works wonders.

if it works, congrats, if not, it was worth the shot anyway.

ramos

[BFMF]

Do you have problems with other games, or is it just FS?

[Graycat]

Heya Dukes,

Welcome to SimV!

Ramos came up with an excellent suggestion.  I second his motion to first delete the FS9.cfg.  I recommend the following procedure:

1.)  Open the Windows Explorer in your Windows XP Pro

2.)  Up at the Top Menu Bar left-click on Tools --> Folder Options.  Now left-click the View Tab.  The first item on this list is labeled Files and Folders.  Eight lines down you will see a manila folder icon labeled "Hidden Files and Folders."  Left-Click a dot into the radio circle button that is labled "Show Hidden Files and Folders."  Now left-click on the OK button at the bottom of the Folder Options Window.  This allows you to "see" all folders that are normally hidden from view.

3.)  Locate the FS9.cfg here -- C:\Documents and Settings\~your username~\Application Data\Microsoft\FS9.

4.)  Right-Click on the Icon labeled FS9.cfg then left-click on the drop-down menu labeled "Rename."  Rename this file to FS9.Bak.

5.)  Now Start your Flight Simulator 2004 program as normal.  

Your FS 2004 will automatically re-create a brand new FS9.cfg file, however, all of your settings in FS 2004 will be at the default.  You will need to go into FS 2004 and reset everything to your satisfaction.

If this doesn't work then do as Esselbach posted and check your DirectX version.  I'm running version 9.0c.

If this still doesn't work, let me know (either by posting here or you can IM my SimV Member Name) and I can help you with a few other "tricks" we can try with your NVidia card.

[Mr.Mugel]

Check the slider for locking frames per secons, Take that one too the right side, so that it reads unlimited, Had such trouble, too when getting FS9, but now it

[Dukes]

Hi guys, thanks for trying to help me.

I tried the FS9.cfg tip, didn't work, the sliders are still locked.

I will try updating my Direct X and perhaps figuring out a way to just reinstall it to see if that works during my lunch period today.

I don't seem to even HAVE a hardware tab... anyone know anything about that?

I don't recall ever having problems with other games.

I have absolutely no idea where one would find the FPS tab to try it.

Anyhow I have to get off now and go to class, thanks for the assistance so far guys, any more ideas I would be glad to hear them.

[Dukes]

Reinstalling DirectX didn't do anything... I am begining to wonder if maybe something is wrong with my copy of FS9... Do you think that's possible? I have a friend who I could borrow a copy from if that's the case...

[simonmd]

Worth a try, the disk itself may be damaged but would be unusual. At least that'll rule that out.

[Dukes]

Now to convince him...

Anyone have any more ideas for me to try? I would really like to not have to effectively pirate FS9 by using a friend's CDs...

[Saitek]

I say this respectfully, - is your copy a legitimate copy of FS9?

P.S I don't think that has anything to do with the problem though.

[Dukes]

Yes. Why would anyone bother pirating a simulator that only costs twenty-five bucks or so?

[Saitek]

Well if it is damaged - Micosoft may replace it for you (not sure). But as I said I doubt that is the cause.

Why would people cheat? Thousands would and do. More people have probably used FS or FS related stuff through pirating then have through buying. A random guess.

[Dukes]

As far as I am concerned going to Microsoft is a worst case scenario if the problem is indeed the CD... I don't like Microsoft, the only reason I use XP is because I have to if I want to game, and FS9 because it's the only decent flight sim out there. Anyhow thanks for the advice, I doubt that the CD is the problem as well but I figure I'll cover all my bases before investing money trying to solve the problem... e.g. buying a new/better graphics card. Thanks though ^^