Downloading for dummies ( FS2002 ), ( CFS3 )

[Russell]

I'm a brand new member, ( 5 minutes old ). I fly airplanes in real life, and I have the store bought versions of Microsoft FlightSim 2002 Pro, and Combat Flight Sim 3 on my PC at home, just for fun and some practice. The only enhancement I've added, ( so far ), is a store bought version of Lago's Flight Simulator Scenery Enhancer, ( for use with Microsoft Flight Sim 2002 only ). HERE'S MY QUESTION: If I add-on downloads to upgrade and enhance my flight simulation programs, will those downloads find their own way to the appropriate programs, already on my "C" drive? In other words, can I simply download added features, and forget them, or must I place them in the proper disk or program location? I'm hoping to simply download enhacements, and then the next time I power up FS2002 or CFS3, the enhancements will already be present, anad ready to go. Is that how it works? Do these downloads "augment" the original programs on my computer, or do these enhancements take up residence someplace else on my hard drive? In other words, after I download enhancements for FS2002 or CFS3, may I simply open them and find my enhancements there, already integrated into the original programs? I want to know BEFORE I decide to download anything. When downloads are referred to as "compatibile" with FS2002 and CFS3, does that mean they integrate with those programs when downloaded, or does it simply mean that the download won't interfere with your parent program? Thank you very much for your help. I need it. I'm a good pilot, but I'm no computer whiz. I wish I was. I need your help. Thanks a million. I'd rather leave my computer "as is", than screw it up. Flight simulation is my PC's major function. Surfing the web, e-mail, etc., all fall in line behind flight simulation. RSVP.    ::)

[Iroquois]

All your questions can be answered with both a yes and a no. When downloading, some addons come with autoinstall but most don't. I would recomend adding a 'shortcut' to both your FS2002 and CFS3 folders on the desktop for easy access. If you run windows XP, Winzip comes in folder format. Aircraft files go under the Aircraft folder. If the file contains Guages or Effects, simply move them into their respective folders. Most designers offer instructions on how to install in their downloads.

Second question. Addons do not augment the original program, or at least should not. If the Windows asks you if you want to replace an old file with the same name when installing, just click no or back up the old file first and store it in a safe place. No addons are integrated. Also FS2002 and CFS3 addons are not compatible with each other. I should also note that autoinstallers should be avoided unless they come from well known designers. These are more likely to do damage than manual installs.

[Scottler]

Hi Russell, and welcome to your new home away from home.  lol

Most add-ons are manual installations, however, there are lots that have auto-installers.

With that said, let me just say that a lot of guys, myself included, prefer to manually install the programs, simply because we're able to ensure that there aren't any needles in our Halloween candy, if you get my drift.

Manually installing the add-ons is VERY easy.  Most things will go into the aircraft, panel, or gauge folders.  (And I'd say a good 95% of add-ons have installation instructions.)

And finally, any questions you've got about installing files will most likely be answered...all you've gotta do is post on the ol' forums here at SimV, and SOMEONE is bound to help ya.

Good luck!

[Wing Nut]

Hi Russell!  The front page of the site has several links that will lead you to tutorials about everything from installing aircraft and scenery, to re-painting and creating aircraft.

[Scottler]

My old High School science teacher used to say 'The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked.'

He/she hasn't met some of the people I have.