Use of Freeware add-ons, after downloading.

[Russell]

I need a "computer whiz" to become my friend and tutor, ( just for a day or two ). My equipment is a desktop, running Windows XP home edition, with 2.4 ghz, Pentium IV, 512mb DDR, 80 gig HD, ATI Radeon 9700 PRO 128 bit video card, 32bit sound card, and a 21" NEC flat monitor. I have FlightSim'98, 2000, and 2002 on my computer, as well as CFS 3. I'm a pilot in real life, and flight simulation is one of the most important functions I use my home computer for. When I discovered "simviation" I became very excited at the prospect of

[Scottler]

Okay, quick rule of thumb for you that will save you lots of headaches.  NEVER unzip directly into the game.  The reason for this is simple.  If you don't like the add-on, or if it doesn't work the way you'd hoped, you'll spend hours searching for the files.  You may never find them.  Also, if by chance you've gotten your hands on a bad file, which is VERY rare, you don't want to infect your entire F$ folder.  lol

The easiest way, and thus the way I do it, is to unzip to a temporary folder on your desktop.  Then you literally just copy the folder to the correct location.  (i.e. gauges to the gauges folder, sounds to the sound folder, etc.)

Most add-ons have installation instructions, but in the off chance that they don't, just try this method.  It's quick, and it's simple.  It takes some getting used to, but you can do it.  Once you've done a few, it will seem even easier.

If you've got any more questions, this is definitely the right place to ask.  The folks here are VERY helpful.

Welcome to SimV!

[fisharno]

Also, too...

Every now and then you'll come across a zip file that when the author put it together, they negelected to arrange all the files correctly, in their own folder(s).
So, what happens is when you unzip it, all of the files are dispersed where you unzipped them too. Real headache if there's already lots of files there. Then they get mixed in with the others, and you'll have a heck of a time retreiving them.

ALWAYS, create a new folder to unzip them too, but not in the FS2002 directory, itself. Keep a seperate folder for everything you download, and then just copy and paste your new files into the correct FS2K2 folder as needed.

[Hagar]

Welcome to SimV Russell. May I suggest you check out the SimV Help & Tutorials section. http://www.simviation.com/fsdhelp.htm
Also my own Lair. http://www.simviation.com/lair/index.htm
You will find plenty of tutes covering most subjects & common problems with all M$ sims. If you still have problems, please mail me direct from my site. I've helped literally 100s of people get started in the hobby over the last 4 years.

PS. I have no knowledge of CFS3 as it won't run on my machine.

[TJ_Gumby]

Russel, all add ons come with read me files. They usually have very good instructions on how to install them. If you can take the time to read these posts, you can read the designers instructions.  ;)

[Hagar]

[quote]Russel, all add ons come with read me files. They usually have very good instructions on how to install them. If you can take the time to read these posts, you can read the designers instructions.

[fisharno]

Russ;

How did you get along with your earlier versions of FS?

Didn't you use any addons with those versions?

Just curious.