how to use a download?

[rootbeer]

OK; we'll try this when I get home from work tonight.

This should be an easy thing. After all, millions of people around the world are unzipping files umpteen millions of times a day. I have to wonder why it is that only I am having trouble.

Until tonight...

[rootbeer]

WinZip 7.0 installed and run; all downloaded files once again have the little C-clamp putting the pressure on the little two-drawer file cabinet. I assume I am ready to do something now?

[Hagar]

Right. Now follow my instructions on the previous page. Right-click on a zipfile & select the "Extract to folder ...." option. Piece of cake. Good luck.



This will have to wait until tomorrow evening now as I'm off to bed.

[rootbeer]

I did that. I now have the .zip files and what I assume to be unzipped files within the same FS Downloads folder. What I assume to be the unzipped ones show as manila folders, partially open, with the file name next to it (no file size shown). Did I do it right?

[WebbPA]

Great!  Now go into the manila folder you just created and tell us what's there.

[rootbeer]

I have clicked on a few of them. I see multiple files: .air, .cfg, et cetera. I clicked on a .cfg file and it gave me the "Windows cannot open..." screen. I trust we don't need to go that far?

Some of them have zipped files within them. I guess that's where the real meat and potatoes is?

[WebbPA]

No.  Now we need to copy everything into FS.

Navigate to your aircraft folder - something like C:\Program Files\Microsoft Game\FS2002\aircraft and create a new folder that will describe your new aircraft.   To create a new folder right click in an empty spot in explorer and follow the popup box to New -> Folder.  After you have created it you can right click on it and rename it if necessary.

Copy (or cut and paste) everything you just unzipped into the new folder.

[WebbPA]

You edited your post.  Copy everything as I just said and we'll deal with the other .zip files later.

[rootbeer]

My edit was just the last two lines; nothing spectacular.

How do I navigate to my aircraft folder?

[WebbPA]

The same way you navigate to your downloads folder.  You can start at C:\ and work your way down by clicking on other folders, Program Files, Microsoft games, etc.

[rootbeer]

My FS Downloads folder is in My Documents. I just click Start, then My Documents, then FS Downloads, then any file I want. I never have to type anything. Am I doing something wrong?

[WebbPA]

Go to My Computer and from there to C (Local Drive), then tp Program Files, etc.

[rootbeer]

I must have made it into the aircraft folder. I see every airplane in FS2002 and the ones in Warbirds Extreme. I see many, many files and other things, too.

[WebbPA]

OK.  Now create the new folder and rename it.  Click on it to get inside it.

Then go back to your unzipped folder - you will have 2 instances of explorer open at this point but it will be a little easier - and cut & paste everything into your new aircraft folder.  Leave any subfolders intact - model, panel, sound, etc.

[rootbeer]

OK; I think I did it right. I right-clicked on one to highlight it, then selected Cut, then went to the aircraft folder in fs2002 and clicked on the folder of the same name (a folder I created), then clicked on it Paste. I have to left-click multiple times on the new folder, but I eventually see all the stuff from the original in the newly-created one. Have I successfully transferred the airplane from My Documents into FS2002 proper and should thus be able to select it from the aircraft menu and fly it now?