2004 Error Msg.

[DFGreen]

I've been having graphics problems with both my 2004 and 2002 since trying out the 'Megascenery LA SAmple' recently. I've tried some things which have helped some but in trying to find the FS9 .cfg to try something I just could not find it at all!! So I went ahead and did a un-install, re-install for my 2004 and now I'm getting a "FS9 has detected incompatible acft. or add-on files" window and it shows FSsound.dll with do you want to install these files question!! I'm going "HUH???"!! I have no idea why this is happening since I didn't do anything with any sound files that I'm aware of!! So can anyone help me on this one?? I have no idea why this is happening or what to do for it!! Thanks very much Guys..... Dan Green

[wsieffert]

First, when you do an uninstall of fs2002 or fs2004, it will only delete the files the default installation program installed. It will leave any addon files you installed, such as, FSSound.dll. You may not have known you installed this file since it may have been installed with an aircraft or panel download. If you uninstall, you must use Windows Explorer, and delete the remaining residual files and folders left by the uninstall program.

In your flight simulator root folder, there is a readme.rtf file that explains where your fs9.cfg file is located on various Window's Versions. One thing to keep in mind is the folder settings you have set in Windows Explorer. The default settings limit the amount of information shown when viewing the files in Windows Explorer. To change this settings in Windows Explorer, select Tools, Folder Options, View Tab, and select "Show hidden files and folders", deselect "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)".

Lastly, the fs2002 readme.rtf file explains how to add an &l;OLDMODULES&r; section to your fs2002.cfg and/or fs9.cfg file to eliminate the startup warning each time you load the flight simulator. FSSound.dll is one of the files that may need this section added.

W. Sieffert

[DFGreen]

W.Sieffert: Thanks very much for the reply and info.!! I talked with a friend here in STL and we were able to do just as you said and my 2004 is fine now!! Can I ask you is there anything I can do to sharpen up my graphics without spending mega-bucks for a higher end card?? I have the Gforce Ti4200 card but lately it seems as if my graphics has deteriorated in quality. Any thoughts you might have would be of real help!! Thanks again!! Dan Green

[wsieffert]

I am using an MSI GForce Ti4200 128MB AGP8X card myself and find it is a very good card. As much as we like to think that the GPU is doing all the work, the CPU and the rest of your computer can still be a limiting factor.

I would ensure you have updated drivers for your MOBOs controller chips, i.e., Intel, VIA, SiS, AMD, ALi, etc. I am presently using 52.16 NVidia drivers. Make sure you are using DirectX9.0b, download from Microsoft update website if needed.

I would also run a complete virus scan and adaware scan on your system. There are many programs being installed into your registry if you internet to certain sites. Many of these programs, start up on bootup and use system resources, plus could be opening your computer to spying and viruses.

After you have cleaned your system, do a complete disk scan and defragmentation.

If you only have 256MB of RAM, consider adding RAM, Win98/ME -512MB maximum, Win2K/XP - 512MB minimum but doesn't necessarily mean you need more.

You monitor may be more of a factor if it is inexpensive monitor. Whatever monitor you have make sure you are running the monitor vertical frequency at its best rate. WinXP needs Service Pack 1 to be able to adjust the vertical frequency beyond 60Hz. External programs can make this adjustment but I prefer updating WinXP to SP1. To adjust the vertical frequency, right click on your desktop, select properties, settings tab, advanced button, adapter tab, list all mode button, select the appropiate vertical frequency for your monitor. I had NVidia 52.16 driver install change the vertical frequency from 75Hz to 60Hz during installation of the updated drivers. So if you update your drivers, check the vertical frequency and the resolution.

W. Sieffert

[DFGreen]

W.Sieffert: May I ask what is an 'adaware' scan and how do you do that?? I have 512 DDR ram and the AMD 2600 CPU, and 17" monitor that came from Dell. Would deleting 'cookies' files help? I'm somewhat of a novice at this stuff so all the stuff down on the right side of the task bar, should that be de-activated or does that really bother anything?? Meaning the 'incredimail, yahoo, add-blocker, etc. icons. Where can I obtain the SP 1 pack you mention for WinXP?? I'll check the 'Nvidia' site for the driver you mention and get it. Again, thanks very much for your help!!! Regards.....Dan

[wsieffert]

Ad-aware6.0 is a program that will find spyware and other miner programs on your computer. They have a free version for home use - http://lavasoft.element5.com/default.shtml.en .

I routinely delete the temporary internet files and cookies. Right click the Internet Explorer Icon if in the browser, select Tools), select Internet Properties (Internet Options), Press Delete Files (if you use offline you can delete it also), OK. Select Settings button, Select View Files, You can selectively delete cookies by highlighting and deleting them or close this menu back to the original menu and press the Delete Cookies button. You can also delete your history file.

Press start, press My Computer, right-click the drive where Windows resides (Usually C:), select properties, press Disk Cleanup button, let it stabilize, OK.

W. Sieffert

[DFGreen]

W. Sieffert: Thanks again for the info. I have done a disk clean and a de-frag just recently. I will do a virus scan, delete cookies & history plus I put 'Lavasoft' in my favorites to look at the 'adaware' later. The WinXP service pack: Do you get that at MS web site?? I need to look at Nvidia also for the newest drivers. That's a lot but I'll try and take my time so I don't mess things up!! That's my biggest fear with this stuff is getting in trouble! Thanks again for your help!! Dan G.

[wsieffert]

Window Update website will install SP1 if you don't already have it. To check if you are already SP1, open control panel, select system and read if you only have WinXP or WinXP SP1. You should visit Microsoft's Windows Update regularly for security, windows, and driver updates.

W. Sieffert

[DFGreen]

Hello W. Sieffert: I did as you said and I do have 'Windows XP Service Pack 1. I also installed the new driver from Nvidia, plus I did some tweaking in the FS settings and much improved!! I downloaded the 'adaware 6.1' file and I'll install it maybe tomorrow. I'll still probably play around some more with the settings in the game also. May I ask if you've ever tried any of the FScene files??? I've downloaded the 'USA Canada Fall Series' and I'm wondering if they mess up anything in the FS or not?? I've not tried installing them yet so I thought I'd ask. Again THANKS VERY MUCH for being so nice to help me out!! Regards.... Dan G.

[wsieffert]

No, I have not used FScene scenery files.

W. Sieffert