Installing SP1 question

[jim1931]

I've been reading so many posts about how various users have installed this patch.

I would like to know if there is one,"official" method that should be followed so I can hopefully avoid some of the problems that were mentioned.

Thanks for any comments.

[greggerm]

The ideal method would be to fully remove FSX and any leftover folders and items, reinstall FSX, immediately install SP1, then run it for the first time.

The most important aspect is ensuring you have no tweaks, addons or alterations to certain important files. Addon aircraft and scenery that simply *ADD* files (and not change them) are usually OK, but better to measure twice and cut once than to end up having to perform a full reinstall anyway.



* Add/Remove Programs
- Remove any addons that have installers.
- Remove FSX

* Windows Explorer
- Browse to FSX directory and delete it if it still exists.
- Browse to My Documents folder and delete the FSX folder there (this will delete your logbook, FYI)
- If knowledgeable, browse to the App Data\Microsoft\FSX folder (where the fsx.cfg file is located) and delete that directory as well (if not removed automatically with the Add/Remove programs process.

* Do a defrag of your drive to clean up and make some contiguous space.

* Reinstall FSX
- Do not run after reinstall. You probably could, but I had good luck without doing so.

* Install SP1
- Upon completion you can browse to the FSX directory and check the timestamp on the FSX.EXE file - it should register May 2007 instead of a 2006 date.

* RUN FSX!
- Activate as needed.
- Configure your graphics settings and such, and enjoy!

* Reinstall addons and such
- Get your terrain mesh, landclass, and other aircraft back in the fold.
- Test them and get it all working.

* After the reinstallation is complete, do a defrag! FSX is notorious for installing very fragmented.

Yes, performing a full reinstall takes time, but it helps to ensure you are starting from a clean base. When patching programs, this can be an important step.

Good luck!
-Greg

[joejam2]

I suggest restarting your computer before running FSX also.

[jim1931]

Thank you very much for the detailed instructions.

Jim

[lnuss]

I'd also be sure to back up anything you want to save for which you don't have the original -- also back up all your config files, etc. to an area the uninstall won't remove.
[HR]
http://home.comcast.net/~lfn3/Cub_Pix/LarryCub03_s.jpg http://home.comcast.net/~lfn3/Peg_Ab...590Mklfn_s.jpg
Larry N.

[napamule2]

I'd like to elaborate on Larry's last post ('back up all your config files'). I have lots of 'non-default' AC in FS9 and FSX. So, the cfg's are not 'default' or original install. I add 'stuff' and change the contact pts, change engine, add radios, add 'other' panel, etc.

So, they are modified (ie: improved?) cfg's, and I have lost not only the ac cfg, but the model, sound and panel cfg's to where the AC is no longer useable. This happened on a FSX repair, and again on a (XP) restore. Don't know why, but I suspect the XP NTFS system has something to do with it. It loses the 'links' I guess, so it just deletes them. Mama mia!!

I move mine (NOW I do) to my D hard drive. I made a 'FS? Temp for Installs' folder, and under that a folder for each AC (FS9 and FSX). Just the aircraft.cfg, air, model.cfg, xxx.mdl (yes it takes those too!), sound.cfg and panel cfg.

It's a pain to re-do (lucky for me I had some (not all) on CD) so it's a VERY good tip Larry. Will save you a lot of grief, and time.
Chuck B
napamule