Transfer FS9 to New computer

**SPOFF** · 07-17-2009, 02:16 PM

I've been "exploring" my new Vista x64 computer and transferring stuff over to it from the old XP computer one item at a time. I have NOT been looking forward to Installing FS9 and FSX on the new one. I have quite a few addon aircraft and scenery in FS9 and reinstalling each one seems like a big job if I use the FS9 CDs for a clean install and then RE Install all the addons.

I now have all the addon planes (via "Easy Transfer") transfered from "My Downloads" on the old computer to "My Downloads" in the new one.

This morning I got a Totally Bright Idea. What if I were to go to the :C drive on the old computer and click.. Programs/Microsoft Games/Flight Simulator 9, and download the entire Flight Simulator Folder..with ALL the addons included, in their correct locations....to a Flash Drive? The file size is a little over 5 GB.

Could I then move the Flash Drive over to the new computer and "move" the entire FS9 folder to the NEW computer :C drive, Programs/Microsoft Games/.....Flight Simulator 9...??

Big QUESTION: Would this work..??

I am NOT considering doing this with FSX because I don't have any addons except SPI which I have on a separate CD. Secondly, It would cost me more for a Flash Drive big enough to hold FSX, than to just go out and buy a New FSX Gold.

I suspect even if I use my Old FSX DVDs, RE Registering would probably be very problematic at the very least...what with the New computer being a "Different Computer". SPOFF

***loki*** · 07-17-2009, 04:06 PM

The problem with doing what you are proposing is that it won't copy over any registry entries needed by FS or the add-ons. While there is an app from Flight1 that can recreate the FS registry entries, it won't help with the add-ons. While it may be a little time consuming, a clean reinstall is a great time to do a little house cleaning.

As for re-activating FSX, it shouldn't be a problem. You get a few "free" re-activations to allow for cases like this. If the program won't do it automatically, it shouldn't take more than a few minutes on the phone. I've had to do this with Office 2003 a couple of times and all I had to do was tell the person on the other end it was only installed on the one machine.

**SPOFF** · 07-17-2009, 04:34 PM

Thanks Loki. I knew it had to be too good to be true.. if it worked. House cleaning coming up I guess. My nifty little Flash Drive was already loaded with the FS9 folder and ready to go.

SPOFF

**Paxx** · 07-17-2009, 10:28 PM

Yes, fresh install all the way, you won't regret it. I would use the opportunity to download and install the latest versions of the add-ons also. Yes it is a lot of work but you have all new hardware and Operating System that needs to be setup for FSX/9 properly or you will just chase aggravating issues in the future when adding to them, and you will add to them.

Little hint - If not making separate partitions for FSX and FS9 then put FSX and FS9 in their own folders outside the Program Files (x86) folder.

If you hold legit keys re-activation of a Microsoft product is but a simple, easy, toll-free phone call if needed when on a new computer.

**FITZY** · 09-26-2009, 12:54 PM

I have a new second HD for my laptop on the way from Dell. I was browsing around in this forum hoping to find reference to a handy utility for migrating FSX and add-ons over to the new drive, or if performance would be better, migrating everything else over to it and leaving WinXP and FSX on the first. I guess you guys are saying that is not the way to go. Any advice?

**Kimber** · 09-26-2009, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by SPOFF

Thanks Loki. I knew it had to be too good to be true.. if it worked. House cleaning coming up I guess. My nifty little Flash Drive was already loaded with the FS9 folder and ready to go.

SPOFF

Are any of the adds payware?