File Uploaders * Get a Clue

[dfiler]

I wander through the new file uploads here on FlightSim.com infrequently and just had to comment on the FSX Only New Files list. I tried installing no fewer than 5 products and could not get them to work. The installation instructions are left over from FS2004, in some cases and I was unsure how this problem was created.

Specifically Project Open Sky has a few birds and repaints in the FSX list but they won't take in FSX because the instructions are severely lacking. If it says copy to your FS2004 Folder, you shouldn't be surprised they don't work in FSX. I looked on their forum and they have a serious problem. Lots of folks want to know how to install the packages but the instructions don't have the correct information and get this, their response on their forum is "We gave you the instructions, now get er done." I'm paraphraising of course.They do themselves a disservice.

Here's some advice for those folks who want to share their good works. Package up the files so they will extract and load themselves in the proper folders for the Sim version they are intended and put them in the right category. If you don't, you'll be shooting yourself in the foot, as the saying goes.

FYI - I write reviews of Freeware and Shareware products too. When I can't get them installed I can't write the review.

Don

[napamule2]

You can write reviews, but how are you at reading instructions and following directions? And are you knowlegable concerning FSX folder structure and path used (as your install of FSX may be different from what their install PATH is (and definitely different PATH for FS9).

You do not say what OS you are using. Is it Vista or Win 7? If so, did you install aircraft with Admin rights and/or user permissions configured? FYI: it is recommended that you extract zip files (no matter which site you obtain them from) to a TEMP folder, used exclusively for Sim file 'hold', before you move folders into main FSX folders. You DO NOT extract directly to 'main FSX folder'. That is the worst advice to 'take'. Don't believe it.

If you do Google or forum search for 'Can't install FSX aircraft' you will find a hundred forums where you can read up and gain insight as to how it's done (due to your Vista or Win7 OS). There IS no 'manual' for learning how to 'INSTALL' files in folders for FSX or FS9. You have to 'experience' it. And every modeler that uploads files invariably has a DIFFERENT 'method' (due to the folder structure (ie: 'path') going to be 'different'). So go with the flow-don't fight it. THEY are not going to conform. So you have to. Don't be lazy.

So check forum concerning your OS (Vista/Win7) and how it effects your installing of ANY software (not just Sim SW). And ALWAYS extract to a TEMP folder.
CB
Napamule

[dfiler]

Napa

At no time did I or would I claim to be an expert. While I do appreciate your advice it does not pertain to this issue posted here. I am aware of the process to install FSX and FS9 add-ons and I have done so successfully.

In these specific cases however, something else is lacking and it's probably the necessary directions for installation. As I mentioned these products were in the FSX category and yet the instructions referred to FS2004.

If you or anyone else can identify what the problem is, I will appreciate it. In this case I do not think the problem was me. But I have been wrong about that in the past.

Don

[Flying Officer Jevans]

What he's trying to say is that no set of instructions can be written perfectly. Everyone has FSX installed in a different place, different OSs, different issues. Anyone installing freeware downloads has to be aware of these things - after all, you are getting something for nothing, so don't complain if the quality isn't quite professional.

Self extracting folders are not easy to do, both because of the path issue and also because a proper self extracting folder or installer requires buying often expensive programs to make them.

[Rohan_Nair]

Don makes no reference to his not being able to install them. He simply complains
that developers are indifferent to including installation instructions for FSX when they
claim to have released the package itself for FSX.