TextRich

I'm sorry to tell you this, but the UTX installer (version 2.3) is working very beautifully on my system. After I log into my Flight1 account via the installer it asks me to locate the folder where my FSX:SE is. Locate the FSX folder and it will install there. You may have to click on a button on the installer that says, "Select Folder..." You may want to write down all good ideas on this thread so you can try them without people repeating themselves or other posters. Unfortunately Steam cannot have the FSX:SE folder independent in C:/ or it won't work. That is the only major file structure difference between it and boxed FSX. As long as you can remember Steam/steamapps/common/FSX you will be fine.

Perhaps you could purchase it digitally? It seems Abacus went out of business years ago but one store has it available to download. https://shop.excalibur-games.com/products/flight-deck-6

Like loki said, can you use the white search bar on the lower left of your Windows 10 desktop to find Steam or Flight Simulator X? When you see the correct application show up in the search you can right-click on it and select Open File Location and it will show you exactly where the applications are. FSX:SE is definitely installed in a Steam/steamapps/common/FSX folder. Perhaps it was Program Files rather than Program Files x86 but historically Steam's default location has been in a Program Files folder.

Paul, if this is your first time using any game with Steam, then FSX:SE can be found at C:/Program Files (x86)/Steam/steamapps/common/FSX. FSX.exe will run it. In case it doesn't, you need to run Steam like loki said. It should be found at /Steam/steam.exe. I STRONGLY suggest you move your Steam installation to C:/, NOT Program Files, since the two Program Files folders have very strict read and write protection by Windows, and it may interfere with some FSX functions and editing. Here are instructions on how to do this - scroll down to "How do I move my existing Steam installation?" https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129 Good news, UTX USA definitely works in FSX:SE. I used it for years before I switched to Orbx. In fact, around 95% of FSX add-ons can easily work with FSX:SE. I look forward to hearing of your success soon!

Paul, if I were you, I would just spend the $25 (or less if it is on sale, but seems it is not this weekend) on FSX: Steam Edition. You will not have to worry about activation errors and 30-minute demo time limits. It will be money well spent as it looks like you have been struggling with this issue for a month now and I can tell you really want to use FSX again. I am not happy with the current state of the new MSFS and continue to use FSX:SE as I wait for MSFS to eventually mature.

It wasn't clear to me in this thread so here goes: you can enter FSX's flight planner and select Load, then select any created flight plan anywhere in your computer as long as you know where to find it. It usually ends with .pln. Most of the time FSX will load it and you can click on OK. It is suggested that you do NOT try to edit it within the FSX application - it will screw up your original plan. Ensure the original plan is good to go in whatever third-party solution you use and use FSX only to load and run it.

I believe last summer I tried using the default drivers for FSX and they didn't work anymore. I have had a lifetime subscription to Spad.neXt for the last few years and I love it. I use it with my multi-panel, switch panel and radio panel. https://www.spadnext.com/home.html

For anyone who doesn't already have FSX in their computer and wants it, FSX:SE is a no-brainer acquisition.

One could use an add-on with a virtual co-pilot (such as ATC replacements) to handle all radio frequency changes and communications.

Here is another option: https://www.fs-flightcontrol.com/en/