Flight Sim X Issues

Recently I purchased a dell gaming computer and downloaded flight sim x gold edition. the program starts correctly except when I try the fly mode a black screen comes up with the white pointer and that's it. no screen comes up that shows instruments, just a black screen with the music in the background. I already ran all the required computer updates. HELP. worked fine on my old computer

If you mean you downloaded FSX Gold from somewhere, you can be absolutely certain that it is a pirated copy.

 

A legit FSX Gold comes as a set of 3 DVDs.

 

Jorgen

If you mean you downloaded FSX Gold from somewhere, you can be absolutely certain that it is a pirated copy.

 

A legit FSX Gold comes as a set of 3 DVDs.

 

Jorgen

 

+1 add a line to the fsx.cfg file in the MAIN section that says Maximized=2. This will force FSX to start in windowed mode rather than full screen.

Make sure to install the third cd as well.

Reboot after installing.

 

PS: To the other posters: Some people say download when they mean install. Confusing, but in that case no piracy at all.

Allow me to quote, with all respect:

 

"Some people say download when they mean install."

 

Again with all respect, if some people do not get their terminology right, it is impossible to help or support them.

 

Jorgen

For the past 3 years or so most ready built PC's are sold without Optical Drives, unless you order one specificaly. Maybe he meant by downloading, buying it from 'Steam'. If not then the O.P. can safe himself all this hassle by purchasing FSX SE for about $15,- , then he has the latest upgraded and up to date version of FSX and can get airborne within 10 mins or so.............. Edited December 23, 2020 by piet06273

Piet, I agree with you completely, FSX:SE takes so much out of the hassle.

 

However, the OP specifically said FSX Gold.....

 

Jorgen

Recently I purchased a dell gaming computer...

 

AND

 

...I already ran all the required computer updates...

 

So a new vanilla Win 10 install and, one assumes from the update statement, the latest available Win 10 updates.....

 

The issue, as stated, can sometimes be caused by a DirectX (DX) issue, especially if DX10 preview is selected. So go into settings and disable the DX10 Preview option if set and test.

 

WRT FSX-SE versus the boxed Gold version - As I have yet to install the -SE version (brought a copy when on sale as a 'digital' backup to my original DVDs) I don't know if any of the following libraries are automatically installed as part of -SE install process. For completeness it is worth noting that -SE was rebuilt (updated) using the Visual C++ 2013 compiler for better optimization and performance. However it still makes use of the 2005 library for backwards compatibility,

 

That said, it is also possible that the OS is missing some key FSX related 'older' essential libraries...by default, Win 10 ships without some of the earlier versions of such libraries that FSX (and other 'older' programmes) require. The key libraries are listed below...

 

You can use Programs and Features to check if you have any of the following 'libraries' installed or, if you wish, simply download and install them - the installers will check for any previous install and will replace any missing/invalid/corrupt files or install the complete package as appropriate.

 

With the exception of DX, you will need to download the relevant 'bit' version for your OS (i.e. 32 or 64 bit). DO NOT run the installer directly from the download option but select the Save As option and save the file to temp location. To install, right click on the file and select the Run as Administrator option. Install each package separately, starting with the oldest version, and reboot using the RESTART option between each install. The reboot is essential to allow the windows registry and important system files to be updated.

 

Direct X (DX) - FSX requires version 9 (actually 9c to be specific), and although it is included on the installation disks, it is woefully out of date and incompatible with Win 10 (Win 10, depending on the build state source file, only ships with v10 or above). I suggest that you download and install the DX Redistributable pack from HERE. The pack includes versions 9, 10 and 11 and the install process will only install missing versions and/or replace missing/corrupted/incompatible files of the versions it finds installed.

 

Visual C++ Runtime Redistributable packs - specifically version 2005 and 2008 but I also recommend installing 2010 as well. You can find download links for earlier versions HERE.

 

.NET Framework - specifically versions 3.5 and 4 - download from https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet-framework

 

It is worth pointing out that you can have multiple versions of these 'libraries' installed. As previously stated, they are not just required by FSX but are used by many other programs and apps. They will work happily along side each other and a program or app will automatically use the most compatible version.

Brian,

 

Extremely well written, but you forgot one very essential thing:

 

When all this is downloaded and installed, reboot the computer. Then go into Windows Update, and under "Advanced options", set the switch "Receive updates for other Microsoft products" to On.

 

Leave this switch in the On position in the future.

 

Now run Windows Update, and you may need to run it several times until no more updates are found.

 

Jorgen