FS2004 Windows 10 multiplayer inactive / greyed out

Greetings,

 

I'm one of the dinosaurs still using FS2004 from time to time, for such wonderful aircraft as the RFP 747-200. I'm running it on Windows 10, and everything works just fine - except for the multiplayer function, which prevents me from flying online (Vatsim).

 

The "Join multiplayer session" button / menu is greyed out in the sim. Hence, Swift (Vatsim's online client for FS9) can't connect.

 

Here is what I already tried:

• reinstalled the simulator
  
• ran everything as administrator
  
• tried all compatibility modes of Windows 10
  
• installed DirectX 9
  
• set up port forwarding in my router as found on portforward.com
  
• installed Swift not in Program Files (x86) but in Program Files (found that in another forum)
  

 

So, is there anything else I could try or is it simply not possible?

 

Regards

Boris

Try installing EVERYTHING involved (FS, Swift, etc.) OUTSIDE of ANY Program Files folder.

Hi Tom, thanks for your answer.

 

The issue turned out to be much simpler: Multiplayer requires DirectPlay, which is deactivated by default in Win10 (in Apps and Features - Windows Features - Legacy Components).

 

Switched it on, and now it works :)

 

Boris

Good to know, thanks.

Hi borisvp. Just interested, I take it then that FS2004 (FS9) can still connect with VATSIM via Swift. Any news/idea how long VATSIM's Swift will continue to support FS9? Am a FS2002 user but might 'get modern' and upgrade to FS9. Years ago I studied up about VATSIM and did connect from FS2002 via Squawkbox, a few times, did the right thing and sat in my Cessna on the grass as 'Observer', watched VATSIM aircraft taxiing and taking off, listening and learning the radio comms. I wasn't ready to join in, being a novice. When I did decide a few years later to try my luck, VATSIM had just ditched Squawkbox and brought in Swift which didn't support FS2002. So I gave up! Edited December 11, 2021 by MAD1