FS9 / FSX possible issues while installing on Vista and Windows 7

Due to the big number of changes that the two operating system have implemented, especially in term of security and system folder structure here are a couple of tips to solve some of the issues you may encounter while installing Microsoft Flight Simulator on Windows Vista or 7.

fsx.cfg and fs9.cfg file location on Vista:
C:\users\(name)\Appdata\roaming\microsoft\fsx
C:\users\(name)\Appdata\roaming\microsoft\fs9

fsx.cfg and fs9.cfg file location on Windows 7
C:\users\(name)\Appdata\roaming\microsoft\fsx
C:\users\(name)\Appdata\roaming\microsoft\fs9

scenery.cfg on windows 7 has moved as well to:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\FSX
On fs9 scenery.cfg is located in flight simulator installation folder.

Problem: My settings are not saved after I leave flight simulator.
Solution1: Try running FSX / FS9 as an administrator (Right click on FS shortcut and choose Run as administrator)
Solution2: If above does not work give full control to the folder where fs9.cfg or fsx.cfg is located (see above folders depending on the system). To do this right click on the folder (e.g. C:\users\(name)\Appdata\roaming\microsoft\fs9) -> Proprieties -> Security (tab) -> Edit (button) -> Add > write "Everyone" and check all options including Full Control.

Problem: Cannot set antialiasing properly in FSX /FS9
Solution: Use nhancer. Full details here.

Freeware FSX AS332L2 - Eurocopter Super Puma lauched

I have just downloaded and flew one of the newest and most promising freeware helicopter for Microsoft Flight Simulator X Acceleration. It is the AS332L2 Super Puma model by Dirk Fassbender available at hovercontrol.com and Avsim.

The feature list looks amazing for a freeware product:

working autopilot, internal cargo, FSX acceleration external cargo possible, FSX acceleration hoisting possible, HSI and sector mode on screens, skywatch made out off the default FSX radar, working floats, detailed engine deck, several door animations, realistic cockpit night lighting effects, windscreen icing effect, wind screen wipers with effect, six paintings included but only from real L2's, equipment visibility options via the FSX default payload menu, FSX GPS, animated sunvisors, animated door windows, search light, two flir pods, passengers, crew in VC visible if wanted, rotorhead fully animated, easy checklist.

I am currently test flying it and will be writing a review about it. I have to say this looks to be the most complete helicopter for FSX I have ever flew.

For more informations you can visit the producer's website.

FlightProSim - New flight simulator on the market

I noticed today in one of the adds appearing on this site a link to this new flight simulator software.
It promises accurate world scenery, 20000 of the world's airports and over 100 diffrent planes.
According to the producers, the scenery is based on real military mapping.

Some of the aircraft's available:

• Antonov An-225
• Rockwell B-1B Lancer
• Northrop B-2 Spirit
• Cessna 182
• Dorner-Dassault Alpha Jet
• Lockheed C-130 Hercules
  
• Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (2 FG versions)
• McDonnell Douglas MD11
• Piper Cherokee Warrior II (1979 model)

and many more...

From the big jets it seems the Airbus A320 and Boeing 747 are included. Only few are coming with the actual product, most of them being available on the website for members.

Real world time and weather is available, as well as a multiplayer mode and graphics looks promising.

As a last note this simulator comes as a commercial product, pricing information beeing available on the website.