Flight Simulator - Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions
Microsoft Flight Simulator

Adventures Downloads Links Updated 06-12-03
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It's sometimes pretty difficult to determine whether a problem is caused by the computer system or by the flight sim software. One way to isolate a problem is by determining whether other flight sims run properly on the same system. If other sims work fine on the same system, it becomes more likely that the problem lies with the flight sim program or installation itself.
Here are the answers for some of the most common issues related to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 and Flight Simulator 2002:

What is the latest patch for FS2K?

How do I know if the latest FS patch has been installed?

Is there any way to get rid of the "stuttering" that I see?

How do I completely uninstall and reinstall FS again?

Why can I only see the host and no one but the host sees me during a multiplayer game?

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Q: What is the latest patch for FS2K?
A: The latest patches for the flight simulators we support on the VPC can be found on the VPC Files area.

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Q: How do I know if the latest FS patch has been installed?
A: Read the patch.txt file in your FS2000 folder. It will indicate which patch is installed.

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Q: Is there any way to get rid of the "stuttering" that I see?
A: There are a few things to try:

Shut down any programs running in the background (see the About My Computer FAQ for details on how to do this)
Install the latest video drivers
Run and install the FS2K Polygon Repair Patch (found in the VPC Files area)
Turn Video Acceleration down
Reduce graphics details
Add more RAM if you have 64 megs or less in your system

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Q: How do I completely uninstall and reinstall FS again?
A: Uninstalling FS2K isn't as easy as it may appear because the uninstall routine doesn't delete files created after it was installed. These can cause/leave problems caused by bad configuration files or add-ons. To completely uninstall and reinstall FS2K:

1. Download the latest patch. (You can download it from the VPC File area.)
2. Download and install the latest recommended version of DirectX. (Also found in the VPC File area.)
3. Uninstall FS2K (Start: Programs: Microsoft Games: FS2000: Uninstall)
4. Delete the FS2000 folder (C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\FS2000)
5. Re-start your computer (Start: Shutdown: Restart)
6. Run Disk Defragmenter (Start: Programs: Accessories: System Tools, Disk Defragmenter) and Scandisk (Start: Programs: Accessories: System Tools: Scandisk)
7. Re-start your computer (See step 5)
8. Install FS2K
9. Re-start (See step 5)
10. Launch FS2K and let it completely load. (Click "Fly Now" and wait until you're ready to fly before closing FS2K.)
11. Re-start and run Disk Defragmenter and Scandisk again.
12. Install the patch
13. Re-start (See step 5)
14. Launch FS2K letting it completely load (See step 10), then close FS2K
15. Re-start and run Disk Defragmenter and Scandisk once again.
16. Re-start once again

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Q: Why can I only see the host and no one but the host sees me during a multiplayer game?
A: What you're seeing (or not seeing!) is usually a result of router ports and/or firewall ports being blocked off. To rectify the problem you must open the following ports:

INCOMING UDP 2300-2400, 6073
OUTGOING UDP 2300-2400, 6073
INCOMING TCP 2300-2400, 47624
OUTGOING TCP 2300-2400, 47624
If you're running a router you must forward those ports to your specific machine IP address. Each router has specific way of doing this, so please refer to your router's documentation.
If you run ZoneAlarm (ZA) firewall with or without the router you also have to configure it to allow the specific ports to pass data. To do this, simply open ZA, click security/internet/customize, fill in the port ranges and check the box to save/enable your new settings.

TIP: If after opening the ports you still have problems seeing others or being seen, try switching to the stock Learjet. It reinitializes the multiplayer connection without exiting the game and entering it again.

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