Hi,This file, I suspect, is subject to much neglect and abuse by the average end user who cannot resist meddling. Yet, if properly configured and maintained, it can dispel the frustrations endured by the simmer by assuring continued smooth stable operation of our favourite simulator. I preface what I am about to say by stating that this is my own experience gleaned from much trial and error over several months experimentation. Now, the only time I make any changes to FS9.CFG outside the simulator is when I update graphic drivers.FS9.CFG is vital for the correct operation of FS9, yet it is conceivable that the only time it really integrates fully with the sim is following the moment of initial creation. This initial creation of the contents of the file appears to be executed in a unique way that seems to allow the sim to scan it both quickly and efficiently and, by so doing, allows all the parameter variables to be read and incorporated in the executed code as quickly as possible. Any deviation from this ideal situation quickly leads to file degradation which, in turn, can compromise the sim's performance.Making changes to FS9.CFG from within the sim is, of course, perfectly okay, but any changes made from outside should be treated with the greatest caution. Not only does the insertion of lines threaten to undermine the ability of the sim to scan FS9.CFG efficiently but repeated overwriting of this file, as changes are saved, can have a similar effect.Well, if this is true, you may ask, what can I do safely?What follows is a step-by-step approach which works for me:1. Run FS9, load your usual startup situation and make a note of ALL your current settings. End Flight and Exit.2. Backup your current working FS9.CFG (found at C:Documents and SettingsYour User NameApplication DataMicrosoftFS9) by making a copy, then delete the original file.3. Run FS9 and load up the default flight situation at KSEA.4. Restore ALL your previously noted in sim settings, then End Flight and Exit.5. OPEN the freshly created FS9.CFG in NOTEPAD and ADD / CHANGE entries as indicated:(CONTROLS) ;)Hope some of you find the foregoing helpful. Look after FS9.CFG and you will be rewarded by good consistent performance from the sim.MikeP4 2.4GHz (400FSB), 1Gig PC2100 DDR Crucial, ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB (Omega 2.5.76), SB Audigy (5.12.0001.0443), Hyundai ImageQuest Q17 17" TFT LCD 20ms Monitor (1280x1024x32), Gigabyte GA-8IRXP MoBo, Ultra-Quiet PSU 400W, WinXP Home (SP2), DirectX 9.0c, AGP Aperture = 128MB

Thanks for the heads up on some basic, and important info. Sherm

Excellent post: thanks, Mike.

Thanks Dirk, you're more than welcome :)Mike

Great post!! I was just looking for such information .. Very helpfulGabriel

Super!!!

Using -- C:Documents and SettingsYour User NameApplication DataMicrosoftFS9 -- I can only get as far as C:Documents and SettingsYour User Name -- The "Application Data" part does not exist on my computer. Please help with advice.Thanks,Robbie

Robbie,You have to make hidden files and folders visable in the folder options menu.Great post btw !

How do you make hidden files and folders visible?Thanks,Robbie

Hi Robbie,Double-click 'My Computer'Select 'Tools' then 'Folder Options...'Click the 'View' tab and then check 'Show hidden files and folders'Mike