Mike, Interesting !What adds do you use ? I'm using FDC, and FSUIPC, of course. I recently and went back to FSUIPC 2.94 from 2.96 due to some hotkey issues with FDC. All my aircraft are default MSFS - except paint jobs, and have not changed those.Hugo suggested another uninstall - reinstall of FS2002 - and think I'll try that again, today. Funny thing is - with all the upgraded drivers over last week, my frames are up from holding aroun 15-16 in flight, to over 18-19.And - last question - maybe for Bill - noticed (and d/l'd - did not install yet) the "AGP" related files from ASUS (think the same is available direct from VIA). Here is the title line from that file's readme: " Set the Nvidia AGP card to 4X mode under Win9X/ME/2000/NT4 for VIA 694X. " This file name is: "via_rk694x" Anybody know what this is ?? - and if it is necessary in the VIA driver upgrade process. For my ASUS P3V4X/533 - the (2) files available were the 4in1 drivers, and this file - which I did not install. 4in1 went on fine.And, I do follow the updates offered via Windows Update - Critical, and there have been 2-3 of these in the last few weeks. Wonder if those have affected FS sounds, somehow ?

As I remember, you are using Win98. I went to ASUS to look at the via_rk694x and it seems to be a registry key to turn on 4X mode for an Nvidia AGP card. It may be that the Asus board needs the extra key to run the system at 4X mode. I would go ahead and install the key using the information provided in the file.After you install, I would upgrade to the latest VIA drivers from http://www.viaarena.com/ . Since you know the 4in1 drivers are for your computer, the newer ones fixed some interface problems along the way.

Thanks Bill.Have both files (drivers from VIA), and the via AGP file - so I'll try those. Originally installed the VIA drivers, but went to ASUS only because they confirmed a driver set for the P3V4X mobo I'm using. I'll try the via updated version.Appreciate the help !Ron

Well, it may be driver realted.Just finished a test flight - and although greatly improved,experienced (3) ATC stutters - but much subdued in intensity of the reverb and length of time of the distortion.I am still using Real Weather via FS default program. Wonder if data there is unusual somehow - to cause distortion. The stutter only happens in the air - from departure through approach - most often at cruise.Thanks for all the replies. Guess thats about as far as we can go to trace problem. Ron