Hello Im hoping someone can help me here, Im not sure of the techical name but when Im using fs9 and want to switch to the desk top screen I know that it is the key with the microsoft emblem I need to hit. the problem is when I press the key on the keyboard with the windows emblem on it on the bottom row next to the ctrl & alt I can switch to desk top while in flight. My trouble is when I try and go back into flight sim by clicking in the fs9 in the blue tool bar then the sim locks up and I end up with a split screen of black/desk top and no way of re-entering fs9. I hope someone can give me some help in what I need to do to stop this. It was working fine but now it wont switch between the two. Sorry for not using the correct term for this but I don't know it Geoff

Why would you want to exit to desktop by using the windows key on your keyboard from FS9 during a flight? I have never felt the need to do this and I've been using FS9 since it came out. I have minimized FS9 and gone to desktop (usually to modify and test different texture formats or other stuff), but I have never done this during flight - I've always done it from the pre-flight menus and when I go back I re-load the plane or scenery to see how the textures are displaying (it's a quicker way to check than having to restart FS9 altogether). Some textures act funny in FS9 so I have occasionally felt the need to play around and test things like this. Also keep in mind that from the FS9 preflight menus you can use your mouse to click on a minimize button at the top right corner.I suspect this might work better and you might be able to go back from the desktop if you at-least paused the flight or entered one of the menus before pressing the windows key. Also it would probably help if you are using a powerful system. Although I fail to see the point of minimizing FS9 and going to desktop (via the use of the windows keyboard key) during a flight and then going back - this would just be begging for problems, especially if you are using a complex add-on(s) in FS9. I advice you not to do this.

I have no problems and can press the Windows key to get to the desktop then use the Flight Simulator button to get back to FS. This works whether or not I've paused FS.

I have no problems and can press the Windows key to get to the desktop then use the Flight Simulator button to get back to FS. This works whether or not I've paused FS.

It would depend on the system FS9 is run in. If its a slower system then it will definitely crash and you won't be able to go back. Also it would depend on the specific FS9 installation and if you are using any complex add-ons. At any rate I don't think its advisable to do this during flight.

I have joined a Virtual airline and in order to log the flight it is a requirement that I file a pirep when instructed to do so by clicking on a pirep button on their software. I'ii give you one guess where their software sits........and it's not in flight sim......this means I have to exit flight sim in oredr to validate the flight each hour,That is why I need to be able to flip between the two, I was actualy looking for some help in solving this problem not having to explaine why I want to switch screens :(

I have joined a Virtual airline and in order to log the flight it is a requirement that I file a pirep when instructed to do so by clicking on a pirep button on their software. I'ii give you one guess where their software sits........and it's not in flight sim......this means I have to exit flight sim in oredr to validate the flight each hour,That is why I need to be able to flip between the two, I was actualy looking for some help in solving this problem not having to explaine why I want to switch screens :(

Use the Alt-Tab key to switch applications. The "Windows" key is useless for what you want to do...Alternatively, look on the lower toolbar and simply "click" on the Window to which you wish to switch...

Use the Alt-Tab key to switch applications. The "Windows" key is useless for what you want to do...Alternatively, look on the lower toolbar and simply "click" on the Window to which you wish to switch...

Alt-Tab. Works every time. Just make sure "Pause on window switch" is unchecked in General Settings.

Thanks guys :(