HiThis is probably a really dumb question that's probably been asked lots of times here, but I couldn't see it in the Tutorial section so here goes... Am I right in thinking a separate program is needed so you can add downloaded freeware/payware aircraft into fs9? I've just bought it and altho I'm a total newcomer, I did see fs9 used back when it first came out when a work colleague had it, and I'm sure you couldn't just cut and paste the new plane files into the fs9 folder like you can with other sims.I'd be grateful if someone could tell me if this is the case or not. I thought I should ask before I go looking for planes!Thanks

HiThis is probably a really dumb question that's probably been asked lots of times here, but I couldn't see it in the Tutorial section so here goes... Am I right in thinking a separate program is needed so you can add downloaded freeware/payware aircraft into fs9? I've just bought it and altho I'm a total newcomer, I did see fs9 used back when it first came out when a work colleague had it, and I'm sure you couldn't just cut and paste the new plane files into the fs9 folder like you can with other sims.I'd be grateful if someone could tell me if this is the case or not. I thought I should ask before I go looking for planes!Thanks

The only program you usually need is winzip or the equivalent - open up the program files\flight simulator 9 directory and look at the entries under aircraft and effects; the layouts should tell you what you need to know... DJ

Yeah, for the most part, it really is just a matter of copy and paste. I always unzip aircraft to my desktop, or just copy and paste them directly from the downloaded zip file, but I NEVER "unzip to" FS9 as some readme's instruct. Way too many things have gone wrong for me surrendering total control like that. Some aircraft come with .exe installers, too. I always try to "install" those into a dummy FS9 folder on my desktop or My Documents folder so I can see what it's putting into my FS2004. The auto installers from the more sophisticated payware development companies like PMDG are spot on, and I no longer do the fake install with their software. Also some panels included with freeware aircraft require installation of files into the guages folder, the sound folder, etc. -- so pay very close attention to all included instructions and readme files.

Thanks guysI managed to find the answer when I went digging on surclaro. However I've got so many issues with this game it's a sick puppy and isn't playable at all. God, I thought xplane was bad.

Nick, your Celeron is a gimped P4.

Nick: I doubt if you're going to buy a new laptop just to fly FS2004, but your system is a bit underpowered for MSFS. Don't give up though -- I started with a system like yours -- and with MSFS-X, no less -- and worked my way up over time. I have never regretted it! Sorry it couldn't be better news."There's no stress on a system like Flight Sim stress."