Hello everyone,After being rather inactive in flighsimming for a good 2 years, I just ordered FSX Gold edition (with the add-on pack plus FSX deluxe). I am really smiling now and feel like the good ol' days are back (soon, once I receive and install FSX).I have read many articles in this Win7 OS forum but I wanted to ask in any case, the obvious question just to get some "expert" experienced opinions. I have never used FSX and currently use FS2004 on WinXP pro (32-bit). I currently have a dual-boot PC with WinXP pro 32, and Win 7 Pro 64 (OEM).So my questions are:(1) In the end, which OS is better, more stable, less bug free and fastest performance for FSX, Win 7 64-bit Pro or WinXP 32?(2) If I install FSX on WinXP 32, will it co-exist without any issues with FS2004? They will be in the same partition.Any input would be appreciated. thanks in advance,John

Hello everyone,After being rather inactive in flighsimming for a good 2 years, I just ordered FSX Gold edition (with the add-on pack plus FSX deluxe). I am really smiling now and feel like the good ol' days are back (soon, once I receive and install FSX).I have read many articles in this Win7 OS forum but I wanted to ask in any case, the obvious question just to get some "expert" experienced opinions. I have never used FSX and currently use FS2004 on WinXP pro (32-bit). I currently have a dual-boot PC with WinXP pro 32, and Win 7 Pro 64 (OEM).So my questions are:(1) In the end, which OS is better, more stable, less bug free and fastest performance for FSX, Win 7 64-bit Pro or WinXP 32?(2) If I install FSX on WinXP 32, will it co-exist without any issues with FS2004? They will be in the same partition.Any input would be appreciated. thanks in advance,John

Hi John, I am adeptly qualified to answer your question as I am certainly an

Hi Gary,Thank-you for your very informative and funny reply. Don't worry about the hoards attacking you... I think we can just "take-off" and out-run them in case of danger. :( Honestly, I do not see any problems in this forum with Win 7 and FSX which do not have a solution and I do work in technical support (telephone help desk support, not anything super specialized or advanced) and my experience is quite extensive with Windows. Also, some of the issues people have with Win7 have to do with the new security/account design of Win7 as opposed to WinXP. These are the issues I never had since I figured them out quite quickly.I am leaning towards trying Win7 because it is worth a try, especially in terms of better performance. However, you are right in saying that the hardware requirements of Win7 are quite a bit more demanding so I will gradually start upgrading my PC. My motherboard was purchased with exactly that in mind (in May 2008). It can support Core 2 Quad 9650 and I can definitely get a faster video card with more memory also. My RAM and also my power supply will be replaced once I get the money. I plan on gradually getting a feel for FSX, using moderate or high quality settings and see how my system fares. I am confident it will work well. I think the first things I need to upgrade will possibly be either my RAM (I only have 2GB) and/or my graphics card (my card only has 256MB RAM which may cause issues when loading high-resolution textures, but then again, my monitor is a 19" and supports only 1280x1024 max. resolution but it is a great monitor - Vidwsonic VX922 (fast and very even image).So once I receive my FSX from eBay, I'll let you know how things are going. If not, I 'll just install it on WinXP. Thanks again.John

Hi Gary,I will gradually start upgrading my PC. My motherboard was purchased with exactly that in mind (in May 2008). It can support Core 2 Quad 9650 and I can definitely get a faster video card with more memory also. My RAM and also my power supply will be replaced once I get the money. I plan on gradually getting a feel for FSX, using moderate or high quality settings and see how my system fares. I am confident it will work well. I think the first things I need to upgrade will possibly be either my RAM (I only have 2GB) and/or my graphics card (my card only has 256MB RAM which may cause issues when loading high-resolution textures, but then again, my monitor is a 19" and supports only 1280x1024 max. resolution but it is a great monitor - Vidwsonic VX922 (fast and very even image).So once I receive my FSX from eBay, I'll let you know how things are going. If not, I 'll just install it on WinXP. Thanks again.John

John, just my 2-cents worth but your current system is ample to run FSX. The performance gains that you get from going from current to a Q9650 would be minimal.I am not advocate of upgrading systems unless from used or borrowed or spare parts or something. If I had to buy parts new I wouldn

Hello everyone,After being rather inactive in flighsimming for a good 2 years, I just ordered FSX Gold edition (with the add-on pack plus FSX deluxe). I am really smiling now and feel like the good ol' days are back (soon, once I receive and install FSX).I have read many articles in this Win7 OS forum but I wanted to ask in any case, the obvious question just to get some "expert" experienced opinions. I have never used FSX and currently use FS2004 on WinXP pro (32-bit). I currently have a dual-boot PC with WinXP pro 32, and Win 7 Pro 64 (OEM).So my questions are:(1) In the end, which OS is better, more stable, less bug free and fastest performance for FSX, Win 7 64-bit Pro or WinXP 32?(2) If I install FSX on WinXP 32, will it co-exist without any issues with FS2004? They will be in the same partition.Any input would be appreciated. thanks in advance,John

XP Pro 32bit until we see what comes from Win 7 64bit SP 1. Just MO having both installed on separate drives. Can't comment in Win 7 32bit, but why upgrade to another 32bit? Once the 64 drivers are worked out, IMO, Win 7 64bit will be the ticket. Just wait for SP 1.Till then I have no desire to run anything but XP for FSX.

XP Pro 32bit until we see what comes from Win 7 64bit SP 1. Just MO having both installed on separate drives. Can't comment in Win 7 32bit, but why upgrade to another 32bit? Once the 64 drivers are worked out, IMO, Win 7 64bit will be the ticket. Just wait for SP 1.Till then I have no desire to run anything but XP for FSX.

Hello Nieuport and also Gary A.,I thank-you for your replies. Much appreciated that you want to help me. However, I am curious about somethings. Nieuport, you said that the drivers have to be worked out for 64-bit. I assume you mean the graphics drivers. What card do you use and what problems are you having with it in Win 7 64-bit? Gary A, you also mention Win XP 32 as your preference, what problems have you had in Win 7 64 (or seen others have) which could not be resolved and which are pretty "debilitating" for your FSX?I obviously don't want you two to get stressed out about my rather huge questions which cover a good 2-3 years of FSX, but if you can give me a few examples of what major problems still remain in Win 7 64, that would give me a better feel for making my decision once I receive my FSX Gold edition (CAN'T wait! yummm!...)Thanks again and if you do work on Mondays, hope your Monday is, well, not as bad it can be... ? haha! Take care!John

John, just my 2-cents worth but your current system is ample to run FSX. The performance gains that you get from going from current to a Q9650 would be minimal.I am not advocate of upgrading systems unless from used or borrowed or spare parts or something. If I had to buy parts new I wouldn

Hi Gary A.,Thanks again for your insights. It is good to know these facts from experienced FSX captains. And you know what, noone seems to be trying to kill you or me or lurch or pounce at us. So far... so good, eh? :(

The night is still young John! :( You keep popping this topic back up to the top with comment and some knucklehead is surely going to find and read it and pounce. :(

Hello Nieuport and also Gary A., Gary A, you also mention Win XP 32 as your preference, what problems have you had in Win 7 64 (or seen others have) which could not be resolved and which are pretty "debilitating" for your FSX?John

Hi John, to clarify my preference, it is for XP-64. I am recommending to you that you try W7 because you have the 64-bit version already. My general preference is therefore for a 64-bit system. I think what made you think I preferred XP was my comment if you have troubles with W7 then install it on XP (because you said that you have XP). I may have also given you the impression that I prefer XP due to my statement that FSX was designed on XP (and it was). My preference is XP-64 for FSX. 64-bit due to memory issues with the 32-bit system. FSX is prone to exceeding the 2GB limit on virtual address spacing. These limits are raised to 4GB in the 64-bit system (FSX is a 32-bit program and cannot access the 8TB or whatever W7-64 is capable of managing with a program written in 64-bit code). My second preference is for W7-64 with hopes that the user does not experience the texture loss issues.There are a number of individuals that are experiencing a loss of texture or loss of graphics with FSX and W7. There are more people that use W7 without problem than those with (specific comment related to FSX when used with W7). However if you are one of the unlucky ones that experiences this graphics or texture loss issues there is currently no known cure. Several W7 users consequently switched back to XP-64.See as typical example there are many more: http://forums1.avsim.net/index.php?showtopic=249782I have experienced no issues in finding 64-bit drivers but will add that XP-64 is pass its age and for XP-64 drivers are becoming scarce as more developers make drivers for W7.

If I'm not mistaken FSX was developed and marketed for Vista, not XP. Hence the DirectX 10 preview which isn't available to XP. Also the release was highly advertised about using FSX and Vista together for "Ultimate" performance. However from my experiences I have run FSX on XP 32/64, Vista 64, and Windows 7 RC1/ RTM Pro 64. As far as memory usage goes FSX is enjoying the better (if you want to call it that) memory management with Windows 7. Performance wise it is better than Vista but on par or the same as XP 64. As far as stability goes I haven't had any issues with CTD's, OOM's etc. Is W7 the best operating system for FSX? Depends on what you are looking for. If you want stability with a known knowledge base to pull from and a larger audience of simmers to help you, stay with XP. If you want to try out a new operating system, understand there will be some growing pains, and potentially some performance gains go with W7. It all depends on how large an aptitude you have on tweaking a system, investigating drivers, and taking good breaks between, to make you can handle any frustrations that do come along.For me W7 has been a very nice upgrade in my general system needs. For FSX I have gained, what seems (could be placebo) smoother simulator motion(could be the drivers), my FPS are identical, and the sim runs identical to XP x64 for me. Time will tell I suppose but it's the same debate that happened way back when with people wondering if they should go to XP away from 2000 to fly the new FS ;)

I believe WXP Prof x64 is slightly better than W7 Prof x64 for now.W7 will continue to be improved so I am going to stick with it.32bit waste of time.

I believe WXP Prof x64 is slightly better than W7 Prof x64 for now.W7 will continue to be improved so I am going to stick with it.32bit waste of time.

I agree totally. The system I use is XP 64 for FSX (default & add-on acft including Flight1 Mustang), right now for me W7 64/FSX is a waste of time because it can not be trusted to complete a flight without crashing either FSX or windows resulting in a re-boot and message saying you will be notified when a fix is known. Great stuff when Microsoft products don't even work with each other.System 1 is Win XP 64 with one HHDSystem 2 is Win 7 64 with one HHDSystem 3 is Win XP 32 Home Editioni7 950 3.06G 45N

I agree totally. The system I use is XP 64 for FSX (default & add-on acft including Flight1 Mustang), right now for me W7 64/FSX is a waste of time because it can not be trusted to complete a flight without crashing either FSX or windows resulting in a re-boot and message saying you will be notified when a fix is known. Great stuff when Microsoft products don't even work with each other.Note that I have never crashed out of FSX while using W7x64.Your crashing might be due to a specific product.

Hi John, to clarify my preference, it is for XP-64. I am recommending to you that you try W7 because you have the 64-bit version already. My general preference is therefore for a 64-bit system. I think what made you think I preferred XP was my comment if you have troubles with W7 then install it on XP (because you said that you have XP). I may have also given you the impression that I prefer XP due to my statement that FSX was designed on XP (and it was). My preference is XP-64 for FSX. 64-bit due to memory issues with the 32-bit system. FSX is prone to exceeding the 2GB limit on virtual address spacing. These limits are raised to 4GB in the 64-bit system (FSX is a 32-bit program and cannot access the 8TB or whatever W7-64 is capable of managing with a program written in 64-bit code). My second preference is for W7-64 with hopes that the user does not experience the texture loss issues.There are a number of individuals that are experiencing a loss of texture or loss of graphics with FSX and W7. There are more people that use W7 without problem than those with (specific comment related to FSX when used with W7). However if you are one of the unlucky ones that experiences this graphics or texture loss issues there is currently no known cure. Several W7 users consequently switched back to XP-64.See as typical example there are many more: http://forums1.avsim.net/index.php?showtopic=249782I have experienced no issues in finding 64-bit drivers but will add that XP-64 is pass its age and for XP-64 drivers are becoming scarce as more developers make drivers for W7.

Hi Gary,Well, I'm popping this topic back to the top again with a new post, so let's see if any fanatic attacks us this time! :( I have been using FSX on Win7 Pro 64-bit since Monday night. I also got the new lower latency memory which I had ordered the next day, Tuesday, so I was pretty happy! The memory is a Kingston HyperX 4GB DDR3 (2x2gb) rated at 7-7-7-20. This reduced tremendously, the stutters I had experienced upon first install of FSX, and in fact, the stutters are negligent and quite small and occur rarely now. I may have also solved the CTD problem where clicking in the menu, like View, settings etc... eventually freezes and crashes FSX. I installed the recommended UIAUTOMATIONCORE.DLL from Vista and placed it into the FSX folder, did NOT register it as I want only FSX to use this. So far, one complete flight without any issues at all. But I am flying strictly the default airplanes and scenery without any addons at all, at this point, to test. I will see what will happen if I start installing add-ons. I have several add-on aircraft to buy (gradually, so I don't kill my budget), and add-on payware scenery. I also have some freeware scenery already downloaded and waiting. I am just afraid if these stutters may come back again. I hope not. They are not completely gone but are negligent and happen rarely now. I may still go to WinXP. I don't think 3.25GB RAM which is what my XP Pro sees out of my 4GB, is an issue at all. Stability is important too. So I continue to test on Win7 64. Tomorrow, I will do a trans-Atlantic flight and see how it goes with CTD and stutters. But the new RAM definitely helped enormously. I had posted a reply to an existing thread in the FSX CTD forum about this...John

Well folks i finally went out and got w764 and i must say it is a little jumpy on my machine. i have been running fsx on my xp pro64 and it works well but with w764 its a little strange.im running a 8500 dual core with 4 gigs and 250 hard drive. i like the w764 look but it does some strange things in fsx.for one my th2go is analog and there is no update drivers for that in w764.and fsx acts real strange with w764 and i dont know how to fix this.it wont load right away and there is no icon in the program tray to show that it even loaded i had to go to the fsx folder to see if it even loaded.in fact i have to go to the folder to load fsx, it will not load any other way.and this is the second time that i loaded fsx and i get differant results each time.it will also hang in screens , or it will hang in between you tring to change settings or what ever, even the 7 usb devices that i have hooked up all of them will not respond.so im not for sure where to go but putting xp64 back in the system and waitng to see what happens with w764.but the frame rate with default planes were way off of the charts for me, i was getting any where from 50 to sometimes 70 frames per second with w764 so that was a plus , but it is so unstable.i would see 50 fps and then it would drop to 4 fps and then jump to 45 to 50 and then it would freeze and then take off.so im asking is there a proper way of getting this w764 to work well with fsx.im sure i have done all of the proper updates for w764 and properly loaded fsx with all of the sp updates also, in fact this will be the third time in doing so.so xp64 is starting to look good to me .8500 dual core, 4 gigs , 250 hd, is what im running and it did well in xp64 and even though i got off the chain fps in w7 its not worth the pain im getting from stabillity.any good advice would greatly be needed.thanks..........Robert