It seems obvious that no answer you do not want to hear will satisfy you. So I say again, believe what you wish. As Bob Dylan said, " A man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest."There are indeed major differences between SP2 standalone and Acceleration. Those differences are entirely Acceleration. I will quote Fr. Bill (who was also there at the time)

...however, that has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on this particular point regarding "SP2 standalone" versus "SP2 Acceleration version," which are functionally, content and codewise identical.

You have been given the facts by people who participated in the beta testing of both. If you wish, you may continue to disregard those facts. I don't care.

It seems obvious that no answer you do not want to hear will satisfy you. So I say again, believe what you wish. As Bob Dylan said, " A man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest."There are indeed major differences between SP2 standalone and Acceleration. Those differences are entirely Acceleration. I will quote Fr. Bill (who was also there at the time) You have been given the facts by people who participated in the beta testing of both. If you wish, you may continue to disregard those facts. I don't care.

I thought you were done with this thread. Glad to see you are back.Correct me if I am wrong but it seems like you are sayiong that SP2 is the same but Acceleration is the cause of issues. What is it about Acceleration that causes issues? What in non-Acceleration set ups that causes issues? My original post in this thread talked about the need for developers to test with both platforms. Whether it is the SP2 version or the presence/absence of Acceleration is irrelevant. The important thing is that developers produce add ons that work with both versions. They can't assume that because it works with one, it should work with the other. That is the key point. If I got a couple points wrong on my post, I apologize.

Correct me if I am wrong but it seems like you are sayiong that SP2 is the same but Acceleration is the cause of issues.

That is correct. Since some developers cannot keep the difference straight themselves, they advertise something as being SP2 and Acceleration compatible, when in fact it might not be. Something developed with FSX+SP1&SP2 will work in FSX with Acceleration, but somewthing developed with FSX + Acceleration MAY NOT work with FSX+SP1+SP2. The reason for that has nothing to do with SP2 which is identical in both cases but in code that is only included in Acceleration (see below)that will not function without Acceleration.

What is it about Acceleration that causes issues? What in non-Acceleration set ups that causes issues?

Here is a quote from the Acceleration web page: (***) "The Flight Simulator X Acceleration Expansion Pack delivers an all new thrilling multiplayer race mode, new action-packed missions, and even more new content!Challenge friends in the new racing mode, or test your flight skills in the 20 new missions like being a NASA test pilot, performing search and rescue on an ocean liner, or navigating a whiteout blizzard in the backcountry. Also included are six new scenery maps including the famed Red Bull Air Race courses, and three new planes such as the F/A-18A Hornet, EH-101 Helicopter and P-51D Mustang."In the above quote you will see that they added 3 aircraft and 20 missions with scenery and systems support. System changes include but are not limited to the lifting capability of the EH-101. The keyboard was also remapped to allow for additional key commands. There are several other things added and some little changes to the system to allow some of the new stuff to work. I'm sure if you need a complete list that you can track down the information as easily as I can, so I'll leave further research to you. The point is that if the developer builds an item on a computer with Acceleration installed, that developer should say "compatible with FSX+Acceleration." If that developer is saying it is compatible with FSX+SP1+SP2, they should not have done any work on a computer with Acceleration installed. It is really that simple. (***Excuse the legal matter: The Acceleration quote is copyright Microsoft Corp and is used without any intent to contest or infringe that copyright)

My original post in this thread talked about the need for developers to test with both platforms. Whether it is the SP2 version or the presence/absence of Acceleration is irrelevant. The important thing is that developers produce add ons that work with both versions. They can't assume that because it works with one, it should work with the other. That is the key point. If I got a couple points wrong on my post, I apologize.

I have no real argument with that, but I have an opinion :) After all this time has passed since the release of FSX, it is time that EVERYONE who is serious about FSX should have Acceleration and developers should only be developing for Acceleration. ANYTHING else is something less that what FSX is capable of being. I have a modest system and I am able to run it all. In fact, like everyone I know (yes there are noisy dissenters) for me, FSX runs better with Acceleration.I don't think I have anything else to say.

That is correct. Since some developers cannot keep the difference straight themselves, they advertise something as being SP2 and Acceleration compatible, when in fact it might not be. Something developed with FSX+SP1&SP2 will work in FSX with Acceleration, but somewthing developed with FSX + Acceleration MAY NOT work with FSX+SP1+SP2. The reason for that has nothing to do with SP2 which is identical in both cases but in code that is only included in Acceleration (see below)that will not function without Acceleration. I have no real argument with that, but I have an opinion :) After all this time has passed since the release of FSX, it is time that EVERYONE who is serious about FSX should have Acceleration and developers should only be developing for Acceleration. ANYTHING else is something less that what FSX is capable of being. I have a modest system and I am able to run it all. In fact, like everyone I know (yes there are noisy dissenters) for me, FSX runs better with Acceleration.

I agree 100% I have often argued for a set of community-wide standards that developers could use on a voluntary basis. The standards could be created by AVSIM and FS.com. If the developers signs on to the standards, they could advertise so - something like being a member of the BBB or the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

Just want to post a question, maybe getting off topic. I was going to buy this Super Cub but the developer told me it was not compatible with FSX SP2 which I have. He didn't say why other than some features wouldn't work. Are there any known problems installing Acceleration over SP2? Don't want to buy FSX Gold; that's like paying twice for the same software and I'd have to reinstall everything. I guess Acceleration would fix my door problem also and put me back on topic.Can you install Acceleration over SP2? Can you even still purchase it?

Can you install Acceleration over SP2? Can you even still purchase it?

I think the Acceleration can be installed over SP2, but uninstalling itmight still be a good idea. I doubt you will find Acceleration in storesbut I am sure it can be purchased online. Be sure to compare prices as it may still be cheaper to buy FSX Gold than to buy Acceleration standalone.For example, I just looked at Amazon and Acc was $59!!! and Gold was $29In fact, using Google shows FSX Gold at approx $30 everywhere and very little sign of standalone acceleration

Thanks Tom. You can buy a new copy of Acceleration on E-Bay for $19. Yeah, Gold is about $30 at the on-line stores. Not sure it's worth the hassle of buying and installing. Maybe when I build a new rig.

FYI guys, Acceleration cannot be installed over SP2. SP2 must be uninstalled prior to the installation of Acceleration.

Carenado is aware of this. It happens that SP2 only users are affected. People using Acceleration should not be. I'm hoping a patch will be out for this soon!