Can somebody give me step by step instructions on how to download /upload freeware into MSFS 2004. I have tried to do this a few times and I just don't know what to do and where to put anything and in what folder. I figured if I unzipped a file into the aircraft folder it may work, but obviously that was not the case. Although I am a private pilot and also have been an avid simmer for many years, I have never been able to do this.Thanks, Pete

Ok then, what you first need to do is create a temp folder for unzipping planes or scenery etc into. I made one on my desktop which I call Temp Zip Dump. Once you are done downloading your zip file use winzip (best in classic mode) extract the entire zip file into your temp folder. Usually this will then create a folder which normally contains subfolders. Lets say for examples sake you download a file called myplane.zip and you extract it to your temp. Once its done you look in there and see a folder called myplane. Look inside that folder and see what else is contained there, sometimes in the case of an aircraft that uses only default gauges etc there would simply be the normal subfolders associated with stock aircraft ie a panel/sound/model/texture folders as well as the cfg and airfile in this instance you would simply then copy the main myplane folder into your fs9/aircraft folder. Other times it is slightly more complicated if for instance the plane uses other gauges or sound or effects folders. Usually when this is the case there may be other folders ie gauges or sound which you would copy the contents of such folders (ie gauges/sound folders)to the relevant folder within fs. Sometimes the main zip will create folders and other zip files ie gauges.zip if this is the case you simply do the same thing with those zips and extract them to a temp folder then copy across whatever to the relevant folder within flightsim.I have probably made this seem even more complex however if you get a basic understanding of flightsims folder and file structure and always extract to a temp folder chances are you will work it out yourself. Sometimes you need to think carefully about what you do as if it is done incorrectly at best your add on wont work and at worst you may screw flightsim up. However I have the utmost faith in someone that is capable of learning to fly.If you need further explaination then private message me and I'll do my best to talk you through.Best of luck,markyboy.

Hi Pete, welcome to the forums.I suggest you to look at this page http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main/m-howto.htm there are several How To... instructions that applies for FS2002 and FS2004 as well.I'm sure there are other places with more info in this regard but I don't remember any other web page at this moment. Wait for a while and some people will come here and give you some other addresses.Carlos.

Usually the readme.txt files in the package tell you to sip it into the main fs2k4 folder. Sometimes they have special instructions. Make sure your zip program is set to keep the folders together when it unzips. For mine (2k2) I just right click on the zip file, select "extract to" and browse to my e:msfs2002 folder and click on it, then say "ok" and the new airplane is in the aircraft folder ready to go flyin'

I tend not to go along with the theory of unzipping anything directly into flightsim even when a readme says to do so. If it goes via a temp folder manually you know exactly whats going where and whether or not files are trying to be overwritten. This minimizes the risk of something that you dont want happening however each to his own.Regards,markyboy.

I agree, bad practice to unzip into the sim, I always, even with an EXE file, unload into a temp folder and manually install it, some uploaders have no clue what they are doing and can cause you a world of pain. For scenery just create a scenery folder of choice outside the sim and unzip to it, then browse to it when you enable new scenery.You should take the time to get to know your way around the folders inside the FS9 or FS2002 folder.Regards, MichaelKDFWhttp://mysite.verizon.net/res052cd/mybannercva1.jpgCalVirAir International VAwww.calvirair.comCougar Mountain Helicopters & Aviationwww.cgrmtnhelos.com