When I downloaded the MD-11, I had to place it in the Program Files X86 slot and I assume that I could not load the software into the X64 slot. Is this correct? Also, when the 737 NGX comes out, will it automatically search out the Program Files X64 slot and put it there instead of the X86 (32-bit) slot? I don't really understand the difference between the X86 versus the plain 64-bit program files. jen noulet

Ok here's the deal - in 64 bit versions of Windows the default location for the install of 64-bit programs (meaning things actually coded in 64-bit) is C:\Program Files. For 32-bit software, it's C:\Program Files (x86). FS is a 32-bit application, that's why it goes to (x86) by default. "x86" stands for 32-bit because it's what the original old 32-bit processors were called - 286, 386, 486 etc - x86 became the name for machine code that would execute on these CPUs. "x64" is the name for 64-bit machine code.We actually recommend that you change the install folder to something that is NOT Program Files, such as C:\FSX, C:\Games\FSX etc. The reason for this is that Windows Vista and Windows 7 "protect" everything contained in the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folders from what it thinks are wrong user permissions. Since FS9 and FSX were written before Vista and Windows 7 really existed, they don't play very nicely with the way this system works. We've seen all kinds of problems at support resulting from installing FS to the default folders in Vista or Win7 like liveries not showing up, aircraft configuration not saving etc. If you install to a separate folder, the OS protections are not active on the FS install and it tends to work much better.The NGX installer (and all our installers) seek out the FSX folder wherever it is because that's where it needs to install to.

So, what you are recommending is that for my FSX to work more fluidly I should remove FSX and the MD-11 from my Program Files X86, and re-install to C:\ FSX or C:\ Games\FSX... Is that correct?jen noulet

Yes. It's always good practice to install older software, pre vista(ish) FSX, outside of the new windows environment.In fact a separate drive is worth considering too as this gives the best results.Chris Farrell

So, what you are recommending is that for my FSX to work more fluidly I should remove FSX and the MD-11 from my Program Files X86, and re-install to C:\ FSX or C:\ Games\FSX... Is that correct?jen noulet

It's not going to do anything for performance, but it will eliminate the potential for permissions/user account control problems with the folder.

Is it possible to simply "move" the FSX installation from the "Program Files (x86)" to "C:"without having to do a complete re-install of FSX and associated software??Phil Stephens

^ +1

Is it possible to simply "move" the FSX installation from the "Program Files (x86)" to "C:"without having to do a complete re-install of FSX and associated software??Phil Stephens

I doubt it, you'd have to update the registry entries for not only FS itself, but every addon you have installed. Reinstalling is probably the only way to do it correctly.

I doubt it, you'd have to update the registry entries for not only FS itself, but every addon you have installed. Reinstalling is probably the only way to do it correctly.

Well, technically it's possible, but we're talking major nightmare!It would be easier to uninstall everything & reinstall everything.