I want to do a clean uninstall of FS2004 then do a clean install. What is the best way of doing this? I want to clean everything out and start over. I've been adding more and more planes and scenery, that I would just like to start over. My wife tells me I have compulsive add on sydrom :-yellow1. any help please. Bob McDuff

Make very certain that you have the keys/codes for any payware that you have bought.........

Usual uninstall, then delete the FS9 folder, then find the Flight Simulator folder under your main C: drive and delete that too.That should do it, a complete uninstall, unless you have key files for addon payware, but it's not a good idea to delete those!Allcott

After doing all above,Remove any "hangon " utilities such as Squawkbox etc(Easy to reinstall after) Then run regedit,back up registry (in case of foul ups) and check within registry for any remaining references to Software/Microsoft/Microsoft Games/Flight Simulator .Delete any you find.Close down and restart to check all is well(If any problems arise then import your registry backup and try again).Then - personal preference here- defrag the drive before doing the new installation.Dave

It is unnecessary to purge the Registry if you plan on reinstalling FS to the same directory that it came out of.Allcott

Hello All,I would highly reccommend running defrag after you delete the files from FS9. If you do not, you may have the same offending files which you started with.It seems part of the delete process is just removing the beginning of the name of the file, not the file itseif . . . so reinstalling means you could end up with the 'same' file again.Not sure how this happens, but I have seen it . . . deleteing a cfg file and reinstalling, got the same file back.BestClay

Defragmentation of a drive NEVER involves deletion of files, only rearrangement. Defragmentation of a drive into which FS is going to be reinstalled is pointless - just install it then defrag afterwards. Allcott

AllcottI'm well aware that defragging deletes nothing ,but IMHO it's just a tidying up exercise that gives you the best possible circumstances for a "clean" install.Much the same applies to removing any remaining registry entries-- uninstalling will often leave entries in the registry which are not needed.OK - if you are reinstalling in the same place as before it will rewrite any neccessary entries but the original question was how to get the cleanest possible new installation.All that said - we each have our own preferred ways of doing things and it's good to hear other opinions..CheersDave

My Advice!!Dont listen to me becuase its extream, but I doi it myself.If your gona do that, back up everything, and Format/defrag the HD.No its not needed, but hey you will have a fresh system, and No nasty lingering files, reg entries etc.I do this every time I have to re-install FS. I just cant be bothered to un-install it, and then uninstall all the lago stuff/ addons/ etc.Go on I know your hungry :)Jason

If you want to cleanly remove FS9, run the uninstall option that comes with FS9. Remove all your add-ons first. Then, as mentioned backup your registry, and then use search within registry to completely remove any entry for FS9 and all add-ons. The comment about the registry being cleaned completely when the app is uninstalled is false.As for defragging your HD, all depends on what OS you are running. If you are running Win9x, then by all means defrag the drive, but if you are running win2k or XP, the need for defragging is not necessary. I have an XP box that I have yet to defrag the drive, and it works like a champ.