Recently upgraded to Win 7 and FSX after years using FS9. I cannot alt/tab between different programs if FSX is loaded up. I'm trying to view and switch back and forth from an extensive PDF tutorial and FSX when default airplane loaded and sitting on ramp. I can alt/tab to the PDF but then I cannot alt/tab back to FSX. THe FSX icon is there and says the program is running but nothing happens. When not using FSX the sawitchinh works just like it should between different running programs.I've also noticed the taxiing wanderes all over the place and a pull to the left; on almost all the acft, some worse than others. Doesn't correct itself until about 40 knots on takeoff. I saw this mentioned in some old posts but didn't see a fix. Is there a common fix after all these years. I'm using a older USB MS Sidewinder Force Feedback stick with the standard Win 7 drivers. FSX recognizes the stick but not sure the drivers are really updated, none seem to be available.

Click the FSX icon. A lot. It will eventually decide to come back to full screen. This is one of the draw backs to Windows 7 (the only one).I suggest using windowed mode when switching programs a lot. FSX is much more flexible in regards to task switching when windowed. (Alt-Enter)

Edited January 30, 201214 yr by ZachLW

Like Zach says Windowed mode is best for switching and I use the 'Task Manager' (I have it open with FSX running) and just use the 'switch to' command.With your joystick:Make sure:No duplicate entries for the various axes/buttons/keys. (Check the mouse as well!)Sensitivity full right 100% , null zone full left 0% for all axes.The Windows drivers are fine and always re-calibrate in Windows after making the above or any changes.It pays to recalibrate if you add another plane for instance.Consider using FSUIPC4 (the pay version has more functions) and you can totally stop using the FSX settings and assign everything in FSUIPC4 which gives very good control. (Beware it may have an intensive learning curve - depending on how savvy you are with FSX/computers). NB FSUIPC4 does not support force feedback - so I assign the FF axes in windows and use FSUIPC4 for any that are not influenced by FF.Good luckPeterH

Consider using FSUIPC4 (the pay version has more functions) and you can totally stop using the FSX settings and assign everything in FSUIPC4 which gives very good control.

Everyone should consider assigning all their hardware (except FF sticks) via FSUIPC4. Plus you get to assign your hardware differently according to the aircraft you load. Plus you get rid of most of the G3D.dll CTDs when running dense scenery. Plus... Plus... Plus... FSUIPC4 is the Swiss Army Knife of FSX.

(Beware it may have an intensive learning curve - depending on how savvy you are with FSX/computers)

John Cook's FSUIPC4 Guide is an excellent starting point.Cheers,- jahman.

Edited January 30, 201214 yr by jahman

J+1PeterH

As the others have suggested, run your sim in windowed mode. If you absolutely positively do not want to run it in windowed mode there's a freeware plugin for FSX called PDFKneeBoard. It will render PDFs inside the sim. You can get it from http://code.google.com/p/fscode/wiki/PDFKneeboard

As the others have suggested, run your sim in windowed mode. If you absolutely positively do not want to run it in windowed mode there's a freeware plugin for FSX called PDFKneeBoard. It will render PDFs inside the sim. You can get it from http://code.google.c...ki/PDFKneeboard

How have I been missing that? ##### David Blaine is wrong with me?

You need to click it on the taskbar then alt-tab to it.Or just use the fake-windowed script so it's windowed mode but still full screen :) instant-alt-tab

You need to click it on the taskbar then alt-tab to it.Or just use the fake-windowed script so it's windowed mode but still full screen :) instant-alt-tab

Is the fake windowed script something I can do in Vista? How is it done?

All repliers, Thanks for the help and quick replies. I has already thought about switching to pay ware FSUIPC. Learning Win7, FSX and a newer hi speed computer all at once is proving to be more daunting than I thought. I was a commercial Flight Engineer on Recips, Turbprops and turbo jets prior tro retiring plus had a float plane. I'm finding this new flt sim stuff more daunting that switching to a new airplane every 6 months in order to make a living!!!!! At one point I was FE and flying at least weekly on a very, very old Connie, Herc and a DC8. Doubt I could do that today. Believe me, the memory goes when you hit your seventies!!!!!

Recently upgraded to Win 7 and FSX after years using FS9. I cannot alt/tab between different programs if FSX is loaded up. I'm trying to view and switch back and forth from an extensive PDF tutorial and FSX when default airplane loaded and sitting on ramp. I can alt/tab to the PDF but then I cannot alt/tab back to FSX. THe FSX icon is there and says the program is running but nothing happens. When not using FSX the sawitchinh works just like it should between different running programs.

RetiredFE, get back to you own quote above. Kepp FSX in FullScreen. Do the switching back to FSX and nothing happens, right? So now Press Enter and then Press P.Happy flying!!!MAB

I was a commercial Flight Engineer on Recips, Turbprops and turbo jets

You might enjoy flying the A2A B-377 then! Largest steam gauge FE console of any aircraft in FSX! Plus four thundering P$W 28 cylinder Wasp Majors to go with it. Video. Buy. Captain fo the Ship Accu-Sim Expansion.Cheers,- jahman.