Hey!This is my problem.....My pc refused working. I had a pc which was pretty good for flying FS2004, even with lots of AI traffic and plenty of sceneries. My frame rate was always good around 19 and I was very satisfied with its performances.I now am forced to buy a new pc, which I really do, it has been ordered already, they prepare it now and I can have it tomorrow.However I use since early times when it came out from Microsoft their extremely good Sidewinder Force Feedback Joystick. It now seems that this extremely good unit will no longer work on my new pc because of the fact that Win7 is 64bit, and previous operating systems from FS95 up to XP were all 32bit systems, and above that any Joystick is now connected to a PC via a USB-connector, which is not available on my extremely good Sidewinder. So they say me that I should buy another Joystick.I don't like that, because all the other joysticks that I know on the market rather seem to me like real toys whereas this good old Sidewinder is really very good solid and effectiveely working stuff.I would prefer to continue using this MS Sidewinder. So, my question is: is there really no possibility, or are there some flightsimmers who found a solution in order to keep their own Sidewinder like mine still in use on a Win7 pc?I would enjoy if I could just continue using this good old Sidewinder ForceFeedback....Anyone knows a solution?GreetzJive1

Edited February 3, 201214 yr by Jive1

If it helps, I've got an old CH Yoke and pedal gameport combo through a USB adapter and it works fine, only the toe brakes don't work.Moving to Win 7 x64 from XP x86 solved my OOM problems, I had to leave behind my RXP GNS430/530 as they would't work in a 64-bit environment. I did get the new WAAS units, but now my trusty 3308 and Jetline 2 gauges have to be left behind. Sigh. :Monkey:Probably the biggest thing with going to Win 7 is NOT TO INSTALL ANYTHING IN THE PROGRAM FILES (either of them in x64) folders, under any circumstances. It'll just lead to problems down the line, believe me (Win7 protects these folders with a passion). I still use UAC and haven't had a problem, tho plenty of others have.Keep it quiet, but my FS9 runs better on Win 7 than it ever did on XP. Why, I don't know, but I'm happy anyways! :Party:Cheers, SLuggy

Hey!Thank Sluggy for a reply, but please tell me....Where is the hint for my problem?I "must" switch from XP to 7 because of my new pc which is already having Win7.My question in fact is: does anyone know a solution for keeping on to use my good old Sidewinder Force Feedback instead of being forced to buy one of these newer, socalled better en simpler joysticks, but missing part of the possibilities of what Sidewinder gives me....GreetzJive1

Look for a gameport to USB adapter, maybe on Ebay. That's what my yoke and pedals work through. I don't know how your Sidewinder FF will go, but the adapters are cheap as chips these days.http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=gameport+adapter&_sacat=See-All-CategoriesSomething like these, tho these are in Australia. Hope this helps!Cheers, SLuggy

Hey!I found on eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-Gameport-Adapter-Microsoft-Sidewinder-NEW-/200323864933?pt=AU_Components&hash=item2ea43b9965 some adapter in Germany, not so far away from where I live.How can I be sure whitout having tested that such an adapter will work, because people in the shop where I buy my new computer tell me that they think this might not work?....GreetzJive1

Sadly I can't give you any guarantees, all I can say is my CH Yoke and pedals work fine through mine.Actually, having read your link, it does say that the 'Joystick Microsoft Sidewinder Force-Feedback Pro (part no. 96755)' is not compatible. You might be out of luck here, I'm afraid.Cheers, SLuggy

Probably the biggest thing with going to Win 7 is NOT TO INSTALL ANYTHING IN THE PROGRAM FILES (either of them in x64) folders, under any circumstances. It'll just lead to problems down the line, believe me (Win7 protects these folders with a passion). I still use UAC and haven't had a problem, tho plenty of others have.

Really?!I have FS9 installed in Program Files. All I then did was alter my permissions to give me full access to the Program FilesMicrosoft GamesFlight Simulator 9 folder and everything runs just fine.Of course, if you are not confident in changing permissions then installing FS9 to its own folder under C: will ease your stress.David

Don't no what sort of price range your old sidewinder is in ,but IF! you have to buy a new joystick ,then I would thoroughly recommend the 'Thrustmaster Hotas ' its by far the best in its price range that i have used....£30 UK price .Big, solid joystick and large separate throttle control (not piddly little one as is the case with most medium priced sticks) cheers Andy