I think there are a couple different issues mixed in this thread. For vista and Win 7, MS changed how the standard "program files" folder is set up (program files is the fodler pointed to by the sytem variable %ProgramFiles%, on x64 versions, %ProgramFiles" is redirected to Program Files (x86) for 32 bit exes, but both folders work the same). Program Files is set to owner "Trusted Installer Service", which has different access control permissions set for it than the administators group, or I guess maybe System or Nt/authority. The idea is to prevent and exe inheriting from an administrator (typical home user) from doing damage to programs on the system. So you can logon as administrator and take ownership of "Program Files" (and "Program Files (x86) on 64-bit win7) and then set permissions on it and subfolders any way you prefer.

 

As far as how best to manage file/printer sharing on local network or using router as gateway to "internet" with no domain controller, that I think is an individual decision. I suppose a general advice of "don't give more permission than needed" is probably a good one in most cases.

 

AFAIK, the problems or considerations of running 32 bit apps under WOW64 is a separate issue from where you install your files.

 

scott s.

.

*facepalm*

+100

 

As a PSA, please do not give full control to "everyone" of your C: drive.

 

In fact, I would advise against this for any folder or drive unless you are just tooling around.

Ok,

 

took the plunge and I am installing FSX to C:\

 

Thank you all for your valuable comments and suggestions.

 

I decided to uninstall FSX instead of using the folder copy and then the free registry application for FSX. Now it's going to be a looong install back from GFWL since it simply cleans all of the source after installing...

Here is another STRONG recommendation, for running ANY version of FSX under Windows 7.

 

Symptoms

FSX runs well as expected under Windows 7, but after some random time, could be an hour, could be a day, it will disconnect from Gamespy.

 

NOT an "out of memory issue", hardware issue, or addon issue (No addons installed except FSUIPC to stop the g3d.dll errors, and Vista 32 Uiautomation.dll (?) )

 

Not a problem if you are not Connecting to gamespy !! -- Not a noticable issue if you are only running FSX for a few hours at a time.

 

BUT -- if you are running FSX as a Multiplayer Server, and it is to remain connected to Gamespy for days, this may help.

 

Without this, I have experienced two I7, Window 7 64 bit, both FS Sp2, or FSX Accel, Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate, DISCONNECT from Gamespy at random times.

 

With this solution, it runs weeks without any disconnection.

 

SOLUTION:

 

Set FSX to run under XP SP3 Compatability mode

 

I would welcome any feedback as to why technically, it would be undesirable to run FSX in XP Sp3 Compatability mode ... :Idea:

I would welcome any feedback as to why technically, it would be undesirable to run FSX in XP Sp3 Compatability mode ...

 

It is not undesirable to run in compatibility mode,but it is not necessary for FSX to run properly.

The uiautomation dll fix, solved the problems FSX had on a Win7(64bit) operating system.

 

I have had no problems running FSX in this way.

 

Cheers!

It is not undesirable to run in compatibility mode,but it is not necessary for FSX to run properly.

The uiautomation dll fix, solved the problems FSX had on a Win7(64bit) operating system.

 

I have had no problems running FSX in this way.

 

Cheers!

 

From the two very different W7 systems I have run, to achieve Gamespy LONG TERM connection stability, when FSX is acting as a MP server, connected to Gamespy, it was conclusive that the systems HAD to be set to "XP SP3" compatibility mode.

 

If you don't host 24/7 continuous Gamespy Connected session, then maybe you do not see any issues, but the symptom is there of something going wrong when in native W7 mode.

 

Hopefully, the above ay help any others, having difficulty keeping a Gamespy Connection.

 

---

Any yes, Gamespy is a ________, and one wonders why anyone would want to connect FSX to it.

Hopefully, one day, someone will come up with a better, universally adopted Match making system, for FSX and P3D !!