I currently have FSX Deluxe Edition that was purchased years back when it first went on the market. I changed computers a year ago and when I tried to reinstall FSX it wouldn't accept the product key. When talking with Microsoft they said that the time had "expired" on my product key and they had to issue me another with the understanding that getting a new key would be necessary every time I needed to reinstall onto another computer. I recently purchased FSX Gold Edition from Amazon so I could have a spare in the event I would need reinstall. 

 

Question:

(1) When I install the new FSX Gold Edition will in the process all of my add-on software be removed automatically thereby requiring individual reinstallation? 

 

(2) Is there a written process for installing/replacing new software--if so where do I find it?

 

(3) Should I expect to experience the same Product Key Issue in the future should I change to other computers. 

 

Thanks for any and all advice.   

 

1) before you even think about installing your new FSX edition, uninstall the existing FSX from your PC along with "ALL" your addons to FSX, all associated folders, files and even clear any FSX and/or associated entries from your registry and then read the guide in item 2. It might seem like overkill to some, but if I have a reason to reinstall FSX on my rig, I do a complete clean install of my O/S which eliminates the need for the aforementioned process.

 

2) http://forum.avsim.net/files/file/1-fsx-hardware-software-guide/

 

3) that depends on how many times you are going to reinstall your new Gold Edition.

 

Regards,

Why replace your FSX deluxe with the exact copy that comes in FSX Gold?

 

I would do this...

 

Revert all addons such as FTX, UT etc. to FSX default settings.

 

Backup any default files you have changed such as aircraft.cfg files.

 

Backup your AppData folder and your scenery.cfg.

 

Uninstall SP2.

 

Install Acceleration and activate it.

 

Fly a bit.

 

Start folding your addons back in.

 

FSX Deluxe and Acceleration use different activation codes so you should not have any problems installing Acceleration over your existing FSX Deluxe.

 

Should you later decide to start from scratch on this, or another, PC use the FSX Deluxe discs from your FSX Gold.

 

regards,

Joe

Why replace your FSX deluxe with the exact copy that comes in FSX Gold?I would do this...Revert all addons such as FTX, UT etc. to FSX default settings.Backup any default files you have changed such as aircraft.cfg files.Backup your AppData folder and your scenery.cfg.Uninstall SP2.Install Acceleration and activate it.Fly a bit.Start folding your addons back in.FSX Deluxe and Acceleration use different activation codes so you should not have any problems installing Acceleration over your existing FSX Deluxe.Should you later decide to start from scratch on this, or another, PC use the FSX Deluxe discs from your FSX Gold.regards,Joe

If one is comfortable with this method then fine, I am just a little paranoid when it come to messing around with an already installed version of FSX. I have had too many anomalies rear their ugly head after putting and taking with this temperamental and easily corruptible piece of software.

 

To my mind it is a pain in the neck, but gives this guy peace of mind to start with a nice clean slate.

 

Regards,