I need some help please. Is it likely that some of the servers are still down after the latest update ? I have not been able to get past the 'checking for updates' screen since the update. I have resorted to uninstalling MSFS from Steam and the reinstalling but the again I  can't get past the 'checking for updates screen'. I can't think of what to do next. and would really appreciate some help.

Thankyou. 

Not sure of how steam works but the Store version after uninstalling then reinstalling requires a 2 second update download to the same folder where you had the official folder (not c drive in this example) then pausing exiting and deleting that sacrificial folder then copying back the other backup folder to the same place finally running the FS app then it finding the copied backup finally executing. Do this with an unmodded official folder so as to future update.

Not sure if this may help but if you can find where steam placed the official folder as you may be able to do a similar trick fooling a reinstall into working with the backup folder.

Edited October 21, 20214 yr by 40track

Well, I've made some headway with this problem but only up to a point. In the end I uninstalled MSFS and went  to the sim via the Microsoft store. The download was going well until I had a CTD. On restarting I was met with same checking for updates problem. Before the initial CTD the download would pick up from where it left off. Not this time. I can slowly do the update in about 4 gig lumps but any CTD would leave me having to start again. IF I manage to fully install and another CTD happened it looks as though I would have to start all over again. I can only think that something must have altered in my system during the original update 6 but I am at a loss to know what. Back to P3D maybe?

10 minutes ago, cumulus said:

 I can only think that something must have altered in my system during the original update 6 but I am at a loss to know what. Back to P3D maybe?

I suspect that you are correct. I am better off than you since I can run the program - I just can't use it for the intended purpose - flying.  Keep us informed of your progress.