How to copy msfs folder

[kazeekayo 35]

I want to download the beta for su8, However I learned my lesson last time and I don’t want to reinstall the whole game after the beta is over and comes out for everyone I have installed the sim At the default location meeting I will have to reinstall. someone said I can just make a new folder called for example “msfsbeta” Copy my existing files there and install the beta there and then I’ll be good to go just delete it when I’m done and go back to the regular location when the beta is over. What files do I copy And paste To this new msfsbeta folder? Is this even possible? Thanks

[orchestra_nl 930]

I would copy everything inside the "Official" and "community" folder. The rest of the files (the base files) aren't very big and can be easily reinstalled/downloaded if needed.
If you selected selected a custom installation folder during install these folders should be apart from the base files which makes it easier to manage them.

[bobcat999 8,480]

Consider copying your WpSytem folder also.  Mine got wiped when going from the previous beta to the full update.
It contained my customised user config file and my custom camera positions for individual aircraft - they were all gone and my settings in sim were all messed-up on first start up, and this was why.

You may have to search for the folder, as it can go in various places.  I cannot understand why, but MSFS has put it in three separate locations up to now.
It was in the root of my F drive, sitting next to my MSFS folder, but it has now put it on my S drive (for steam apps) for some reason - I have the store version!  
There is also a ghost folder probably in user on your C drive.  I think this is just a symbolic link.

If you haven't edited your user config, and have not set custom camera positions in your aircraft, it may not affect you.  There are a lot of other files in there however - not sure what everything does yet.

Edited February 13, 2022 by bobcat999

[turbomax 3,285]

10 hours ago, bobcat999 said:

There are a lot of other files in there however - not sure what everything does yet.

I was tempted and played with some of them wpSystem files, those in green, they are obviously protected and contain hidden files. tried to "unprotect" them while cop&paste and booom - MSFS wouldn't start anymore afterwards. so be careful with those green files.

what saved me from re-installing 100GB even though the main MSFS directory was still intact was pretending a de-and re-install. I assume that restored only those protected green files to their original status and let me install the SU8 beta without any further problems. I will never touch those green files again, until next time. 😊