I created a bunch of bindings for my plane. I then saved the config as a template using two different names - one as a backup. I then decided linking was a better idea, so I think what I did was link the template, then unlinked it, and saw all the old assignments there, so thought I should remove all the assignments from the plane and just link the template. But after removing the assignments from the plane using “-“ at the bottom of the screen, I was surprised to see when linking my template to the plane, it was empty. What’s worse, is that even the backup template I made is empty. How on earth did I manage to delete my bindings in both templates by just removing the assignments from the plane? I could see if it was linked, removing them might be editing the linked template, but how did the backup template get wiped? Ugh!!!!!

Edited July 17, 2025Jul 17 by Virtual-Chris

It looks like the app creates 6 backups of each XML file... if I rename one of the earlier files, can I get my assignments back?

So I was able to get my assignments back by reverting the confix XML to a previous file. Thanks for making these backups.

But I would like to understand how I managed to do this... How is it possible to delete all assignments in both templates when removing assignments from a plane? Is it because I maybe inadvertently had both templates (actual and backup) linked to the plane and deleting the assignments deleted them from both templates?

Anyway, I think I'll just go back to assigning a template. FML!

3 hours ago, Virtual-Chris said:

But I would like to understand how I managed to do this

That I don't know, sorry. Most likely you deleted something that you shouldn't have (=potentially the template was not unlinked at all and you deleted the contents by accident?). 

When you link a template, the assignments (buttons/axis) from that template show up in your current configuration with a different background color. Don't edit them unless you want to.

That being said, you other posts suggest that AAO is struggeling on your PC somehow. Did you check and update the Device Blacklist, as outlined in your other thread? Any issues with file access, any error messages from AAO when you start it?

To be extra safe, AAO also has a Backup and Restore feature, in the "Tools"-menu. And I would recommend frequent use of the little yellow hard disk button at the bottom of the main dialog, which saves all "open" database transactions to disk (which the app normally only does when you close it)

Edited July 17, 2025Jul 17 by Lorby_SI

I already proposed something on your other post : I suggested using the restore previous versions on the file in the windows explorer context menu.

It should be worth a try

3 hours ago, PiLVaLK said:

I already proposed something on your other post : I suggested using the restore previous versions on the file in the windows explorer context menu.

It should be worth a try

AAO stores multiple generations of the key files. You can always go back to previous versions by renaming those backups (unless you tried too many times). See AxisAndOhs Manual, Chapter "Config files, database and log files"

4 hours ago, Lorby_SI said:

AAO stores multiple generations of the key files. You can always go back to previous versions by renaming those backups (unless you tried too many times). See AxisAndOhs Manual, Chapter "Config files, database and log files"

7 hours ago, PiLVaLK said:

I already proposed something on your other post : I suggested using the restore previous versions on the file in the windows explorer context menu.

It should be worth a try

Thanks... yeah, restoring a previous version of the config saved me a lot of rework!

 

12 hours ago, Lorby_SI said:

That I don't know, sorry. Most likely you deleted something that you shouldn't have (=potentially the template was not unlinked at all and you deleted the contents by accident?). 

When you link a template, the assignments (buttons/axis) from that template show up in your current configuration with a different background color. Don't edit them unless you want to.

That being said, you other posts suggest that AAO is struggeling on your PC somehow. Did you check and update the Device Blacklist, as outlined in your other thread? Any issues with file access, any error messages from AAO when you start it?

To be extra safe, AAO also has a Backup and Restore feature, in the "Tools"-menu. And I would recommend frequent use of the little yellow hard disk button at the bottom of the main dialog, which saves all "open" database transactions to disk (which the app normally only does when you close it)

I think what may have happened is that both my primary and backup template may have been linked to the plane (without realizing it) and then I deleted the assignments, and that deleted them from the templates? Does that make sense?

But yes, I still have odd behaviour... some times I add a control assignment, and all the others disappear, and I need to reload AAO to get everything back. Or sometimes I apply a template and not all control assignments show up. Again, I have to restart it.  I also had the issue where I could not change the detents in the flaps handle axis that you can't reproduce that was an issue a few years ago.  So I dunno... It's like I'm using an old buggy version, but I just installed it the other day from scratch when I bought MSFS 2024. Anyway, I don't know what to do other than be very careful and export my templates regularly to keep a backup outside the app. 

10 hours ago, Virtual-Chris said:

I don't know what to do

Check and update the Device Blacklist.

2 minutes ago, Lorby_SI said:

Check and update the Device Blacklist.

Yeah, just doing that now. Question: I use Guenseli's stream deck profiles on all my planes - I'm guessing I should not black list the stream decks. Of course I've black listed all other devices that aren't being used to setup control assignments.

15 minutes ago, Virtual-Chris said:

Yeah, just doing that now. Question: I use Guenseli's stream deck profiles on all my planes - I'm guessing I should not black list the stream decks. Of course I've black listed all other devices that aren't being used to setup control assignments.

Normally, you would blacklist the StreamDecks too. They are not input devices as far as AAO is concerned, they access the WebAPI instead. But they are not known to cause problems when you leave them in the active list.

Btw. in the same folder where the database XML files live, there are also the AAO Logfiles (a general startup log and session logs). Maybe keep an eye on those when weird things happen - they might contain a clue. From what you are writing it sounds like the app gets disconnected from the sim.

 

Edited July 18, 2025Jul 18 by Lorby_SI

10 hours ago, Virtual-Chris said:

It's like I'm using an old buggy version

Except that no version of AAO ever deleted buttons just like that. There is no code to do this, and you can't do it by accident either. I can only guess that it would be caused by a severe processing error of some kind. Your file system/harddisk/SSD are OK? 

Edited July 18, 2025Jul 18 by Lorby_SI