FS9 and FSX on Windows 7, 64 bit.

[rpjkw]

I ran across an item here concerning the best file location to install FS9 & FSX on Win 7. I vaguely remember recommendations from several years ago. Sure enough, a fresh install of both sims sent them to "x86 Program Files" where, of course, they shouldn't be.

So my question(s) where should the sims reside and can I move them there without inviting all sorts of error messages? Also, why is the preferred location preferred?

Thank you i advance,

Bob

[lemonadedrinker]

Hi,

My set-up is like this

example:
C/ Microsoft Games/ Flight Simulator 9/
/Program Files
/Program Files (x64)


I just added a new folder called 'Microsoft Games' on the C drive and then directed the install there. I think that's what I did anyway.

It seems to live there quite happily and I don't get no messages or signs of disgruntlement.

MS is very controlling and I think that is why it was suggested to put FS9 outside it's grasp.

Andy.

[vonernsk]

For a long time I have always kept my FS9 installation on a separate drive and this has never caused any problems. Also there is no need to put the installation in a layer of folders starting with 'Microsoft Games'. I just call it 'Flight Simulator 9'

Only slight hassle for me was working out where Microsoft installed the FS9 config file and saved flts. These are normally installed automatically in your C: Drv under your 'documents' folder.

Rgds
Mal

[Mick]

I set up a separate partition for FS, but I believe you'd be OK putting it anywhere at all except for the standard location.

[manfredc3]

Installing FS9/FSX in a different folder than the preferred one is to prevent installation issues due to Microsoft's security control.

Installing FS9/FSX on a separate hdd is for improved performance as well as the above.

I hope that answers your question.

[rpjkw]

Without thinking, I simply installed both sims and they went to Program Files (x86). Then, without thinking, I made a new file on the C drive called C:\FS 9. I've not had any issues, but when installing like an aircraft or scenery from my storage files, I have to change the target directory to C:\FS 9 or they will go to the flight sim in the program files. Not a problem, but I have to really be aware of target directories.

[Tom Clayton]

You can redirect your registry with the Flight1 toold found here:
http://www.flight1.com/view.asp?page=library

As stated, putting FS (and any other software that you might need to access the files of frequently) into a location outside the protected system folders is essential if you don't want headaches later. Mine go into C:\Added Programs, and as you can see, FS is only one of a few things that I don't want Windows trying to protect.