Problem Resolving (FSX)

Applicable
MS Flight
FSXA
FSX
FS2004
FS2002

FS-Developer is intended primarily for development related matters.

However, given the number of queries regarding basic issues,
here's a selection of hints & tips for resolving those issues & configuring FSX.

Startup Issues

FSX will not start

Issue

Launching FSX causes the operating system to crash, (BSOD).

Possible cause, you'd installed a different video driver, and FSX was not aware you'd done so.

Solution -
Rename your fsx.CFG to fsx_BSOD.CFG

Launch FSX.

A clean fsx.CFG will be built, containing the appropriate driver name.

Issue

FSX locked up & had to be terminated by the user.

Subsequently FSX refuses to start, only loading to the initial title screen.

Solution -

Corrupted Logbook

Look for the file - Logbook.BIN in -

Filename	OS	Location	Editor	Download
Logbook.BIN	XP	C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\My Documents\Flight Simulator X Files\	FSX Log Book Editor	Lamont Clarke's Software Page (1Mb)
Logbook.BIN	Vista	C:\Users\%username%\Documents\Flight Simulator X Files\	FSX Log Book Editor	Lamont Clarke's Software Page (1Mb)

Rename Logbook.BIN to - Logbook_DATE.BIN

Now fire up FSX.
Does FSX now load properly ?

If so, you had a corrupted logbook.

There are a number of Logbook Editors available.
Example - http://lc0277.nerim.net/wiki/index.php?software

Caveat -
If your logbook contains any single flight with more than 100 landings,
then do not use Lamont Clarke's version.

FSX will have created a new - Logbook.BIN
Rename it to - Logbook_Empty.BIN

Copy - Logbook_DATE.BIN
Rename the copy as - Logbook.BIN

Open the logbook in the editor.
Delete the last entry.
Save the file & close the editor.

Fire up FSX.
Hopefully that should work,
and you'll have all, but your very last flight, logged.

Back up your logbook & granted rewards regularly.

Keys do not work as expected

Keys do not work as expected after installing FSX, a service pack, or Acceleration.
See - Key Mapping (FSXA)

Tools Menu does not display

The Tools menu does not display after installing FSX, a service pack, or Acceleration.
See - SDK Installation (FSX)

FSX Topic Title

Issue

Placeholder text - outline problem.

Solution

Placeholder text - outline solution.

Configuration Issues

Coordinates - Displaying required format

Issue

Placeholder text - outline problem.

Solution

Placeholder text - outline solution.

FSX Traffic does not display

Issue

Placeholder text - outline problem.

Solution

Placeholder text - outline solution.
Remove any FS9 traffic bgls.

Windscreen Glass

Windscreen glass is missing or opaque.
The texture format is of an incorrect type, (primarily affects pre-FSX aircraft).
See - Texture Formats (Overview)

Debugging - Missing Library Objects

Missing objects will impact on FSX performance, resulting in reduced FPS.
See - Texture - Missing (FSX)

Debugging - Missing Textures

Missing textures for aircraft / scenery will impact on FSX performance.
Possibly resulting in -

• Objects rendered as transparent.
• Objects rendered as disassociated components.
• Screen artifacting
• Reduced FPS.

See - Texture - Missing (FSX)

Debugging - Missions

Issue

Placeholder text - outline problem.

Solution

Placeholder text - outline solution.

Aircraft thumbnail missing

Addon aircraft do not display a thumbnail image in the Aircraft selection menu.
You need to install a thumbnail.jpg image into the aircraft's texture folder(s).
See - Lamont Clarke's [Autothumbnail]

Displaying airport names

Identifying and locating airports.

See - Key Mapping (FSX)

Coordinate Formats

Issue

Placeholder text - outline problem.

Solution

Edit your fsx.CFG file.

In the section titled [Main]
append your required format.

Decimal Degrees

// Decimal Degrees
LatLonFormat=Degrees
FractionalLatLonDigits=6

Pilot Records

Pilot Records contains 3 sections -

• Rewards
• Log Book
• Photographs

Rewards are not displayed

Placeholder text - outline problem.

Solution

Filename	OS	Location	Editor	Download
GrantedRewards.BIN	XP	C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Application Data\Microsoft\FSX\	EDITORNAME	Download Page (SizeMb)
GrantedRewards.BIN	Vista	C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\FSX\	EDITORNAME	Download Page (SizeMb)

Log Book displays as empty

Log book file is missing from expected path, or has become corrupted.

Solution

Filename	OS	Location	Editor	Download
Logbook.BIN	XP	C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\My Documents\Flight Simulator X Files\	FSX Log Book Editor	Lamont Clarke's Software Page (1Mb)
Logbook.BIN	Vista	C:\Users\%username%\Documents\Flight Simulator X Files\	FSX Log Book Editor	Lamont Clarke's Software Page (1Mb)

Photographs

Placeholder text

Solution

Filename	OS	Location	Editor	Download
Filename	XP	* * * * *	EDITORNAME	Download Page (SizeMb)
Filename	Vista	* * * * *	EDITORNAME	Download Page (SizeMb)

FSX Topic Title

Issue

Placeholder text - outline problem.

Solution

Placeholder text - outline solution.

General Tips

Learning Center

You can acccess the Learning Center at any time using your internet browser, without launching FSX.
See - Learning Center (FSX)

Keyboard Commands - Printing

You can print off the key commands from the Learning Center.
See - Using the Kneeboard - Printing the Kneeboard Files - View the complete list of key commands.

For Acceleration Specific commands
See - Sitemap - Key Concepts - What's Changed - Key Command Changes

GPWS

Annoyed by the don't sink or terrain callouts ?
See - Key Mapping (FSX) GPWS

SDK - Searching

See - SDK Searching

Related

Flight Simulator X Solution Center MS site for hardware, software, and FS useage issues.