CFS2 Compatability Issue

[deadzone1959]

Hello, I am new to this group and must admit that I am neither a designer, nor a developer, but I couldn't post without joining that group. That being said, CFS2 was the first computer game I ever owned, my wife got it for me with our first computer back in 2000. I am not pilot or even particularly knowledgeable about aircraft operation, but I've always loved this simulator and enjoyed it for years until Microsoft made it impossible for me to use XP. I've searched the forum and found a couple of threads on getting CFS2 to work on Windows 7, (I have Home Premium), however, to this point, I have been unable to get the game to start. All I get is the little spinning circle after I double click the icon and then nothing. Any help would be appreciated. I have changed compatibility and set to run as admin ,to no avail. I'm reasonably computer savvy, but am at a loss and will be disappointed if I can't get it to work. (Don't really want to dive into setting up a dual-boot configuration, as I may not be up to that task.) Thank you for your time and attention.

 

[Worthless]

Like Donald Sutherland told Telly Savalas in Kelly's Hero's, "I don't know what makes them work man, I just drive 'um. But I run Windows 7 and have been since 2009. CFS2 has always worked in Win7 for me. Granted it no longer runs in C:\Program Files, but in C:\Program Files (x86).

 

[Rami]

Reply...

Like Donald Sutherland told Telly Savalas in Kelly's Hero's, "I don't know what makes them work man, I just drive 'um. But I run Windows 7 and have been since 2009. CFS2 has always worked in Win7 for me. Granted it no longer runs in C:\Program Files, but in C:\Program Files (x86).

Worthless,

That x86 component is key.

 

[Cody Coyote]

You can download Windows XP Mode free from Microsoft. It allows you to run a virtual version of XP on a Win 7 machine. When I first switched to Win 7, I used XP Mode to run most of my programs, including CFS2. After a while I found Win 7 better in every respect and stopped using XP Mode. CFS2 runs fine in Win 7.

I do not use my C: drive for CFS2 at all. I reserve the C: drive for just the operating system, antivirus, etc. All of my program files are located on the D: drive, including CFS2. It runs fine, just as well as it did on XP. My path is: "D:\Programs\Microsoft Games\CFS2 Pacific\cfs2.exe" Obviously your path would be different, I'm just showing mine for illustration purposes.

Bottom line is, CFS2 will work fine in Win 7; or you can download XP Mode and run it that way.

 

[deadzone1959]

Like Donald Sutherland told Telly Savalas in Kelly's Hero's, "I don't know what makes them work man, I just drive 'um. But I run Windows 7 and have been since 2009. CFS2 has always worked in Win7 for me. Granted it no longer runs in C:\Program Files, but in C:\Program Files (x86).

Great movie. Thing is, over the last few days I've tried installing to C:\Program Files (86) directory, tried installing to a different directory as one of the guys in another thread did, with success, still no joy. Tried running set-up as admin, and changed compatibility and set to run as admin. All suggestions from guys that got it to run on 7. Hell, maybe it's a hardware thing, I'm basically a 57 year old kid and all the other games that I have played run on 7, some are as old as CFS2. I guess I'll wait and see if some posts a magic bullet, and keep looking. Sucks, because now that I've found you guys, I'd love to try some of the mods.

 

[Rami]

Reply...

Deadzone,

I just sent you a private message.

 

[deadzone1959]

You can download Windows XP Mode free from Microsoft. It allows you to run a virtual version of XP on a Win 7 machine. When I first switched to Win 7, I used XP Mode to run most of my programs, including CFS2. After a while I found Win 7 better in every respect and stopped using XP Mode. CFS2 runs fine in Win 7.

I do not use my C: drive for CFS2 at all. I reserve the C: drive for just the operating system, antivirus, etc. All of my program files are located on the D: drive, including CFS2. It runs fine, just as well as it did on XP. My path is: "D:\Programs\Microsoft Games\CFS2 Pacific\cfs2.exe" Obviously your path would be different, I'm just showing mine for illustration purposes.

Bottom line is, CFS2 will work fine in Win 7; or you can download XP Mode and run it that way.

Was going to download XP mode to run an old slide scanner for my wife, she has a couple hundred slides that her Dad took when he was stationed in Germany that she wants to digitize. It looked like more that I wanted to bite off at the time. I guess I'll revisit that notion. Wish it would just run on 7 but, alas, I feel that it is in vain. I did install to another drive as well, did that first because I have a SSD for my operating system and games and it's not very big. I'll keep banging away but, I do appreciate everyone's advice.

 

[deadzone1959]

Thanks to everyone for your help. Especially Rami for getting me squared away.

 

[kdriver]

Hi Deadzone,

Are you trying to run CFS2 from the CD?

I had the same problem as you when I recently installed FS2000 and tried to run it from the CD.

I fixed the problem by using the superior method of running all the MS flight sims, but I'm not allowed to mention it here.

Send me a PM if you like.

Kevin

 

[Rami]

Reply...

Kevin,

That is what the PM was about.

 

[deadzone1959]

Hi Deadzone,

Are you trying to run CFS2 from the CD?

I had the same problem as you when I recently installed FS2000 and tried to run it from the CD.

I fixed the problem by using the superior method of running all the MS flight sims, but I'm not allowed to mention it here.

Send me a PM if you like.

Kevin

Thanks, Kevin. Rami already hooked me up and I've been downloading the hell out of new aircraft, Gotta figure out how to take off in a B-52. No runways long enough in CFS2

 

[bearcat241]

...Gotta figure out how to take off in a B-52. No runways long enough in CFS2

http://simviation.com/1/download?file=WABS.zip&fileId=33033

http://simviation.com/1/download?file=AFC4jt.zip&fileId=24462

Also, search for any military bases for FS98, FS2000 and possibly FS2002. You should have little trouble with CFS2 compatibility with most. I have a good collection in my archives which were produced between 2001 and 2008, but the download links for many are now long dead and web searches aren't much help for these.

 

[deadzone1959]

http://simviation.com/1/download?file=WABS.zip&fileId=33033

http://simviation.com/1/download?file=AFC4jt.zip&fileId=24462

Also, search for any military bases for FS98, FS2000 and possibly FS2002. You should have little trouble with CFS2 compatibility with most. I have a good collection in my archives which were produced between 2001 and 2008, but the download links for many are now long dead and web searches aren't much help for these.

Thanks. will give it a shot.

 

[deadzone1959]

Got the runway, managed to get airborne, thing doesn't turn though. Flying along at 500 knots and it will not bank.

 

[bearcat241]

Flying along at 500 knots and it will not bank.

Your Buff needs a visit to the mechanics' workshop...which model is it?

 

[Hooraw]

This is off topic of this thread, but deals with the above Thread subject.

CFS2 Compatability Issue

Rami et. al.

1.
I have found a big problem in CFS2 files from FDG2, in general. Their designs show a skewed shape in display in the actual simulator and in the pictures of F4F4's, in the public domain.
2.
Their "Aircraft.cfg" such as "FDG2 F4F-3_Wildcat_VMF224 Galer" and multi copies in various other names have Nav lights in the config, with folding wings able, which, when turned on, (if you could) in CFS2, would be hanging in midair.
I know this is a text fix, but novices, don't know that. Or re-installing for other Theaters. This was pointed out in an message about AIRCRAFT LIGHTS. The author "dvslats" addresses lights in the mdl file which he solves, (search with string "CFS2 LIGHTS" dvslats for one), this is not the Aircraft.cfg, while the Aircraft, in question, was probably converted from a FS configuration. Yeah I am accusing FDG2!

I got errors in display of no Colors in the running sim.
This showed up in Capt. Kurt's Marine_Fighting_Squadron_VMF-121_installs, in the Aircraft folder for each F4F4 marine Aircraft. They are copies of FDG2 F4'S. I have asked him to address this, but he thinks I loaded onto an old version of CFS2. Which I did not. I took his suggestion and loaded a new theater called CFS2-GUADACANAL.

I have had this before in similar configs.
Other people with a lot more knowledge than me have pointed out these light problems and other stuff that fouls up the F4F4'S that I suspect are the FDG2 et.al. problems, the lights should be in the mdl files in the Model file, not the Aircraft. cfg file. I like the Dauntless FDG2s although they are difficult to launch off a carrier in sim. The FDG2 F4's Aircraft cfg, is way more complicated, in need of fixing for CFS2.

 

[Captain Kurt]

Hooraw,

There are 2 versions of the FDG2 F4F - one for CFS2 and one for FS9. Which one loads in your game depends on the password you enter into the install exe. If you entered the wrong password, you did not get the CFS2 version. The CFS2 version does NOT have the light states error you are describing (at least I guess that is what you're talking about). So I think you may have installed the wrong model version. Double check to make sure you opened the correct install version for CFS2.

As far as trying to address your VMF-121 issue, it did not occur to me that you may not have followed the FDG2 F4F install instructions. There is nothing wrong with the VMF-121 Campaign or the FDG2 F4Fs that I know of. No one else is reporting having your problems. Try the above to make sure you are using the CFS2 F4F, and see if that is your issue.

 

[deadzone1959]

Your Buff needs a visit to the mechanics' workshop...which model is it?

B-52H, downloaded from freeflight site.

 

[deadzone1959]

B-52H, downloaded from freeflight site.

I did find, this morning, that when I deploy the flaps and landing gear and slow down, it does bank. Like a pig, but one would expect that from a BUFF, I guess.

 

[Hooraw]

Your executable of the Marine scenario

Loaded from your program, and have Nav lights? See "F4F-4 Wildcat VMF-112" auto loaded thru your installs. Examine Aircraft.cfg below VIEWS
[fltsim.0]
title=F4F-4 Wildcat VMF 112
sim=F4F-4
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=
KB_checklists=f4f4_wildcat_check
atc_id=11659
atc_airline=NAVY
atc_flight_number=1659
ui_manufacturer=Grumman
ui_type=F4F-4
ui_variation=F4F-4 Wildcat VMF-221
description=This tubby little carrier fighter was easy, forgiving, and even fun to fly. It was Grumman's first modern all-metal monoplane fighter. The Wildcat was stoutly constructed, well-armored, and well-armed, with four of the same .50-caliber Brownings carried by the Hellcat, Corsair, and Mustang. While its greater weight and less efficient wing were liabilities in a dogfight, the Wildcat's larger, more powerful engine combined with its best traits to give the Wildcat superior diving ability.


[WEIGHT_AND_BALANCE]
empty_weight =5548.00000

reference_datum_position =0.00000
empty_weight_CG_position =-0.150, 0.000, 0.000

max_number_of_stations =50

station_load.0 =170.000000, -3.000000, 0.000000, 3.000000, longitudinal

;Moments of Inertia
empty_weight_pitch_MOI =9717.40800
empty_weight_roll_MOI =4284.12406
empty_weight_yaw_MOI =10313.05391
empty_weight_coupled_MOI=0.00000
max_gross_weight=8577.00000
CG_forward_limit=0.00000
CG_aft_limit=1.00000


[flight_tuning]
cruise_lift_scalar =1.00000
parasite_drag_scalar =1.00000
induced_drag_scalar =1.00000
elevator_effectiveness =1.00000
aileron_effectiveness =1.00000
rudder_effectiveness =1.00000
pitch_stability =1.00000
roll_stability =1.00000
yaw_stability =1.00000
elevator_trim_effectiveness =1.00000
aileron_trim_effectiveness =1.00000
rudder_trim_effectiveness =1.00000
hi_alpha_on_roll=1.00000
hi_alpha_on_yaw=1.00000
p_factor_on_yaw=1.00000
torque_on_roll=1.00000
gyro_precession_on_roll=1.00000
gyro_precession_on_yaw=1.00000

[piston_engine]
power_scalar =1.00000
cylinder_displacement=130.00000
compression_ratio=6.80000
number_of_cylinders=14
max_rated_rpm=3000.00000
max_rated_hp=1350.00000
fuel_metering_type=0
cooling_type=0
normalized_starter_torque=0.03500
turbocharged=1
max_design_mp=46.00000
min_design_mp=1.00000
critical_altitude=27000.00000
emergency_boost_type=1
emergency_boost_mp_offset=17.42539
emergency_boost_gain_offset=1.69560
fuel_air_auto_mixture=0
auto_ignition=0
max_rpm_mechanical_efficiency_scalar=1.00000
idle_rpm_mechanical_efficiency_scalar=1.00000
max_rpm_friction_scalar=1.00000
idle_rpm_friction_scalar=1.00000
emergency_boost_duration=0.00000

[propeller]
thrust_scalar =1.00000
propeller_type=0
propeller_diameter=10.83000
propeller_blades=3
propeller_moi=40.10748
beta_max=53.50000
beta_min=18.50000
min_gov_rpm=1800.00000
prop_tc=0.01000
gear_reduction_ratio=1.78000
fixed_pitch_beta=0.00000
low_speed_theory_limit=80.00000
prop_sync_available=0
prop_deice_available=0
prop_feathering_available=0
prop_auto_feathering_available=0
min_rpm_for_feather=0.00000
beta_feather=0.00000
power_absorbed_cf=0.00000
defeathering_accumulators_available=0
prop_reverse_available=0
minimum_on_ground_beta=0.00000
minimum_reverse_beta=0.00000

[exits]
number_of_exits = 1
exit_rate.0 = 0.4 ;Percent per second

[folding_wings]
wing_fold_system_type = 4 ;0=None
fold_rates = 0.12,0.11 ;Percent per second

[electrical]
max_battery_voltage = 24.0
generator_alternator_voltage = 28.0
max_generator_alternator_amps = 60.0

[contact_points]
//0 Class
//1 Longitudinal Position (feet)
//2 Lateral Position (feet)
//3 Vertical Position (feet)
//4 Impact Damage Threshold (Feet Per Minute)
//5 Brake Map (0=None, 1=Left, 2=Right)
//6 Wheel Radius (feet)
//7 Steer Angle (degrees)
//8 Static Compression (feet) (0 if rigid)
//9 Max/Static Compression Ratio
//10 Damping Ratio (0=Undamped, 1=Critically Damped)
//11 Extension Time (seconds)
//12 Retraction Time (seconds)
//13 Sound Type
//14 Airspeed limit for retraction (KIAS)
//15 Airspeed that gear gets damage at (KIAS)
point.0= 1.000, -16.000, 0.000, -2.850, 3200.000, 0.000, 0.400, 90.000, 0.300, 2.500, 0.900, 12.500, 12.500, 0.000, 0.000, 235.000
point.1= 1.000, 1.100, -3.000, -5.550, 2200.000, 1.000, 1.130, 0.000, 0.450, 2.500, 0.830, 12.500, 12.500, 3.000, 0.000, 235.000
point.2= 1.000, 1.100, 3.000, -5.550, 2200.000, 2.000, 1.130, 0.000, 0.450, 2.500, 0.830, 12.500, 12.500, 3.000, 0.000, 235.000
point.3= 2.000, 0.000, -20.000, -1.250, 1200.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 5.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.4= 2.000, 0.000, 20.000, -1.250, 1200.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 6.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.5= 2.000, -16.250, 0.000, -1.660, 2400.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 9.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.6= 2.000, 2.410, 0.000, -2.080, 1200.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 4.000, 0.000, 0.000

static_cg_height = 4.900
static_pitch = 9.000
gear_system_type=2
tailwheel_lock = 1

[TailHook]
tailhook_length=3.41 ;(feet)
tailhook_position = -18.9, 0.0, -1.0 ;(feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum
cable_force_adjust = 1.0


[Views]
eyepoint=-3.00, -0.00, 3.20

//[LIGHTS]
// LONG LAT VERT
light.0 = 3, 0.25, -19.000, 1.050, fx_navred,
light.1 = 3, 0.25, 18.340, 1.050, fx_navgre,
light.2 = 3, -19.21, -0.340, -0.200, fx_navwhi,
light.3 = 3, -17.00, -0.340, 5.600, fx_beacon,
light.4 = 4, -2.10, -0.340, 2.100, fx_vclight,
light.5= 1.000, -16.000, 0.000, -2.9,fx_navred,
light.6= 1.000, 1.100, -3.000, -5.60,fx_navgre,
light.7= 1.000, 1.100, 3.000, -5.60,fx_navwhi,

[EFFECTS]
wake=fx_wake
water=fx_spray
dirt=fx_tchdrt
concrete=fx_sparks
touchdown=fx_tchdwn_s, 1
windshield_rain_effect_available = 1





[General]
atc_type=GRUMMAN
atc_model=WILDCAT
performance=Weight: 5,548 \/ 8,271 lbs\nEngine: Wright R-1820-56 Cyclone 9 radial\nTwin Wasp 14-cyl. radial, \n1,350 hp\nMax speed: 332 mph @ 28,800 ft\nCeiling: 34,900 ft\nInitial climb rate: 1,950 ft\/min\nRange: 900 miles\
editable=1



[fuel]
Center1=-1.500000,0.000000,-1.200000,117.000000,0.000000
External1=0.000000,-5.100000,-2.500000,58.000000,0.000000
External2=0.000000,5.100000,-2.500000,58.000000,0.000000
fuel_type=1
number_of_tank_selectors=1
electric_pump=0



//[airplane_geometry]
//wing_area=239.00000
//wing_span=38.00000
//wing_root_chord=6.91700
//wing_dihedral=6.30100
//wing_incidence=0.00000
//wing_twist=0.00000
//oswald_efficiency_factor=0.69900
//wing_winglets_flag=0
//wing_sweep=0.00000
//wing_pos_apex_lon=-0.18553
//wing_pos_apex_vert=0.00000
//htail_area=24.00000
//htail_span=11.00000
//htail_pos_lon=-18.83300
//htail_pos_vert=0.00000
//htail_incidence=0.00000
//htail_sweep=0.00000
//vtail_area=15.00000
//vtail_span=4.41600
//vtail_sweep=0.00000
//vtail_pos_lon=-18.83300
//vtail_pos_vert=0.00000
//elevator_area=13.00000
//aileron_area=20.40000
//rudder_area=13.06000
//elevator_up_limit=26.00100
//elevator_down_limit=26.00100
//aileron_up_limit=21.49700
//aileron_down_limit=20.34600
//rudder_limit=28.99700
//elevator_trim_limit=19.99600
//spoiler_limit=0.00000
//spoilerons_available=0
//aileron_to_spoileron_gain=0.00000
//min_ailerons_for_spoilerons=0.00000
//min_flaps_for_spoilerons=0.00000



[brakes]
toe_brakes_scale=1.00000
parking_brake=1
tailwheel_lock = 1


[gear_warning_system]
gear_warning_available=0
pct_throttle_limit=0.00000
flap_limit_power=16.12500
flap_limit_idle=32.25000




[GeneralEngineData]
engine_type=0
Engine.0=7.000000,0.000000,0.000000
fuel_flow_scalar=1.00000
min_throttle_limit=0.000000
max_contrail_temperature = -20



[Reference Speeds]
flaps_up_stall_speed=59.43797
full_flaps_stall_speed=57.09174
cruise_speed=242.32500
max_indicated_speed=760.50000
max_mach=1.00000


[keyboard_response]
elevator=350.000000,500.000000
aileron=450.000000,1000.000000
rudder=200.000000,1000.000000


[autopilot]
autopilot_available=1
flight_director_available=0
default_vertical_speed=700.00000
autothrottle_available=0
pitch_takeoff_ga=8.00000
max_pitch=10.00000
max_pitch_acceleration=1.00000
max_pitch_velocity_lo_alt=2.00000
max_pitch_velocity_hi_alt=1.50000
max_pitch_velocity_lo_alt_breakpoint=20000.00000
max_pitch_velocity_hi_alt_breakpoint=28000.00000
max_bank=25.00000
max_bank_acceleration=1.80000
max_bank_velocity=3.00000
max_throttle_rate=0.10000
nav_proportional_control=9.00000
nav_integrator_control=0.25000
nav_derivative_control=0.00000
nav_integrator_boundary=2.50000
nav_derivative_boundary=0.00000
gs_proportional_control=9.52000
gs_integrator_control=0.26000
gs_derivative_control=0.00000
gs_integrator_boundary=0.70000
gs_derivative_boundary=0.00000
yaw_damper_gain=0.00000
autothrottle_arming_required=0
default_pitch_mode=0
default_bank_mode=0
use_no_default_bank=1
use_no_default_pitch=1
autothrottle_takeoff_ga=1.00000
autothrottle_max_rpm=90.00000


[hydraulic_system]
electric_pumps=0
engine_map=1,0,0,0
normal_pressure=6.90000


[stall_warning]
type=0


[attitude_indicators]
attitude_indicator.0=1


[turn_indicators]
turn_indicator.0=1,0


[direction_indicators]
direction_indicator.0=1,0
[Flaps.0]
type= 1
span-outboard= 0.125
extending-time= 15.000
system_type= 0
damaging-speed= 165.000
blowout-speed= 250.000
lift_scalar= 1.000
drag_scalar= 1.000
pitch_scalar= 1.000
flaps-position.0= 0.000, 0.000
flaps-position.1= 11.000, 0.000
flaps-position.2= 22.000, 0.000
flaps-position.3= 32.000, 0.000
flaps-position.4= 43.000, 0.000
[flaps]
extending-time=15.00000
[smokesystem]
smoke.0=0
[Radios]
Nav.1=0
Nav.2=0
Marker.1=0
[AirWrench]
Vmax_sl=277.90000
Vmax_ca=332.90000
V_rc=165.00000
Climb_Rate=3552.00000
Emergency_hp=2179.60009
Vtrim=160.98357
FlowCorrection=0.00000
Aircraft_Length=30.40000
Max_gforce=10.00000
WingConfig=0
target_roll_Vopt=333.81058
target_roll_rate=141.72456
Elevator_FF=30.00000
Aileron_FF=-30.00000
spoiler_time=0.00000
spoiler_cd=0.00000
spoiler_cl=0.00000
spoiler_cm=0.00000
cylinder_head_temperature=501.00000
exhaust_gas_temperature=1201.00000
fuel_pressure=16.50000
oil_pressure=60.00000
oil_temperature=241.00000
radiator_temperature=211.00000
exhaust_pressure_ratio=0.00000
interstage_turbine_temperature=-459.00000
AirWrenchVersion=1.00.12
Climb_Weight=6420.00000
Aircraft_Type=2
Control_Response=40.00000
Spin_Stability=100.00000
[forcefeedback]
gear_bump_nose_magnitude=6000
gear_bump_nose_direction=18000
gear_bump_nose_duration=250000
gear_bump_left_magnitude=6000
gear_bump_left_direction=35500
gear_bump_left_duration=250000
gear_bump_right_magnitude=6000
gear_bump_right_direction=500
gear_bump_right_duration=250000
ground_bumps_magnitude1=3250
ground_bumps_angle1=8900
ground_bumps_intercept1=5
ground_bumps_slope1=0.48
ground_bumps_magnitude2=750
ground_bumps_angle2=9100
ground_bumps_intercept2=0.075
ground_bumps_slope2=1
crash_magnitude1=10000
crash_direction1=1000
crash_magnitude2=10000
crash_direction2=9000
crash_period2=75000
crash_duration2=2500000
stick_shaker_magnitude=5000
stick_shaker_direction=0
stick_shaker_period=111111
end

It may be an FS9 version modified (but not enough), by someone else, that had gotten into the mess of modified A/C. Not my doing. I tried to fix it by deleting the uncolored A/C, and re-running your installs. Still no colors, and the above file was re-stuck back into a separate install of the main program. The FDG2 F4F executes that I used loaded a different bunch from F3F to F4F one was "F4F-4 Wildcat VC-39 USS Liscome Bay" also installed in same Aircraft.cfg is "F4F-4 Wildcat VMF-221 Lt. Jim Swett", and the lights were installed as in your install. I keep plugging.

Hooraw,

There are 2 versions of the FDG2 F4F - one for CFS2 and one for FS9. Which one loads in your game depends on the password you enter into the install exe. If you entered the wrong password, you did not get the CFS2 version. The CFS2 version does NOT have the light states error you are describing (at least I guess that is what you're talking about). So I think you may have installed the wrong model version. Double check to make sure you opened the correct install version for CFS2.

As far as trying to address your VMF-121 issue, it did not occur to me that you may not have followed the FDG2 F4F install instructions. There is nothing wrong with the VMF-121 Campaign or the FDG2 F4Fs that I know of. No one else is reporting having your problems. Try the above to make sure you are using the CFS2 F4F, and see if that is your issue.