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Ok, everyone please grab a seat...

Potential Activation issues aside: no need for me to grab a seat :)

For me, MS "support" on FSX stopped after they released SP2 and Accelleration.
But I guess it boils down to how you define "support".

With the announcement of Flight, it was clear that the "support" of the whole MSFS product line had ended forever.
For me, this formal announcement by MS has no relevance whatsoever; what MS calls "support" on FSX since SP2/Accel was a joke at best.

Rob
 
Just pulled all this up which is current as of today:

Frequently asked questions about how to activate Microsoft Games for Windows, Streets and Trips, and Mappoint
Article ID: 927007 - View products that this article applies to.


INTRODUCTION
This article lists the frequently asked questions about how to activate Microsoft Games for Windows, Streets and Trips, and Mappoint.
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More information

Q1: What is Microsoft Product Activation?

A1: Microsoft Product Activation tries to reduce counterfeit software, and to make sure that Microsoft customers receive the software quality that they expect. After you activate the software product, a specific product key is assigned to the computer hardware on which you installed the product. After this product key is assigned, you cannot use the same product key to activate the product on other computers. Product Activation is required to use the product in full feature mode. If you choose not to activate the product, you can use the product only in a reduced trial mode. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
925723 You receive an activation message after you play Flight Simulator X for 30 minutes

Q2: What is the benefit of using Microsoft Product Activation?

A2: Microsoft Product Activation enables you to start and use the product without using the disc.

Q3: What information is collected, processed, or transmitted during the activation process?

A3: When you activate the software product, the product key information is sent to Microsoft together with a hardware hash. The hardware hash is a non-unique number that is generated by using the computer's hardware configuration. The hardware hash does not represent any personal information or information about the product. The hardware hash cannot be used to determine the make or the model of the computer. Additionally, the hardware hash cannot be backward-calculated to determine the raw computer information. In addition to standard computer information, some additional language settings are collected. This information is not used to identify you. The information is used only to confirm that you have a licensed copy of the product, and to aggregate the information for statistical analysis.

Q4: How many times can I activate the product?

A4: There is no limit to the number of times that you can activate the software product on the same computer. For example, you can remove and install or activate the product any number of times. An additional activation is provided so that you can remove and install the product on the same computer or on a different computer. See the Microsoft Software License Terms for more information. The Microsoft Software License Terms are located in the game folder.

Q5: How can I tell whether my software has already been activated?

A5: If the product has not been activated, the multiplayer capabilities in the game are not available.
Note Some games that are only multiplayer games do not let you start the game until you activate it.

Q6: Can I install the product on more than one computer?

A6: Please refer to the End-User Agreement (Microsoft Software License Terms) for more information about how many computers you can install the product on. The End-User Agreement is located in the product folder or on the product DVD.
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Q7: How do I activate my Microsoft product for Windows?

A7: When you start the product for the first time, you are prompted to click Activate now or to click Activate later. If you click Activate now, you must enter the product key. You can run the product without activating it for as long as you want. If you do not to activate the product, the product will run in the reduced functionality mode. Additionally, some features, such as the multiplayer feature, will be unavailable in the product. To continue using all the features of the product, you must activate the product.

To activate the product, follow these steps:
Click Activate now, and then click Next.
Type the product key, and then click Next.

Note Do not lose the product key. Keep the packaging, or note the number. Keep the number information in a safe location.
The Activation Wizard runs automatically. The Activation Wizard gives you the following options to continue:
Activate by using the Internet

The Activation Wizard automatically contacts the Microsoft licensing servers through your Internet connection. When you activate the product by using the Internet, the product key is sent to Microsoft through an encrypted transfer. If you decide to activate the product through the Internet and you are not already connected, the wizard alerts you that there is no connection.

Activate by using the telephone
You can telephone an Activation Center to obtain the help of a customer service representative and activate the product. Telephone activation might take longer than activation through the Internet. You should be at the computer when you call. Additionally, you should have your software product key. When you select this option, the Activation Wizard generates an Installation ID. You musy have this Installation ID to activate the product by telephone.

Important When you telephone the Activation Center, you are prompted to read the Installation ID numbers. If you have problems following the guidelines over the telephone, do not hang up. Wait until you receive an option for transfer. Say “transfer me.” You will be redirected to speak with the customer service representative.

Note Activation Center numbers are not listed in this article because telephone contact numbers vary by license and also by country or region. The Activation Wizard gives you the number to telephone the Activation Center.

If the activation is successful, you receive the following message:
You have successfully activated Microsoft <product title> on this computer.
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Next steps
If you need more help, visit the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site to find other solutions. This Web site provides the following services:

Microsoft Answers(http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx): Interact with peers and with Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs).
Solution Centers (http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=hub): View product-specific frequently asked questions (FAQ) and support highlights.
Searchable Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1): Search technical support information and self-help tools for Microsoft products.
Other Support Options (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=csshome): Use the Web to ask a question, to contact Microsoft Customer Support Services, or to provide feedback.

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Properties
Article ID: 927007 - Last Review: September 18, 2012 - Revision: 15.0
Applies to

Microsoft Flight Simulator X Deluxe
Microsoft Flight Simulator X Standard
Microsoft Age of Empires III
Microsoft Age of Empires III : The WarChiefs
Microsoft Dungeon Siege II
Fable: The Lost Chapters PC
Microsoft Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties
Microsoft Flight Simulator X Acceleration Expansion Pack
Microsoft Flight Simulator X Service Pack 1
Microsoft Gears of War (PC)
Microsoft Halo 2 for Windows Vista
Microsoft Shadowrun (PC)
Microsoft Viva Pinata (PC)
Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2
Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: African Adventure
Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Dino Danger
Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species
Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania
Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Ultimate Collection
Microsoft MapPoint 2009 North America
Microsoft MapPoint 2009 North America with GPS Locator
Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009
Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009 with GPS Locator
Microsoft Streets & Trips 2010
Microsoft Streets & Trips 2010 GPS Locator
Microsoft MapPoint 2011
Microsoft Streets & Trips 2011
Microsoft Streets & Trips 2011 GPS Locator
Microsoft Fable III for PC


And:

7.DOCUMENTATION.
Any person that has valid access to your computer or internal network may copy and use the documentation for your internal, reference purposes.

8.TRANSFER.
BACKUP COPY. You may make one backup copy of the software. You may use it only to reinstall the software.

9. TO ANOTHER DEVICE.
You may uninstall the software and install it on another device for your use. You may not do so to share this license between devices.


The latter was my main concern as I will have a new system soon. One of my friends reported just this evening that he uninstalled FSX from one system to another and the activation went through as normal. So in summary, for at least a while I think we're okay.
 
"he uninstalled FSX from one system to another" - what does that mean? He uninstalled FSX on one PC and installed it on another? When you uninstall FSX does the uninstaller notify Microsoft? What if you are offline? How does Microsoft determine whether you have 1, 2, ... n copies of FSX installed, on 1, 2, ... n machines?
 
"he uninstalled FSX from one system to another" - what does that mean? He uninstalled FSX on one PC and installed it on another? When you uninstall FSX does the uninstaller notify Microsoft? What if you are offline? How does Microsoft determine whether you have 1, 2, ... n copies of FSX installed, on 1, 2, ... n machines?

My apologies, I did not clarify, yes, two different computers. It was a planned migration to a new computer which happened the same day as the announcement by MS and there were no issues. As they state, you can install FSX but to get the multi-player functionality it has to be activated. My guess is that there is some sort of "call home" function in the uninstall just as there is the install. From the list shown, it seems there are a number of dated software packages that they have discontinued support on but still activate online or by phone.
 
and if there was no chicken, there would be no egg..........? LOL:icon_lol:


And how many great addons we would be missing which were developed originally for FSX, and you can enjoy also in P3D and probably some great payware companies altogether? Like ORBX.


The point being: why would anyone wish painful death to something that has brought joy to thousands of people for years and still does?


About that coat, where did I leave it...
 
The point being: It's (FSX) a THING not a living human being or animal! So it can't actually die a painful death, it's called a "figure of speech". And that thing was full of bugs and a mess from the begining. For very many people it was a mess; I'm glad it wasn't for you. I still spent more time in FS9 than I ever did in FSX. The point being P3D is what FSX should have been from the beginning. You seemed to have lost your coat? I've found mine, best wishes!
 
Yes I'm probably lucky to have smoothly running FSX setup. That's why I don't have an urgent need to migrate to P3D or any other platform. And I wish to have many happy years in its virtual skies. Support or not.
 
Lets be peaceful. ;) We're just talking about FSX and how its no longer supported by MS. Thats all. Lets all get along. We're all FS-aholics, sim freaks (me), :icon_eek: totally taken in my this virtual world that MS or rather, Aces, had created.

Bushpilot is very right. Some amazing addons have come about 'because' of FSX. It opened up new places such as SimConnect enabling A2A to make revolutionary new systems that recreate engine management with extreme realism. New super scenery that use unlimited or higher limits technologies on the use of ground tiles, a new round earth, etc, etc. FSX was a playground for the super addon teams.


But for us users that didnt have a 'correct' computer to run it on, it was like a sliver of wood, jammed into our side, always created a pain of 'I wish that dang thing would work so I could go flying and see what ORBX scenery was all about...'


sigh....


Thank the Lord for P3 or I would have never known what all of this was all about.


And remember, this was going to happen. It was going to end in support some time, and it was basically already over after SP2, so no worries you guys... All is well.
 
Thats right LH, God forbid someone say something contrary to population opinion around here, even jokingly.......:violent: I guess my queston is/was did MS ever support FSX after their first patch-addon? I'll go back to my little dark corner now and receive the punishment I so justly deserve for not being a FSX fanboy! :icon_lol: and PS THANK YOU to all the developers who really supported FSX by making wonderful addon's. They're the ones who kept FSX alive for so long and kept our hobby from dying a slow painful death.:icon29: I appologize to anyone I may have offened or may offend in the future; I am soley responsible for my bad sense of humor!:toilet:
 
Pimply faced preteens chugging RedBull at 2 in the morning have most of the latest games developed by former military and fortune 500 programmers with 100 million dollar budgets hacked and uploaded to pirate sites before its even released.
I am not to worried about being locked out of FSX that was released before most of them could even ride a bike.
 
This possibly has something to do with the imminent release of Windows 8. DirectX 9 support in the OS dies with that release so we shall all have to be Luddites, unless you have P3D which can use DX11 afaik. Me, I'm sticking with Windows 7 and my antiquated FSX and CFS3. So there. :mixedsmi:
 
This possibly has something to do with the imminent release of Windows 8. DirectX 9 support in the OS dies with that release so we shall all have to be Luddites, unless you have P3D which can use DX11 afaik. Me, I'm sticking with Windows 7 and my antiquated FSX and CFS3. So there. :mixedsmi:


No way! lol..... I am always amazed at the decisions that come from ms....


sigh...
 
I don´t think this is the cause, because fsx works with win 8 without dx10 preview selected. I have already tested it :salute:
 
Installing FSX

someone is going to have to give installing a test in a few weeks and see if you can still activate it..

I have just finished installing FSX on my computer. I had a hard drive go bad. Install went just fine and actvivation was withiut any problem.
 
Installing FSX

someone is going to have to give installing a test in a few weeks and see if you can still activate it..

I have just finished installing FSX on my computer. I had a hard drive go bad. Install went just fine and actvivation was with out any problem.
 
Interesting price structuring caught my eye recently.
[And I must add I was happy to ante up and buy copies for a rainy day!]

FSX Gold, retail price in JB HiFi stores at present, A$27.50 and 'Plain Vanilla' FSX, A$19.50.
FS2004, A$34.50........:kilroy:
No shortage of stock either, after checking three JB outlets.
I agree with Mud, support was never an issue because it was never available.
 
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