Running CFS3 in Windows 10: solved for now
- Thread starter hairyspin
- Start date
So here's what I did:
Installed CFS3 to the root directory using my two CD's (C:/Combat Flight Simulator 3).
Updated to 3.1 (maybe I have a bad update patch?)
Cut and pasted the Thingy into the main CFS3 folder
Right Clicked on the thingy.exe -> Properties -> Compatibility -> Run in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP3, Reduced Color Mode 16-bit, Run in 640 x 480, Disabled display scaling on high DPI setting.
Then started for the first time. Once I start the splash screen comes up for a few seconds at full screen then crashes back to the desktop.
Any thoughts on where I'm going wrong? Sorry, I'm not the most knowledgeable user, but any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Installed CFS3 to the root directory using my two CD's (C:/Combat Flight Simulator 3).
Updated to 3.1 (maybe I have a bad update patch?)
Cut and pasted the Thingy into the main CFS3 folder
Right Clicked on the thingy.exe -> Properties -> Compatibility -> Run in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP3, Reduced Color Mode 16-bit, Run in 640 x 480, Disabled display scaling on high DPI setting.
Then started for the first time. Once I start the splash screen comes up for a few seconds at full screen then crashes back to the desktop.
Any thoughts on where I'm going wrong? Sorry, I'm not the most knowledgeable user, but any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Okay, that's consistent with another problem that occasionally crops up. Run cfs3config.exe (as Administrator) – it's in your CFS3 main directory – and wait until it reports "CFS3 has been configured". Close the program only with File/Exit or the configuration won't be saved.
Then try running CFS3 again.
edit: since recent Win 10 updates I've had to reset the Compatibility settings for the CFS3 thingy: that done, it runs just as well as before.
Then try running CFS3 again.
edit: since recent Win 10 updates I've had to reset the Compatibility settings for the CFS3 thingy: that done, it runs just as well as before.
mongoose
SOH-CM-2023
My experience so far is that I have not had to mess with the config other than XP SP3 compatibility and running as admin. Plus outside program files and use thingy.
Since it's only $5 or so a day for all downloads, I downloaded CFS3 from here I haven't used it yet so not sure if it is good inc 3.1 but assume no CD.
Since it's only $5 or so a day for all downloads, I downloaded CFS3 from here I haven't used it yet so not sure if it is good inc 3.1 but assume no CD.
Update: Followed the above instructions, still without success, even tried the old-games d/l. It tries to load but it seems like it gets to a point in the process and then crashes.
My computer is brand new HP, so I'm wondering if there some setting on my computer that needs to be changed or something else I'm missing. How about DirectX? I haven't installed it yet on my computer but I saw it mentioned in another thread. I downloaded it and tried to install, but I wasn't sure where to install to.
Any help appreciated! Really excited to get this resolved so I can play with the new P-61's and P-40's!
My computer is brand new HP, so I'm wondering if there some setting on my computer that needs to be changed or something else I'm missing. How about DirectX? I haven't installed it yet on my computer but I saw it mentioned in another thread. I downloaded it and tried to install, but I wasn't sure where to install to.
Any help appreciated! Really excited to get this resolved so I can play with the new P-61's and P-40's!
The DirectX 9.0c June 2010 download should be run and it will ask for a destination folder: this is where it will unpack the files, so make a new folder somewhere handy for this.
Once the files have unpacked, you'll find an executable DXSETUP.exe in the folder you created. Run that.
Once the files have unpacked, you'll find an executable DXSETUP.exe in the folder you created. Run that.
Thanks! Gave it a try and still no dice. Sorry about my incompetence, I last installed CFS3 in 2009 and even then on Vista.
I might try to install CFS3 on another computer with Windows 10 to see if it works, that'll tell me if i'm doing something wrong or if it's a problem with my computer. It's my work computer though so I'll have to remove it right after though even if it works.
Thanks for all of the help!
I might try to install CFS3 on another computer with Windows 10 to see if it works, that'll tell me if i'm doing something wrong or if it's a problem with my computer. It's my work computer though so I'll have to remove it right after though even if it works.
Thanks for all of the help!
GhostGuy
Members +
Mission Builder Shortcut
You have to create a shortcut for mb.exe where the Target says something like this "C:\Combat Flight Simulator 3\mb\mb.exe" while Start in would say this "C:\Combat Flight Simulator 3\". It's looking for the files in the main Combat Flight Simulator 3 main root. At least, this works for me. I hope this help.
Works outside Program files in SP3 compatability. Now to solve mb problem and missing dlls which aren't missing!
You have to create a shortcut for mb.exe where the Target says something like this "C:\Combat Flight Simulator 3\mb\mb.exe" while Start in would say this "C:\Combat Flight Simulator 3\". It's looking for the files in the main Combat Flight Simulator 3 main root. At least, this works for me. I hope this help.
GhostGuy
Members +
Thanks for the info regarding the 2 original CDs (Multiplay)
Thanks for narrowing down the problem regarding Windows 10. I did not know about the CD detection which does not work. I am fortunate enough to have the unmentioned patch in my library which permits me to narrow down the Multiplayer aspect of it. Multiplayer does work which I am lucky to do. In my case, I have copied my full installation of Combat Flight Simulator 3 from my Windows 7 64 bit hard drive (using a thumb drive) and transfer to the Windows 10 laptop. The same instructions regarding Windows 7 for multiplayer still implied. However, the new created .EXE of "cfs3.exe" (which need to be renamed something else other than cfs3.exe still need to be applied in order to work in Multiplayer), need to be changed to the compatibility mode for Windows XP (Service Pack 3) and Disable display scaling on high DPI settings checked only. Run this program as an administrator does not work in multiplayer--it would hang at the Loading screen when trying to join the server. Also deleting (or moving) the oleacc.dll still need to be done as well.
Thanks for narrowing down the problem regarding Windows 10. I did not know about the CD detection which does not work. I am fortunate enough to have the unmentioned patch in my library which permits me to narrow down the Multiplayer aspect of it. Multiplayer does work which I am lucky to do. In my case, I have copied my full installation of Combat Flight Simulator 3 from my Windows 7 64 bit hard drive (using a thumb drive) and transfer to the Windows 10 laptop. The same instructions regarding Windows 7 for multiplayer still implied. However, the new created .EXE of "cfs3.exe" (which need to be renamed something else other than cfs3.exe still need to be applied in order to work in Multiplayer), need to be changed to the compatibility mode for Windows XP (Service Pack 3) and Disable display scaling on high DPI settings checked only. Run this program as an administrator does not work in multiplayer--it would hang at the Loading screen when trying to join the server. Also deleting (or moving) the oleacc.dll still need to be done as well.
GhostGuy
Members +
OFF under Windows 10
I have made an edited gameplay video of Over Flanders Fields: Between Heaven and Hell running under Windows 10 if anyone interesting. It's about 13 minutes long. I have found out that I had to do a clean vanilla install of OFF to make it work (couldn't copy the main folder from Windows 7). The clean install does work (however, the apply of the unmentioned .EXE need to be done on this one as well). You want to apply this patch before starting OFF for the first time. I have also found out that you don't need to delete or move the oleacc.dll file for multiplayer to work on CFS3 or OFF. Enjoy the video.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jonlD4Ht_Wg/
I have made an edited gameplay video of Over Flanders Fields: Between Heaven and Hell running under Windows 10 if anyone interesting. It's about 13 minutes long. I have found out that I had to do a clean vanilla install of OFF to make it work (couldn't copy the main folder from Windows 7). The clean install does work (however, the apply of the unmentioned .EXE need to be done on this one as well). You want to apply this patch before starting OFF for the first time. I have also found out that you don't need to delete or move the oleacc.dll file for multiplayer to work on CFS3 or OFF. Enjoy the video.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jonlD4Ht_Wg/
BeauBrummie
Home for tea and tiffin!
I thought I'd look in here as after a FB chat with the Hobbit, I thought I'd look in as I have Win 10 and fancied dipping my toe back in CFS3, but Sweet Jesus there's a lot to take in!
BeauBrummie
Home for tea and tiffin!
Thanks guys, for the welcome. It's been a long while. I'll just take my time and get everything ready. It's great to see so many old faces still about. TTFN.
Pat Pattle
SOH-CM-2024
Nice to see you pop in Jeff! 
have missed your input!
have missed your input!
Saxon_Krieger
Charter Member
DVD version of CFS
Greetings,
I am a returning member, been away for too long & nice to be back (details are in my profile). I have the opportunity to buy a DVD version of CFS, and would like your opinions, please. Here are the details:
The package literally says "Microsoft Combat Flight Sim" ("Europe", below). No version # is listed, it is cc in 1998. The picture is of a P-51, at about the 10 o'clock level position (no combat, shinny silver in color). I have my original 2 CD version of CFS3 and ALL of the patches and updates (including the cyanide-laced one). Will this copy be of any value to me when I try to do a fresh install into Win10-64? Or is it too old? My buddy is asking $15.00 USD. DVD is in Great shape, and I know where he lives...Not having much (read:ANY) exp with CFS3 and Win10, I would appreciate any help or input.
Best to all,
Saxon
Greetings,
I am a returning member, been away for too long & nice to be back (details are in my profile). I have the opportunity to buy a DVD version of CFS, and would like your opinions, please. Here are the details:
The package literally says "Microsoft Combat Flight Sim" ("Europe", below). No version # is listed, it is cc in 1998. The picture is of a P-51, at about the 10 o'clock level position (no combat, shinny silver in color). I have my original 2 CD version of CFS3 and ALL of the patches and updates (including the cyanide-laced one). Will this copy be of any value to me when I try to do a fresh install into Win10-64? Or is it too old? My buddy is asking $15.00 USD. DVD is in Great shape, and I know where he lives...Not having much (read:ANY) exp with CFS3 and Win10, I would appreciate any help or input.
Best to all,
Saxon
sixstrings5859
Charter Member
Read this entire sticky and you will find the answer to your questions. I run Win 7 64 bit and have no problems if instructions are followed. All should be straight forward and easy to understand. Buy the DVD version it's worth the price. Good luck and remember to read all you can on the latest shaders and other mods available also.