Controller Troubleshooting Basics
Resolving unresponsive or erratic joysticks, yokes, and rudders
Contents
Controller Connection
Calibrating the Controller
Resetting Defaults
Rebuilding the Configuration File
Device Drivers
Installing DirectX
Related Links
Advanced Controller Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Basics
Using a Joystick
Contacting Technical Support

If one or more of the following symptoms occur when you run Flight Simulator, use the troubleshooting methods in the order in which they are presented in this article:

  • The joystick behaves erratically.
  • The joystick does not respond.
  • The rudder or throttle does not respond.

After each method, test to see if the issue is resolved. If the issue continues to occur, proceed to the next method.

Verify Latest Drivers

For best performance, verify that the latest version of the driver for your game controller is installed on your computer. Visit the Web site of your controller's manufacturer. You can usually download updated drivers for free if they are available. See Device Drivers below.

Verify Controller Connection

Verify that the game controller is connected directly to the correct USB or game port in your computer. "Daisy chained" game controllers (a controller connected to another controller, which is in turn connected to the computer) or game port adapters can interfere with communication between the computer and the game controller.

If you use a USB game controller, verify that the game controller is connected properly to the USB port in your computer or to a compatible USB hub that is connected to the USB port in your computer.

Calibrate the Controller

If your controller is not behaving as you expect, you might need to calibrate it.

To test the calibration for your game controller

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Game Controllers.
  3. Select the device that you want to test in the Controller column, and then click Properties.
  4. On the Test tab, test all of the functions for your game controller
  5. Click OK.

If you use an analog game controller, you may need to calibrate the game controller manually.

To calibrate the game controller manually

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Game Controllers.
  3. Select a device in the Controller column, then click Properties.
  4. On the Settings tab, click Calibrate, and then follow the instructions on the screen to calibrate the game controller.

    Note: Because of differences among analog game controllers, you may notice a certain amount of deviation between the graphic display for the joystick position and the actual joystick movement. This is normal and does not affect the calibration of the game controller.

  5. When calibration is completed, click Finish.
  6. On the Test tab, test all of the functions for your game controller, then click OK.

If you cannot calibrate your game controller, or if your game controller does not function properly when you test it, Windows may be unable to communicate properly with the game controller. Contact the manufacturer of your game controller for information about how to configure the device correctly in Windows. You may also need to obtain and install the latest version of the game controller device driver.

If you calibrate and test the game controller successfully, start Flight Simulator to test the game controller. If the issue continues to occur, calibrate the device from within Flight Simulator.

To calibrate and test the game controller in Flight Simulator

  1. On the main screen, click Settings.
  2. Click Controls.
  3. On the Calibration tab, click Calibrate.
  4. Select a device in the Controller column, then click Properties.
  5. On the Settings tab, click Calibrate, and then follow the instructions on the screen to calibrate the game controller.
  6. When calibration is completed, click Finish.
  7. On the Test tab, test all of the functions for your game controller, then click OK.

Resetting the Defaults



To reset the default actions assigned to the game controller

  1. On the main screen, click Settings, then click Controls.
  2. In the Controls dialog box, click Reset defaults.
  3. Click OK.

Rebuild the Configuration File

The Flight Simulator configuration file contains settings for your joystick. Rebuilding this file may resolve problems you are having with the joystick.

To rebuild the Flight Simulator configuration file

  1. Press and hold down CTRL+SHIFT as you start Flight Simulator and start a new flight.
  2. Continue to hold down CTRL+SHIFT until the simulator is in Cockpit view.

Note: When you rebuild the configuration file, all settings in the simulator will return to default values, including display, game controllers, and all other options.

If your game controller is installed properly and the devices configuration file contains the default settings for your game controller, Flight Simulator adds the appropriate entries for your game controller to the configuration file.

Note: To manually assign actions to the buttons on your game control device, see Important Skills.

Device Drivers

Drivers are small software programs that allow your operating system to communicate with the hardware installed in or attached to your computer. A driver acts as a translator between your hardware and operating system, and can also enhance the operation of a particular piece of hardware, such as a video adapter or joystick. A damaged or outdated driver can cause many types of errors to occur.

A new driver for your joystick might allow your joystick to use features more efficiently or improve performance. The manufacturer of your controller probably offers free driver updates on their Web site. Contact your manufacturer to inquire about how to obtain and install the latest version of the driver.

For information about how to contact your manufacturer, visit support.microsoft.com and look up the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.

  • Article 65416: Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, A-K
  • Article 60781: Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, L-P
  • Article 60782: Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, Q-Z

(You will need an Internet connection to access this information.)

Installing DirectX

DirectX is a free software program that allows Flight Simulator to communicate properly with the various hardware devices in your computer. DirectX is updated from time to time. Download and install the latest version of DirectX from www.microsoft.com/directx/.

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