Hello
OK,did fresh install CFS3 with both patches and ran full mission then shut down PC,Restart,tryed to install OFF but have recived message [the following errors occurred while preservtng user mods/failed to launch OFF_PREDERVE MODS.EXE]it ask if I want to continue with set up?

It sounds like you have not cleared out old failed install, or Phase 2 if you have it..

Please see the FAQ on cleaing out old installs or Phase 2, and see replies to the other post in the other thread you posted.

See Q21.

from "If you have other odd errors you should make sure you had a clean install so.."

Hello SweetWilliam,

which operating system ?

it's been a while since i installed OFF, but i did not even need to install CFS3 because i had the UBI CFS3 DVD - then you are only asked during the OFF installation, to temporarily insert the CFS3 DVD, and that is it.

Ok, just to make sure: You have the CFS3 - 2 CD version, and the 3.1 patch ?


Following is only for Windows XP:

Make a system restore point via Start/programs/accessories/system programs/system recovery - click it and create a restore point - label it "before OFF install" or whatever, just to make sure.

1. Deinstall OFF phase 3, phase 2 whatever is on your disk now, via the START menu (uninstall, deinstall or whatever you find there), or do this via "System settings/Software".
2. Likewise, deinstall CFS3.
3. Go to my documents (or is it my files in England/US ?).
Look for any remaining subdirectories/folders with CFS3, or OFF, in the my documents folder, and manually delete them.
4. Go to C:(your Harddisk)\programs\ and look for remains of OFF and CFS3, delete all.
5. Go to C:\documents and settings, and to the folder with the name with which you are logged on.
6. Go to application data\microsoft and delete all CFS3 stuff. May be Combat Flight simulator 3, not abbreviated. CFS3 or full, delete all. Do the same for any "OFF" or "Combat Flight Simulator WW1" or "Over Flanders Fields" entries.
7. Go to "Start", and "execute", click "ok"
8. in the upcoming window type in "regedit" and click "ok"
9. Type [Ctrl - F]
10. In the upcoming search window, enter "CFS3". Enter ok to start searching. Delete all entries with "CFS3". To continue searching enter "F3" after each deletion, until the registry has been searched completely.
11. Do the same with "Combat Flight simulator" - search and delete any entries.
12. When you are done with that go the rgistry's highest directory, and now search for "OFF", and "Over Flanders Fields" as you did for CFS3 etc., and delete all.

Restart the PC and install OFF phase 3:

If you have the 2 CFS3 CDs install this CFS3 sim first, patch to version 3.1 and start the sim once - start a mission, fly for some seconds and leave the sim via Escape etc., then install OFF phase 3.

If you have the UBI CFS3 DVD, you do not need to install CFS3. Just put the OFF DVD in the tray and start installing. You will be asked to put the CFS3 DVD into the tray, then again instert the OFF DVD, and just wait until all has been installed.


Hope this helps, good luck,
Catfish

Just a follow up to Catfish's excellent explanation,OFF installs into a folder called 'OBDSoftware' by default.

Excellent advice from Catfish. Like Gromit, I expect Sweet William's registry is screwed with so many uninstalls/installs. The only thing I'd add is to also search in the registry for "OBD" entries and delete. Of course backup your system/registry beforehand.

SweetWilliam: I clicked on your alias name in your post and looked through your post history and I have never seen someone have so many problems with so many flight sims. And it seems like after you post a complaint each time and get a bunch of helpful feedback you often never respond to what is said or supply more information.

I'm really sorry you are having problems, but unless you contact someone with information there isn't much that can be done. I noticed that back in May, in this post post re Phase 2 v1 patch you said,
"I have just had my PC updated,and in doing so I have lost my sim OFF,and I find Im unable to load OFF Phase 2 with out the patch Ver 1.0." that sounds odd, anyway it sounds like you have Phase 2.

I hope you will get in touch with someone, firstly after reading through the FAQ questions and suggestions, and I hope you get up and running, you will love OFF, especially Phase 3, if you decide to buy it.

All the best of luck and look forward to hearing back from you with better news.

When in doubt, reformat.

Worked for me.

One happy Gromit. That's what I like to see