After all the hype, the DvD came this morning, followed all the install instructions, patched it up, did the configuration thing......
and now spent all day just trying to get the thing organised so I can at least fly something, seems to be a mess, trying to even get my controls mapped is a nightmare, can only access the controls when I'm in game????
Then find the thing locks up everytime I try to input my joystick controls, so have to get the task manager to quit out.. if it's not that it's telling me that there is a 'map' or file that won't load and 'try reinstalling' the game!
Spent the whole day at it and finaly just couldn't be bothered anymore

Just to add.. I keep getting this error, starting; 'error copying frontlines or maps to CFS3 map path etc etc.. ending with, try reinstalling OFF.
I have followed all instructions from the website, but every bit of info that I have applied will still not allow me to fully play this game.
I also have the correct DX9 files as well.. so I'm stumped.

It's actually very simple as all your joystick calibration (programing) is internal to the game itself. Myself I don't bother with joystick program at all because I only fly OFF & FSX both are Microsoft and programable from within the game itself. I now have a Logitech FFB, prior to that a Saitek FFB, and ancient history saw a Microsoft Sidewinder II FFB, all without the manufacturer's program.
I imagine you'd need one if you ran a non-micky$oft game like IL2

Firstly you need to access CONTROLS From the Drop Down Menu on the right side of your screen. Easiest way to access that is make a pilot, then start a CAMPAIGN, eventually you'll see your aircraft on the runway.
At that time PAUSE the game by hitting Esc. And the menu will appear. Select Controls
Your now looking at a carbon copy of the CFS3 Controls

You MUST have the Configuration entered as MINE for the controls of OFF to work
It features a drop down choice of CFS3, Mine, or Flight Simulator

You never played Phase 1 or 2. . . . I see said the Blind Man. . .
Start you're looking at the OFF Control Listing, in it's Stock Form, it's identical to CFS3
When things start coming up, and they come at you quickly. You don't want to mess around with 3 keystrokes
.................................................. .................................................. ......................................
The first 3 are mixture (Auto Mixture in Workshop) . . Takes care of them
Then is . . Mixture Idle Cutoff ( Kills Engine Dead) Problem is it's 3 Keys, and you ain't got any brakes
Soooo Scroll down to . . Mixture Idle Cutoff and Highlite it
Clic on Delete Assignment
The 3 Keystrokes vanish. . Mixture Cutoff Remains. . .It remains Highlited
Clic on ADD assignment
A small Window will appear, asking you to enter command, . . .'B' no need for a capital, just plain old 'b'
Then it'll hand ya some Stuff about B is for brakes..... Just OK it
From Now on . . Mixture Idle Cutoff . . is. . B
.................................................. .................................
Next is . . Aircraft Labels . . . . L . . .that's dashboard lights
TAC screen is 2 strokes. . . give that an 'F'
Virtual Cockpit . . . V . . .it sits you in the cockpit looking foreward ( unassigned at installation )
Float View . . . is 2 strokes . . give a . . G . . . exterior view of your aircraft
.................................................. .....................................
When you're done changing Stuff around, go to the. . . Officers Mess ...that will eventually bring you back to Desktop, and you're done
With the Multi/strokes gone, you have the CHOICE of putting them on the stick, or not
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Suggest you read the STICKY OFF Tips & Links .. . Page 4 Scroll down till you see my Name and start reading..............it goes like 4 pages

One of'em gives all the keys used in OFF

It serves to lessen the amount of questions down the road, as OFF has a rather steep learning curve

Nothing wrong with questions, that's how we learn

But at around 163 the answers become tiresome

Thanks for the info, most of that I have got my head round, but when I try to just set up my flying controls so I can at least fly the plane, it continues to lock up and I can't get the mouse or any key to function.. as explained, I understand that this sometimes happens but I've used the 'tab' key etc from the notes on the website, but I can't get it to bind to the joystick as everything is locked!
Then there is the error message above that tells me to reinstall OFF..
I can't fly the planes as I can't get the flying controls to be assigned to the joystick, and even if I could get that done I keep getting the same error message when I assign a pilot, enlist him and try to go to the field to fly.. re-install OFF.. that done, I go through the same cycle again...
I'm sure I have followed all advice from the website to the letter, but this keeps happening.. been looking forward to getting this thing for ages.... browned off with OFF before I can even play it, thats a first, lol!

Firstly the Maps Have been a source of trouble since day one. Whenever you are told to reinstall, chances are it's uneeded.

Go to Workshop and at 2 Oclock are Reset File Buttons, one is for CFS3, and the other for OFF ( known fact you will lose all your pilots ) small price

I'd try putting your joystick to a different game entirely, then seeing if it locks-up

The maps in OFF "M" are so vague they are a waste of time, the only thing they're good for is showing your direction of travel, and Locking-up-everything
( Forget "M" even Exists) Part of the ( F5 ) HUD is a totally functional Compass.
In CA OFF Knowledge Base are some very good Downloadable, and Printable Maps
With Maps to fly-by, and a working compass . .. . . . . . WHO NEEDS M

Yes mate, thanks, seen the bit about resetting files on the website and have already tried that but still keep getting the error message..
Have already got all the maps downloaded a few days ago.
my logitech system works perfectly with all my other games.. this is just frustrating, I hope WOFF is not going to repeat this or I probably won't buy it!

Trooper, hang in there, it's not a mess but yes sometimes people have trouble with PC land..

See http://www.overflandersfields.com/FAQ.htm#A44 So you followed that ?

Have you installed all the patches correctly etc?

Maybe best to email support with your details so we can help.

Also not sure you have "Hat In the Ring!" too? But that frontlines error usually means you didn't patch BH&H before installing it.

Hi mate.. yes, followed all the instructions ref setting up joystick, and definately installed and patched in the correct sequence..
Don't own hat in the ring..

Ok probably best to start at the beginning, too many things there. Best to email support - if you had other errors or problems initially we'd need to understand those first. No sure what the "map" error is (or what Uncleal means by trouble with maps, or what "maps" you downloaded

Do you have Windows7 did you set OFFManager and CFS3.exe to run as per the website tips?

BTW if you keep getting; 'error copying frontlines or maps to CFS3 map path etc et Maybe CFS3 is still in memory when you are trying to run OFF or CFS3 again. Check the taskmanager and make sure it's dead before continuing.

Also many tips in there re rudder pedals etc, do you have some? try configuring that first and removing any axis not in use as per the examples on the web.

BTW that link specifically is not about joystick, it's about configuring keys, but it may help re the apparent "freeze" you saw - it is possible it has not frozen just seems so, but if you read that there's a step to follow carefully that may get your mouse working again.

also DirectX 9 on Windows 7 needs to be the full SKD install not the little web install method.