If you loose force feedback recently in your stick there typically two reasons.

1) Microsoft changed the JOY.CPL (run that) Sidewinder Joystick naming to a generic name. (Doesn't and won't effect EAW)

2) xHCI USB 3.0 Host Controllers may interfere with the Forces applied to the joystick, this includes strength as well. (effects EAW use)

On my FILES section on my EAW Help Site, I uploaded a helpful file, applies specifically to MSSFFB2 Joysticks. (but the USB 3.0 problem I talk about may apply to all FF users)
https://eaw.neocities.org/files.html#mydls

Its currently the last download on my list.
This restores proper function back into your games when instructions are followed.

In my downloadable doc I recommend to put the Sidewinder in a USB 2.0 port since they all normally and usually support USB 1.x (The joystick is 1.1).
However some USB 3.0 may support 1.1 devices as well. So if you can spare a 3.0 port maybe the stick will work better in it without diasbling xHCI........ I didn't test it yet......(see doc for xHDCI info)

Thanks for that, Mark. Quite useful for me, as I also have the MSFF2.

While we're on the subject, have you noticed that since some time in the development of the 1.28E exe, the type of FF chosen in the Game Setup always defaults to 'Arcade'? In other words, one will always have to go into the Game Setup and select 'Realistic', if that's your wish, every time you start the game. Even making the eaw.ini ReadOnly (which will cause other problems) doesn't seem to effect this. A minor irrititation, but it would be nice not to have to actively choose 'Realistic' every time.

Um not sure if I noticed that or not. If it's doing it even when the ini is read only, then its hard coded to set to Arcade. I'd have to go back and check, I use arcade though more often now so maybe thats why im not seeing it.

I have never had FFB in any of my joysticks, mostly because the non-FFB sticks were cheaper. Nowadays, having used Non-FFB sticks for going on 20 years, I have come to think of FFB sticks as prone to failure, and of somewhat limited utility. YMMV, of course.

If you can find a Microsoft FF2 on ebay or someplace ,,they last for years I have one and it's great taking off from Henderson field in CFS 2 and feeling the vibration from the dirt stick and when firing you gun feel the shake..2Just the shortage of buttons is an issueI generally just use it for EAW,,CFS 2and First Eagles 2

Yeah , my buttons failed on my MSFF2, have to still get replacements to solder in place. Its the best FF stick me thinks.......

Besides that I had a Logitech stick, the inside broke, it was made of cheap plastic, I remember it must have been in 2000 and was 75 dollars at the time.

My other stick is not FF but is vibrating. Uses the FF instructions to rumble the stick. Same concept, just alot weaker.

The one I have was given to be by an old EAW fan Steve 190,, his son moved out and left behind two brand new ones never used,,Also sent me a CH fighter stick But it doesn't have a twist rudder and that's a must for me..I like the FF for EAW because I can feel the plane heading for a stall..For most sims I also use a Nostromo N-52 programmable key pad..Only thing is if that's plugged in Eaw locks up So U got a six foot USB cord and ran the wore behind my chair and just unplug the pad when flying EAW..The only issue is there's no Win 7 drivers but found out the Vista ones worked..Just says it's a N-40 on the main screen but is listed as an N-52 in the joystick panel and device manager..I sit in a recliner when I game and it's a lot better than having a keypad in my lap

Oh man, Two brand new MSFF2's, you lucky dog!!!

Steve kept one and sent me one Steve is a good friend I've known him since I started flying and he was looking for a couple sims and I had duplicates We take care of each other He was on gunboats in the Mekong delta the same time I was at Khe Sanh in 67--68 and as Vets we help each other whenever we can
..The CH fighter stick doesn't have a twist rudder I tried a set of pedals last year used them an hour and ended up sending them to a M8 from our IL-2 forum..I do have a TM throttle but prefer using the N-52 keypad ..It's easy to program I just draw a button schematic and figure what I want on the pad I use a pencil because I keep changing what I want where,,I don't use a lot of the commands like complex engine management..
EAW was easy I just use my 3d pro and changed a few of the commands I don't need in combat and use my regular keyboard I tried using 2 ,,3d pro sticks didn't work out,,bought one from amazon and a week later I was in the computer shop and looking in the used bin and found one that never was used and got it for $5