These instructions are used to install a parallel version of FSX Play to test different builds as needed while preserving (and sharing) the entire course catalogue
After setting up the dual install, your file system will be setup to run FSX Play as:
BETA => "C:\Program Files (x86)\FSX Play"
All FSX Play installers (regardless of Beta/Prod/RC will install to this default directory)
Move "Catalogue" folder from "C:\Program Files (x86)\FSX Play\FSX Play_Data\StreamingAssets" to "C:\temp" (create C:\temp if it doesn't exist)
Copy "FSX Play" folder in "C:\Program Files (x86)" folder and paste back into "C:\Program Files (x86)"
Rename "FSX Play - Copy" to "FSX Play - PROD"
Install the Beta version - uncheck "Create a desktop shortcut" on the "Select Additional Tasks" screen (last screen before "Install")
Run "Command Prompt" as administrator and then run the following commands:
CD "C:\Program Files (x86)\FSX Play\FSX Play_Data\StreamingAssets"
mklink /D Catalogue C:\temp\Catalogue
CD "C:\Program Files (x86)\FSX Play - PROD\FSX Play_Data\StreamingAssets"
mklink /D Catalogue C:\temp\Catalogue
In File Explorer, go into the "FSX Play - PROD" folder, right click on "FSX Play.exe" and "Send To -> Desktop" to create a shortcut.
On the desktop, rename the "FSX Play.exe - Shortcut" shortcut to "FSX Play PROD"
On the desktop, rename the "FSX Play" icon to "FSX Play RC", then right-click on it, click Properties and under the Compatibility tab, check the "Run this program as an Administrator" box and click "OK"
To update BETA to an updated BETA version:
Install the newer Beta version - uncheck "Create a desktop shortcut"
Run the new Beta version from its labeled desktop shortcut
To update PROD to new PROD version:
Install the new PROD version from either method:
Web download
Install as normal
In-game software update
Run the BETA version and update from there
WARNING: Running in-game update from PROD version will not work since PROD is not using the expected directory
Run the new PROD version once to confirm version from clicking logo and then exit out
Delete old "FSX Play - PROD" folder in "C:\Program Files (x86)" that is now outdated
OPTIONAL: If you want to keep it, just rename it from "FSX Play - PROD" to "FSX Play - x_x_x_x" (where x_x_x_x is the old version - ex: 1_10_0_10) - Create a desktop shortcut for it if you want to run it later
Copy "FSX Play" folder in "C:\Program Files (x86)" folder and paste back into "C:\Program Files (x86)"
Rename "FSX Play - Copy" to "FSX Play - PROD"
OPTIONAL: If the old PROD desktop shortcut is missing, in File Explorer, go into the new "FSX Play - PROD" folder, right click on "FSX Play.exe" and "Send To -> Desktop" to create a shortcut
Run "Command Prompt" as administrator and then run the following commands after "CMD: "
CD "C:\Program Files (x86)\FSX Play - PROD\FSX Play_Data\StreamingAssets"
Install the PROD version as normal to put it back into the default file system location
OPTIONAL: Delete the "FSX Play - PROD" folder in "C:\Program Files (x86)" that is no longer needed
NOTES:
You can always see which version of FSX Play you are running by clicking on the Foresights Sports logo at the top of the Main Menu
If you start play without using the desktop shortcuts (like from the start menu), you will load the RC version
Beta is updated frequently, so a new build can be installed as use the existing desktop shortcut
Prod will be the "side" installed version so it will be out of harms way when Beta is updated - Run which ever you want
Warning: Since the share the same data in the %appdata% folder, you might need to double check your settings [or accept T&C each time] if you bounce back and forth frequently
Both installs will now point to the same course catalogue, so you can install/update courses as normal from either
Note: If the Download Manager has errors with courses in the Prod version, manage the course(s) in the Beta version (since the Beta version is using the expected installed file location "C:\Program Files (x86)\FSX Play")