level42uk1959 writes "If anyone is thinking of buying the Saitek X-45 HOTAS controller; DON'T!!! Ever since I bought this thing (due to the lack of programmable flight controllers that will work with WIN 98/ME/XP) I've had MAJOR problems! The theory is, you create a program file for each sim, assign buttons to the keyboard commands and save the file. When you load the sim, the program file associated is SUPPOSED to load automatically; IT DOESN'T!!! You have to force it manually.
Then, just when you have that MIG in your AIM-120 sights and have a radar lock, you press the fire button, and............your controller has suddenly lost it's programming assignments. Even worse, you go to your windows Desktop, click on an icon with your mouse, and...... ALL THE ICONS LIGHT UP!! Saitek's "Nuke USB" utility that comes with the joystick doesn't work, nor does removing the controller. The corruption of the system registry is so great that you have to re formatt the hard drive and re install EVERYTHING! If you are using a keyboard or mouse that uses Intellipro 2.0, this problem will raise it's head VERY quickly; if you are not, it will still raise it's head, but later, that's all.
Saitek's response ? NONE!!!!!!!! Despite confirmation from EIGHT different technical support reps at Microsoft that the controller/controller software/drivers are the cause, Saitek insists that the problem lies elsewhere. Problem is, I personally know of 36 other Saitek users here in Omaha with the same problem, and we can't ALL be wrong! Jeeze, I just wish Thrustmaster had not gone out of business and been able to upgrade their F-16 FLCS/TQS to work with win 98/ME/XP, then I wouldn't be stuck with these problems. Unfortunately, apart from Saitek, no-one else comes anywhere near manufacturing a decent HOTAS system for pc's.................................
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