FSHost

FS2002/FS2004/FSX FSHost v3.2 multiplayer server program. FSHost is a Windows-based server program for multiplayer games that can be used in place of the server built into the game itself. It adds lots of new features, and since it uses very few system resources, it's perfect for unattended public servers as well as individuals hosting a game that they're also playing in. By Russell Gilbert.

Installation and Start-up

• Extract ALL files in the zip file (FSHost32.zip) to any directory. (For example "CProgram FilesFSHost" would be fine) All files MUST be in the same directory.
• When upgrading from a previous version, the easiest way is to make a backup copy of the existing FSHost directory and then unzip the new files to the same directory, overwriting the existing files.
• Go to the directory you extracted the files to, and run the program (FSHost32.exe).
• The server will start automatically. You're now hosting a game, and the log window will show your current IP address that others should connect to.
• If you want to join the game yourself as a player, start FS2002, FS2004, or FSHostClient (for FSX) and connect to FSHost as though you were connecting to someone else's game. Leave the IP address field blank, click Search, and it should find FSHost running on your own machine. (Detailed instructions: If you're at the starting screen, click Multiplayer, then "Open multiplayer session", leave the IP address field blank, then click Search, then Join. If you're already in the plane, go to Flights / Multiplayer / Connect, leave the IP address field blank, then click Search, then Join.)

Screenshot from FSHost