I'm not sure what updates and patches to get for my Microsoft FSX Deluxe and Acceleration Flight Simulator games. And can I download something called dx9 or FS9 or is that for more advanced versions of my games

http://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads/files/1304/microsoft-flight-simulator-x-demo/

My best suggestion here is making sure that your graphics are up to date. Whether you have on board graphics or a graphics card, check the drivers and update if necessary. If that doesn't fix the problem, are you using the gold edition, or just flight simulator x? The gold edition contains the Acceleration expansion, and does not recommend installing SP1 or SP2 as it is already updated through the Acceleration Expansion!

Each time you are installing FSX installation is leaving behind files. Get a good quality registry cleaning program. Uninstall FSX, reboot, use the reg cleaner, then reboot, then re-install and you will be okay

You need to assign the throttle function correctly WITHIN FSX settings area itself. Also calibrate the joystick in windows first. If you are not familiar with assigning FSX functions to your joystick, check the Learning Center section within FSX for step-by-step details.

Go to the FSX directory, find FSX.exe, right-click it with the mouse, and whilst holding the right button down, drag to your desktop and release the button. Choose "create shortcut here" from the fly-out menu. This will sort it. Good luck

A run-time error is a Visual Basic error. Check that you have the newest version installed. Once done this will cure it. You also need to make sure that you have .NET framework installed from Microsoft.

Check your DVD discs have no scratches or damage. If this is not the case, get a replacement set from where you purchased it.

You need to go into the main FSX screen, choose settings, controllers and set up the button you wish to use to transmit on.

Yes the full version includes a learning center and has some instructor missions that teach you how to fly gradually. It is well worth grabbing the full version. Look for Flight Simulator X Gold Edition. This includes the FSX program plus the Acceleration Expansion pack bundled together. This bundle has all the latest fixes and patches deployed by Microsoft incorporated into it as well.

For more detailed flight lessons, grab a flight simulator magazine subscription. One like Computer Pilot Magazine is dedicated to Flight Simulator X and other sims and regularly features detailed flight lessons etc.

You have to download the august version of DX9. had the same prob in other games. It comes in a .ZIP/RAR file and you unpack it and install the exe file that comes after the unpack. After that it should work splended =)