Backup function (export/import) for the controls settings

Hi!
It would be great to add to this topic the ability to print the controls settings as well. In fact, besides the need to be able to save them for retrieval later, for wh<s starting all over with FS (since FS X), with a multiple screen setup, it would be great if I can have the Controls layout file open on one of the screens for easy lookup and access while flying on another!
Thoughts? Imaybe it’s already feasible so excuse my ignorance if the case. Just installed the FS)

3 Likes

Why has this so few votes. It’s cumbersome saving the settings in the msfs sub directory. This vital function was in FSX. This sim shouldn’t go backward in features in comparison.

1 Like

Seems a real must. We need:

  1. a way to quickly back up/restore settings, and
  2. our personal settings not be affected by updates.
5 Likes

Yeah, i lose my controller settings almost every time there is an update for the game. So then i have to waste an hour remembering and setting everything up again. It is pretty annoying to be honest.

They need Import/Export ASAP.

2 Likes

Can I add my vote to this. I would like some way of printing/exporting control settings. Import would be nice as well.

1 Like

I’d recommend FS2020 Controller Settings be in clear text and accessible outside the game GUI. It is important for backing up copying, sharing and restoring purposes, but also for any other user editing which is not possible with the GUI because of its Xbox oriented design.

An good example of this is how you can never precisely adjust curve sensitivity with the mouse because the slider range in pixels is less than the number of percentage values you can select from.

There is really no useful reason to hide these inside the convoluted file/folder naming convention in my opinion (see details below) and this further reflects the opposite of a simulator for simmers as well. I strongly believe a differentiator between a game and a simulator is the level of low level access to configuring one’s simmer experience and manual access and editing to these files is paramount to the simmer experience. It has been this way for decades with every single other simulator.

Furthermore, in un-hiding the settings system, it would make it easier to solve this topic question (backup/restore) but also other problem reported in this discussion:

https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/ability-to-have-separate-control-setups-for-each-plane-without-having-to-manually-switch-between-20-controller-profiles/267419

In effect, if not in providing a GUI for this, which I understand is really something for which allocating dev resources at this stage is most likely minor, at least, FS2020 could support the per-aircraft settings in letting users just placing a copy of the XML files I’m referencing above directly in the aircraft folder for example:

OneStore\asobo-aircraft-c152\SimObjects\Airplanes\Asobo_C152\custom_controls.xml


NB: user settings are not just saved in the cloud (if ever they are). They are also already stored in clear text (XML files) but they are also referenced through binary “catalogs” making any manual change or addition impossible as-is.

  1. The folder where settings are saved is:

C:\Users\NAME\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\SystemAppData\wgs

  1. In this folder you’ll find another one with a long series of numbers (most likely a UID converted to text) into which there is a containers.index file (the catalog) and a subfolder per setting entry.

  2. Each subfolder name resemble a GUID which is referenced in the containers.index file and inside each subfolder there are 2 files

  3. the first file is binary and labeled container.##, the second one is also labeled like a GUID and is either a plain XML file or a binary file. The XML files are controller settings and the binary files most likely are the other settings not saved in UserCfg.opt json file.

For example, here are a few of my files:

XML File #1 (showing how I couldn't adjust the same sensitivity values with GUI and mouse)
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<Version Num="1544"/>
<FriendlyName>Alpha Flight Controls  1</FriendlyName>
<Device DeviceName="Alpha Flight Controls" GUID="{FFDB0870-7855-11EB-8002-444553540000}" ProductID="6400">
	<Axes>
		<Axis AxisName="X" AxisSensitivy="0" AxisSensitivyMinus="0" AxisNeutral="0" AxisDeadZone="2" AxisOutDeadZone="0" AxisResponseRate="-1"/>
		<Axis AxisName="Y" AxisSensitivy="-26" AxisSensitivyMinus="-25" AxisNeutral="0" AxisDeadZone="2" AxisOutDeadZone="26" AxisResponseRate="-1"/>
	</Axes>
	<Context ContextName="PLANE">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_AP_MASTER" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 4">3</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_ELEV_TRIM_DN" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 6">5</KEY>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 8">7</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_ELEV_TRIM_UP" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 5">4</KEY>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 7">6</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_AXIS_ELEVATOR_SET" Flag="4">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick L-Axis Y ">1042</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_AXIS_AILERONS_SET" Flag="4">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick L-Axis X ">1026</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_RUDDER_TRIM_LEFT" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 9">8</KEY>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 11">10</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_RUDDER_TRIM_RIGHT" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 10">9</KEY>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 12">11</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
	<Context ContextName="INGAME_UI">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_ATC" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 2">1</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
	<Context ContextName="MODES">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_VIEW_MODE" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 3">2</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_CYCLE_PILOTVIEW_NEXT" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Up">256</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_CYCLE_PILOTVIEW_BACK" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Down">258</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
	<Context ContextName="ATC">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_ATC_MENU_1" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 1">0</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
	<Context ContextName="EXTERNAL_CAMERA">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_CHASE_LOOK_LEFT" Flag="1">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Left">259</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_CHASE_LOOK_RIGHT" Flag="1">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Right">257</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_CHASE_LOOK_UP" Flag="1">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Up">256</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_CHASE_LOOK_DOWN" Flag="1">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Down">258</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_CHASE_LOOK_UPLEFT" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Up_Left">260</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_CHASE_LOOK_UPRIGHT" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Up_Right">263</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_CHASE_LOOK_DOWNLEFT" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Down_Left">261</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_CHASE_LOOK_DOWNRIGHT" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Down_Right">262</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
	<Context ContextName="COCKPIT_CAMERA">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_COCKPIT_QUICKVIEW4" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Left">259</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_COCKPIT_QUICKVIEW3" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Right">257</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
	<Context ContextName="INSTRUMENTS_CAMERA">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_COCKPIT_CYCLE" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Right">257</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_COCKPIT_BACKCYCLE" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Left">259</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
	<Context ContextName="ALWAYS">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_RESET_CAMERA_VR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Down">258</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
	<Context ContextName="COCKPIT_VR_CAMERA">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_COCKPIT_VR_FOCUS" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Pov Up">256</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
</Device>
XML File #2 (a variation of throttles settings for Jets
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<Version Num="1544"/>
<FriendlyName>Saitek Pro Flight Quadrant Jets</FriendlyName>
<Device DeviceName="Saitek Pro Flight Quadrant" GUID="{7E9C45B0-7221-11EB-8001-444553540000}" ProductID="3117">
	<Axes>
		<Axis AxisName="X" AxisSensitivy="0" AxisSensitivyMinus="0" AxisNeutral="0" AxisDeadZone="0" AxisOutDeadZone="0" AxisResponseRate="-1"/>
		<Axis AxisName="Y" AxisSensitivy="0" AxisSensitivyMinus="0" AxisNeutral="0" AxisDeadZone="0" AxisOutDeadZone="0" AxisResponseRate="-1"/>
		<Axis AxisName="Z" AxisSensitivy="0" AxisSensitivyMinus="0" AxisNeutral="0" AxisDeadZone="0" AxisOutDeadZone="0" AxisResponseRate="-1"/>
	</Axes>
	<Context ContextName="PLANE">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_SPOILERS_TOGGLE" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 5">4</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_PARKING_BRAKES" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 6">5</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_FLAPS_INCR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 2">1</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_FLAPS_DECR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 1">0</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE1_DECR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 7">6</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE2_DECR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 8">7</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_SPOILERS_ARM_SET" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 9">8</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_GEAR_UP" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 3">2</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_GEAR_DOWN" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 4">3</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_AXIS_SPOILER_SET" Flag="4">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick L-Axis Z ">1058</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE1_AXIS_SET_EX1" Flag="4">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick L-Axis X ">1026</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE2_AXIS_SET_EX1" Flag="4">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick L-Axis Y ">1042</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
</Device>
XML File #3 (a variation of throttles settings for 4 engines
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<Version Num="1544"/>
<FriendlyName>Saitek Pro Flight Quadrant 4 Eng</FriendlyName>
<Device DeviceName="Saitek Pro Flight Quadrant" GUID="{7E9C45B0-7221-11EB-8001-444553540000}" ProductID="3117">
	<Axes>
		<Axis AxisName="X" AxisSensitivy="0" AxisSensitivyMinus="0" AxisNeutral="0" AxisDeadZone="0" AxisOutDeadZone="0" AxisResponseRate="-1"/>
		<Axis AxisName="Y" AxisSensitivy="0" AxisSensitivyMinus="0" AxisNeutral="0" AxisDeadZone="0" AxisOutDeadZone="0" AxisResponseRate="-1"/>
		<Axis AxisName="Z" AxisSensitivy="0" AxisSensitivyMinus="0" AxisNeutral="0" AxisDeadZone="0" AxisOutDeadZone="0" AxisResponseRate="-1"/>
	</Axes>
	<Context ContextName="PLANE">
		<Action ActionName="KEY_SPOILERS_TOGGLE" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 5">4</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_PARKING_BRAKES" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 6">5</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_FLAPS_INCR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 2">1</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_FLAPS_DECR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 1">0</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE1_DECR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 7">6</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE2_DECR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 7">6</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE3_DECR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 8">7</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE4_DECR" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 8">7</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_SPOILERS_ARM_SET" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 9">8</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_GEAR_UP" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 3">2</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_GEAR_DOWN" Flag="2">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick Button 4">3</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_AXIS_SPOILER_SET" Flag="4">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick L-Axis Z ">1058</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE1_AXIS_SET_EX1" Flag="4">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick L-Axis X ">1026</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE2_AXIS_SET_EX1" Flag="4">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick L-Axis X ">1026</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE3_AXIS_SET_EX1" Flag="4">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick L-Axis Y ">1042</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
		<Action ActionName="KEY_THROTTLE4_AXIS_SET_EX1" Flag="4">
			<Primary>
				<KEY Information="Joystick L-Axis Y ">1042</KEY>
			</Primary>
		</Action>
	</Context>
</Device>

Additional info:

The default controller assignments are also XML files located in the game folder, for example:

WindowsApps\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_1.12.13.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\Input

There is in theory nothing precluding adding the missing default FFB2 profile for example in this folder, and you can spot there is a standard support for the Leo Bodnar BU0836X as well:

BU0836X 12-bit joystick interface : Leo Bodnar Electronics

The entire list of default controller image files is in the following file (a catalog in XML):

WindowsApps\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_1.12.13.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\Packages\fs-base-ui\DeviceConfig\

Device.Config.xml
<?xml version= "1.0" encoding= "utf-8" ?>
<DeviceConfig>
	<Device ProductId="0x1900" TextureFolder="H.Alpha Flight Control" />					<!-- Alpha Flight Controls -->
	<Device ProductId="0x1901" TextureFolder="Bravo Throttle Quadrant" />					<!-- Bravo Throttle Quadrant-->
	<Device ProductId="0x884B" TextureFolder="Keyboard"					Priority="-10" />	<!-- Keyboard -->
	<Device ProductId="0x378D" TextureFolder="Mouse"					Priority="-9" />	<!-- Mouse -->
	<Device ProductId="0xC215" TextureFolder="Saitek Extreme 3D Pro Stick" />				<!-- Logitech Extreme 3D (NB: Saitek = Logitech) -->
	<Device ProductId="0xA2AE" TextureFolder="Saitek Flight Instrument Panel" />			<!-- Saitek Flight Instrument Panel -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0D06" TextureFolder="Saitek Flight Multi Panel" />					<!-- Saitek Flight Multi Panel -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0D05" TextureFolder="Saitek Flight Radio Panel" />					<!-- Saitek Flight Radio Panel -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0D67" TextureFolder="Saitek Flight Switch Panel" />				<!-- Saitek Flight Switch Panel -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0763" TextureFolder="Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals" />			<!-- Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0C2D" TextureFolder="Saitek Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant" />		<!-- Saitek Pro Flight Quadrant -->
	<Device ProductId="0x2221" TextureFolder="Saitek Pro Flight X-56 Rhino Stick" />		<!-- Saitek Pro Flight X-56 Rhino Stick -->
	<Device ProductId="0xA221" TextureFolder="Saitek Pro Flight X-56 Rhino Throttle" />		<!-- Saitek Pro Flight X-56 Rhino Throttle -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0BAC" TextureFolder="Saitek Pro Flight Yoke" />					<!-- Saitek Pro Flight Yoke -->
	<Device ProductId="0x075C" TextureFolder="Saitek X52 Flight Control System" />			<!-- Saitek X52 Flight Control System -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0762" TextureFolder="Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System" />		<!-- Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System -->
	<Device ProductId="0xB68F" TextureFolder="T-Pendular-Rudder" />							<!-- -Pendular-Rudder -->
	<Device ProductId="0xB678" TextureFolder="T-Rudder" />									<!-- T.Flight Rudder Pedals -->
	<Device ProductId="0xB679" TextureFolder="T-Rudder" />									<!-- T-Rudder -->
	<Device ProductId="0xB10A" TextureFolder="T.16000M" />									<!-- T.16000M -->
	<Device ProductId="0xB67B" TextureFolder="T.Flight Hotas 4" />							<!-- T.Flight Hotas 4 -->
	<Device ProductId="0xB68D" TextureFolder="T.Flight Hotas One" />						<!-- T.Flight Hotas One -->
	<Device ProductId="0xB108" TextureFolder="T.Flight Hotas X" />							<!-- T.Flight Hotas X -->
	<Device ProductId="0xB106" TextureFolder="T.Flight Stick X" />							<!-- T.Flight Stick X -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0402" TextureFolder="T.Hotas Warthog Joystick" />					<!-- T.Hotas Warthog Joystick -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0404" TextureFolder="T.Hotas Warthog Throttle" />					<!-- T.Hotas Warthog Throttle -->
	<Device ProductId="0xB687" TextureFolder="TWCS Throttle" />								<!-- TWCS Throttle -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0DA3" TextureFolder="V.Ruddo Plus" />								<!-- VirtualFly - RUDDO+ -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0DA1" TextureFolder="V.TQ3+" />									<!-- VirtualFly - TQ3+ -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0DA2" TextureFolder="V.TQ6" />										<!-- VirtualFly - TQ6+ -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0DA4" TextureFolder="V.V3rnio TPM" />								<!-- VF - TPM V3RNIO -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0DA0" TextureFolder="V.Yoko The Yoke Plus" />						<!-- VirtualFly - YOKO+ -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0001" TextureFolder="XInput Gamepad"			Priority="-1" />	<!-- XInput Gamepad -->
	<!-- Devices without images -->
	<Device ProductId="0x4843" TextureFolder="Unknown Device" />							<!-- Custom DR400 cockpit, BU0836X Interface -->
	<Device ProductId="0x3E20" TextureFolder="Unknown Device" />							<!-- Custom DR400 cockpit, BU0836X Interface -->
	<!-- T.A320 -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0405" TextureFolder="T.A320 Pilot" />								<!-- T.A320 Pilot (Left handed) -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0406" TextureFolder="T.A320 Copilot" />							<!-- T.A320 Copilot (Right handed) -->
	<Device ProductId="0x0407" TextureFolder="T.A320 Quadrant throttle" />					<!-- Airbus T-A320 Quadrant throttle -->
</DeviceConfig>

It is referencing controller images located here:

WindowsApps\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_1.12.13.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\Packages\fs-base-ui\html_ui\Textures\Menu\Control

I don’t see why the user controller settings hidden in plain sight that I’m describing above couldn’t also be referenced in a similar way, instead of using a binary catalog file.

17 Likes

Today I assigned the Bravo throttle to the 747. Typical setup- spoiler, thrust levers 1-4, flaps.
I quit the sim and then came back after a couple hours. My 747 profile had changed to my Airbus profile, 2 throttle axis. This has been happening many times. I can’t figure out why.
My Alpha, mouse keyboard and pedal profiles always stay the same.

Hi, did not find this anywhere else, but there is great hardware around to make the experience even better. Setting it up is a huge task, everyone is doing it. Can’t we just import and export different settings to share them? Would be great.

IS VERY
GOOD :ok_hand:

This is must i lose my setting every time I upgrade the game,

this is MUST!!!

Please add it to the top of the wishlist,

already contact with dev team and they said it will be added soon,

Thanks,

4 Likes

Another vote for this commonsense request. Just lost all my control setting with july 2021 update.

1 Like

How the heck is this not a thing? Just got a Bravo and setup a bunch of profiles and looking for a way to do a backup.

1 Like

I’d like to have this. Two purposes… 1) sometimes server data gets lost or you get a new account and 2) you’d like to exchange these settings with your friends, e.g. when they buy similar controllers.

For the first purpose, a text file with all settings will do fine. Include General please (graphics, data etc)

For the second purpose, it would be nice when separate groups like Keyboard, Mouse and Controllers can be stored in separate text files. This would allow exchanging settings for a single Controller type, which would be valuable as e.g. a support submit on this forum.

I will add my favourable advice for this.

Since i started to add different profiles for each planes, like someone mentioned above, during update, some key biding deseppear, or change.

Ans yes that will be very smart to have access to the profile files…

Backup all settings existed in FSX I don’t see any reason why we still don’t have this option a year from the go-live

I just started using FS about a week ago. I don’t know why, but my custom key bindings keep vanishing. Sometimes a few of them remain and others are unbound. I’ve only got a total of 7 controller custom binds, but it’s really frustrating.

Almost 1 year ago, @CptLucky8 wrote this, and typically (it would seem), like all his good knowledgeable idea, it has got ignored / forgotten, and worse still, never perused.

But all the information is here, in his post, to enable one to be able to at least know what to backup, to be able to EXPORT/IMPORT these settings files – even if at this point in time, one does not understand their binary content.

While there may be issue/difficulties actually importing or exporting while the sim is running, (sandbox / cache etc), there is no reason why these setup files could not be managed when the sim is not running.

For example: Keeping the last N copies, just before the sim was run, and the ability to restore any of those copies at a later date, before the sim ran.

Getting a restored file “Synced” with the MS server, should also be possible, not sure of exact details, but I have done this before by trial and error.

Whether it could be extended to load a specific pre-planned plane profiles before the sim starts, is another possibility.

YES - it would be nice if all these feature were built into MSFS already, but they are not – (like so many desired features), but that does not mean that the community cannot “Think Outside the Box”, and come up with a temporary/permanent “ADDON” solution.

Who knows, maybe in 2022, someone or some Dev company will come up with “MSFS Backup”, as either a Freeware or a Payware product.

What would YOU pay, to be guaranteed NOT to loose your 100’s of hours of Logbook & Achievements ??

The addon, outside the sim solution would work for PC users, but probably not X-Box users,
Of course, if it we Built into the sim, then it should work for X-Box users as well.

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Great sentiments; and yes, I’d pay for a backup ADDON – no problem. :wink:

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The ability to export and import profiles would be a very useful addition to the sim.
Apart from anything else, having to re-install the sim unexpectedly after a failed load or update leads to much more work than just reinstalling the software.
If we could export / import profiles, at least that task would be significantly reduced, and complete re-installs would be much easier to perform.
This would also address the issue of not being able to include multiple controllers - just make sure that the correct profile(s) are loaded when you change controllers.
A workable alternative for the more technically minded would be for Microsoft/Asobo publishing just where these profiles are stored, and isolate them sufficiently from other data that they could be swapped out when necessary.

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OAPJRG – this is exactly what is needed. Is there someplace we can put in a feature request with microsoft or Asobo? This would indeed solve all problems in one swoop. Kudos.