how do I play microsoft flight simulator 2000 ?

To play an older Microsoft Flight Simulator game from disc on a modern Windows PC, use these steps:

1. Check basic system and hardware
   Older Microsoft flight simulators (like Flight Simulator 2000 or Combat Flight Simulator 2) were designed for Windows 95/98/Me/2000, low CPU/RAM, and DirectX 7–era graphics and sound. Modern PCs far exceed these requirements, but compatibility issues can occur. A joystick that is USB and DirectX‑compatible is recommended.
2. Install the game from the disc
   a. Insert the game CD into the PC’s CD/DVD drive (or an external USB CD/DVD drive).
   b. If setup starts automatically, follow the on‑screen instructions to install. An admin password may be required. If nothing happens:
   1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > AutoPlay and make sure AutoPlay is turned On.
   2. Eject and re‑insert the disc and see if setup starts.
   If setup still does not start automatically:
   1. Open File Explorer.
   2. Select the CD/DVD drive.
   3. Look for a file named Setup.exe or Install.exe.
   4. Double‑click it to start installation.
3. If the disc will not install or gives errors
   To check whether the disc or drive is faulty, use the Xcopy test:
   1. Insert the game disc. If setup starts, close it.
   2. Open Command Prompt (type cmd in Start).
   3. At the prompt, go to the root of drive C:

            cd\
      

   4. Run (replace D with the letter of the CD/DVD drive):

            xcopy D:\*.* /s C:\text.txt
      

   5. When prompted Does C:\text.txt specify a file name or directory name on the target?, press F for file, then A for All.
   If Xcopy reports files that cannot be read, the disc may be dirty or damaged, or the drive may have trouble reading it. In that case, try:
   • Cleaning the disc and repeating the test.
   • Installing from a different CD/DVD drive (for example, another PC or a second drive on the same PC). If it installs successfully on another drive, the original drive is likely the problem.
4. Install using a different CD/DVD drive (if needed)
   1. Insert the disc into another computer’s CD/DVD drive or a second drive on the same computer.
   2. Run setup and install the game.
      If installation works and the game runs there, the original drive is likely at fault. If setup fails on multiple drives, the disc may need replacement.
5. Run the game
   After installation, start the game from the Start menu or desktop shortcut. On newer Windows versions, if it does not start or crashes, use compatibility mode (right‑click the game shortcut > Properties > Compatibility) and select an older Windows version such as Windows 98/Me or Windows 2000.
6. Connect and use the joystick
   • Plug the joystick into a USB port. Windows should detect it automatically if it is DirectX‑compatible.
   • In the game’s Options or Controls menu, select and calibrate the joystick.

References:

• Combat Flight Simulator 2: WWII Pacific Theater: Minimum System Requirements
• How to install programs from a disc
• Error message when you install a Microsoft game or mapping program