Applications Exclusive Drag and Drop

MSFS Addons Linker 4.92/5

The first thing you'll probably do when trying this tool for the first time is move your currently installed addons outside of your 'real community folder' to put them in your new 'custom addon folder'. To avoid problems, please try first with a single addon only to make sure everything works fine for you.It would be sad if you move 200GB and then you notice it does not work for you. Files placed directly in the new folder should always work but, for some users (not the majority) the files moved might get encrypted if you have the MS-Store version so it's worth checking before. Thank you.

note : for the detailed changelog, please check the 'changelog' tab at the top of the page, below are just general informations

Addons linker / Addon linker

** added 2021.06.06 **

new version, finally a little map for all those who requested it, hopefully some of you will find useful.

Please check the what's new (changelogs) for info on how to use the map (it's simple but still 2-3 things to know). I also added a little head up towards another addon manager that you might find interesting.

** added 2021.03.13 **

a new very well done video by badGamr has been posted on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O68u05JZXL8

It's based on the latest version (as of today) and covers most of the features, a must see if you need some help or are starting with the tool or have some questions about it

Many thanks badGamr !

** added 2020.10.24 **
another updated video by LostPilot, with some UI tips, many many thanks
https://youtu.be/MDFLcM02De8
https://youtu.be/g7YvGgIhLl0
**

** added 2020.10.20 **
updated video by lostboii/lostpilot, big thanks again
https://youtu.be/mqLpvpCDRws
**

** added 2020.10.13 **
little video to get you started with the tool made by lostboii, many thanks to him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99ewxWhg-mk
**

Hello

Another little addon manager. Made to match my own needs and just sharing with the community.

I tried to keep the UI very simple but it should hopefully do the job 'feature-wise'.

- lets you organize your addon freely in folder and subfolders in your folder of choice
- will create links in the community folder. There is no need to move files in and out of the folder.
- very easy to activate/deactivate groups of addons (single click)
- lets you save presets of addons
- lets you rename addons (link will be automatically updated)
- lets you add / update / remove addons

Installation :
- just extract all the files and drop them in a folder of your choice and run the EXE file

usage :
- create a folder where you will put your addons, add your addons in there instead of putting them in the community folder, you can create as many subfolder as you want to organize your files efficiently
- launch the application, in the options screen set your 'addon folder' and your 'community folder'
- just click on the checkbox to activate/deactivate addons
- rest should be fairly easy to understand (little quickstart guide should be coming soon if needed)

notes :
- if it doesn't work please try to set the application to run as admin, if it works but you still get the message at the start, just disable the message in the options screen
-i was made aware that other tools seem to do pretty much the same things but probably with some differences (have not tested them though because i learned about them after mine was released last week), anyway each has probably its own advantage and it's just free and just for fun, so you can freely decide to use mine if you find it useful.

big thanks to the guys in the AVSIM forum that helped me testing the very first versions with feedback and ideas. I will now post it here exclusively making it easier to maintain for eventual updates.

Thank you

0.16.8183.20

39.23 MB

170,670

This file has been scanned for viruses and is safe to download.

About

bad2000

57,885 | XIII General

Compatibility	Sim Update 9
Category	Applications
Initial Release	October 11, 2020
Last Updated	May 28, 2022
Rating	4.92/5.0 — Superb!
Status	Not Downloaded yet

Version	Launched	Compatibility
Sim Update 9	Apr 26, 2022
Sim Update 8	Feb 28, 2022
Sim Update 7	Nov 18, 2021
Sim Update 6	Oct 19, 2021
Sim Update 5	Jul 27, 2021
Sim Update 4	May 26, 2021
Sim Update 3	Feb 25, 2021
World Update 3	Jan 28, 2021
Sim Update 2	Dec 23, 2020
World Update 2	Nov 25, 2020

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© bad2000 and Flightsim.to - All rights reserved. Any reupload or redistribution of this file without the author's prior written consent is forbidden. This Microsoft Flight Simulator add-on was created by bad2000 and shared in Utilities » Applications for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Improve Report

2891 Comments

blb

3 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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Hello, very good job ... juste one sugestion, it would be better to colore the square box in red when an addon is duplicate, so we can see immedialtly where is the double scenery. thank's alot 😉

bad2000 2 day(s) ago

hello and thank you for your feedback. Not sure what you mean by 'duplicate' because it can have different meanings, the tool can check for 'folder name duplicates' and those shown in red in the main view and there is little warning sign in the toolbar that will show them in a single click so they should be easily identfied. Those 'duplicates' can be colored straight away in the main view because the duplicates can be identified while reading the folders at the start of the tool. Now if you mean the 'ICAO' duplicates, those require a lot more work because it requires scanning the BGL files, those duplicates are only shown in the special screen that scans for duplicates, it wouldn't be possible to check for those duplicates at every start of the tool and then show them in the main view with a specific color because it would be way too time consuming. That actions can only be made via a special option. Let me know if something is not clear or if i didn't reply exactly to your question.

pmb

5 day(s) ago

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As far as I (vaguely) understand there should not be several “modellib.bgl” files on a system as only the last one of them being loaded.

The Addons Linker provides a function to find (and rename) doubled Modellibs. I ran this and as a result I got an extended list of I would say several hundred items. The Linker provides a possibility to rename all of them, but I am hesitant to do so.

The list contains all sorts of sceneries, freebies from Flightsim.to but also Payware from Gaya, Aerosoft, FSDG, and the like. Did all those developers not comply to the MSFS SDK?

And if I rename them, what happens in case of an upgrade, notably via automated upgraders like Aerosoft One or ORBX Central?

bad2000 5 day(s) ago

as with all those options that change files, the aim is to provide some sort of checking and information for advanced users. There is probably no need to rename if you don't have problems with you sceneries. I just had a quick look (been a while i haven't use the option) and it seems that some reported elements in the list should not be there. I will check that soon. The problematic ones are the ones that are in the same folders for 2 or more addons but if one addon has 'scenery/a/modelllib.bgl' and another one has 'scenery/b/modellib.bgl' it should probably not show up as being problematic, if two addons have 'scenery/a/modellib.bgl they can problematic though.

When the result list is loaded, it's grouped by filename, if the group contains only one file then it's probably a false detection and you can ignore that and i'll fix soon, if the grouped elements are more than one the there is a potential issue. Before clicking on the rename button you can just select the file name that you want via a filter and only the addons matching the filter (the one that will be shown in the list) will be renamed. For now i wouldn't touch your payware addons, those are probably correct already. Bit complicated, maybe it gets a bit confusing. I will send you a fixed test version in the coming days if you want.

pmb 5 day(s) ago

Thank you so much for the explanation. I think I'll better leave it as is but have in mind this as an item to check should I run into trouble with some scenery. I am very fortunate to belong to those almost never hitting CTDs, despite heavy usage and a host of addons, where, however, always few are active at the same time thanks to the Linker.

DDare

7 day(s) ago

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What does it mean if one of the liveries is lettered red?

bad2000 6 day(s) ago

Hello, the red indication means that you have two (or more) folders with the same name in your addons folders. If you click on the little 'warning sign' button in the toolbar at the top it should show you all 'red' elements and you should be able to see your duplicate. Let me know if it's not what you see.

DDare 6 day(s) ago

Ok, I had to update to the latest version. I found the warning sign but not where the duplicates are located. Upon further checking I discovered the problem. I have a folder of A320Neo default liveries and a Folder of A320 FBW liveries. The duplicate folders are in the FBW folder. However, I don't use the FBW for the time being there and have the folder unchecked in the linker. I feel if you have the folder unchecked then the duplicate folder warning shouldn't show up as red letters. Something you might want to think about in a future version. I was trying to find out what is wrong here when there wasn't really anything wrong. Thanks for your awesome program.

bad2000 5 day(s) ago

Yep you're right, the red color is just a warning, there's nothing wrong as you said and it's no problem at all (maybe the red is too flashy and can make you think something is wrong but it's not, it's just a warning about potential duplicates) ...and those red addons will never be selected at the same time because it wouldn't be possible to enable them both (it would try to create 2 links with the same name in the community folder and that's just impossible). So yeah the red is always there no matter if you have selected them or not, it's normal because they will never be selected at the same time, it's just not possible. That feature was created for people that have tons of addons and end up with unwanted duplicates without being aware of them because, with time, they ended up in different folders. In your case, if it's a 'wanted duplicate', all is fine and you can ignore that. Maybe i should add an option to remove that 'red' for users that find it disturbing because they want to have 'wanted duplicates'.

When you click on the warning sign at the top it should auto create a filter 'Has Duplicate Name = Yes' showing you all elements in red so identifying them should be very easy. Didn't that work for you ? Let me know if something is not clear. Thank you.

DDare 4 day(s) ago

Yes it worked for me. I just don't see anyplace where it shows you where the duplicate folders are but maybe I misunderstood you. No biggie.

bad2000 4 day(s) ago

You can just right click on the addon and use the option 'open current folder'. It will open windows explorer in the correct folder. Other solution would be to add the 'folder' column that will show you the folder path directly in the view. By default the column is hidden, but you can add it by right clicking on the view header and select the options 'Column chooser'.

Latka

8 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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Absolutely LOVE this addon. Once I finally realized I needed it (when I built my new system back in January), I figured I'd start using it. LOVE it. 😊

I do have a question though that I haven't been able to find the answer to. I would like to make a (.csv maybe?) of all my addons. Aircraft, Scenery, Utilities, etc. Is there any way to get Addons Linker to do that? I ask only because it already "knows" where everything is! 😀

bad2000 8 day(s) ago

Hello and thank you for you feedback, appreciated. Not sure if it's good enough for what you want to do but you can export the list of all addons managed via the tool to an XLSX file. If you want a 'flat list' you should use the the top menu option 'Tools -> Addons Grid view' and export that one (right click menu -> Export to XLSX). The same export option is also available on the main view but it's a treeview so maybe it's less suited for an export. Let me know if it's not clear or if you would need something different.

Latka 8 day(s) ago

That works perfectly!

How can I make sure that stuff I've purchased through the Marketplace (that I can't organize in my addons linker folders) is counted in the total list? I see that my Community folder is listed in the options, but does it need to be explicitly defined in the "My Addons Folders above?"

bad2000 7 day(s) ago

yep the official/onestore folder is not scanned by default because the tool takes only care of 'custom addons'. But if you want to add the official/onestore folder temporarly in the list of folders scanned by the tool (via the options screen) that should work because the addons inside that folder will be listed like the others (obviously dont create links with those folders and just remove the reference of the folder from the options screens after you have exported your list). Let me know if it's not ok.

manicminer

12 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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Thank you so much for providing this excellent tool for managing my add-ons, very much appreciated!

bad2000 11 day(s) ago

Thank you for your feedback, appreciated !

sonicviz

12 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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Hi. Great app, thanks.

I've discovered an issue with multiple packages of the same name and saving different presets.

The use case here is when you have release and beta versions of the same package in your add-ons folder, and use different presets to change configurations in the community folder for testing. An example would be the Bush League Legends XCub mods, which have release versions on their website and a beta on discord.

I've found add-ons linker gets really confused, even when you only have one selected (which you should have anyway, only one selected of the same type at any time) and it won't save the presets correctly. Reloading a saved preset (with say a release version of the package selected) with one of the mods selected, will show the other mod of the same name (but different folder, say in the beta folder) selected.

The workaround, unfortunately, is you can't have multiple package versions in the add-on folder. It would be great if this was possible. I guess the fix is you need to distinguish packages by folder location, not package name.

bad2000 12 day(s) ago

hello, yes you are right, if you have two packages with the same name it will probably get confused when saving/restoring presets (probably the first or last one will be restore randomly) so it's not reliable. The presets saves only the name of the last folder, so if two addons share the same 'last folder name' the tool won't be able to distiguish which one of the two it is in the preset and the result will be random.

As you said, saving 'by full path' would resolve the problem, that how it was in the first versions of the tool, but then it turned out to be to dangerous because if someone changed the base folder for his addons, he would loose all presets because the full saved path would be different than the full current path (if it's only the last folder name that is saved ,there is no problem because that one would still be the same even if the base folder is changed). So by saving only the last folder name of the package that issue doesn't exist anymore. So it was a choice to do it like that but it has that little drawback if you want to have multiple times the same addon (not sure if my explanations are very clear). I will think a bit about it to see if i can find a solution but it's not really easy, this issue has bothering me for quite some time not exaclty knowing how to improve it.

sonicviz 12 day(s) ago

Yes, it's a little tricky.

If I just rename the package, would that work? eg: rename the beta package to (for example) xcub-performance-1.8-beta as opposed to xcub-performance-1.8?

Or are you using the internal package names, as they will be the same (devs don't seem to distinguish between release/beta or paid/free packages they all have the same internal package names).

bad2000 12 day(s) ago

it uses the folder name on the disk, so yes if you rename the beta package by adding _beta it will work, but well yeah bit of manual work needed everytime you update that package 😊

sonicviz 12 day(s) ago

You mean file (package) name, not folder name don't you?

Maybe the solution is as simple as what Explorer does? If you copy/paste a duplicate file in Explorer it automatically changes the file name by appending copy + (1) or (2) etc to it (more or less).

You could do the same thing? If you detect a duplicate package name (file) then change the most recent addition with a version increment.

bad2000 12 day(s) ago

i mean the 'folder name' on the disk is what is used by the program. So you would need to rename the folder of one of your doubled addon and it would be ok (btw if you have duplicate names it should show in red inside the tool to warn). Not sure about auto-renaming because that might surprise some users but it's an idea worth investigating. Let me know if something is not clear. Thank you.

RasputinPilot

12 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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Thank you so much for your hard work! It would be great if you make dependencies between add-ons that not only include dependent add-ons, but also disable others that conflict with them. I think many will be grateful for this!

bad2000 12 day(s) ago

hello thank you for your feedback. Yep a feature letting users specify conflicting addons has been requested a few times before. It would probably work a bit like dependencies but in a 'reverse way'. I need to investigate a bit more to try to implement that (probably some sort of warning if you enable one addon and its conflicting one is already enabled, or maybe auto-deselection). I wll certainly try to do something about it in the next version.

RasputinPilot 10 day(s) ago

I sincerely thank you. It is especially important that you respond to users! I will definitely make a donation

MojaveHigh

14 day(s) ago

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I have created a couple addons that are not showing up on the addons map. They are showing as having GPS of 0,0 but my addon has indeed set GPS coordinates. What is the issue and is there anything I can do to fix that? Thanks!

bad2000 14 day(s) ago

hello, maybe the tool can not find those coordinates, not sure why though (it can for example happen if it's an addon covering a large area and not being suited to be a repesented by a single dot) . Are those addons available on this site so i can download and check them ? If the lat/lon is not recognized you can always edit the data in the map so that they show correctly (right click on the addon in the grid and then 'edit data').

MojaveHigh 14 day(s) ago

I will list the ones with 0,0 but I also notice an Exception is being thrown right near the run of the Addons Map. "Access to the path "C:\ProgramData\MSFS Addons Linker\Data\MapData.bin" is denied. Not sure if that might be part of the problem

bad2000 14 day(s) ago

you can send me a private message if you have a long list, might be easier than in these small msg boxes. The error you are getting is probably because you used to run the tool as admin and now you don't anymore (so the file was created as admin and now you can't write inside it if you don't run it as admin and you get 'access denied'). Can you please check that ?

MojaveHigh 14 day(s) ago

OK, so just one has GPS coordinates of 0,0 - it is not an airport, but a scenery enhancement of a general area: https://flightsim.to/file/24151/san-diego-montgomery-field-kmyf-surroundings-enhancement

The other 0,0 is a library. A few others sceneries and airports of mine have no Country, Region, Continent. I don't know if that is relevant. Then are listed as INC Location. I do have other sceneries and airports that are just fine.

Anyway, not a big deal. Thanks for an amazing product!

bad2000 14 day(s) ago

yep the kmyf addon is typical of an addon that cover a large area with multiple points, the tool is sometimes not smart enough to put it correctly on the map and the 'edit data should be used'

The library appears because you have set 'content type = scenery' in the manifest.json file, usually library are set with 'content type = core'. Only addon with 'scenery' will be added on the map and your library has 'scenery' so it shows there (but obviously without lat/lon). You can also ignore such addons for the map by using the 'exclude this items from the list' right click menu option.

the 'INC' means incomplete, it's a bit technical but it's due to the fact that the country/region is based on an invisible vector map loaded behind the real map. The vector map doesn't match exactly the real map so sometimes points (mainly near water or country borders) are sometimes not recognized because the vector map doesn't have them attached to the the big vector covering the rest of the country. I sometimes edit the vector map for better precision but it's a long and fastidious work (the world is quite big 😊 )

Hope it's not too confusing ...

Stella2103

15 day(s) ago

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Thanks. Found the ini File. Deleted the 3 Rows. Saved File und restarted computer.

Started the File.

File - when running places Icon on Task Bar now. So far so good. But again when I try to minimize the file - File and Icon dissapear. Need to restart Computer before using file again since it still says - file is still running.

Thanks for your time is really appreciated.

bad2000 15 day(s) ago

maybe you have enabled the 'send to tray' option. If you do that, when minimized, the tool will be shown in the tray and so it might not be visible. Then if it's minimized in the tray, the tool is still running so it's normal that if you start it again it will tell you that it's already running. In the options screen please check that you don't have this option enabled -> see pic https://imgur.com/fdZtTnT

If it's not that i'm slowly running out of ideas but we'll find out 😊, let me know, thank you.

Stella2103 15 day(s) ago

Thank you ever so much. That checkmark made the difference. It works now as it should.

Thank you for spending your time with folks like me.... and you made my day.

bad2000 15 day(s) ago

glad you could sort it out, and no worry, feel free to recontact me if needed !

Stella2103

16 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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Thanks for this great tool. Up and running well... except...

If window of addons linker is up and I minimize it, it dissapears from my screen.

If I press the starter icon it says "cat run because already running" but cant see the open file anywhere.. Can anyone help ? Tnaks

bad2000 16 day(s) ago

Thank you for your feedback, appreciated. Can you please try this to see if it fixes the screen not showing up -> make sure the tool is closed (very important, use task explorer to kill the process if you don't see the screen) -> open the INI file (C:\ProgramData\MSFS Addons Linker\MSFS_Addons_Linker.ini) with notepad -> locate the 3 lines at the bottom that start with Window_xxxx -> delete those 3 lines and save the ini file -> restart the tool. Let me know if that doesn't fix the problem.

Stella2103 15 day(s) ago

Wow, thanks for the quick reply. I checked my computer but there is not a MSFS_Addons_Linker.ini file on my whole computer.

bad2000 15 day(s) ago

i think, by default, programdata is a hidden folder (but it exists on every pc). Just launch Windows explorer and type %programdata% in the adress bar (or the complete path), it should redirect you to the correct folder. pic -> https://imgur.com/2WaPQbG

** edit ... i forgot to say that in the option screen ('additonal options' tab) there is a little link at the bottom, if you click on it it should open the correct folder containing the INI file **

willynanita

16 day(s) ago

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How do I delete presets? The Manage Presets options only let me apply presets.

willynanita 16 day(s) ago

Got it, you have to manually delete them in C:\ProgramData\MSFS Addons Linker\Presets

bad2000 16 day(s) ago

For info, there is also an option in the 'presets' menu at the top 'Manage/Apply presets'. That option will list the existing presets and will let you delete the ones you don't need.

willynanita 15 day(s) ago

I only see "Create new preset" and I can't see a list of presets using that menu...

bad2000 15 day(s) ago

you don't see the menu shown in this pic ? -> https://imgur.com/J9I9UpE

Would be strange, let me know.

willynanita 15 day(s) ago

Yes, I get this menu... and now I see the option to delete. Sorry.

bad2000 15 day(s) ago

cool, thanks for letting me know.

johnliem

16 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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I made some editing in the setting like for the color, where is the setting is saved, because I want to make a backup, so when something wrong happend I can restore the backup

bad2000 16 day(s) ago

hello and thank you for your feedback. The options are saved in the INI file here -> C:\ProgramData\MSFS Addons Linker\MSFS_Addons_Linker.ini.

If you want, in the options screen (advanced tab), there is also an integrated option to backup all setttings and custom data, you can click on the 'backup now' button and it will create a little backup folder in that prgramdata folder folder with all the relevant files including the INI (very small). Let me know if you need more help.

johnliem 15 day(s) ago

Thank you, I found it very useful, is it also possible to customize the size of the button, I use a 4K Display and all the buttons becomes very fine or small, just wondering if it is possible to customize them, especially the button under just the same line of the preset left under.

bad2000 15 day(s) ago

yep it's probably all getting a bit small on a 4k monitor, i'm on old-small.outdated 1920x1080 resolution so it's hard for me know how it looks on high DPI monitors but yeah certainly not optimal. The button unfortunately have a fixed size i think, not sure if i can change that easily, i need to investigate. For info (maybe you know already) in the options screen (experimental tab) there is an option to increase the font size, that might help maybe if all gets too small on a 4K monitors, There is an option for high DPI to make text less blurry, but yeah it's a bit experimental because i could never test those option so results may vary, but there no risk to try, you can revert back if needed.

aflower1

16 day(s) ago

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Assuming linker is a different install and setup than ms store where can I find addons linker install and setup instructions for MSFS steam installed version

thank you 🙏

bad2000 16 day(s) ago

hello, there is no particularity for the Steam version (i have the steam version). In the options screen you just need to set your REAL community folder (it should end with 'Packages\Community' for steam, i guess you know where it is because that's where you have put your addons until now) and set a custom addon folder where you will want to store the addons managed by the tool. In the option screen you can also select 'Steam' in the 'choose FS version' field (this is used only if you want to launch the sim via the tool). Let me know if something is not clear.

aflower1 16 day(s) ago

Bad2000

thank you for your reply I’ll give it a try tonight when I get home

thanks again Alan

johnliem 15 day(s) ago

Yes, I did changed the text, but the main thing I hope one day you find out to make the button bigger 😉 thank you for this must have tool for msfs2020

joshbrod007

19 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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Hello, your tool is awesome! I have a suggestion that would make the ease of use go one level above.

When on the map page there is the option to import a flight plan and it shows as an orange line on the map. If there is some way to automatically link all the sceneries within an X mile radius from that line to save having to go through and activate any airports/scenery along that route that would be SO AWESOME!!!

Not sure if this is possible but if you managed to do that I think myself and so many others would be so impressed! Have a lovely day and thanks for such an incredible tool!

bad2000 19 day(s) ago

hello, thank you for you very nice comment and suggestion, appreciated ! I thought about that too in the past but it was not really easy to calculate each sceneries position compared to the flightplan to know which ones had to be selected or not. What i did, as a possible workaround, (not sure if you are aware of that), is that you can draw a rectangle around your flightplan and enable everything inside the rectangle in 1 click, that should do the job because everything included in your rectangle will be enabled and it will match with your flightplan. Try to do this -> keep SHIFT pressed while clicking the mouse and draw a rectagle around your flightplan -> this will select all addons inside the rectangle (blue color by default) -> then right click and choose 'enable selected addons'.

Maybe you knew about this already and it's not good enough (depending on the shape of the FP it will probably enable a bit more addons than you would want to, but then if needed you can redo little rectangles to deselect some that are not needed), but if you didn't let me know if that works for you. I will also investigate if it's possible to improve that (would be nice to be able to draw a polygon and not a rectangle, but not sure if possible yet).

** edit ** i just did a little test and it seems i can add 'polygon selection' so in a few click you'll be able to draw a shape matching your flightplan, i will try to finalize that soon ** end of edit **

joshbrod007 18 day(s) ago

Awesome thank you so much!! This sounds like a really good workaround for that obstacle and would be really nice to have! I'll try the rectangles for now until that becomes available as an option...a good development challenge though and if you end up being able to calculate this in the future let me know! I'm sure myself and many others would be very grateful. Thank you once again for all your hard work 😊

bad2000 18 day(s) ago

For info, i sent you a little test version via private message.

PaulS

19 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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Fantastic utility, can't fly without it. Thanks. One question: any idea why, when I launch FSEconomy's app automatically with AL, it starts just fine but doesn't have my credentials in the Config. If I start the app separately, it remembers my name and password. I suspect it's to do with the options on launching a 3rd party program, but can't figure it out.

bad2000 19 day(s) ago

Thank you very much for your feedback, appreciated ! Not sure what is happening there, maybe a Windows rights issue. I have the FSUIPC FSE client, it seems it stores the login and enrypted password in the same folder as the EXE in a fseco.ini file, for me it works. Do you use that same client, can you maybe check the rights on that fseco.ini file (right click 'properties' then 'security' tab. The only difference that i can think of is that maybe you don't launch FSE and AL with the same rights (for example if you forced FSE or AL in admin mode, but well it should cause any prob...). Still investigating but not easy because i can't reproduce on my end for now.

PaulS 19 day(s) ago

I think it was my fault - just tried again, and waited a bit longer, and it seems to work. Am guessing I was just a bit quick trying to launch the thing. So, ignore me! Many thanks once more for your quality work. Paul

lopentan

21 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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This is the best addon, buy since today i have an issue, cant see map tool, i see that is open but cant see the map. Anyt idea how to resolve? i use this tool avery time . i Have the bing code insert but since today not work.

bad2000 21 day(s) ago

Hello, ,thank you very much for your feedback. Yes it's a known issue (there is some info about it in the FAQ), it should be easy to resolve if you do this -> make sure the tool is closed -> open the INI file with notepad ( C:\ProgramData\MSFS Addons Linker\MSFS_Addons_Linker.ini ) -> locate and remove the line that starts with Map_Window_Position=xxxx -> save the INI and restart the tool. Let me know if that doesn't fix it for you.

lopentan 21 day(s) ago

Thankyou, sir, worls perfect, no doubt this is the best addon, is eseencial to order the sim.

pmb

23 day(s) ago

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The new version gave me a big headache: I launched the ICAO doublets search functions and got a long list of results. Some are between /Offical and /Community where I'm not even sure if I must get rid of the /Official version, and if so, how to do it. Most are Freeware vs. Payware doublets. Will take me a couple of hours to go through the list and tidy up.

Thank you for adding another very useful function!

bad2000 23 day(s) ago

no don't delete the official ones, that's just for info, like if you have the asobo EGLL and the inibuilds EGLL it will show duplicates, but you probably disabled the Asobo EGLL already so all is fine, the tool shows potential duplicates if both would be enabled at the same time, but then it's up to you to decide what should be deleted or not. I don't think you should delete official ones, just disable them in the content manager (like you probably did), deletion should only be done for custom donwloaded addon that you see as duplicates and that you know that you won't use them anymore.

pmb 21 day(s) ago

Thank you! I'll go through the list tomorrow.

bad2000 20 day(s) ago

oky and don't hesitate to let me know if you think you saw something weird in the list or if you need more help with that feature.

gabrielin195

25 day(s) ago

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its normal bluee terrain flash in a new update? in 5.0.6 was all ok, but im updated and have blueterrain flash

bad2000 25 day(s) ago

not sure but was your comment maybe made for another addon ? I don't really understand what you mean by 5.0.6 (my tool is version 0.16) and blue terrain flash, it does not seem to match with what my tool does 😊

gabrielin195 24 day(s) ago

right!!!! mea culpa, so sorry it was for another addon, but now download the msfs addons linker! ty so much! sucefull

Droplexx

26 day(s) ago

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I got a question again 😊 Is it possible to add dependencies?

For example: If i land in Istanbul (LTFM) with the flithsim.to scenery. I land in the woods on these huge airport because on Bing Map Data there isnt any airport. Dont know why there is no acurate Map Data. But there is also a Areal Fix for that on flightsim.to.

Second Example: For the UK2000Sceneries i need to activate the Modlib Database to work correctly with their airports.

Or the VDGS module for some Aerosoft Airports as third example.

But when i land there one time in 6 months for example, i dont remember those dependencies. So maybe a Popup or something like that would be really helpful.

Like: "You also need these Addons activated with this one to work properly".

Which can be merged in a menu when first time copy to the AddonLinker Scenery folder.

bad2000 26 day(s) ago

Hello, there is already a 'dependency' function. In the right click menu of the main view you'll find an option called 'Dependencies --> Set dependencies for the selected addon'. A screen will open and will let you select the dependency(ies) needed for the addon you selected. If you do that, when you select the main addon, its dependency(ies) will be automatically selected. Let me know if it's not clear enough or if it doesn't seem work for you.

Droplexx 26 day(s) ago

Oh great, i never noticed this is already in. Nevermind i didnt say anything. It works as expected. Thanks for open up my eyes 😊

Monnette

26 day(s) ago / Thanked by bad2000

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Thanks for the latest update.

I am getting this error after "Error code: (0x80004005)"

Is there any workaround?

bad2000 26 day(s) ago

Hello, sorry for the trouble, unfortunately that error doesn't tell me much because it's the first time i hear about it. Googled a bit around and it seems it can be caused by so many different things at Windows level. It's probably not something that is fixable in the code of the tool, there has to be an issue somewhere with some Windows settings preventing the app from running correctly. When does that happen ? as soon as you launch the tool or when you are already inside the tool ? Is it maybe your antivirus (or security software) that is maybe blocking the tool, can you try maybe to disable that for a few minutes and do a test ? I can send you a link to the previous version if you want to retry that one and see if you get the same result.

Monnette 26 day(s) ago

Thanks for your quick reply. Sorry for not giving much info. It is right after I updated it to the latest. It works perfectly before. I tested it with only 1 active addon. Right after I press the play button. Sim starts with the first window with rotating signing in the bottom right then boom this error. Sim works fine when I start it with just the Flightsimulator.exe application. If it's convenient for you. please send me the link to the previous version to test. Thanks again.

bad2000 26 day(s) ago

thanks for the precision, so it's only when you launch the sim via the tool and not an issue with the tool itself. Maybe it's just because you used to run the tool 'as admin' and, after updating, that setting was reset and for some reason the sim can't start when launched from the tool (probably you have the ms-store version ?). Can you please try to force 'run as admin' to see if it changes anything. I will send you a link to the previous version via private message shortly if you want to retest that one again.

Monnette 25 day(s) ago

I tried running the latest in admin as per your suggestion but the problem is still there. I have seen your PM and will DL and revert back to the version you sent. I will report back soon. Thanks

Monnette 25 day(s) ago

Tried the previous version sent and it was the same. Well, I will have to use the linker this way. I will tick the box of the addons that I want to use. then instead of pressing the play button. I will just open the sim thru the Flightsimulator.exe. One step more but I can still use the very good add-ons linker. Thanks a million bad2000

bad2000 25 day(s) ago

yep i'm not surprised you have the same issue with the old version because no code was changed about that feature. I guess you have the MS-Store version, so if it was working before and suddenly not anymore maybe something was updated/changed there and prevent the app from launching. There's also maybe some antifivus/security software blocking the call of the sim from my program. I will let you know if i find more info about that.

Monnette 25 day(s) ago

thank you bad2000. I will get back to this message if ever I found a workaround. Cheers!

Roadmap
These items are currently on the list and will be processed soon!

Backlog
Suggestion, bugs and ideas for the future.

Version 0.16.8183.20 May 28, 2022

Very small update to fix a few things and add a few more requests.

[NEW] New 'Check for duplicates (ICAO)' option in the 'Tools' menu that will check for duplicate airports in your addons folders. Note that, as always, encrypted marketplace addons can not be checked, this is not something that can be bypassed. Not sure if there's interest, but if needed maybe i can add little option where you could enter manually the ICAO of those marketplace airports that you own so that they will be checked with the rest and appear in the result list if you have a custom addon for that same airport.

[IMPROVED] The 'program launch feature' now includes a new option that allows you to launch an external program only when an addon is selected (for example launch AIG Traffic Controller' only when the 'aig-aitraffic-oci-beta' addon folder is enabled in the tool).

[IMPROVED] you can now print the map if you want to (right click menu on the map the use the 'print' option, the visible part showing on your screen will be printed)

[FIXED] fixed some colors issue when using custom colors or themes

[FIXED] some more little fixes here and there

As always, when updating, make sure you replace all files included in the zip and not only the EXE (some other files are changed from time to time and it's the case with this release)

Thank you
Version 0.15.8156.23 May 01, 2022

A mini maintenance release just to fix a few minor issues add add a few specific requests, and hopefully a useful improvement in the 'launch external programs' feature, see example pic --> https://i.imgur.com/AmW4Lnu.png

[IMPROVED] Overhaul of the 'launch external programs' options. If needed, go through your existing programs and adapt the settings as needed (right click 'edit' to change the parameters for each program). Custom arguments, custom delays, waiting for simconnect, process priority and affinity can now all be set for each program individually

[IMPROVED] You can now add custom folders to be scanned for the documentation browser, there is a little button at the top-right of the screen. (For example if you want to add your MD80 docs just add the 'C:\Users\<your_username>\Documents\Maddog X Files' folder as custom folder).

[IMPROVED] You can now add/remove multiple tags at once via the new 'Manage tags for the selected addons...' right click menu option. Note that this needs to be improved to be able to remove 'tags', for now it just add tags, should be available in the future version.

[IMPROVED] It's now possible to enter multi-line descriptions for addons.

[IMPROVED] If you have multiple 'addons folders', you can now choose in the options screen if you want them to be sorted by 'name' or in the order you have introduced them in the options screen (note that this option has no effect if you have saved a custom layout that includes a sorted column)

[IMROVED] If you have specified batch files in the auto-launch programs, the 'black command window' will not be shown anymore when executing the batch

[IMPROVED] Custom description can now be used as map dots tooltip, the description column has also been added to the map screen grid.

[IMPROVED] Some little improvements for the recently introduced new 'black' dark mode

[FIXED] MaterialLib/ModelLib scanner could hang when reading a layout.json files containing errors.

[FIXED] Documentation browser was sometimes not refreshing the documents list properly after applying a filter or doing a search

[FIXED] The first item of the main view wasn't always properly selected and focused when launching the tool

[FIXED] The renaming of the 'description' column had no effect if a custom layout was saved (via the option 'save columns/order size). The renamed column was also not renamed in the other screens (gridview / dependencies and preset editors)

[FIXED] The 'Load preset' argument was not working properly if used at the same time as the 'startsim' parameter

[FIXED] The usual little fixes here and there
Version 0.14.8141.41 April 16, 2022

oh well yeah, i will never get it right the first time, so here is the little hotfix as usual ... sorry for that ;)

[HOTFIX] new 'documentation browser screen' was not opening properly due to a little last minute change that was not tested on a PC without development tools
Version 0.14.8141.35 April 16, 2022

Hello,

Nothing major but just a little update mainly to fix a few little bugs and add a few requests. Thanks as always for the feedback and ideas.

[IMPORTANT FIX] Fixed a possible issue causing the main screen to not appear correctly if the decimal separator was not set as the dot (.) in the Windows regional settings

[NEW] : Added an 'Addons documentation browser' allowing access the PDF documents of all your addons in a single screen without the need to go hunt for them in subfolders (all addons managed by the tool + all the addons in the official/onestore folder are processed). The documents will also be avaible in the main view in the right click menu 'Documentations'. You need to launch the new screen at least once to scan the data the first time (button at the bottom). Example screen here -> https://imgur.com/Q1Ww275

[NEW] : Option to launch the tool only with the map (options screen -> 'map options' tab). You can restore the normal UI with a little 'show main window' button available in the right side panel of the screen when needed.

[NEW] : new experimental darker dark mode (it's called 'black'). You might need to change some of the 'coloring' option in the options screen to match with the darker interface.

[IMPROVED] : you can add now multiple dependencies to several addons at once. Select multiple addons in the main view and then use the new option in the right click menu called 'Add cumulative dependencies to the selected addons'. You can then choose the dependencies that will be added to the ones the addons might already have.

[IMPROVED] : if you want to set an addon as dependency of several other addons you can now use the new 'Set this addons as dependeny for other adons' option in the right click menu

[IMPROVED] : map dots can now be colored based on the TAGS you have defined (available in the options screen 'map options')

[IMPROVED] : Content.xml editor, you can now quickly move entries up/down by using the keyboard (SHIFT+KEYUP and SHIFT+KEYDOWN). A warning is shown if you made changes and are closing the screen before saving. You can now disable the automatic 'backup file' creation.

[IMPROVED] : For the ModelLib and MaterialLib changer screens, you can now disable the automatic backup file creation. You can now also specify if you want the log to be automatically saved in a file (files will be here -> C:\ProgramData\MSFS Addons Linker\Logs). Use the 'options' tab to enable or disable those options.

[IMPROVED] : you can now save the layout (columns position / size / sort order) in both the dependencies and preset editor screens

[IMPROVED] : new option in the 'options screen' to choose if you want both the dependencies and presets editor screens to open with all nodes collapsed (by default they are expanded). If collapsed, the first level will still be expanded unless you have several custom addons folders specified.

[IMPROVED] : Map 'user points' can now be deleted and modified. There is also a new option to import points but it's very basic for now, just create a CSV file with 3 columns 'name;latitude;longitude' and you will be able to import the data to the map. If you need more with this feel free to contact me directly.

[MINI] : Added a little button in the toolbar at the top to autofilter the potential duplicate addon names (button with the 'warning' image)

[MINI] : if you have added several 'addons folder' in the options screen, you can now sort them automatically with a little button 'Sort folder' button

[MINI] : added some possible arguments when launching the tool ('preset=nameofpreset' to launch the tool and automatically load a preset / 'startsim' will launch the sim and all specified programs when launching the tool / 'startsimandquit' will launch the sim with all specified programs without starting the tool)

[FIXED / IMPROVED] Several other small fixes and changes here and there

[NEXT] Next i will try to improve the 'automatic program launcher' that needs a little overhaul, it's not ready to be included in this release but it should be coming fairly soon (possibility to add arguments to the program, 'wait for simconnect' and 'delays' settable for each programs individually).

Some of this might sound a bit too technical, but don't worry they are just options for those needing more advanced features, you can still use it the same way as before, nothing has changed for the main features.

As always let me know if I broke something and i'll try to fix quickly. Thank you.
Version 0.13.8037.42 January 02, 2022

hmm.. no comment, another litte fix. It came to my attention that some people changed their default preset folder to be the same as their addons folder. The backup process backups the preset folder (should be only a few tiny-K) but if you have set it to be the same as your addons folder it will backup all your addons .. this explained why very few people thought the application was hanging, it was probably copying lots of file.

If you have changed your preset folder and saw long loading time the first time you launched the version of december 31st, please check your C:\ProgramData\MSFS Addons Linker\Backup folder. It will maybe contain a backup folder that takes lots of space and that you can safely delete to preserve disk space.

[IMPROVED] Backup process now backups only the small files needed even if the folder contains tons of other files.

Sorry again for the multiple releases ! This backup option added on dec 31st was probably my worst idea of 2021 ahah :)
Version 0.13.8037.33 January 02, 2022

Hello,

HOTFIX of the HOTFIX

BIG SORRY for the multiple versions in a few days span, sometimes it's just a bit more complicated than it seems :)

I have had a few reports of users that were stuck on the loading screen with the latest version because of the newly implemented automatic backup process. This probably occured to less than 1% of the users but still a fix was really needed.

For info, the backup process only backups some very small files just to make sure you don't loose your configured data (ini file, presets, custom data).

[CHANGE] The automatic backup process is not enabled by default anymore for EVERY users (even if you already used it), please enable it again in the options screen if you're interested in that feature (i think it's a good idea to have it enabled).

[IMPROVED] the backup folder is now configurable

Hopefully this version will be ok for everyone and 'hotfix of hotfix of hotfix' will not be needed for a while :)

Thank you for your support and special thanks also to the guys who helped me debug this issue.

Frequently Asked

Questions? Find your solution here.

How to install / update ?

Simply unzip all included file in the zip in a folder of your choice. For updating, repeat the same process after deleting the files that came with the previous version.

Will my settings be kept after an update ?

Yes, the settings are saved in a different folder (C:\ProgramData\MSFS Addons Linker). The presets are also stored in that folder by default but they might be in another folder if you changed their locations in the options screen (so make sure you don't delete them if you changed the location manually).

Can i save the columns order / size ?

yes, there is an option for that in the right click menu (save columns order / size). If you do that, the column order will be restored on the next restart of the tool

After launching the tool i see the icon in my taskbar but the screen does not show up (main screen of map screen), WTH ?

oops, the tool saves it's locations when closed. If you change monitor settings between 2 sessions (for example going form dual screen setup to a single screen setup) it might happen that the screen is restored outside of the boundaries of your current screen, so it will be there but you wont' see it :)

You can fix that easily by going to the configuration folder (C:\ProgramData\MSFS Addons Linker), open the ini file with notepad and remove the tree lines below :

Window_Position=
Window_Splitter_Pos=
Window_Splitter_PosH=

If you have the problem with the map's screen you need to remove this line :

Map_Window_Position=xxxx

On the next restart the app should show up correctly on your screen.

I'm getting 'can not read manifest.json file', addons do not work when moved outside of the community folder

This is unfortunately an issue some users having the MS-Store version faced. When addons are placed in the community folder they are somewhat encrypted (not exactly sure what Windows does). When you move them elsewhere, they don't work anymore. It seems to be a Windows limitation and there's not much we can do. For some users copying the addons instead of moving them fixed the issue but that doesn't seem to work for everyone. In the worst case you would need to redownload the addons having the problem and place them directly in your custom addon folder.

If you have the MS-Store version an plan to move all your files outside of the community folder, i strongly advise you to try first with a single addon to make sure it works. There are also some workaround you might try if moving doesn't work for you (feel free to contact me if needed).

I have a crash when .......

please send me a private message on this site (there is a little option 'private message to bad2000' in the action menu on the main addon page) with the detailed error message that you get. I'll do my best to try to fix

Can I apply multiple presets at once ?

yes, you can do that either by using the 'presets screen' available in the toolbar menu, in that screen you can select several presets and apply them at once. You can also use the button 'apply cumulative' at the bottom of the addons list. That button will apply the selection of the presets without removing the currently selected addons.

I get invalid links if i rename / remove addons via the Windows Explorer

this is normal because if you do operations via the Windows explorer the links can not be maintained (for renaming for example there is an option directly in the tool's right click menu, if you do that inside the tool the link will be maintained by the tool). Anyway if you get invalid links you can delete them easily with the right click menu 'delete invalid links' on the right panel (they can be spotted easily because they will be with a red background), then just recreate the link for the desired addon.

Where is the manual ?

there is none .. shame on me for sure ;) It should be fairly easy to use though and feel free to ask if you have any questions.

There are also some videos about the tool that have been popping up on Youtube, they can certainly help understanding the basics (many thanks to their authors).

Donations ?

Thank you very much about thinking about making a donation. I really appreciate that but it's ok, there's already so much stuff to pay for nowadays, just enjoy the little tool if you think it can be useful for you and don't worry about money.

How to uninstall everything / start new ?

To remove completely the application you need to remove two folders.

- the folder in which you unzipped all files

- the configuration folder that is created automatically when the tool is run for the first time and where your settings are saved (C:\ProgramData\MSFS Addons Linker)

if you do that it will be like if you had never installed the tool.

Do I really have to launch the tool 'as admin' ?

The real reply would be NO. But well, it's a bit difficult, the more precise reply is 'not anymore since v0.8' but YES if you have already used older version of the tool.

Unfortunately it was required for earlier version (because the tool was creating links that needed admin rights, now not anymore). The fact that it was required in earlier versions means that now your configuration files are saved 'as admin' and if you run the tool 'not as admin' you wouldn't be able to update them so you are pretty much forced to continue running the tool as admin. It's a bit annoying.

Feel free to contact me if you need more info and don't want to run it 'as admin' anymore because it would be as simple as recreating your configuration files without admin rights.

Why do some addons show up in red ?

The red color is just a warning (everything will work fine). It indicates that you have two (or more) addons with the same name in different folders. Those are probably duplicates that need to be checked.

Pretty empty over here.

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These users have donated to bad2000 to keep him making awesome add-ons everyone can enjoy.

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These add-ons may be required or recommended to use.

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