Microsoft sidewinder force feedback joystick (Oldie but Goodie)

[idahjo]

I came across an excellent flight simulator (Flight Gear) that makes me want to take the old M/S joystick out of moth balls. Trouble is when I hooked it up, it apparently does not know Windows 7 x64bit from apple butter!
I have a USB adapter that shares a USB2 with a 15 pin game port; so obviously they both function as USB2 ports. The old joystick has a 15 pin plug on it and attaches to this connector, but nothing happens. The machine does not recognize it.
Can this 15 pin game port connection function connected through a USB2 to the Motherboard? Can settings be made to tell the machine that it is there or will the Microsoft sidewinder force feedback joystick just not function in that lash-up?
Trying to load the factory included programs/drivers fails because it will not allow Windows 7 to load them. If this type of connection will not function, is there some kind of a card I could get to make it function? And it that is available how does one go about getting a driver that will function with a W-7 x64bit system.
Lots of questions; LOTS of thanks!

 

[Ranger4]

Check out these MS websites to see if they help.

How to install Microsoft Sidewinder Joystick on a Windows 7 - Microsoft Community

Windows 7 compatibility for Microsoft SideWinder Joystick Game Controller model E13-00002

 

[idahjo]

Thanks Ranger, but nothing mentioned appears to be of any effect. "Compatibility" seems to be worthless to load the joysticks drivers from the factory disk.
In this high-tech (-ie) world it is amazing that no one has a 'fix' or sells a pci board that will allow for the use of this heavy duty controller. I think it is great and superior to anything out there that is affordable or i wouldn't be trying to get it to work!

 

[Ranger4]

Yes, I do agree with you, but unfortunately things move on & as it uses a serial connector & not a USB one, which is the plug & play standard today. Serial to USB adapters are available but often there are problems getting software & drivers for them & often they use a COM port & sometimes conflicts occur there as well.
All you can do is search the web to see if you can find a solution, otherwise the only reliable solution is to replace it with a new one.

 

[idahjo]

Have tried the adapter and ZILCH!
Sorry to say it but I think you are correct 'moveon.org'
Thanks again for the help!

 

[Mellon Head]

Never mind

 

[idahjo]

Got your notice before you 'never minded' it

I have checked through those cheapie cards and none appear promising. I think the Chinese are hitting a market with a questionable product. One response was that the 15pin socket on his was only a plastic fixture that had no electrical connections...

 

[Mellon Head]

Yeah, and the one I did find stopped joystick support with Vista. I didn't notice that at first, my bad.

 

[idahjo]

'Guess it's time to move on...

Just 'bagged it' and ordered a Thrustmaster T-16000M. That should put a stop to the monkey business... Sure hate to junk the ole Sidewinder