Delete Generated Files

Do you recognize these problems?

P3D takes too long to start?
Transparent cockpit textures with activated panel lights?
Add-on won’t launch?
Use a shortcut in the root of P3D4 installation folder called Delete Generated Files.

Before you go !

Empty your Recycle bin in Windows…and backup these 2 default folders to your desktop for later use
?:\Documenten\Prepar3D v4 Files
?:\Documenten\Prepar3D v4 Add-ons

What does Delete Generated Files do?
It activates %COMSPEC% /C “Prepar3D.exe -deletegenerated” and will reset P3D4 to default after a restart.

Which files and folders are removed to the Recycle bin?

Where they come from (1)? 
C:\ProgramData\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D v4
Files and Folders: [add-ons.cfg ./. weather.cfg]
Where they come from (2)?
C:\Users\yourname\AppData\Local Roaming\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D v4
Files and Folders:
/Controls + /Effects + /Shaders + Prepar3D_Default.fxml and Prepa3D_Default.wx

[Folders and Files:: /Controls/ ./. /Shaders/]

Where they come from (3)?
C:\Users\yourname\AppData\Roaming\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D v4
Files and Folders: [add-ons.cfg ./. WindowDefinitions.xml]\

What do you need to restore?

  • sort your recycle bin hitting the name column.
  • restore both dll.xml ( in order to run apps started by dll.xml).
  • restore both exe.xml ( in order to run apps started by an exe in exe.xml).
  • restore simobjects.cfg (your connection with e.g.  IVAO_MTL).
  • restore both \Controls\ folders (your hardware settings).
  • restore VehicleFavorites.xml (your vehicle favorites settings).
  • Start the sim; do not activate Add-on.xml’s for the moment.
  • Check the contents of the scenery library; disable Bathymetry (Prio=1) unless you want to fly below sea level … wait for rebuilding the database.
  • ORBX Users: settings are gone … don’t shut down the sim …
    • Rename C:\Users\yourname\AppData\Roaming\Orbx into
      C:\Users\yourname\AppData\Roaming\Orbx-old
    • Check the scenery library: FTXAA_ORBXLIBS is Prio 1.
    • Check for anomalies… all OK? then delete the …\ORBX-old folder
    • Run C:\P3D4\ORBX\Troubleshooter\MigrationTroubleshooter.exe
      • When installed, lines must record MIGRATED CORRECTLY, else reinstall corrupted or missing scenery.
    • Corrupted lclookup.bgl ?? Read our post 2020-59
  • Select Options from the P3D4 Scenario Menu.
    • Uncheck Pause on task switch in General/Application.
    • Bullet Ignore crashes and damage in General/Realism.
    • Set your required Display Global Settings in Options/Display.
    • Close, then …
  • Run the default flight once, shut down the sim and restart PC.
  • Select Add-ons from the Prepar3D Scenario screen.
    • Enable Add-ons 1-by-1 and test for anomalies. If so … read this.
  • Select Scenery from the Prepar3D Scenario screen
    • Add Area to add scenery manually and test for anomalies. If so … read this.
  • Remember that (as a good habit) all apps must Run as Administrator
  • More Questions? Click here.

Version 2020-03-19

Startup Time Prepar3D v4 from FlightSim Eindhoven on Vimeo.