Thanks for the idea, I appreciate it!
Sadly it didn't work. There's no GDFInstall.exe crash anymore....but the sim still doesn't load. The IL-2 CLiffs of Dover text in the Steam Library momentarily flashes "Synching" and then Steam just sits there idle.
I had read earlier in my search for a solution that it relates to game path....I guess I could try to re-install on an entirely different drive...
and some more googling returns:
"Before you can integrate a game into Games Explorer, you must create a game definition file (GDF). A GDF is an XML file that contains metadata that describes the game. In the March 2009 release of the DirectX SDK, a section for game provider, RSS feed, and game task has been added to the GDF schema. To use the instructions in this article, you must use this new GDF format to create your GDF file.
Microsoft provides a tool for authoring GDFs in the DirectX SDK, Game Definition File Editor, to make this creation process easier. This tool also helps you create localized versions of a GDF.
Once a GDF has been authored and localized, it must be encapsulated within a resource section of a binary file (either an executable or DLL), along with the game's thumbnail and icon. The GDF contains all of the metadata associated with the game, including the game's rating........
The functions exported by this DLL are the following:
GameExplorerInstallW
Registers a game with Games Explorer, given a path to the GDF binary, a full path to the folder where the game is installed, and the installation scope.
GameExplorerInstallA
Registers a game with Games Explorer; ANSI version of GameExplorerInstallW.
GameExplorerUninstallW
Removes a game from registration with Games Explorer, given a path to the GDF binary.
GameExplorerUninstallA
Removes a game from registration with Games Explorer; ANSI version of GameExplorerUninstallW.
GameExplorerSetMSIProperties
Configures the CustomActionData properties for the actions of an MSI deferred custom installation. Usage of this function is described in detail later in this topic.
GameExplorerInstallUsingMSI
Adds a game to Games Explorer; for use during an MSI custom action installation.
GameExplorerUninstallUsingMSI
Remove a game from Games Explorer; for use during an MSI custom action installation.
These functions are further explained in the GameUXInstallHelper.h header."
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/libr...(v=vs.85).aspx