[freespace2pilot]

i downloaded the freespace open exe, version 3.5 i think, anyways when i run it, the screen flickers, then goes back to windows, with no apparent change in the game or its files

[ShadowWolf_IH]

did you run the launcher?  if i were you i would download 3.6 and use the launcher for setup.

[karajorma]

ShadowWolf is correct. You need to run the launcher first.

The guide to installing FS2 in my sig is a little old but the basic concepts haven't changed so you might want to take a quick look at it.

[TopAce]

I guess he downloaded the right version for FreeSpace Open, he simply did not remember its version number.