Well have eventually followed others and have a new computer system. I'm not a techie, but here are the basic bits.
Windows 8.1
Intel i7-4770, CPU @ 3.40Ghz (3.9Ghz with TurboBoost, 8MB cache)
RAM 16.0 GB DDR3
64 bit system
Graphics card, AMD Radeon R9 270 (2GB)
Motherboard, Intel Z87 chipset
Sound, AMD HD Beats audio
Internal disk 2TB
Monitor, HP 23xi IPS LED
I also have available an external 2TB disk.
Under my now backup computer (Windows 7, Intel i3) I ran FS9 with all add-ons from the external drive.
Do the experts advise re-installing FS9 and now also FSX on an external drive, or should I put the two Flight Sims onto the internal drive but keep all my add-on sceneries on the external drive. I believe I read on one of the forums (cannot find it now) if using the 'C' drive to keep flight sim outside of the C/Programs files.
regards
Allan