Thanks Mike. At last the dog can see the rabbit. I would have preferred a link to the page it's posted on rather than the file itself so I can see what it's all about. This will take a while to download on my 56k connection so please bear with me.

I note that Airborn is using WinXP which is an added complication these days. I've read comments here that suggest a particular XP update is the cause of some of these weird "3rd party software" conflicts in FS2002/4. I have no knowledge of WinXP & its peculiarities but apparently uninstalling the update fixed the problem. I'm on WinMe & in over 4 years of regular troubleshooting of all kinds of problems in all M$ sims I have never once needed to reinstall the OS to fix a bug with any 3rd party addon. In this case I would dump the addon, simple as that. Life's too short for all that messing about.

I'm downloading the file so I should soon be able to see what's what for myself.

OK. I checked it out & the problem is caused by FSSound.dll as I orginally suggested. This file is not included with the download which explains the error messages. You can download the missing FSSound.dll in the update to Tipster's Baron 58 panel here. http://www.simviation.com/fs2002panels21.htm

Find & paste FSSound.dll into FS2002\MODULES. DLLs are hidden Windows System files so you might need to tweak the Windows Explorer folder options in order to see them as explained in my "Working with Windows" article. http://www.simviation.com/lair/windows.htm

I'm not sure if the DLL is the latest FS2002-compatible version so you might need to add the FS2002.cfg  entry I mentioned for it to work.

[OLDMODULES]  
fssound.dll=1

This should fix the problem.

I would add this comment - When installing any 3rd party addon PLEASE ignore all advice or instructions to unzip files direct to the sim as is the case with this aircraft. Unzip them to a Temp folder somewhere on your HD & paste the files/folders in manually. To install 3rd party gauges, open the folder they're in, click Edit/Select All & paste them into FS2002\GAUGES. Do NOT overwrite existing files/folders if prompted.

Airborn. FSSound.dll only needs installing once.  I suggest that by installing another aircraft with this DLL included fixed it for you. There are very few mysteries in this hobby that don't have a simple & logical explanation.

I have got to hand it to you, Doug - you obviously know your stuff (a big hand to him, everybody!) - you were absolutely right.

I have downloaded FSSound.dll as you suggested and - lo and behold - my Beaver now has a fully equipped panel with all gauges, switches, controls and all!

What threw me off your original track was that I didn't get a warning about FSSound.dll as in your example. Anyway, your FAQ page now has a permanent place in my bookmarks so I know where to look first next time. Well, I certainly learned something through this - thanks again to everyone and I guess we can close the topic here.

Happy simming/flying to all - and may your landings be smooth (not like some of mine still are - off 'piste' I guess a skier would call it (!) but then I don't have my virtual PPL yet - still a relative newcomer to this exciting world of virtual flying).