Hi Ric, I've experienced similar problems in the VC after I installed a second AI traffic program to populate my military airfields. Not only were my gauges functioning erractically, but my frame rate dropped into single digets and the program stalled when transitioning. The problem went away as soon as I uninstalled that second AI program. I have since discussed the problem with Microsoft and Dell's XPS gaming team. The consensus (to do everything I want to do without degrading my settings) is to upgrade my system to a duo core processor, a 512 MB graphics card and to 2-4 GBs of Ram. I'll let you know in about 2 weeks if the experts know what they're talking about. With your specs you should be able to fly your Herc without a problem, but depending on what other programs are running concurrently, your system may be taxed to its limit? When CS published their minimum and recommended system specs for the Herc, I'm sure they weren't considering guys like me that have over 20 GBs of FS 9 add-ons. FYI I think you'll also find that the Herc will perfom best early in your flight sequence rather than after several hours of flying. Hope something here helps.  :) Ziggy