You may be using an empty hard drive, but your Operating system still have FSX keys in its registry. Download the software licensing system reset tool package now. Then run the Software Licensing System reset Tool so that Windows can accept the activation keys from FSX. Had this problem many times and I had to go through this routine. You need to get CCleaner or equivalent and clean your registry files from errors. Ok guys here is one for you, i just got a new laptop a few weeks ago and i am trying to install FSX but it will not go past 'Lesson2.msg', i have tried to install several times but with no attempt going any further than this point, there is no error message or sound, it just stops and i have left it to work on the install overnight but no progress is made.