Hello, and BTW: THANK YOU all for all the replies!
Geary: I unplug my joistick and it does not fire. All it thinks I have is a mouse. I used to fly this way for years.
When I plug my stick back in and restart--it recognizes the stick. I start up and the guns all start firing and wasting ammo just like before. I hit the "esc" key and it stops (after wasting ammo)...but the main trigger dosent work.
I went to all default button settings and it still does it.
I went in and re-set joystick buttons 0 and 1 to global fire all.
Rebooted...same deal...just starts shooting.
I have never heard of the "reinstall AH every 6 months" thing. You'd think that would be posted as a reminder on the home page or something.
I'm still unresolved here, but again, I VERY much appreciate your help...you are probably helping others as well!
ROX