In Windows7 on my PC to clear the calibration registry (VID_06A3&PID_075C) I unplug X52, delete the folder in regedit.exe, plug back in and move all axis through their full range.
that explains the magical properties of the x52 and here i thought semp was giving me poop. sorry semp.
in windows xp you had to look in control panel under game controllers and most joystick drivers allowed windows to run a calibration. you could also go the long way through device manager but that was a pita.
windows 7 is a bit easier but, i'm guessing it's depending on the native drivers used for the stick. wonder what something like the tm warthog does.