I recently purchased Descent 1 & 2 off of GoG. I've a veteran player from years ago, but my old joysticks aren't compatible with latest windows OS (I'm running Windows 7 RC 64-bit) so I decided to order a new joystick off of newegg. I ended up buying the THRUSTMASTER T.Flight Hotas X (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16879337003&Tpk=thrustmaster%20t%20hotas)
It just came in today and there's one problem. It seems that the "hat" button on the top of the stick isn't being recognized by Descent 2 (Haven't tried Descent 1 yet... but I'd say it's safe to assume it won't either). I've tried selecting all of the different joystick options, and even customizing the button setup but it won't register. Can anyone please help me out here? I can't imagine playing through a Descent game without using the hat button for strafing in any direction.

D1&2 has problems with newer joysticks, even if you use DOSBox to emulate a model. You'll really better off using DXX-Rebirth, as is supports more axes and HATs than the original presets did. Not to mention, it also supports hardware acceleration. :)

So basically, I wasted 6 bucks? :P

Wait.... what??

I checked out the DXX-Rebirth site...from what I understood it was a remake of Descent 1 & 2? I was busy and didn't completely read up on it, I just thought that I had read that it is a remake of the game (not requiring you to own the retail versions).
Based on your response I'm inclined to think I am wrong and it's just a mod, so nevermind then, heh.

No, both DXX-Rebirth and D2X-XL are *engine* replacements, not a game replacement (or mods). Take the data files from the one you got here (the part well worth $6), and include it in the appropriate folders, and you should be good.

If you want to just get the GoG version working with the T.Flight Hotas X, edit dosboxDescent.conf in the Descent folder (and dosboxDescent2.conf in the Descent 2 folder) and change the line that says:
joysticktype=auto
to:
joysticktype=ch
Then select the CH Flightstick Pro in Descent's control options. Not all of the buttons are available on the throttle, but all the joystick buttons are there (including HAT), the throttle axis work, and throttle buttons 5 and 6 can be assigned (the rest wrap). Although frankly, I don't suggest using the throttle at all (stick with the keyboard, you'll need it for weapon switching, and Descent's need for fast-paced forward and reverse doesn't work well with a throttle).

Thank you, goldeneagle! That actually helped me solve slightly different joystick problem I was having.
I'm on Windows 7 Pro 64-bit. The OS recognized my ancient Wingman Extreme Digital 3D without having to install anything. I dug it out because of Descent I and II going on sale on GOG, but those games didn't like my joystick at all (yes, it was calibrated at OS level).
If I wanted to be able to use the hat and rudder control on this particular Wingman, I had to set:
joysticktype=ch
...in the dosboxDescent.conf mentioned in the previous post. Not "fcs" for the Wingman, but "ch" for the CH Flightstick. I also have to select that one in game because for some reason the hat and yaw doesn't work if either the dosbox or ingame config are set to Wingman/Thrustmaster.
Upon customizing the CH joystick controls in game you can manually configure the buttons for primary/secondary/flare/bombs. The bank axis can be set to the yaw and will show up as the "X2" axis.
Once these settings are in, Descent asks you to calibrate 2 joysticks. Joystick #2 will be the rudder.
I hope this helps anyone who happens to be in the same boat!
EDIT: It seems this method has a problem. It only responds to one button at a time. That means if you're using the hat switch, you cannot fire until you let go. Arg...

You might have better luck with DXX-Rebirth, which lets you run Descent 1/2 natively under Windows. The controller support is a bit better than under DOSBox, although it still has some of the shortcomings of the original game; I wasn't able to map all the inputs on my 360 controller, so you might run into similar limitations with your setup.
If Rebirth still doesn't let you map everything correctly you should look instead to Xpadder, a great little program lets you redirect controller inputs to keyboard/mouse movements. Xpadder can see all buttons and axes and whatnot on any given controller--as long as the driver is reporting them correctly to Windows itself--so game-specific limitations are irrelevant. The newer versions cost money but the last free version before it went paid is available from Softpedia or the like. It can be a bit fiddly to set up the first time, but once you get the hang of it it's an invaluable tool.
Note that if you go with Xpadder you will want to disable the in-game controller support entirely so that you don't get conflicting inputs. Since Xpadder completely bypasses games' native controller support it will work identically with both DOSBox and DXX-Rebirth, so pick whichever you prefer.

I ultimately decided to go with the DXX-Rebirth route. As much as I was trying to just go with the classic game, I have zero joystick issues with Rebirth. I may consider Xpadder if I decide I must go 100% classic, but I'm plenty happy now.
Thanks for the suggestion!