Problems launching Sonar, then long delay to get project PLAY, then no sound !

I'm knocked out.  This is problem new from today. No such problems before.
 
It takes about 30 seconds to launch Sonar (8.5.3 or X1 : same). Then if I want to PLAY, another 30 seconds (*if* it is going to start in the first place...), then, nothing plays : no movement in RME Total Mix, no movement in Sonar led, no movement on mixing board (external).  If I try to arm a track for recording (gee I would not do it in such a situation...), it also takes forever before it lit red (Read that also on RME forum....) - yeah of course I asked on RME forum.  But just in case there's a ''Sonar'' solution to this so I can work...
 
No I haven't gigged with drugs nor move any equipment last night. No wiring has been plugged or unplugged.  When I powered things off yesterday everything was perfect.
 
I tried to rebboot, shut down everything, and nothing change.  I treid to do WIndows system restore (since everything was perfect yesterday...) : changed nothing.
 
I had read about issues between RME Fireface 800 and Sonar X1, but according to most, these have been solved issues. Yes I have latest everything you may think of (drivers, patches, and o on). I checked my memory over last 3 days with memcheck and found nothing.
 
No there' is no power outtage curently ;-)
 
Thanks,
Rob

Beagle


are you using S8.5 or SX1?  this is the sonar (8.5 and below) forum.
which bit rate version are you using?  32 bit or 64bit?  does it happen in the other bit rate versions?  which driver mode are you using?  do you have a TI chipset firewire?

- I am using both and the problem is the same on both. Once again : just as of today.
- I use Sonar 8.5.3 in 32 bit and 64bit, and X1 in 64bit only. Problems arise on either one.
- I am in ASIO mode.
- I use the SiiG PCIe FW card with the TI chipset which is was recommended on many forums (RME, AVID), the exact same model :-)

Beagle


hmm, OK, do you have antivirus software running?  how about a TV tuner card or webcam?  what other devices are connected?  sometimes other drivers will conflict.

Nope. I always disconnect from network when DAWing, stop AV; no webcam running; no complex gaming or TV  tuner card or graphic card - just a good basic one that allow dual monitoring - an ATI (as I have read some having problem with ther RME stuff using nVidia....) - I did my homeworks man :-)

Beagle


maybe try changing firewire ports you're plugged into?

try disconnecting the MOTU MIDI (I know it shouldn't have anything to do with it).

are you overclocking?

My good friend, thank you : you just made me think there was an external HDD on the same FW card... I know, I know... it's a known one... But it was working with no glitch... until tonight... Just unplugging this f.... HDD made everything back to normal.  Wasted hours and all my creative mood for today. But thanks to you : I will remember this one :-)
Cheers,
Rob