A couple of problems.
 
1) THe program ALWAYS asks me for registration key EVERY time I start up , even when I start up as ADMIN.
 
2) THe program says that my previous files are NOT COMPATIBLE with the version of software I'm running. 
 
I installed 8.0 then patched up to 8.3.1
 
Perhaps I didn't follow a certain patch install sequence?
 
Or maybe I didn't use the right patch?
 
btw...anyone have the correct links to upgrade from SONAR 8.0 to the latest version that CAKEWALK allows (I'm assuming it's 8.3.1?)
 
-bob

I think if you purchase the latest SONAR (platinum), that would all that is required for the upgrading.  More information is readily available on the products page.
 
No idea about the registration key issue.  8.x hasn't been 'officially' supported in some time now.

The most patch-current 8.x version of Sonar was 8.5.3, and was really a solid program, though at the time, very difficult to approach as a new user, due to the incredible number of keyboard binding shortcuts that folks spent a long time learning.
 
IF you end up checking out the free demo download of Sonar Platinum, there is a pretty good learning curve into transitioning from Sonar 8.5.3 to the current Platinum functionality and appearance.
 
Please also note that many folks STILL have Sonar 8.5.3 installed on their current computers, with it living happily alongside Sonar Platinum.  The can and DO live on the same computer quite nicely, AND there are some plugins that went away over time - between 8.5.3 and the current Platinum, so that is another benefit to keeping 8.5.3 on a computer.
 
 
Bob Bone
 

https://www.cakewalk.com/Support/Knowledge-Base/2007012920/SONAR-8-5-3-AudioSnap-Update
 
You can work your way backward from there. 8.5.2 is required for 8.5.3. Previous versions generally needed to be installed prior to a subsequent upgrade.
 
Happy hunting.

8.5 was a paid upgrade from 8.0.
 
If you purchased 8.0 (like me) you can only patch up to 8.3.1.
 
IF you want to go from 8.3.1 to 8.5, Cakewalk will not let you unless you PAID for the upgrade (which I did not)
 
So, I'm stuck here in 8.3 hell with a program that will not work on my Win 7 pC.
 
Cakewalk does not respond to my numerous email support tickets asking them why their program which I paid over $200 for will not allow me to properly register my OWner's serial and reg key on my PC.
 
It's this kind of stuff that drives customers into class action law suits against companies. 
 
Cakewalk needs to either upgrade their existing customers into working versions of their software or make the commitment to supporting their products. 
 
I have valuable mixes that my SONAR program now refuses to open saying the current version in not compatible.
 
These mixes have a market value. Just curious how Cakewalk's legal department can defend blocking serial number and registration validation after selling a product to a consumer.
 
Once again, how dysfunctional is that?
 

What "previous files" are not compatible? Is it that you cannot run projects created on an earlier version of SONAR in your 8.3 installation on Win7?
 
Did you run the installation file for SONAR 8.0 as administrator when you installed the program?
 
Have you tried running SONAR in XP compatibility mode?
 
What happens if you put the registration key in when the program asks you to do that?

What "previous files" are not compatible? Is it that you cannot run projects created on an earlier version of SONAR in your 8.3 installation on Win7?
 
ANSWER: Projects created with SONAR 8.3 installation on Win7.
 
Did you run the installation file for SONAR 8.0 as administrator when you installed the program?
 
ANSWER: YES

Have you tried running SONAR in XP compatibility mode?
 
ANSWER: I'm running Win 7. Why would I go backwards to see if it would work?

What happens if you put the registration key in when the program asks you to do that?
 
ANSWER: It allows me to move forward, but every time I close the program and restart, it asks for REG again.

OK, Now I know what you mean by running it in XP compatible mode - it's upon start of the SONAR.exe file...
 
YEs, I went ahead and ran it in WIN XP compatibility mode. THe result? - Still doesn't open the file.
 
Program is still not registering  my KEy.

Don't you get a free download of Sonar Producer 8.5 if you bought 8.0 version AFTER 2009?

support for Sonar 8 was discontinued long ago. so if your not receiving a reply, im not surprised.
the update for Sonar 8.5 is also not available anymore (as far as I know) I believe its only the X series there are updates for (still I could be wrong, but I don't think so).
 
anyway, have you tried running windows 7 as administrator ?
right click on the sonar Icon and choose "Run as administrator".
use the reg key as normal. then close the program and re open.
 
some of the sonar VST's (like Rapture) was like that. you needed to run it as administrator in order for it to take the reg code.
similar to this: https://www.cakewalk.com/Support/Knowledge-Base/2007013114/I-cant-enter-my-registration-code-it-says-Not-logged-in-as-Admin
 
hope this helps.