TabSel

In wonder why there's no feedback in this Thread: http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2594947 where I introduced my free Plugin Manager. EVERYONE once in while has troubles with the x32/x64 DLL mess of his VST Plugins, no matter how hard he tries to organize everything pretty strictly. 
 
Have a look, ask questions, I'm there to help.

Didn't see the other thread. Happened across this one. Very interesting utility - many thanks for your generosity. Will give this a try. thanks,

Thanks, TabSel.  I will check it out.

thwart


@Blogman - that would have been my first move, but as you can see from my screenshot, that function is grayed out for some reason.  I can't scan.

The third path is redundant, it is contained within the second. Might lead to troubles. Remove the third path...

Are you using a custom plug-in layout menu? If so have you checked the "Default All Plug-ins" menu to see if it is in sync with what you actually have installed? 

Was there a point where everything was working? and if so what changed? For example did this happen after upgrading to X1d?  

Also, as a rule I avoid using any system folder as a container for my plug-in folder - i.e. I never have my plug-in folder within 'Program Files', 'Program Files(86)', etc..These folders are protected and some plug-ins won't work properly when placed within. 
While some may argue that they don't have problems having their VST folder located within Program Files - I've never had to modify or disable UAC behavior on my PCs to fix a DAW or plug-in problem. 

*** EDIT ***
If you got this reply as a solid blob of text my apologies. 
I reopen  this message in Chrome to fix the formatting problems this board has with FireFox.
This forum has had a compatibility problem with FireFox since it last major update.  I've filed several bug reports but the problem still exists.

I'll try your advice on moving the VSTs out of the Program Files area.  As far as "custom plugin layout-menu", I'm not even sure what that is.  I'll have to poke around with that tonight.

The screenshot you provided shows the preferences tab, I'm talking about in the plug-in manager. In Sonar go to: "Utilities, Plugin manager, then Click 'scan VST plug-ins'. This is not from the preferences menu.

Sorry about that blogman... you're right, I was in the wrong window.  However, it looks like the 'scan VST plug-ins' is grayed out here too:

Nobody has any more ideas :(

While you have shown us what your program manager screen looks like - you have not clicked on the VST Audio Effects(VST) or the VST Instrument (VSTi) items & shown us what is listed, might have been helpful.

Let's start with the basics, i.e. step 1 and then proceed onward.

1. Was there ever a point where everything was working? 
2. If yes, what changed?
   For example did this happen after a system crash or upgrading to X1d?   
3. Have you tried holding down the shift key and then (while holding shift) clicking on the icon to start Sonar? If not try it.
   Sonar should ask you if it can personalize your settings - be sure to let it.
4. Have you tried running Sonar in Admin mode?
   Right click on program icon, then select 'run as administrator' from the popup menu.
   You shouldn't have to do this unless your installation is screwed up or you skipped step 3.
5. If all else fails - reinstall Sonar.

Thwart,

I was about to make a suggestion, but Steven beat me to it. Try highlighting the VST Audio Effects in the Plug-In Categories box. 

Konradh,

If Sonar is scanning your plugs every time you open it, go to Preferences > File > VST Settings > VST Scan Options and uncheck the "Scan For VST Plug-Ins On Startup". That should take care of it. Unless you're constantly adding plug-ins, I don't see any reason to have Sonar scan every time you start up. Maybe someone has a reason that I'm not aware of.