Hi All,
Microsoft's latest update was automatically downloaded on my computer last week and totally crashed my system.  Had to get professional help but lost all my programs (kept my data though).  So now I'm going through the process of getting all my programs back and working.  Here's the thing--I started with Sonar 7, used X-1,2, and 3, then became a lifelong subscriber to Platinum. Through trial and error and working with the Cakewalk folks, I was able to get all my programs working very well. 
 
Problem is that I'm now an official old guy (on medicare) and I just can't remember how to  get all these programs working.  I've downloaded the command center and then downloaded Platinum and have 18 vsts (used to have 94).  I have my old files in the C:Program Files x 86 folder on my C drive.  Any suggestions on how to link all this stuff together in Platinum?
Thanks very much,
Mike

If you have the install disks, run custom install and select the plugins you want.  You may need serial numbers in some cases which I hope you saved.  Note, stock Cakewalk comes with some pretty great plugins as well as pro-channel for mixing.  Best of luck recovering.  You can still use Cakewalk Command center if you remember your credentials.

Hi Ken,
Thanks for the quick reply!  I don't have the install disks--used the internet.  I seem to remember doing something with the plug in manager.  I'll check that out-might re-create some memory cells in my brain :-).
Mike

Mike,
 
I you have a backup of your vst folders you use them by adding the folder to the vst search path.  Note some vst's may not work if they have external resources.  Many vsts are only a dll and will just work...

For the future, you might want to turn off automatic Windows Updates.  I have a dedicated computer for my music production and I NEVER let it update.  NEVER!
 
Good luck getting it back together.
 
John B

Hi Ken and John,
I was able to get almost all my VSTs loaded through the Cakewalk plug in manager (just had to point the manager to the correct VST folder on my C drive).  Had to download Melodyne separately-did this by signing in to my Celemony account and going through the download process.  The software automatically downloaded into Platinum.
 
Great advice John and I will follow it! 
 
I think I'm out of the woods for now.  Appreciate the advice.
Mike

Backup Backup Backup.  As a computer support tech if there is one thing I preach to my clients is backup. 
I, and most of my clients, use the free Macrium Reflect to image (backup) the entire (all partitions) operational drive.
I also separately backup Sonar projects which are on a separate drive.  
I had a disc image of my drive that was made 2 days before the 1803 update.  If 1803 failed or I had problems I could restore to before the 1803 easily.  Fortunately I didn't have to do.  
 
Use Macrium Reflect (or other disc imaging of your choice but not the built in Windows backup) to image the entire disc to a separate disc.  Do this periodically so you have fairly recent drive images.  I keep the current and the previous disc images.  
 
https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree
 

I don't understand why people are so keen on running with the latest and the greatest. I'm happy with XP, but have been forced over on W7. Luckily it has now expired and there are no more updates to fear. I have W10 on a business computer though, but I feel totally handicapped when using it. Years of knowledge down the drain ... for what ?