Hello,
 
I was using the Sonar Homes Studio version 4XL for years, when my old laptop finally died a few month ago. My new laptop runs on Windows 8.1, and with a 64 bit operating system, and my Sonar version doesn't support that.
 
I would like to get an update for it, but don't know which one that would be? Also, will I need to go through some special process to be able to transfer, and use my compositions that I have saved on an external memory, that were composed using my Studio 4XL version?
 
Thanks in advance,
Edith 

This link here gives and overview of all the versions.  You say SONAR 4 XL did you mean Producer as the XL suffix was dropped very early on?  I personally would recommend the Platinum version but the choice has to be yours.

If you truly were on Cakewalk HS 4 which was from I guess the year 2004, then Artist will be a ride on a rocket ship for you. That should only cost you $49,
I would recommend Professional  which adds most of the top end features. It will cost you $149. You would have to really, really need the few extra things they add to Platinum to spend the extra $300 or $400.  
I would think anybody who has been happy with HS 4 would  be a waist of money to go as far as Platinum. 
You need to have registered the version you own to qualify for these prices. If not you'll have to pay the full price so Artist would be more appealing to me at $99. 
All 3 work the same and Artist shares 75% ( just a guess) of the same features as the flagship. 
Read the list of the Versions to see what I'm saying. At the bottom of the list is the pricing. 
Another option for you is Music Creator 6 which is the last version similar to Home Studio line. 
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com...udio-4XL-m3162253.aspx     Sonar Versions 
 
 
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/Music-Creator/      

Hu, I never thought I'd hear of another 4 XL.
 
I have a neighbor down the street that is rockin Windows XP and Sonar 4XL.
I want to say he got it as a promo with his keyboard workstation, but I can't be sure.
 
I had to install the VST adapter from the way back machine as he still wants to use today's effects.
 
God bless the child whos' got his own, man.

Yes, I truly was still using Sonar Homestudio version 4XL up until very recently. I am assuming I wouldn't be able to install it on my new laptop, right? Like I said, it's 64-bit, Windows 8. I might just try, I still have the original box with all the CDs. I just saw on my account that I did register it. I bought it from ebay in 2005 or 2006 I think, possibly in 2004, but I don't think so.
 
Will I for sure be able to import all my old compositions into the Artist version? I have them on an external hard drive, done with Sonar Home Studio 4XL.
 
Thanks again.

Old dusty 32 bit programs work fine in Windows 8 8.1 and even 10.
Sound device drivers..... your mileage may vary depending on the graciousness of the manufacture.
 
:Ron

But for $50 you'll have a more stable version and many new features that are well worth it. 
We are all reluctant to leave behind software we have spent years working with. But a few day's after you work with the new version, there's no way you'll ever go back.  
And yes it would seem you can always open older projects on newer versions. There's been some issues with Bun. files CWB,  but CWP files always work.  And I think there's a way even open what I've heard called "work" files whatever they were, I started in 2004 and all mine have been CWP files.