It would be nice if we could authorise on our existing setup without all the hassle of installation on a different PC. Hopefully, that will come during the week?

although I can't point you to it, I read that this will be addressed...

Bump.

SiberianKhatru59
So since my "About" box says "Valid Through ∞" and "Status: Owned", does this mean I don't have to worry about authorization anymore?  Or do I only have to worry about it during machine rebuilds and or new machine installs? 

Obviously, this is confusing for those of us who, you know, only want to make music and actually paid the price of entry (and then some) -- IE, I never bothered looking into it before because I didn't think I had to.

Yes "∞" infinity... so lifetime until the end of time... :) I have it on 5 computers now... some just as backups.
I'm going to snapshot them and make a few full installs on a few hard drives as well.... lol

bwbalint
Not good news.  I had generated the offline Sonar Plt activation response.dat for another computer I had.  Sonar PLT activated easily and went into full ownership mode.  My wife let me install Sonar PLT on a different computer of hers.  I used the same Activation response.dat file I used for my computer.  NO GO! On her computer, Sonar PLT refuses to activate and sweetly confirms that it is still in DEMO mode. 
 
Hence, on my computers anyway, a Activation Response.dat file WILL NOT activate Sonar PLT on a different computer.  Maybe I will delete Sonar on my first computer, and then see if the Activation Response.dat file will work again on that one. This looks to be very computer specific right now!  
 
 

You don't have to use the off line install, just use the CCC to install it. Then go off line. it runs fine off line.


 
peace!
 

I have completed Phase 1- of my tests and it doesn't look good.
The activation IS somehow linked to the Motherboard.
 
However, Phase 2- Is the possibility that the activation is tied in to the project itself.
Sonar uses a project for off line activation. this will be my next test.
 
It should be noted though that Sonar version X3 and earlier (this includes Dimension Pro Rapture, Z3ta 2 and other plug ins). Are challenge and response. Which means as long as you have the Serial and Confirmation code you can use those plug ins for ever.
 
With all this being said, I believe Cakewalk is cooking up an activation code right now so users will be able to enjoy Sonar for years to come (from reading Noel's comments). But I surely cant confirm this, But I doubt they leave us hanging. I just want a fail safe method as a back up. I've always tried to open all doors when something like this happens so why would I start walking by locked doors now. I wont.
 
Stay tuned.

Q1.What happens when due to Windows updates, in the future, Sonar gets buggy, and without any new fixes from the bakers?
Q2. Can a Windows PC, run smoothly without updates? What is the workaround for these potential probems/  

Noel has updated his announcement with a short FAQ confirming that we'll be issued a patch that will allow us to activate without the internet, if the servers go down. To quote directly:
 
FAQ:
Q. What if the cakewalk site goes down - will we be able to reinstall and activate our software that is paid for and owned?
A. If and when Cakewalk's servers are taken down, we will issue a mechanism to activate software you own, without needing access to the internet. We're working on the mechanics of this and we'll provide more details as available. At present online activation is fully functional.
 
That is right from the official announcement sticky in the forums.

Amicus717
Noel has updated his announcement with a short FAQ confirming that we'll be issued a patch that will allow us to activate without the internet, if the servers go down. To quote directly:
 
FAQ:
Q. What if the cakewalk site goes down - will we be able to reinstall and activate our software that is paid for and owned?
A. If and when Cakewalk's servers are taken down, we will issue a mechanism to activate software you own, without needing access to the internet. We're working on the mechanics of this and we'll provide more details as available. At present online activation is fully functional.
 
That is right from the official announcement sticky in the forums.

Yes, thanks I saw that, just still wondering about the Windows updates in the future, affecting/creating bugs that won't get any fixes?
  

Groovemage
Q1.What happens when due to Windows updates, in the future, Sonar gets buggy, and without any new fixes from the bakers?
Q2. Can a Windows PC, run smoothly without updates? What is the workaround for these potential probems/  

A1. It will be an unusual Windows Update that kills Sonar, but it could happen. At that point, it will be like any other software that no longer has developer support. It will be broken. I am seriously thinking about creating a Windows 7 workstation so I don't have to worry about a windows update doing that.
 
A2. They can, but you have to be wary that there are bugs in Windows that will be exploited unless you keep that machine completely isolated from the Internet and be very careful about Flash Media. The vast majority of Windows updates, even with the rolling feature updates, are Security Patches and vulnerability fixes.