Wow! This is not the kind of prize I am going for :) It took a long time to install the first time . I can't say for sure that anti-virus was on or not. I know I turned it off per the instructions but maybe something happened. So Craig, apart from me having the strangest issue you have heard of are you suggesting I uninstall and reinstall SonarX3e ?

Scott Dalziel
So Craig, apart from me having the strangest issue you have heard of are you suggesting I uninstall and reinstall SonarX3e ?

Only as a last resort. Try simplifying your system as much as possible first. If you use a wireless gaming mouse, substitute a wired one. Disconnect any peripherals you aren't using. Go into Device Manager and disable (not uninstall) functionality you're not using like network connections, USB camera, etc. Try running SONAR after each change to see what happens (some changes might require a reboot). Don't forget to set a system restore point before you start experimenting!
 
Thousands of people on this forum can vouch for the fact that SONAR works, but unfortunately, thousands can also vouch for the fact that Windows computers can be minefields for compatibility. That's the bad news. The good news is that often, it's just one weird something that's causing the problem. But the bad news is you have to find it 
 
One more thing to try: the absolute strangest SONAR problems I've ever encountered have related to graphics cards and drivers. Check if there are updated drivers for your graphics card. If there are, install only the basic driver package, and uncheck any options for "HD Audio Driver," "Ultimate Game Experience Thrill Kill Frame Rate Add-On Pack," "Overclocking," etc.
 
The spinning "I'm thinking" circle is also very perplexing...almost like SONAR is trying to do something, but is being prevented from doing so.

Scott Dalziel
I am sitting here watching my screen. The project isn't moving but every once in awhile the little blue "I'm thinking" circle starts spinning, the cursor arrow blinks and the "Now time" flashes and the mute goes on. It will stay on for a one or a few minutes then repeat the scenario , this time unmuting the track.  Since the track isn't playing I don't understand how or why an automation envelope would cause this.  Granted I am new to the program and user error is always possible but this is perplexing. Thanks for all of your suggestions thus far.

Well that's pretty darned crazy. Is this computer hooked up to the internet or a network? It almost sounds like someone is controlling the system remotely just to mess with you. Very unlikely but who knows... maybe you have prankster nerd roomates or something.
 
As doubtful as that is if you are hooked up to a network/internet try disconnecting and see if it stops. 
 
And if the mute button is engaging randomly on a selected track with playback stopped I still think that could be caused by a wacky keyboard. If you have another wired keyboard around try hooking it up just for the sake of crossing it of the troubleshoot list. Seriously I've had to deal with crap like which is why I brought it up.
 
This is not normal... at all.

Thanks guys , all of your help and input is much appreciated. After thinking about what you suggested I looked for the various problems with anti-virus , weird keyboard stuff ,etc. then I remembered I installed EZ Drummer (32 bit) I had bought several years ago that I used with a Sonar 5 program and while the graphics would show up, the files wouldn't. I thought maybe it keeps searching for the plugin even though I wasn't using it. So I uninstalled that. (Sorry EZ Drummer People) and all day I have not had a problem with that mute monster. I hope that is the end of it. Chalk it up to newbie error. :) 

Premature celebration. I opened my project today to find the mute on and it is back to switching on and off with the project stopped. The search continues...

There is something turning it off and on. Try and eliminate one thing at a time to let us help you.

1. Try to change keyboard out for another.
2. Try changing out the mouse.
3. Unplug any midi devices you have connected to computer.

With your description, it sounds to me like Sonar is getting a command and executing it. My suggestions are to help you eliminate possible culprits.

Let us know the results of each of these steps I suggested. It will help all of us get to the bottom of this.

I'll repeat what has been said already, this is not normal!!

Ok thanks Grem First I will unplug my midi keyboard. It is an M-Audio Oxygen 49.

I unplugged the midi controller and didn't have any problems so I plugged it back in and found when I moved a rotary knob while the track was playing I could recreate the mute problem at will. So, I think the problem happened when I was trying to program the controller . I must have programmed a mute message somehow(?) and so I just cleared the midi learn and will leave it so until I read up on that particular aspect. Right now it looks like it was a midi controller message. So far everyone is playing nice. Thank you :)

All is working normally. Thanks guys for your help :)

Sounds like that particular knob is overly sensitive if it was triggering something randomly like that (perhaps vibrations from you spekers or you moving around the room?). If you do end up mapping anything to it make sure it isn't an On/Off type signal like Mute and check your envelopes after you are done tracking to see if it made any unwanted adjustments (and/or just disable the Write automation for whatever track you have it mapped to).