konradh Setting up a second computer and using my current one as a backup is definitely a possibility.
 

i think is probably your best path

OP - the President of Sweetwater posted in the forum to help.  That is your starting place.

Brian Walton
OP - the President of Sweetwater posted in the forum to help.  That is your starting place.

+1, you cannot get much better than that.
 
Also, realizing the immense investment you've made in software, do not feel obliged to "stay married" to the hardware it runs on. If the time comes that hardware becomes more of a liability than asset, do not stress over letting it go (regardless of the initial investment). I realize that this is not what folks enjoy hearing, but the one asset you will never get back in life is time (and how you spend it).

I bought my computer from these guys seven years ago, it's a first generation Intel I-7, and it  still keeps up with the latest software, they know what there're doing as far as building audio computers.  I read about many problems on this forum that I never have had, and I attribute this to ADK's expertise.  I recommend you give them a try on your next computer.  It's not always the software, Konrad, sometimes it's the combination of the right components in an audio computer.  https://www.adkproaudio.com/music-production-desktops
 

Earwax
 
If this is truly Chuck Surack, here is your answer right here. Take him up on his offer. Sweetwater is a good company. If, on the other hand, this is NOT truly Chuck Surack...............................

I confirmed that it really is Chuck Surack. It's impressive that the CEO of Sweetwater would address this personally, although frankly it's not surprising.

Where are you located, Konrad? Maybe your best bet would be to solicit a paid consultant via this forum, someone local to you who's willing to come to your place and solve your problems first-hand.
 
It's not a business category you'll find in the Yellow Pages, but you never know: the expert adviser you need may be right down the street and a reader of this forum. Someone who could save you from throwing unnecessary money at the problem without first understanding what the problem actually is. Shotgunning in the dark can get expensive and frustrating.
 
X1 was indeed Cakewalk's most embarrassing product. After having long been first in line for every new version, I elected to skip X1. And X2, and X3. I would have stayed on 8.5 forever, but after my DAW was stolen and I had to start over from scratch, I crossed my fingers and took the plunge with SPlat. Short story: it's been a delight. Solid and mostly trouble-free, with most bugs being quickly addressed. Moving off X1 will undoubtedly resolve some of your software problems. 
 
That said, it's entirely possible that at least some of your issues may be hardware-related. However, I wouldn't buy a new DAW until I knew that was the case. 
 
 
 

just as a something, why is it impressive/whatever that someone would step up to defend their company's reputation? surely that's expected?

Sweetwater is the best!

pwalpwal
just as a something, why is it impressive/whatever that someone would step up to defend their company's reputation? surely that's expected?

because not every CEO out there cares about every single one of its customers.
is that really too hard to believe ?  Ever deal with guitar center
 
Maybe for the small Mom and Pops company's. but Sweetwater is a huge company.
 
 

Chuck S, If you read this, you are an exceptionally honorable guy to hang in there after all the hassle my system has caused you.  I would love to continue working with you guys, but want to pay as I go--you guys have done enough.  I will contact you via email.  I think an upgrade and fresh install is the place to start.
 
Craig, Thanks for the assist and for the plug for Trailer of Love.
 
Forum Friends, If you don't know already, Craig mastered the Trailer of Love album, and his mastering, edits, artistic input, and general consultation was invaluable.  He and I jokingly call TOL the "Sgt Pepper of country music," and keeping with that metaphor, Craig is George Martin.