MP3 Encoder Quit Working

Wasn't sure if this was a feature or not but I am running X3 Producer and when I try to do an audio export in mp3 format I am being told that "The MP3 encoder must be unlocked before use..."  Up until now I haven't had an issue exporting in mp3 format within X3.  So I guess I was wondering if I was using a trial version?  If so then how does one go about upgrading to a useable version and so on?
 
Thanks,
 -kq

You get some number of days of free trial for it.
 
There are a number of free MP3 encoders out there, such as Lame, but I just coughed up the $20 and bought the Cakewalk one.
 
If I recall correctly, the Cakewalk one is the same as one as the free ones, but they are paying that money to whoever developed it as a license fee.
 
Anyways, here are some threads from a quick search I just ran:
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/TUTORIAL-Getting-LAME-MP3-Encoder-to-Work-With-SONAR-m1255631.aspx
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/How-to-install-lame-mp3-encoder-m1990106.aspx
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/LAME-MP3-Encoder-m1568355.aspx
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/LAME-Encoder-lives-up-to-its-Name-m627968.aspx
 
The above are from all sorts of versions of Sonar, but the principals remain the same.
 
Again, I skipped all of that by just forking out the $20 for the licensed one through Cakewalk, and have used it for multiple versions of Sonar, over the years.
 
I am very happy with it, but it's certainly your choice.
 
Hope the above helps, 
 
Bob Bone
 

Did you run the installer as administrator with SONAR closed?

Although not the same problem, I had to tech support to handle my mp3 unlock issue a few years ago.

OK I think this is the deal.
 
When we buy the MP3 Encoder Activation, we are given a link to download the 32Bit version. There is a separate Activation file if using the 64Bit Version of SONAR.
 
So, you contact Cakewalk and tell them you're using the 64Bit version of SONAR, and they will send you a link to the 64bit version Activation file.

If it is not anymore, it was the case that there were separate 32/64bit Activation files.
 
I experienced the same as the OP concerning the Cakewalk MP3 Encoder. I contacted Cakewalk with the problem, they told me there were separate Activation files, they sent me a link to the 64Bit Activation file, I used that one and it solved the problem. That was during SONAR 8 or 8.5, and I saved both activation files, so I didn't have the problem when X1 was released. I just used the saved Activation files.
 
The matter may have changed, so that there's one Activation file for both the SONAR 32/64bit Cakewalk MP3 Encoder, but in the past there were separate files for each.
 
Additionally, this info has been helpful for other users who have run into this problem. The MP3 Encoder was working when using the 32bit version of SONAR, but not working when using the 64bit version of SONAR. They contacted Cakewalk, told them they were using SONAR x64, and Cake sent them a link to the 64bit Activation file.  Their problem was solved.
 
Go figure. :)

I just installed a few days ago.  Downloaded the file from Cakewalk, ran it as admin.  Opened Sonar, export options included mp3 - no trouble.
 
However, I could not export an mp3 if the 64-bit box was checked.  That's a known issue apparently, folks here told me about it. 

64bit double-precision engine box is not checked and am still having the same issue.  I will contact tech support in the morning to get this resolved.  Thanks to everyone for responding.