X2 install crashes at "Registering Files" - SOLVED (Kinda)

Boy, when I get a software problem, it's usually a doozy!
 
I'm installing X2 Producer on a Windows 7 Professional, 32-bit machine. Several earlier versions are also present, including X1 Producer Expanded.
 
I start Part 1 of the install files, running it as an administrator.
 
When the install options pop up, I choose "Advanced" because there's no need to install vstis and effects I already have, so I deselect all of those except the new X2 effects.
 
Everything grinds away as expected. All files copied, C++ Redistributable, all fine...and then it finally gets to what I expect to be the very end. The words "Registering files..." appear and after a few seconds I get a Black Screen and total crash.
 
When I reboot my machine and check "Programs and Features" in the Control Panel, X2 isn't there.
 
I look at the Registry and there is NO X2 entry under HKCU/Software/Cakewalk Music Software/Sonar Producer.  However, there IS an X2 entry under HKLM/Software/Cakewalk Music Software/Sonar Producer.
 
So, apparently the crash is happening between the HKLM and HKCU entries, for whatever that's worth.
 
I've run chksk and my virus scanners (which are always disabled during install BTW) and found no problems.
 
I have now attempted to install 4 times with the same result. 
 
I haven't actually tried to run what was installed, even though all of the files are apparently there, since I'll never feel certain about it until I know there was a clean install.
 
Any ideas?
 
Thanks!
Keith
 
 
 
 
 
 

I had a problem like this when I had a program from Microsoft called the Windows 7 Logo certification software. I used its Machine State Verifier to compare registry and file system data before and after an install.

Somewhere in one of my old posts I wrote up the details.

There was a system filter installed that intercepted some registry calls. It was hard to remove - uninstalling the Logo program left it behind. I think I had to uninstall from the Device Manager.