Just a quick heads up to anyone considering upgrading to Windows 8.1 (RTM)...
If you upgrade your VS-700 set will no longer function...at all.
 
The drivers will not load and will not re-install. It's basically as if the drivers do not recognize the VS-700 hardware when it is attached under Window 8.1. My guess is that Roland does some sort of OS check before allowing the drivers to be loaded. Of course, out of all the hardware that I have in my system including my UAD card and even a long obsolete PowerCore card, the VS700 is the only thing that is completely useless. Luckily I took a system image and was able to revert back to regular Windows 8.
 
The truth is that I have no high hopes that this will be resolved since I don't think that the hardware is still being sold anywhere. I guess I will be staying with Windows 8 for now. Amazingly the hardware still seems to run fine under the latest Mac OSX releases and even with the newly-released Logic X. It's almost as if Cakewalk/Roland is forcing me to the Mac platform! 
 
Actually, since I work in Windows IT support, I have personal/professional issues with not being able to run the latest Windows OS versions. I'll probably put up with this for a few more months. However, I'll be surprised if I'm still a VS700 owner by this time next year, if this hasn't been resolved.
 
-e.B
 
PS
 
Roland if you actually do decide to fix this, PLEASE eliminate the OS checks for drivers! They are completely unnecessary and essentially guarantee obsolescence with each new OS release. By now, most VS studio owners are well aware that the likelihood of future drivers is very uncertain. To needlessly tie your drivers to a particular OS version (even when Microsoft hasn't changed anything in their driver model)  is extremely short-sighted and leaves a very bad taste in my mouth regarding ever buying another Roland hardware product.
 

Hey EB
 
Sorry I have not been very active about here recently Ive had a lot going on.....
 
Anyways....
 
Did you not have a UA 1010 ?
 
I would be interested to see what happens with the drivers for that and Windows 8.1

Hey Norrie,
 
The only Cakewalk\Roland hardware that I still have is the VS-700 set. I sold my VS100 quite a while back.  I'd honestly be surprised if any of their hardware works under Windows 8.1. If I recall correctly, I believe that their driver install routines are fairly similar across their product line.
 
-e.B
 
 

Why is it you think a driver update won't be put out? Are you going to file a support ticket to Cakewalk-Roland on the matter?

This is crucial information. Why is it not comming from Cakewalk? It should really be an urgen mail to everyone. I get newsletters from them, so at least I am already in a mailing list..
 
Tore

Is this true? I just ordered a new machine w 8.
WSS

If you're using Win 8 Pro, you can use the compatibility agent on the driver by right clicking it, going to properties and using the compatibility tab. From there it should trick the app into believing you're using Windows 8.0 and install fine. "Should" being the operative term.
 
None-the-less, we'll have to wait for 8.1 to be released before we really know anything. I don't think they have ever released drivers for OS's in preview release.

Just wanted to let you guys know that I received a prompt and somewhat hopeful response from Roland regarding Windows 8.1 support.
 
Hello Everett,
We are sorry to hear that you are having trouble. We have sent a request for Windows 8.1 drivers to our corporate Roland/ BOSS headquarters in Japan. At this time, they have not informed us regarding when they plan to release updated drivers. Roland engineers will most likely be releasing this shortly after the official release date of W8.1 from Microsoft (October 17).
However, we will be happy to email you directly when Windows 8.1 drivers are released from Roland Japan and posted on our website.
We hope this helps. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance. Have a great day.
Sincerely,
Roland Product Support
 
While its far from a promise. I guess its better than hearing them say its not going to happen at all.
-e

TerraSin
If you're using Win 8 Pro, you can use the compatibility agent on the driver by right clicking it, going to properties and using the compatibility tab. From there it should trick the app into believing you're using Windows 8.0 and install fine. "Should" being the operative term.
 
None-the-less, we'll have to wait for 8.1 to be released before we really know anything. I don't think they have ever released drivers for OS's in preview release.

 
Unfortunately, Roland seems to go wayyyyy out of their way to make sure that their drivers will not install in any OS besides the one they wrote them for. The driver installers actually check the OS during the installation process. It also appears that the drivers check the OS version before they attempt to initialize after they are installed.
 
BTW, Windows 8.1 has been RTM'd (in final release) for several weeks now.
 
-e

I have just bought the VS7000R and just can't get the drivers to install in Windows 8.1.
 
It's years since this post was active . . . . . does that mean that no driver for windows 8.1 ??
 
Do I need to return the hardware and get something different ? any recommendations ???
 
Regards,
 
Nige