I bought Sonar 8.5 and proceeded to purchase updates to X1, X2 and just recently X3. BUT... X1 was bugging and I didn't even install X2. So I was wondering if I should install X2 first, and then proceed to install X3, in order to be able to make use of any plug-ins that might be included in X2.
 
Also, if I were to start anew, and uninstall X1 (since it was giving me bugs and I just haven't applied any time to fixing it), should I start with 8.5 install and install the others? Is there any benefit to doing that or should I just install X3?
 
(My first post... so I'm trying to get my act together here : ) Thanks for your help!

Welcome to it all.  :)
 
I would suggest you get your Windows maintenance up to current levels, prior to installing additional Sonar versions.
 
In addition, I would make sure to install all available maintenance updates for each Sonar version you install.
 
I would further suggest that for the installations, that you first temporarily suspend any antivirus software just prior to launching each Sonar install, and that you also make sure to right-click on each installer and click on Run As Administrator.
 
I think you will have a blast putting all of these goodies onto your system - have a blast. :)
 
Bob Bone
 

Thank you very much Mister Bone!

Install X3. You don't need the old versions. I agree with Bob you should be up to date with Windows and any drivers  you may have. 
 
Also. Welcome to the forum. 

"...I was wondering if I should install X2 first, and then proceed to install X3, in order to be able to make use of any plug-ins that might be included in X2."

 X2 contains V-Vocal, which would be worth having on your system (it's not in X3). But I don't think you have to install X2 to get it. You can install that plugin only. Have fun!

Install SONAR X3 after getting your computer and audio drivers current (as others have said).  If you have any plugs from X1 or X2, you can do a custom install of just those plugs - Custom install is one of the options when you load in a SONAR disk.
 
@

From the 8.5 you may want the Pantheon reverb
From X1 nothing
From X2 you may want R-Mix and VVocal.

I have all the versions from 8.5 up to X3 with all the updates on my studio room rig. I just have X3 on my performance laptop. I do miss the Vintage Channel 64 the Pantheon and VVocal on the laptop most on the laptop rig but I haven't found any situation that I just had to have those features to get the job done. I will eventually get around to installing them I'm sure.
It is quite a luxury having all those plugs from all four versions at hand.