This has come up in a few threads somewhat obliquely, but here's a concrete example of this problem:
 
So I've got a track with two instances of Rapture on it (among other things). I've got Rapture installed. Works fine when loaded up on it's own. But the synth rack is just not allowing Rapture to be turned on. Problem: I can't do a "replace synth" command without losing the preset info. So, how do I get Rapture loaded and the preset info restored without losing whatever patch was on those tracks?
 
Now, if SONAR had some utility to read that preset info, I could save the track. Without it, I'm hosed. THIS is why we need that patch utility. SONAR has the info, I just can't get to it.
 
Not to mention the obvious question, why doesn't this project see that Rapture=Rapture?
 

Is this an older project? Possibly using a DXi version of Rapture?

Yeah it's older. What version of SONAR had the DXi version of Rapture? Maybe I can retro-install it.
 

Is it possible Rapture was purchased separately? It was not bundled with SONAR until after the DXi version was dropped.
 
So here is the fix. Completely uninstall Rapture and clean up the registry. Install the original Rapture using the original registration credentials and update the the synth using the 1.2 and 1.2.2 patches at the support page http://www.cakewalk.com/Support/product.aspx/Rapture
 
This should get both the old DXi and current VST versions on the machine.
 
FYI, if there are custom programs and samples, it would be a good idea to copy off the current installation in "C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\Rapture" and "C:\ProgramData\Cakewalk\Rapture". Then integrate them back after verifying the installation.

Wowzerz, thanks for that help! 
 
I took a look at the link, but I also fired off an email to support to get verification on what registry tweaks to make and confirm the process. I'll check back in with results!