I have just installed my upgrade to X3 Producer shipped earlier this week. Do I still have to do the X3d update. No mention of this in my upgrade package?
Pete.

Check the SONAR "About" screen, if it does not mention X3d apply the X3d update.
 

Thanks scook,
I tried that already and got (x3 build 197). So download it is. It's a pity that this whole update procedure assumes that you have access to a fast ADSL connection. Bottom line is that if you don't, you are gonna get very frustrated with the installation and all the so called (enticing) bundled packages that require you to be connected to the internet with a half decent connection speed otherwise you are not gonna have an easy road ahead. It's difficult enough to not have your DAW computer anywhere near the internet as would seem sensible due to all the crap that worms it's way into your PC's registry and slows it down. Now, back to Addictive Drums download issues......
Pete.

Downloading patches for Cakewalk products pre-dates SONAR. It is true, the size of the patches has grown over the years. The issue with Addictive Drums installation is a vendor policy which Cakewalk cannot control.

I agree scook, and as much as I want to have my future posts be simple operational questions, I have to say that 'vendor policy' being accepted scook, Cakewalk have used Addictive Drums as a bonus feature without any mention of the fact that it comes as an optional download (and not included on the disc) as was Session Drummer previously. Have they dropped Session Drummer's multiple kits for AD's three kits (available as a download).
Melodyne is a concern. I hope that it is going to be as useful as I hope and not just a 'Lite' version, as implied by the fact that when registering, I am invited to pay for another version of Melodyne. The full V Vocal plug-in was simply included in the X2 package. I humbly stand corrected if I have missed anything and do not want to alienate Bob from his grateful help (or the Cakewalk guys who monitor this forum). I do want to say that, being many years in the business, I feel that my comments might not be taken as unjustified. I hope this post won't get deleted like my other similar concerns. I sincerely want to make this purchased X3 Producer work out for me. I am in contact with other Johannesburg Sonar users as well as the very new South African Cakewalk agent and hope that we can all benefit from this forum.
Sorry if these comments are misdirected and should have gone directly to Cakewalk themselves.
Pete, (a dedicated Sonar user).

Session Drummer is still bundled with X3. If Melodyne Essential does not perform as desired use the V-Vocal from a previous version of SONAR.

Thanks scook, 
X3 update installed smoothly whilst keeping my previous VSTs intact so I wasn't sure if they'd kept SD. Addictive drums seems like a useful add-on and I look forward to being able to import external wavs or flacs.

It would be nice if Addictive Drums imported samples but it does not. Addictive Drums only uses XLN expansion packs.
 
FWIW, Cakewalk does indicate the download requirement for Addictive Drums in the system requirements on http://www.cakewalk.com/products/SONAR/X3-Producer/:
 
XLN Audio Addictive Drums requires separate download and registration. Internet connection required for host computer.

@Petgod1 - Please please please do not worry about alienating me.  You are engaged in the post, and seeking solutions for some issues.  I, and a number of others in the forum, will do our best to help you.
 
I received your PM, and will review it, as well as this thread, after digging into some soon to be baked chicken.
 
Thank you for expressing the issues, and for how you feel about it all - no problem there.  We all rant once in a while - the trick is to try to continue to move forward through all the weeping and gnashing ot teeth that happens now and then.  You are doing that, and we will hopefully collectively get things sorted out for you.
 
A very hungry Bob Bone
 

While I am waiting for the oven to heat up - if you start Sonar up, then click in the About Sonar, it will pop up with a splash screen with the exact version and build numbers, and I would like you to post back with that information.
 
Also, did you launch the install with the explicit Run As Administrator option?
 
I will be back in about an hour, and should be here for most of the rest of the day, so see you in a little bit....
 
Bob Bone