Hello All,
   I have upgraded from 8.5 Producer to X2 Producer. However, I am now working on a long-distance project with someone who is using 8.5 Producer. The problem is that because I have both programs on my computer, when I download the file it automatically opens in X2. When I try to open it from within 8.5, I get a message that the file was created on a newer version and I may lose some features if I continue. I try to "okay" through it but nothing happens. Either that happens or the audio files cannot be found from 8.5. Could someone tell me how to open a .cwb file in 8.5 when you have X2 installed on the same machine? Thank you in advance,---any help is greatly appreciated!          Chuck
 
 

I do not open files outside the application. I also do not allow programs to open files automatically after downloading. The bundle should open using the Open function inside SONAR. Alternately, you could use a zip of the per-project folder and avoid bundles completely.

Your friend should have used CWP file, there are many documented issues with using Bundle files. They are from some real old version of Cakewalk and seem to cause issues just like you are describing. 
 
They only need to send you a folder that contains the CWP and the audio folder. 
Most versions will open the file from with in the Software using the File/open menu. 
Issue come up if sample rate / 32/ 64 bit, and missing plug ins. 
I share files from time to time and they always open if our sample rates match. 
If the other person uses a soft synth or efx you don't have it will just be greyed out. 

"...when I download the file it automatically opens..." There's yer trouble. Instruct whatever software you're using for downloading NOT to open files. 

When you installed X, that became the default and you can't change that as far as I've found.. You need to either open it from within the program (8.5) or drag it into the program bypassing windows 'wisdom'. That is if the file isn't corrupted as CWB files tend to be. Don't use CWB/bun files.

I
One of the most common asked question on the forums is about the file system. "where are my audio files"? 
There is no difference between using Sonar and using Microsoft Word as far as files ,copy, paste, save as etc etc. All Windows and I would guess Mac software works the same. 
 
At work today I asked for a document and my "boss" fumbled though 7 layers of server file layers  before they got to a folder that they use every day dozens of times. I asked why they had not created a shortcut on the desktop? Huh, how do you do that? Lord help me these people are in charge! 
 
 
OP, none of the above rant was aimed at you.. I'm just in that mood, nothing personal. I hope you get that file open, I really do. It will work, it's very simple and nothing is broken which is a good thing around here. 

Your point is well taken and, trust me---I agree with your assessment of my computer skills (or should I say lack thereof.) I hope to use this as a lesson so that I do not have to continually encounter issues built from ignorance. Thank you all for the help and advice!
 
Chuck

>> when I download the file it automatically opens in X2<<
 
If you mean it opens right after downloading it then you must have clicked "Run" instead of "Save".
 
If you mean you opened it and X2 launched then this can be changed in Windows settings. Right click and select "Open with... Choose default program".
 
>>I get a message that the file was created on a newer version and I may lose some features if I continue<<
 
This should only happen if you saved the file in the newer Sonar. Even so, I open projects this way all the time and have no real issues with them. Only if you apply a feature, plugin, etc. to the saved project that the older Sonar can't use, like Breverb, will it be an issue.
 
As for bundled files, I don't seem to have the issues everyone else talks about. You can "freeze" any MIDI tracks and send the "per project Audio folder" with the cwp file. It's easy to wrap them up in a zipped folder. Just right-click and select "New" "Compressed (zipped) folder" and drag the files into it.
 
Steve

I've actually seen a little more of this myself as I just installed X3 Studio and have been working with older files, I also had an Issue with one file and opened it in 8.5 and got that message about the 'created on a newer version", But the file opened anyways.
 
My observation: 
CWP files: ( Using all 64 bit 44.1 files ) 
If they are from a older version and won't open, Sonar advised me to open in Safe mode, this seems to work. I found 80% of my 8.5 files open without issues, not sure what the difference is for the ones that require safe mode. Also not sure what safe mode changes as everything looks good and plays perfectly fine. 
 
If they are from a newer version Sonar will warn me that some things may not sound the same and the file opens. If it does not then I would try safe mode. 
 
Reading up on Bundle files, it seems they worked OK under XP but are unstable with W7. Something about mixing Audio file types within a project. Even stereo and mono?? Anyhow. no need to use them any more. I personally use a USB stick when working with people in my town. I guess over the internet would take a little preparing to make the file smaller. 
Zip files can be used but there are also reports of errors coming up too but Rar. ely ( pun?)