Hello,
I certainly appreciate the expert and immediate help I received. I am very fortunate to be among you. For the record I have spent 20 hours on this already so I hope there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am an intermediate computer user, not a wiz.  
 
Ok, I now follow the run as administrator advice on installs.
Q: Do I need to open Sonar as run as administrator?
 
Melodyne I did not install as I have the full version and I had it seems it is working properly.
 
Addictive Drums it seems is a 32 bit program. It is working as a standalone. I entered both the product key and registration code. I just cannot find it in the VSTi list. I also pointed the path to the Addictive drums but that did not help. I misplace the Registration Code. I have all the other codes in a safe place but forgot to save the AD.
Q: how do I get the AD to show in the VSTi list.
Q: How do I find the Registration Code? I have the Product key.
 
Ok Dimension Pro is installed and working as a SA and VSTi. The Multisamples got installed.
and the 1.5 Expansion Packs. Does not ask where to save it. Most of the installs do not ask where to install.
 
Q: If I get the OK from you I will update to X3c.
 
Q: Delete all the installation files?
 
Lots more work to get the freebies, but the price is right so do not want to pass them up. Also will download the Reference and Users Guide.
 
Lucky for me I did not need the MD5 hash whatever that is. Yes it is explained but still do not know.
 
Again I am very grateful for the accurate, fast and friendly advice. I cannot ask for more from this forum.

Vas
Ok, I now follow the run as administrator advice on installs.
Q: Do I need to open Sonar as run as administrator?
Answer: Yes, always run X3 as administrator (this can also be set permanently by right clicking then properties, and at the bottom of the "Compatibility" tab)
 
Melodyne I did not install as I have the full version and I had it seems it is working properly.
 
Addictive Drums it seems is a 32 bit program. It is working as a standalone. I entered both the product key and registration code. I just cannot find it in the VSTi list. I also pointed the path to the Addictive drums but that did not help. I misplace the Registration Code. I have all the other codes in a safe place but forgot to save the AD.
Q: how do I get the AD to show in the VSTi list.
Q: How do I find the Registration Code? I have the Product key.
 
Follow the link to XLN Audio, you actually make an account with them to claim your product (via their online installer)
XLN Audio Addictive Drums Installation Instructions:
A full license for XLN Audio Addictive Drums is included with your SONAR X3 Producer purchase. The installer, however, is not hosted by Cakewalk and is available as a separate download from XLN Audio. The computer you are installing Addictive Drums on must be connected to the internet in order to install.
To download XLN Audio Addictive Drums please go to: http://www.xlnaudio.com/install and enter your Product Key. You will find the product key you need to provide XLN Audio from your Cakewalk Store account listed under “My Registered Products”.
 
 
Ok Dimension Pro is installed and working as a SA and VSTi. The Multisamples got installed.
and the 1.5 Expansion Packs. Does not ask where to save it. Most of the installs do not ask where to install.
 
Q: If I get the OK from you I will update to X3c.
I would recommend this, many issues with X3c are minor, and do not affect the plug-ins that came with X3.
 
Q: Delete all the installation files?
I recommend storing them "just in case." This will save you having to download them again.
 
Lots more work to get the freebies, but the price is right so do not want to pass them up. Also will download the Reference and Users Guide.
 
Lucky for me I did not need the MD5 hash whatever that is. Yes it is explained but still do not know.
As long as it installed, no worries, can blow this one off.
 
Again I am very grateful for the accurate, fast and friendly advice. I cannot ask for more from this forum.

Just realized I misspoke about X3c... one ProChannel module (Console Emulator) has an X3c bug where it can hum if used on a mono audio track, and the spectral analyzer on the ProChannel EQ (pop-out) can zero itself.
 
Both of these can be "solved" by disabling the 64-bit Double Precision Engine in Preferences->Audio->Driver Settings (3rd row from the top).
 
 

Hello,
 
Firstly. I updated to Sonar Producer X3c. Went very smooth.
 
I have tried all the suggestions to get Addictive Drums to appear on the VSTi list. The stand alone works fine and it states that it is authorized but my name is not displayed. Is this typical? Yes I do have an account with XLN. Do I need to point to the dll or move the dll to a VST folder?
 
How do I find the Registration Code for AD? I have the Product key but somehow forgot to save the registration code.
 
BTW do 32bit VST’s need special attention or Sonar automatically wraps them to 64bit?
 
Learned one more thing about the "Compatibility" tab to make it permanent. This is the only program that I have done this to. Thanks.
 
To do list:
Point to my third party VST’s and VSTi’s and check that they are working properly.
Download Manuals and guides
Download Freebies.
Go over preferences. Any suggestions here? 
What else?
Make music!!!
 

Vas
I have tried all the suggestions to get Addictive Drums to appear on the VSTi list. The stand alone works fine and it states that it is authorized but my name is not displayed. Is this typical? Yes I do have an account with XLN. Do I need to point to the dll or move the dll to a VST folder?

Check Edit->Preferences->File->VST Settings and look at the scan paths there. Addictive Drums should be in the c:\program files\cakewalk\Vstplugins\ folder (by default). The paths I have for that list are:
 
c:\program files(x86)\cakewalk       
c:\program files(x86)\cakewalk\vstplugins        (32-bit plug-ins)
c:\program files\cakewalk               
c:\program files\cakewalk\vstplugins                 (64-bit plug-ins)
c:\program files\common files\vst3\                  (Melodyne)
 
First check "Rescan Failed Plug-ins" and "Rescan Existing Plug-ins" then hit the "Scan button" and see if that finds Addictive Drums for you. If not, search for "Addictive Drums.dll" and if it is not in your "VST Scan Path" add that directory to it and repeat the scan.
 
Subjacent made a really helpful post to set X3 folks up with Addictive Drums at this thread. http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/2899224 He not only threw in a drum map, but track templates for easy use and threw in some other niceties.
 
It has been so long now that I forget how XLN's download works, but think their installer was all I did. If you are still having issues, try contacting them directly. Folks have said they are pretty responsive.

As far as preferences, I think the defaults will suffice for starting easily. The only suggestions to that are these:
 
1) Disable the 64-bit Double Precision Engine (Preferences->Audio->Driver Settings)
2) Set the VST Scan to "Scan at Startup" (Edit->Preferences->File->VST Settings)
3) Optimize your system to stream audio (also recommended whenever you do system changes). The X3 Demo Project is good for this (mute the last mix down track instead of soloing it, so the rest are being played)
 
Latency Monitor - There is a free utility (home version) which will allow you to verify your system can process real-time audio data. http://www.resplendence.com/latencymon (then "Free Downloads" on the left, and "LatencyMon" in the "System Monitoring Tools" section)
 
Tailoring DAW buffers:
There is some tailoring that needs to be done between the audio buffer and the I/O buffers. I had my ASIO buffer too high the other day and FastBikerBoy sent me back a nice PM on this:
 
   Start with the ASIO buffer at 128 (Preferences->Audio->Driver Settings->ASIO Panel...), and I/O buffers at 512 (Advanced Mode: Preferences->Audio->Synch and Caching)

1. Set preferred audio buffer.
2. Start playback.
3. If it drops out or other issues adjust I/O buffers. Try 512 for both as a starting point.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3. Try adjusting buffers both up and down until happy. 256 jumps should do.
5. If after trying all sizes up to 1024 you still have issues go back to step 1 and increase audio buffer.
6. Repeat as necessary until you find the "magic" combination for your setup.

   I was having a repeatable dropout and this was because the I/O buffers were way too high. The 128 audio and 512 for I/O was the "magic" combo for me (then). I just shifted to a nicer audio interface, so redid this and now 48 audio and 512 for I/O is the new "happy medium" for this test.

If totally new to the X-series. The Tutorials in the Reference Guide (start on page 99) is a good place to start. Spend some time learning the controls and what they do, and walk through the steps of the "doing" without so much concern for "making" first. This time investment will save you a lot of grief later. As you become proficient, the mechanics will become second nature and knowing what tools you have available will "click" when you think of something you want to do.
 
Then when you start creating, start with small tasks. And build on them as you need to learn more specific things. At that point you may hit specific "snags" that are not readily answered and is a perfect use for this forum. The more detailed the title is, the easier it is for folks who know the issue to chime in on it.

Mettelus, Bob Bone and Charlie Roy,
 
I found the "Addictive Drums.dll" in the Steinberg VST folder. I put it in my VST folder where I keep my VST’s.
Success!!! 
 
1. Q: Can I use the Addictive Drums, Dimension Pro, Z3ta+, Rapture and all the other cakewalk VST’s in Cubase, S1 and Reaper?
 
2. Q: I have all 14 data folders and the Project folder on a separate Data drive which I occasionally back up to another Drive. is this typical?
 
3. Q: Having a problem moving the Cakewalk content folder.
 
4. Q: Are the sample files part of the download version? I read this somewhere. I cannot find them.
 
On the two Free! - Cakewalk Audio FX 1 Download and Free! - Cakewalk Audio FX 3 Download they are “Out of serial numbers”
5. Q: Am I out of luck?
 
Trying to Install VKFX Delay - VST & ProChannel and got to the “New activation with License File” where I am asked to browse for *.olr  or *or2. Use the Windows Explorer but had no luck finding either one of the files. This did not help: .
6. Q What should I do. I am ready to throw in the towel on VKFX and all of Cakewalk. If it takes another 30 more hours I will burn my License in protest. Yes I am a little frustrated. Looks like I am alone here with so many hours to set up. Hey I finally broke a world record, unfortunately not one I am proud of. 
 
There are still a few more items that need to be taken care of to complete my set up so I hope you stick around to help.

Vas
1. Q: Can I use the Addictive Drums, Dimension Pro, Z3ta+, Rapture and all the other cakewalk VST’s in Cubase, S1 and Reaper?
I think the only thing you cannot use from X3 is the Nomad Factory BT suite, that is tethered to SONAR X3 (or newer).
 
2. Q: I have all 14 data folders and the Project folder on a separate Data drive which I occasionally back up to another Drive. is this typical?
Yes, I keep the project files on a magnetic hard drive (HDD). Backups are very important of this data to another drive for sure!
 
3. Q: Having a problem moving the Cakewalk content folder.
I moved this folder to the magnetic hard drive as well. You may need to have X3 closed when you move the original folder manually. In Edit->Preferences->File->Folder Locations, I first reassigned each folder with "Cakewalk Content" in it to my F drive. Then close X3 (so it releases the files it is using), and manually move the c:\cakewalk content folder to that drive. Then reopen X3, and should be fine.
 
4. Q: Are the sample files part of the download version? I read this somewhere. I cannot find them.
The only file I got specifically was the X3 Demo file which can be found on the support page. This file is a great one to use to tailor your DAW buffers for smooth playback (mute the final mixdown track instead of soloing it, for this test/tailoring).
 
On the two Free! - Cakewalk Audio FX 1 Download and Free! - Cakewalk Audio FX 3 Download they are “Out of serial numbers”
5. Q: Am I out of luck?
I did not download these until Bob posted his points and have the same message. In reality, these are very old plug-ins, and many have been superseded, so you will not actually "miss" them.
 
Trying to Install VKFX Delay - VST & ProChannel and got to the “New activation with License File” where I am asked to browse for *.olr  or *or2. Use the Windows Explorer but had no luck finding either one of the files. This did not help: .
6. Q What should I do. I am ready to throw in the towel on VKFX and all of Cakewalk. If it takes another 30 more hours I will burn my License in protest. Yes I am a little frustrated. Looks like I am alone here with so many hours to set up. Hey I finally broke a world record, unfortunately not one I am proud of. 
The VKFX Delay is another one where CW only gives you the registration number. I opened X3, inserted the delay, and worked through the registration via the buttons on the plug-in. Once done, it registered itself, so I have no clue where that file went (if you download manually, I suggest saving to your desktop, so you can find it quicker).
 
There are still a few more items that need to be taken care of to complete my set up so I hope you stick around to help.
This forum is loaded with helpful folks, and many are significantly more knowledgeable than I! Be sure not to vanish from here when you are set up (as I did)... simply reading the posts here can add a lot of insight to things you would never even consider on your own. As far as "stick around," I am not going anywhere, this is a wonderful community to be a part of

Howdy - so where do things stand now with your installation?
 
Bob Bone