When I launch Sonar, sometimes I see a pop-up saying Sonar has detected an external device, and asking if I want Sonar to add it.....like this:
 

 
This is strange, because the very device detected is my MIDI keyboard (Roland A-800Pro) that I always use with Sonar. Whenever this re-detection happens, I have to go to Preferences > MIDI > Control Surfaces to select the proper ports from the In Port and Out Port drop-down lists again.
 
This happens not only after I inadvertently switched off the device before exiting Sonar (which isn't recommended), but also after I exited Sonar first as recommended (which is what I always do....or at least I THINK I always do).
 
I don't think this is a hardware/driver issue because it NEVER happens with Studio One. The daw never loses connection with my keyboard unless I mistakenly launch the program first, but even then all I need to do is just click [YES] twice and Studio One recovers the connection all right. There's no need to go to Preferences.
 
So I'm guessing this is a Sonar issue, or maybe it's the A-Pro Control Surface Plug-in in Sonar that causes the inconvenience. What I'd like to know is if you experience the same issue (Sonar re-detecting your CS/MIDI keyboard controller although you always switch on/off the device in the correct order) and, if you do, what CS/MIDI keyboard controller you are using.
 
Thanks

I only see this message if I've forgotten to switch on my keyboard prior to launching Sonar.
 
I'd be tempted to look for a loose cable or dodgy connector.

Every now and again my M-Audio Keystation pro apparently disconnects itself even though it is still turned on and the hardware manager still sees it.
 
I just shutdown SONAR cycle the power on the keystation restart SONAR (Producer X2a).
 
PITA

I've had that with an M-Audio controller. I've not had that with my current midi controllers/interfaces.
 
Are you running brand drivers - or running it class compliant only?
It could be that drivers are not proper x64(assuming x64 Windows).
 
Look for driver updates maybe.
 
I also believe it was a Windows 7 issue until SP1 was released that system loose contact.

Nope.
 
Never had that happen with either my Yamaha or Roland keyboards

lfm
I've had that with an M-Audio controller. I've not had that with my current midi controllers/interfaces.
 
Are you running brand drivers - or running it class compliant only?
It could be that drivers are not proper x64(assuming x64 Windows).
 
Look for driver updates maybe.
 
I also believe it was a Windows 7 issue until SP1 was released that system loose contact.

With both the class compliant and the M-Audio driver the .sys file reports to be a 64bit driver.

Yes; this happens.
I would like to see a MIDI scan (rescan) button instead of all the "switch this off/on, recheck drivers, get new cable"
Zap!

I have had an mAudio Trigger Finger for almost 6yrs now. And all through the version upgrades of Sonar from 6 till X3. Never remember it loosing it's connection. Just upgraded to X3 from X2, never had to "Reintroduce" the Trigger Finger to X3. It just saw it and was useable from get go.
 
Now I have a VS-100 that almost on a regular basis, when starting up the PC and getting X3 going, I have to do the "reintroduce" dance. Go figure.

Thank you all for your replies. I should have considered the possibility of......loose connection (thanks, Roo). The pic below shows how I set up my gear, and, as you can see, my laptop is a little too far away to look at, so I always pull it to my side when I power it on and start working, and sometimes the two USB cables connected to the left side (one is for A-800Pro and the other for Quad-Capture) touch the undetachable "ears" (what do you call them?) of the power distribution module placed underneath.
 

 
In fact, when I pushed forward the PC last night I witnessed the Quad-Capture restart, so that's what has been happening to my A-800Pro as well. I'll have to be more careful about this from next time......I wish the USB cable's physical connection was more tight-fit like that of the coaxial cable.
 
Anyway, if Sonar's detection method was as smart as that of Studio One, I wouldn't have noticed this and would have kept damaging the connectors. I must thank Sonar's method.
 
So, thanks again, and sorry about the simple, careless mistake.
 

I have some extenders for some USB cables, and I resorted to duct-taping them together to make sure they did not come undone in the middle of a session or a gig.
 
I also have applied bits of tape to help hold some back-panel USB connections in place better, for the same reasons.
 
Might be worth a shot, 
 
Bob Bone