i've searched (somewhat) and haven't found a good solution to the problem i'm having with sonar x2 pro and some old files that worked previously (they may have even worked on the original x2 before the update?!).
 
i have an issue where i've attempted to open some .cwp files created with various prior versions (from 7.0-x1d, if not even x2 original--i've always updated every version).  i attempt to open the file and it just basically seems to hang (brings up the open progress bar and doesn't advance, and the mouse is the "busy" mouse icon--i've let the machine think for over an hour, just to try as well and nothing.  
 
i've attempted to open the files in safe mode with no plugins loaded as well.  still the same issue(s).
 
also tried some of the "auto backups" of those files as well...all the same issue.
 
but some other files (even some older) work fine?!  so i'm pretty much just guessing why?!  i've even got multiple copies on different drives...think maybe something got corrupted...always the same.
 
i'm really hoping to not have to try and reinstall an old version of sonar to just see if i can reopen these files?!  
 
any thoughts on things--even worst case so i can try just to get these files open so i can just export the wavs and midi to something else?!  thanks in advance,
 

• windows 8
• sonar x2 pro (latest update) 64-bit -- all the prochannel plugins/ updates
• RME ucx (latest) - had the same issue with roland quad capture as well.

I have not seen it fail in safe mode, when loading older projects.  That's rather disheartening.
 
I did some digging - here are some threads that might help:
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Can39t-open-old-project-m2828925.aspx
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Can39t-Open-Sonar-Files-with-New-Computer-m2757628.aspx
 
I also found a chain of threads that talked about using Ctrl+'O' (letter O not zero) to open a project manually, or going to the File>Open and going that route.  Something about the Quick Start dialog box having some quirk from some Windows IE piece, or something like that.
 
So - maybe try opening with File>Open or Ctrl+O, just to see if that works.  And I think the threads talked about maybe installing the 32-bit X2a, if your older projects were created in 32-bit Sonar way back when.
 
I will keep looking, just in case none of the above amount to anything helpful.
 
Bob Bone
 

Sonar X2a is NOT older-project friendly!
 
I am discovering a host of bazaar anomalies trying to open older projects with X2a. Some anomalies are so completely off the wall weird it's unbelievable.
 
Besides the strange graphical glitches and blank areas there's compatibility issues as well. So many plugins only work in 32 bit, or 64 bit, or in X2 only.
 
My work around for this is to start with a fresh project and then drag or import tracks over to it.
 
Steve