Yeah, I just uninstalled X1 a couple of hours ago and the registry was still riddled with Sonar stuff.
I deleted as much as I figured was safe to remove, but I didn't remove everything.
There were also several folders remaining that I deleted afterwards.

meh


Not trying to hijack the thread but is there a comprehensive guide to uninstall...
 
I would like to get rid of everything so I could get a "clean" install
 
tia

http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2437932

just substitute X1 for X2

here is the same thing Bristol just posted but with the correct command lines and some other info. 
back up your registry dude, it only takes one mistake and backing up your registry takes 2 minutes.
besides, who doesn't want a good back of their registry :) 

For a clean installation of SONAR X2 please try the following:
 
1) Completely un-install SONAR from your computer. This is normally done from Start | Programs | Cakewalk. This will not remove any of your project files or audio data.
 
2) Next you will want to open the Run Command
 
            a) In Windows Vista and 7 this can be done by holding down the ‘windows’ key and pressing ‘r’   
            b) In Windows 8 this can be done by holding down the ‘windows’ key and pressing ‘r’ the typing in CMD in the message box/press enter  
  
 
3) At the prompt type regedit and click OK.
 
***Backup your Registry before making edits - you do this by clicking the File menu, Export Registry File.
 
4) Now delete the following Registry keys:
 
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Cakewalk Music Software\SONAR Producer\X2
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Cakewalk Music Software\SONAR Producer\X2
 
*Please note that this will remove any effects presets and key bindings you may have made in Cakewalk. You can back these up separately if you like, using Options|Key Bindings, Tools|SONAR Plug-in Manager, and Options|Colors.  Hit F1 in these views for detailed instructions on how to do this.
 
*go to C/Cakewalk content/SONAR X2 Producer.(the SONAR X2 Producer folder has all your track templates, Cal scripts, project templetes, pro channel presets and other things you might want to look at before reinstalling incase you want to back those up
 
5) Open the 'Run' command again.
 
6) Copy and paste the following into the prompt:
 
%appdata%\Cakewalk
 
7) This will open your Cakewalk Application Data folder, right-click on the SONAR folder and choose rename.
 
8) Rename this folder SONAR X2 Backup.
 
9) Open the 'Run' command again and type msconfig Click OK and then click on the Startup tab at the upper right of the window that opens.
 
10) Uncheck all items listed, click OK, then restart your computer. You can always recheck those items again at a later time.
 
11) Then reinstall SONAR. Make sure to have any virus scanners disabled on installation. It is not required or recommended to turn off any windows services.
 
 

Charlie :

"9) Open the 'Run' command again and type msconfig Click OK and then click on the Startup tab at the upper right of the window that opens.

10) Uncheck all items listed, click OK, then restart your computer. You can always recheck those items again at a later time. "

Why would this be necessary ? Sonar doesn't have any startup services on my system.

What would be the point of removing any other service that the user usually runs at startup ?

Paul P


Charlie :

"9) Open the 'Run' command again and type msconfig Click OK and then click on the Startup tab at the upper right of the window that opens.

10) Uncheck all items listed, click OK, then restart your computer. You can always recheck those items again at a later time. "

Why would this be necessary ? Sonar doesn't have any startup services on my system.

What would be the point of removing any other service that the user usually runs at startup ?

that's a good question paul, if you write an email to cakewalk im sure they can answer all your questions.
(these instructions are straight from tech support)
 
but if you really desire to know,
 
1)let me explain how virus's work, some malicious software are linked to your windows start up.
thus when booting the computer the virus starts automatically blocking you from installing any anti virus to remove the virus.
thus blocking you from installing anything.
 
2) some anti virus such as Norton 360 is very difficult to just turn off, sure you can disable the all the shields but there is always a
another hidden scan linked to start up(as I learned from spending an hour on the phone with Norton's Tech support)
that's why you need to download the "power eraser" to remove Norton from your system
therefor, following the instructions from cakewalk "Turn off your anti-virus".
 
3) there are a few other reasons as well
http://forum.cakewalk.com/fb.ashx?m=1862515

the whole uninstall/reinstall should take you about 20-30 minutes.
good luck :)

Paul P


Charlie :

"9) Open the 'Run' command again and type msconfig Click OK and then click on the Startup tab at the upper right of the window that opens.

10) Uncheck all items listed, click OK, then restart your computer. You can always recheck those items again at a later time. "

Why would this be necessary ? Sonar doesn't have any startup services on my system.

What would be the point of removing any other service that the user usually runs at startup ?

just an fyi startup programs in windows 8 are now handled through the task manager.

swamptooth

Paul P


Charlie :

"9) Open the 'Run' command again and type msconfig Click OK and then click on the Startup tab at the upper right of the window that opens.

10) Uncheck all items listed, click OK, then restart your computer. You can always recheck those items again at a later time. "

Why would this be necessary ? Sonar doesn't have any startup services on my system.

What would be the point of removing any other service that the user usually runs at startup ?

just an fyi startup programs in windows 8 are now handled through the task manager.

its still the same as typing msconfig in CMD.
 
just so I don't confuse this kid,
 
"just stick to the 11 step instructions in my previous post.

swamp,
that is good to know though, and a lot easier than previous versions

A well written installer/uninstaller will not leave as much crap as the Sonar programs are famous for doing.  Most programs will be pretty well removed using the control panel. If you know you are going to install one of the less well-behaved progs, it is still useful to use and uninstaller application to monitor the installation. Those programs will create a database of what was installed and what registry settings were made, and automatically remove that stuff at a later date. Zsoft Uninstaller is freeware that does a good job if you tell it to monitor the installation.


Other programs search for registry entries that call various parts of the installation (and hopefully nothing else) and remove them. They can work without actually monitoring the installation process, but are more prone to errors or incomplete removal. Revo Uninstaller free is able to do that and also monitored installation, and is also freeware. One advantage of this kind of program is that it can sometimes find pieces of a failed installation. The standard way of removing a failed installation is to re-install the program over itself and then using the developer's uninstaller to remove the whole thing. But if the failed installation is blocking the full re-installation a program like that can be a lifesaver.


If you know what you are looking for, a manual registry search will do the job. Most of the Sonar keys have somewhat recognizable names, but without full documentation or a "remover" application from Cakewalk, we can't be absolutely sure that everything is gone.  The system that has worked for users in the past is periodically posted to this forum, as the problem never seems to go away. The good news is that most of the time any leftover pieces will not corrupt the new installation.