1) Start a VERY long project to export ALL of my stuff and import what I can into a new DAW and start learning a new DAW from scratch and re-mixing everything in the new environment...YUCK!

2) Stay with a now dead DAW and hope that Windows updates don't break it...YUCK

3) Freeze Windows updates unplug from the network and use my SONAR DAW as a standalone DAW with no Internet connection and be stuck in time...Yuck!
 
Other options...anyone?

Sad but true.

I'll probably disconnect my studio pc from any net connections from now on.
I'll use it (for now) as long as it works.
All the best.

Optimist view- When Cakewalk is sold off and re branded, they will make sure it imports old Sonar files.
 
In the interim you could... grab a copy of Studio One, Reaper, Magix or any other daw that works for you. Scan vst's export audio files. Whatever you need to do in order to complete projects. Again the software as it is right now will likely continue to work for 5 years minimum. That's 5 years or more of use free, think about it.If you like what you have keep using it.
 
Some folks still report using Pro Audio 9 and love it!

Option 3. I am going to order a new SSD for my C drive , install everything up o date and unplug it from the network. Hopefully none of the 3rd party stuff will nag me. I've been nagged by all 3 of my on line activators this last couple of weeks and all becuase of W10 updating. Just think,, 5 or more years of peace,, just make music,, no computer hassles.. maybe this is a blessing in disguise. At least my latest Sonar update seems to run smoothly. 
 
I see no reason to abandon Sonar,, it does more than I'll ever need, so I see no benifit in changing. Besides I'm going to get my $150 worth yet. 

Just letting you all know . . . 8.5 still works!

My DAW PC is off the network.  It'll stay that way. I'll keep using Splat until the computer starts failing.
When that happens, i'll look for another DAW.  And it WON'T be anything under the Gibson umbrella, if they have anything at that time.
 
And yesterday I decided to purchase the rolling updates on my next paycheque...

Cactus Music
Option 3. I am going to order a new SSD for my C drive , install everything up o date and unplug it from the network. Hopefully none of the 3rd party stuff will nag me. I've been nagged by all 3 of my on line activators this last couple of weeks and all becuase of W10 updating. Just think,, 5 or more years of peace,, just make music,, no computer hassles.. maybe this is a blessing in disguise. At least my latest Sonar update seems to run smoothly. 
 
I see no reason to abandon Sonar,, it does more than I'll ever need, so I see no benifit in changing. Besides I'm going to get my $150 worth yet. 

With you all the way Johnny
 
My DAW is only ever connected to the network for product updates, I'm still running Win 7 so i'm just going to bide my time, see what happens and keep making music

gprokap
Just letting you all know . . . 8.5 still works!

Interesting.  Of course, what happens if you buy a new plugin and it doesn't work with 8.5?
 
Still, it does suggest that if DAW recording is just a hobby and you're willing to unplug from the internet and not add any new plugins, then any version from 8.5 to Platinum will stay viable for years to come...
 
For many of us, though, one or more of those conditions is not acceptable.  So the time has come to find a replacement and even though we might keep using Sonar, we have to prepare for the day that it crashes because of a new Slate/FabFilter/Waves/Whatever plugin....

There won't be anything from Gibson because there won't be a Gibson. 
 
There's no reason we won't be able to keep a computer going for say 10-12 years,, I still have a Dell XP computer than I think is from 2004.