I started 02_SONAR-X2_Producer.part1.exe (which theoretically launches part2, part3, and part4.
I proceeded to add the other product content: 03_LOOPS..., 04_Dimension_Pro..., and 05-SONAR-X2_Producer_Additional...

After this was all completed (and by the way, I never saw ANYTHING about a Rapture install), I went to the Start Menu expecting to see the SONAR X2 app. Instead all I saw was Dimension Pro items: Help, Notes, and Uninstall. THERE WAS NO SONAR PROGRAM.

So I went to C:\Programs\Cakewalk\SONAR X2 and double-clicked the SONARPDR application. It flashed the splash screen and then went away. It is not running in the Task Manager. Every time. Disappointed!

Any ideas?

P.S. As an act of full disclosure, I made one change to the install wizard: based on Scott R. Garrigus book SONAR X1 Power (page 11), I changed the "Cakewalk Content" folder to a 2nd drive. Really, that shouldn't have mattered. By the way, Scott's idea is not helpful when 03_Loops_And_One_Shots.part1 is launched BECAUSE THEIR IS NO WAY TO CHANGE THE TARGET INSTALL AND EVERYTHING GOES TO drive c:\CakeWalk Content anyway! So now I have two "Cakewalk Content" folders. ARRRRGH!

Did you run the installer as Administrator? 

Yeah run the installer as admin. When I ran my installer, win8 had issues with it that I had to bypass. Also, I'm haunted by having 5 different vst folders and 4 "Sonar X2 Producer" folders on my system. Because of similar issues as you.

At least mine runs now, The real problem for me is that FL studio only lets you select 1 vst folder. Now that is a pain.

I'm really irritated that I'm wasting so much hard drive space with all these folders that are being used by different instruments and cakewalk items.

I wanted it to just be C: sonar program and vsts D: sonar content and other music app, vst libraries E: My Sample Library.

So far it's been a week and I still have a lot of hunting to get it cleaned up more.

slubermachine, if you want to rearrange things it is doable http://forum.cakewalk.com/fb.ashx?m=2686373

Yes, I did run as Administrator. Based on these comments, it looks like I'll nuke the drive, download again, and start over. 

I, too, am upset by so many plug-in folders. If I ever get SONAR X2 to install, I will consider consolidating plugins as mentioned in this thread.

Thanks for all your comments.

first thing to check is the checksum of the files is correct.. no need to DL again if they are, just stick em on a pen drive.

you may have done a custom install *WITHOUT* specifying to install sonar.

It is true I did a "custom" install, but there doesn't seem to be a "SONAR X2 Yes/No" checkbox during that process. Various options can, of course, be checked on or off. So, while I thought your idea was brilliant, it didn't seem to work.

I also ran the HashCalc program, and I'm not really sure what to do with the results. In checking each of the ...part1, ...part2, ...part3, ...part4 installation files, HashCalc did produce some data -- and didn't seem to fail in anyway. 

Am I supposed to compare the HashCalc number with something from Cakewalk?

I am currently running the entire process over again, using same downloaded files, with no changes "on top" of the existing install. If it does not work, I will nuke everything.

Geez, while I'm typing this I just got a "Welcome to the Rapture 1.2.2 Setup Wizard" dialog. Didn't see that before!

Can you believe this? The application finished install, started and wants registration info! I'm speechless.

Am I supposed to compare the HashCalc number with something from Cakewalk?

If hashhcalc gave you MD5 hash results compare them to the results for the MD5 here:


http://www.cakewalk.com/support/kb/pages/x2_download_installation_instructions.aspx 

Go to the bottom of the page and click the appropriate hyperlink and all will be revealed.


For a breakdown of all installers included with the SONAR X2 Producer download, click here


The MD5 hash is an algorythm that produces a (virtually) unique result for every file. A single bit out of place will result in a different result. So if the MD5 is the same you have a perfect copy of the file.

I never knew what those text strings were for. Doh! Thank you so much. They all check out OK and SONAR X2 seems to be up and running. Now for those pesky file locations...

sounds like something is happening during vst scan.  copy your vstplugins directory somewhere safe, then delete everything in the original vstplugins directory then start. if it starts, move the backup vstplugins directory back and do a vst scan while sonar is running.  then, restart sonar and see what happens.  make sure you have rescan only failed plugins checked.