Hello, I purchased the lifetime updates when they were first made available, but I have not updated Platinum in over a year, and probably longer. I have also not updated Melodyne or any other products, or content, associated with my Cakewalk account.  Some of the reason for not updating is laziness, fear, and the fact that everything is working well for me know. I believe it is time to update my purchases and experience all the new wonderfulness.
 
I am currently using Win 8.1 operating system.
 
My questions, are there any preliminary steps I should take to ensure a smooth updating process?  What sort of issues might I encounter when I finally decide to follow through.
 
Thanks
 
Jesse Q. Screed
 
 

Jesse, you shouldn't have any major problems with updating.  I've stayed current all along, and it's been a pleasure as Sonar has improved over time.  They've added enough new features that it'll seem like Christmas.  I've never had to do any prep work; I just use the CCC and it's done the job everytime.  Best of luck, and can't wait to hear what you can do with the new Sonar you're going to get.

Dive in.....
It'll probably go smoother than when you first downloaded Platinum.
Just make sure you are not in the middle of a project (imho).
On a side note, any particular reason why you haven't upped your system to windows 10 (at this point)? 
 

Hi. Make sure to update CCC to the latest version, (if you haven't already) before doing the install(s).
Otherwise, go ahead and enjoy the new features 
All the best.

I've used every download platinum has offered and it has been great.
there was a few updates where new features were introduced and I had to read up on it.
 
For example:
There's been updates to the PRV. For the better but it took a few days to familiarize myself.
Plug in manager. I believe its been almost a year since the plug in manager was updated.
Those were the two biggest changes for me.

Jesse Screed
Hello, I purchased the lifetime updates when they were first made available, but I have not updated Platinum in over a year, and probably longer. I have also not updated Melodyne or any other products, or content, associated with my Cakewalk account.  Some of the reason for not updating is laziness, fear, and the fact that everything is working well for me know. I believe it is time to update my purchases and experience all the new wonderfulness.
 
I am currently using Win 8.1 operating system.
 
My questions, are there any preliminary steps I should take to ensure a smooth updating process?  What sort of issues might I encounter when I finally decide to follow through.
 
Thanks
 
Jesse Q. Screed
 
 

If you OS is that old, it is possible you will have issues with the Microsoft Visual C++ not being up-to-date.  
 
Should be able to overcome such obstacle with an internet search, but a new version of Plat might refuse to install, just something to be aware of.

You should first run all OS updates for Win 8.1.   If you're on the internet at all, this is vitally important.  Plus, as others have pointed out, it ensures compatibility with other software (esp. plugins).
 
Worst case, if the Sonar update causes you major problems, you can always roll back to your current version (Not via System Restore, but from within Sonar Command Center).
 
Good luck!

You guys are great.  Thanks for the advice and encouragement.  I will be in the city next week and I plan on having better internet so that I can get this completed. 
 
Again, thank you!!!
 

KingsMix
On a side note, any particular reason why you haven't upped your system to windows 10 (at this point)? 
 

The same reasons for not updating Platinum...laziness, fear, and everything was working for me.  I know, not the best excuses, but it's all I got.
 
Brian and Jon, thanks for that advice.  I was wondering if that might be the wrench in the gears for my particular case.  I will do as suggested.
 
Jesse Q. Screed
 
 

Jesse Screed
You guys are great.  Thanks for the advice and encouragement.  I will be in the city next week and I plan on having better internet so that I can get this completed. 
 
Again, thank you!!!
 

KingsMix
On a side note, any particular reason why you haven't upped your system to windows 10 (at this point)? 
 

The same reasons for not updating Platinum...laziness, fear, and everything was working for me.  I know, not the best excuses, but it's all I got.
 
 
 
 

That's understandable...

Jesse Screed
You guys are great.  Thanks for the advice and encouragement.  I will be in the city next week and I plan on having better internet so that I can get this completed. 
 
Again, thank you!!!
 

KingsMix
On a side note, any particular reason why you haven't upped your system to windows 10 (at this point)? 
 

The same reasons for not updating Platinum...laziness, fear, and everything was working for me.  I know, not the best excuses, but it's all I got.
 
Brian and Jon, thanks for that advice.  I was wondering if that might be the wrench in the gears for my particular case.  I will do as suggested.
 
Jesse Q. Screed
 
 

Jesse, I'm still on Win 7 but have applied all the Platinum updates when they were available and have encountered no problems whatsoever. this is the original Win 7 as supplied to my by my DAW builder. All up dates were switched off by them.
So if mine runs, yours *should* be fine.