SOLVED:Registration code now required on an install that's already registered

I have SONAR 8.5.1 installed (Both 32 and 64 bit) under VISTA Ultimate SP2
 
Its been perfectly stable ever since it was installed. No problems at all. Suddenly today I open up SONAR 64 bit and it opens up with the screen to input my registration code: I do as it says and enter the code then it tells me that it is an "invalid extension key. This evaluation will cease in 29 days"
 
So I close down SONAR; try again. Repeat loop, then reboot. Same loop. It seems I'm now in Evaluation Mode.
 
Open SONAR 32 bit no problems at all. It's fully registered and working as had been the 64 bit version.
 
Now they've both been installed side by side ever since I got 8.5.
 
What could effect the Registration status of one program and not the other?
 
I have UAC off permanently
So far I've tried:
    Running as administrator
    Rebooting - soft reset.
    Rebooting - hard reset.
    Check details on My Account at Cakewalk to make sure I'm typing in the right number. ALL OK and corresponds to my previous emails of serial and Rego details on purchase.
    Used cut and paste instead of typing in the number to eliminate typing errors.
    Reinstalling just the 8.5.1 patch for the x64 version.
    Sent request to Cakewalk Tech Support through the proper channel.
 
Any suggestions>
 
Tech support sent me an email containing my Serial number and Registration Code: They suggested I enter the Registration code (same details as I already have on file and used to install SONAR initially) as requested by the window that opens when SONAR x64 starts and contact them again if this doesn't solve the problem.
DUH! THIS IS THE PROBLEM TECH SUPPORT.
 
Sorry for shouting but its frustrating to have to fill out a form and then someone in front line Tech Support hasn't the comprehension skills to understand you.
 
    

Are you sure it's actually SONAR that is asking for registration and not a VST or other plugin?

I don't allow updates on any of my machines, I'm very particular about what updates are installed so do it manually, and always backup beforehand. I would'nt be surprised if that turns out to be the problem.

Its a SONAR error message. It's saying that the Registration Key I've entered into the box will not extend the version past its evaluation period; hence "Invalid Extension Key". Had me confused for a while.

i'm narrowing it down as we speak but I guess the bigger issue it has highlighted to me is the absolutely pathetic first line tech response I received from Cakewalk.

I don't allow automatic updates of Windows to install either. I did this manually but the impact didn't show up until later; that is if it turns out to be this update. Still checking it out. In the meantime its the weekend now so I'll likely have fixed the problem by the time/ if Cakewalk ever get back to me with a 2nd response. I use so many different software vendors over the net and I've got to say Cakewalk by far are the worst for communication at any level. I reckon they're swamped if the newbie problems flood on this forum is any guide.

Tech support sent me an email containing my Serial number and Registration Code: They suggested I enter the Registration code (same details as I already have on file and used to install SONAR initially) as requested by the window that opens when SONAR x64 starts and contact them again if this doesn't solve the problem.
DUH! THIS IS THE PROBLEM TECH SUPPORT.

i'm narrowing it down as we speak but I guess the bigger issue it has highlighted to me is the absolutely pathetic first line tech response I received from Cakewalk.

Have you gotten back to them yet? What do they say now?  Just as a matter of interest .. what would you expect the appropriate 'first line tech response' to be?

Cheers.

That's a strange one.
Bad news about Cakewalk's lack of support.


I have to say when I had issues trying to purchase
the "Physical Media" after the fact, I was left with a
similar impression.

Not a good sign at all.