Question: Trying to use old DAW software (PT8) in Windows 8.1

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DiverDave

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I figured I try here as well to see if I can get this to work. I know its a long shot. I have PT8 and would rather not have to spend ~$400 to upgrade to a newer version. I know PT8 is not supported by Win8 but I saw some folks say they were able to get it running. I tried last night and was unsuccessful. I did not run install it in compatibility mode. Anyone know if it would be as simple as that. I'll try again tonight and if it still doesn't work I'll need to consider other options

Thanks
 
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I'm not a pro so keeping the old hardware won't cost me anything but my time. But there is a lot to be said for ease of use and my current situation does not make it easy to have 1 computer for recording (and disconnected from the Internet ) and one for everything else.

I'll do some research on other interfaces and go from there. Not sure avid will get my business though
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

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Basically the way it goes is, if you want to use software on a new OS, to ensure it works as advertised, you have to upgrade, no matter the cost. Most makers have free updates (different word) to make them compatible with current OS, but if the software is that old and stated as Not-W8 compatible, then that is the answer.

Now you CAN try to use compatibility mode (yes it is that simple) that says it will run it like that version of Windows, but that is a last ditch effort, AND all features MAY STILL not work as advertised for many issues. Food for thought, if this is a XP programs most likely it won't work simply because since Vista a whole new security system for how the files are accessed, permission, account permissions and so on changed drastically that many programming techniques that 'cheated' to use 'core Windows code' without validating they were legitimate programs (basically how XP was having the Virus of the Day every day) was all patched up and the new requirements renders many old programs incompatible and required a complete REWRITE of code (UpGrade).
 
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DiverDave

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Thanks for the input Tom. As an FYI though the program is an XP program there is a Windows 7 upgrade but no Windows 8 as Avid no longer supports that version. From the reading I've done it seems to be a hit and miss for getting the software to run in Win8 but it isn't clear exactly why some people were successful and others are not
 
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Astralv

Astralv

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I use cakewalk Sonar. I have PT 10 here, sitting in the box. It is 32 bit, I am not installing it because I do not like any drama. I used to try to run things on XP and they would work but I would have all kind of issues, and everybody said, build another computer, but I spent 4K on my system and did not want to give it up... I am glad I did. Totally different experience. You may consider posting on Avid forum, they would know better. I feel the same as you are- my upgrade to PT 11 would cost me $300.
 
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

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Yes it can and does work on 64bit systems, and your right 64 can't run on a 32. The issue, as you identified, is it is a legacy software (XP) that doesn't work with the new security as I mentioned, as of Vista forward. Yes if you upgrade to the Win7 upgrade it should work on Win8, but no guarantees. You can (as also mentioned) use compatibility mode to make sure it does as well.
 
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DiverDave

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Update
Well it seems that while some people got their versions to work I can't. Making matters worse it seems that my recording interface Mbox2 mini also seems to cause a conflict, twice I have tried to plug it in to it I can get it to work with audacity and both times I got BSOD and those are the only BSOD i've had. So looks to be completely incompatible with win8.1 may 8 work but looks like I need a new interface/software if I want to use this new machine to record. Might be keeping the old one for longer than I thought
 
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

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Just remember, if you decide to 'keep the older one for longer' your increasing your risk that WHEN (not if) it fails due to its age / no longer supported system susceptible to many malware/viruses out there (without being on the Internet, just look at StuxNet) you will find yourself at the most inopportune time and the most grief (deadlines, while in the middle of a project, whatever) when it does fail. It is BEST BUSINESS PRACTICE to invest wisely in CRITICAL systems to minimize as best as possible failure.

Another way to think about it, WHEN this 'old one' does fail, HOW much will that cost you in business, which you may not have the immediate capital to replace as compared to the immediate cost to upgrade to a Win8 version now?
 
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DiverDave

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I'm not a pro so keeping the old hardware won't cost me anything but my time. But there is a lot to be said for ease of use and my current situation does not make it easy to have 1 computer for recording (and disconnected from the Internet ) and one for everything else.

I'll do some research on other interfaces and go from there. Not sure avid will get my business though
 
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