Updating Architect 5.0

[super8guy]

I was feeling lucky, actually I don't know what got into me when I decided to update DVD Architect build 128 to the most recent build that was released in Dec 2011, namely build 157. My 128 build wasn't broke and I learned a valuable lesson...if it ain't broke, don't mess w/ it.

Anyhow, the download from the Sony website of the 168mb "patch" proceeded seamlessly until after the required reboot. It was then I noticed that I no longer had the DVD Architect desktop icon. And when I attempted to load it using the start button, the message informed me it was no longer available. Same, when I sent over a project from VMS HD10.0. The message I got was something on the order of, unavailable, please load the DVD Architect program.

Then I go looking under windows explorer and I find it listed, but that's about the extent of my abilities. I now need help. Has anyone here tried to update Architect w/ similar disastrous results? What should I try next. Does someone have a telephone number for Sony, or a website to look for help, or any suggestions?

Yes, I do have my original disk, and I suppose that's what I'll do, and live w/ that build 128.

[super8guy]

I did some searching on the Sony help forums. I conclude I am stuck in Sony quicksand and won't get out soon...ever? Here's one comment from another DVD AS (frustrated) user written July 10, seemingly abandoned by Sony:

Sorry for the caps, but SONY, PLEASE PULL THIS BROKEN "BUILD 157" PATCH AND PROVIDE A FIXED VERSION!!!!! IT IS BROKEN, FAULTY, CORRUPT, DESTRUCTIVE AND USELESS! Don't you care about your paying customers?

If anyone reading this using build 128 and contemplating the "free" update to build 157...in a word, don't!

[Steve Grisetti]

Sorry for your problems, superguy. I've got all of the updates and I don't have any problems at all. So I'm not sure what to tell you except to try a reinstall.

Meantime, posting angry words to Sony on this forum, of course, is of no use at all -- since I'm not even sure Sony is aware this forum even exists! So I'd write to them directly.

[TreeTopsRanch]

And if you still have your original disk you could try to install the old version. The new version took away some features anyway.
For instance: The recent build (157) of DVD Arch will not allow us to burn a AVCHD Blue-ray file onto a DVD anymore.

[Peru]

Did you try System Restore?

[super8guy]

And if you still have your original disk you could try to install the old version. The new version took away some features anyway.
For instance: The recent build (157) of DVD Arch will not allow us to burn a AVCHD Blue-ray file onto a DVD anymore.

I'm kinda biding my time until I get a definite ans on how to (safely) proceed. I've read that once you downloaded build 157, it's not possible to install AS again until whatever AS remnant remains on the HD is uninstalled. Makes sense. Just not sure about what to do.

I've also "heard" that there's a limited number of installs that the owner can expect from their copy of AS. Anyone know how many installs are available?

[super8guy]

Did you try System Restore?

No I haven't. I'm not only an AS novice, I also have limited computer skills, but that's something I'd be able to research, just don't have the courage to try...

I know that we must learn from our mistakes, I'm just not over the mess I caused by trying to update AS.

[super8guy]

Sorry for your problems, superguy. I've got all of the updates and I don't have any problems at all. So I'm not sure what to tell you except to try a reinstall.

Meantime, posting angry words to Sony on this forum, of course, is of no use at all -- since I'm not even sure Sony is aware this forum even exists! So I'd write to them directly.

I sent Sony an email, but from what I've read about the experience of others wrt this issue, I should not expect them to help or even prevent the next person from having this exact same calamity from occurring. It's up to me to solve this problem w/ other kind peoples' help.

Thanks for commiserating. You're right about Sony paying attention to their issues, but at least I felt a wee bit better by venting. Don't you find it incredible that this known issue (evident since Dec 2011) has not yet been addressed by Sony?

How did you escape this pitfall? When you went to update your copy of AS build 128, how did you avoid what I (and others) have experienced? I'd appreciated hearing about it. I thought it was a universal problem when going from build 128 to 157. Is the problem specific to a certain OS or brand of computer?

Thanks.

[Peru]

Did you try System Restore?

No I haven't. I'm not only an AS novice, I also have limited computer skills, but that's something I'd be able to research, just don't have the courage to try...

What is your operating system? There are many easy tutorials on how to do it.
It will very likely fix it.

[super8guy]

Peru,

I'm using Vista 64 bit (not sure which version.)

I saw there are many vids on youTube addressing the topic of sys restore. Just wondering if it's better to remove whatever was put on my computer when I attempted to update AS or just do the sys restore? Or perhaps it really doesn't matter?

When one does a sys restore, is any data such as documents, photos, etc removed...or are only "command" files altered.

Thanks.

[Steve Grisetti]

Only the operating system is affected by a System Restore, superguy. No data is erased or lost.

[Peru]

Only the operating system is affected by a System Restore, superguy. No data is erased or lost.

...unless they are located on the desktop only.

If you have a folder or file on the desktop (not a shortcut to the folder or file, but the actual folder or file), it could be affected. That's why you should always have a shortcut to a file which is located somewhere else like My Docs and not the actual file on the desktop.

Unfortunately, I speak from experience.

[super8guy]

Did you try System Restore?

No, I downloaded REVO Uninstaller, which was used to remove the corrupted copy of DVDAS, then I simply reinstalled DVDAS from my disk. That worked, and I'm back up and running w/ Build 128.

[Peru]

Glad to hear that.
Thanks for the update. It may help others.