EMC 9 blows up Windows

[KEA]

After I installed version 9 my system would no longer boot. I decided to wipe the boot drive and reinstall Windows XP pro. The only software I installed was that what came with my Hauppauge PVR 350, Plextor tools (comes with Plextor DVD RW drives), Win XP Plus! Digital media Edition, and Creative Audigy software. I also installed all Win XP service packs and updates including of course SP2. It did the same thing. After installing EMC9 my system takes for ever to get the logon screen and when I logon it eventually says "Since Windows was first activated on this computer, the hardware has changed significantly. Due to these changes, Windows must be reactivated within 3 days. Do you want to reactivate Windows now?" The first time EMC9 crashed my computer I answered yes to this question. This was a mistake becuase then I could only boot to safe mode. The second time (after I wiped drive C) I answered no. The system eventually came up (with various errors that some PVR 350 auto start programs could not start). I immediatly shut it down to see if it would reboot properly. It hung on Windows is shutting down. When I force a reboot it again gives the above error (after a very long wait).

I entered a call to Roxio 5 days ago (on 10/6 and today is 10/11) and they have yet to respond. I don't know how you all feel about EMC9 but lets face it, it has issues and Roxio seems to be unresponsive. BTW my PC is well built. It has 2 raid-0 drives one for drive C and one for drive D (drive C has ~ 40gb free). It has a P4@3.4 ghz and 2 gig of RAM. It has a ATI 9800 Asus video card, 2 audio cards (Creative Audigy 2ZS and M-Audio) one for games and the other for recording work, 3 CD drives and 3 DVD drives. All but 2 of these are RW.

Let my pain be a caution to anyone reading this before they install EMC9. I'm going back to EMC7. I only wish I could get a refund for EMC9 and about a week of extra time becuse that about how long it will take me to fix this mess.

[KEA]

Roxio, like any other company, tests their software as throughly as possible. It is physically impossible to test software for ALL possible hardware/software combinations. It is obvious that your situation is an exception. I can tell you already that M-Audio cards are not supported, but that within itself should not cause the problem that you are experiencing. Unfortunately, we haven't seen your problem before so I doubt if we could be much help. As Larry suggested, it wouldn't hurt to try the EMC9 support page.

 

Yes, I don't expect they could test on every combination of hardware/software. I just wanted them to have tested on mine.

 

Here's what I did: I decided to install Windows XP Pro on a different HDD (so I could get my real boot drive back to normal). I put it on a non raid drive, installed all the Windows patches and service packs including SP2. I installed all the software and drivers for my Audigy 2ZS, all the software and drivers for my Hauppauge 350 PVR, and all the software and drivers for my Asus ATI 9800 based video card. I also installed PlexTools Pro and Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition. I did not re-map "My Documents" to Drive D and I removed the M-Audio sound card from the computer. I then created an image of the drive (with Ghost v9 so I could easily recover the drive after I installed EMC9). When I installed EMC9 it installed like "normal" but on reboot the OS took a long time to load the Welcome screen and it would not load the desktop properly. I did not however get the register Windows error (I found out this was not caused by the M-Audio card but the error only occurs if I try to install EMC 9 on my primary boot drive which is a raid-0 drive). When Windows tries to load the desktop it fails to start some startup programs (like IR remote, a PVR program) and gives this error:

"Runtime Error

Program:...ommon Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\sharedcom\RoxWatchTray9.exe

This application has requested the Runtime to terminate in an unusual way. Please contact the application's support team for more information."

in a window titled "Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library"

At this point the computer is pretty much unusable. When I try and shut it down it hangs at "Saving your settings". I re-imaged the drive and tried removing all the drivers and software for the Audigy, PVR, and video cards. I removed Plextools and Microsoft Plus!. When I installed EMC9 I had the same errors mentioned above. I then decided to install EMC 7 (which works fine on this PC) and install EMC 9 over the top. I again had the same errors and EMC 7 also stopped working (same error different path).

SUMMARY:

I have used EMC for a long time. I first started with this program back before Roxio bought it from Adaptec (I think that was v3.5 or 4). I have always been very stasified and pleased with the suite (well except for v7 & Napster). EMC 9 however has been a different story. I will reserve final jugment on it untill after I get another copy of the software from my local retailer and try installing from that copy. I will say this however, I work on computers for a living. I install and use many different programs. This is the first one that has caused such disasterous results. Anybody installing this program should take precautions to backup any data that might reside on their boot drive (C:). All my data is on a different drive but yours probably isn't. Proceed with extreme caution! If this was caused by a faulty CD, I'll let you know. If it was then there are probably more bad CDs out there. If it isn't the CD then I'll give you the exact configuration of this PC and you can decide for yourself if you want to mess with EMC 9.

[John at Roxio]

This thread is heading nowhere quickly so I closed it.

[bartleyd]

Hmmm.. you mean like how you first of all highjacked someone else's thread and to top it off, you're in the wrong forum, too.

 

Good luck with that since they don't even have a user forum.

Ok, I'll admit to letting one more hook get me. Since a couple of you seem to cherish what is viewed as direct let me respond in kind. I hijacked nothing, I responded directly to the content of a post previous to mine. If someone hijacked, it was that poster who took it to another topic. So, basically, you can stuff the arrogant attitude.

 

As far as the "prove it, I don't see that anywhere today" garbage, you all know websites are dynamic and change over time to meet the current status. I bought EMC 8 when it was new, BEFORE there was an update, so get a clue Dick Tracy. Again, stuff it.

 

There are a great many more user community forums dealing with Nero than there are Roxio. That is what this is supposed to cover for. Additionally, when I've emailed Nero support I have received an answer within 24 hours, everytime! That can not be said here. None the less, I still supported and liked Roxio, until I came to these forums. When I did a search for Roxio forums I came back with 2, one of them being this one. When I did a search for Nero forums the first 3 pages were different forums, both regional and widespread. Again, stuff it.

 

Lastly, I had another one of the 2-3 of you who relish belittling others with your mastery chastize me in another thread for their perception that I was saying they could not "editorialize". I never said that, but I can't help but wonder where is that person now with that high ideal to chastize you for tasking me for editorializing. Is there a common pattern here? Hmmm.

 

In closing, too darn bad if you don't like having your Guruness questioned. Your communication skllls are less than helpful in many posts. Thanks for confirming exactly why I did not want to post my question previously. BTW, I did have someone talk with me in PM, they were very helpful and I gained a lot from it. That is how I expected it to work, not this kind of rubbish. Another one discussed our disagreement on approach with helping in a PM, I respect that. I have seen many other helpful posts here. My issue is with a very small clique that seems to post just for the sake of posting and proving their Guruness over the rest of the peaens. As far as I am concerned this discussion is over, those who I was referring to are clearly beyond seeing the point and it further detracts from the purpose here.

 

For Roxio's eyes, and I know they have seen others say this for the same reason, you have lost me as a Roxio customer, solely due to the attitude of a small but high quantity posting few here in the forums. Unfortunately, my options are limited for seeking help in a forum setting with Roxio and this location is my only real choice for help. You might want to re-evaluate. It's a shame, I like many features of your software, but not being able to get or give useful help without risking getting bashed at to such a frequent degree is not worth those features.

[ggrussell]

"You are stupid for doing that" type of response.

Hmmm.. you mean like how you first of all highjacked someone else's thread and to top it off, you're in the wrong forum, too.

 

Back to Nero where I can get answers

Good luck with that since they don't even have a user forum.

[grandpabruce]

Actually, the term I used was "towering over' and it was a reference to an unfortunate tendancy by a very small number of people in these forums to talk to others like they are idiots. However, on the flip side I originally came here looking for some answers, searched and found some so no need to post. Had one that I could not find, wanted to post the question, not for Roxio support, but for other users who might have an answer. I hesitated for a week, specifically because I debated whether I wanted to risk getting talked down to by that small number of people simply for asking a question of the community. This relates to posts that are not designed to help with a question, but seem designed solely to put someone down for asking the question or for expressing frustration at trying to get something to work. I wondered why someone would post in response to a question without even offering the slightest answer to the question, just a general "You are stupid for doing that" type of response.

 

Clearly the forums here are not serving their purpose for a great many people or there would not be so many arguments about attitude going on in them. I apologize to all for allowing myself to get sucked in to someone else's muck and mire. I just wanted to ask a question originally and this was the outcome. Roxio, you might want to revisit your forums and see what needs to be done to get them back on track. Personally, I will just butt out as there is no real benefit to any of this for me or anyone else. Back to Nero where I can get answers when needed without getting drawn in to this kind of nonsense.

 

Actually, there are very few folks that come to the forums that don't get answers that will help them. The forums are serving their purpose. Maybe not for you, but that's life.

 

I have used Nero once in awhile over the past 3 years, but you tell me where you can find a Nero sponsored forum to help out folks who use Nero. You can't, because it does not exist.

[bartleyd]

Secondly,if we weren't here to "hover" as you call it then who would try and help people?I had nothing to do with these posts but when I see stuff like this it pisses me off.

 

Actually, the term I used was "towering over' and it was a reference to an unfortunate tendancy by a very small number of people in these forums to talk to others like they are idiots. However, on the flip side I originally came here looking for some answers, searched and found some so no need to post. Had one that I could not find, wanted to post the question, not for Roxio support, but for other users who might have an answer. I hesitated for a week, specifically because I debated whether I wanted to risk getting talked down to by that small number of people simply for asking a question of the community. This relates to posts that are not designed to help with a question, but seem designed solely to put someone down for asking the question or for expressing frustration at trying to get something to work. I wondered why someone would post in response to a question without even offering the slightest answer to the question, just a general "You are stupid for doing that" type of response.

 

Clearly the forums here are not serving their purpose for a great many people or there would not be so many arguments about attitude going on in them. I apologize to all for allowing myself to get sucked in to someone else's muck and mire. I just wanted to ask a question originally and this was the outcome. Roxio, you might want to revisit your forums and see what needs to be done to get them back on track. Personally, I will just butt out as there is no real benefit to any of this for me or anyone else. Back to Nero where I can get answers when needed without getting drawn in to this kind of nonsense.

[bartleyd]

First off if you bought the downloaded version and then tried to update to 8.05 you messed up.This is right from the website:Important Note:

This updater is intended for CD-ROM purchases acquired from a retail vendor only. Do not apply this update if you have downloaded your version of Easy Media Creator 8.

 

You must remember, what it says now and what it said then are not necessarily the same. Vista is a good example of this concept. BTW - It was the software, that I downloaded, itself in the start window that said there was an update available, do you wish to update? That update was 8.05, my version was 8.00. I said yes. The fact that they now offer the updated version for download is not a surprise, that would be the correct thing to do since it is easily chaged, unlike printing CDs.

[RVdave]

If this was caused by a faulty CD, I'll let you know. If it was then there are probably more bad CDs out there.

 

KEA - While bad CD's are probably rare, another participant on this forum reported that the CD's he received from Roxio were blank. As we've all learned the hard way......with computers, anything's possible. Good luck. - Dave

[grandpabruce]

You are incorrect. I bought the download version for EMC8 and about 6 weeks later had to download the update for 8.05. Still have both archived to CD. "I guess you didn't know that, huh?"

 

There are 3 of you who really need to step back, take a deep breath and stop towering over the users who post here.

 

Actually, you are wrong. You may have downloaded an update from the Roxio website, but there never was one, to my knowledge, that was an update for anything but the Retail version.

 

Maybe you can show us where that update is. I couldn't find it here:

 

http://www.roxio.com/enu/support/emc8/software_updates.html

[sknis]

First off if you bought the downloaded version and then tried to update to 8.05 you messed up.This is right from the website:Important Note:

This updater is intended for CD-ROM purchases acquired from a retail vendor only. Do not apply this update if you have downloaded your version of Easy Media Creator 8.

 

Secondly,if we weren't here to "hover" as you call it then who would try and help people?I had nothing to do with these posts but when I see stuff like this it pisses me off.

 

Me too and I'll second that from GPB and ggrussell. They would have been less kind.

[tbrewst]

First off if you bought the downloaded version and then tried to update to 8.05 you messed up.This is right from the website:Important Note:

This updater is intended for CD-ROM purchases acquired from a retail vendor only. Do not apply this update if you have downloaded your version of Easy Media Creator 8.

 

Secondly,if we weren't here to "hover" as you call it then who would try and help people?I had nothing to do with these posts but when I see stuff like this it pisses me off.

[bartleyd]

As for the download version of EMC 8, there was never an update for it, because it became available long after the Retail version, and already had the fixes that were later offered for the Retail version.

 

I guess you didn't know that, huh?

 

You are incorrect. I bought the download version for EMC8 and about 6 weeks later had to download the update for 8.05. Still have both archived to CD. "I guess you didn't know that, huh?"

 

There are 3 of you who really need to step back, take a deep breath and stop towering over the users who post here.

[sknis]

"Most" being the key word. BTW a restore point did not work. At least it didn't after EMC 9 caused the re-register error.

 

"Program:...ommon Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\sharedcom\RoxWatchTray9.exe"

 

This is a program that is trying to search your computer for all the files and folders and catalog them. If you have a lot, it will take a long time and will mimic a hang and slow shut down. You can disable it or set it to set it to catalog only some folders. I'm not sure how this function works with multiple OS.

 

If you haven't given up. you might try one more time with this disabled. Try doing a custom install with only the functions you want to use. Things like Drag2Disc and Digital Media Experience are two things that you might not be interested in.

[KEA]

There is obviously a problem and this is the first instance posted in this forum that EMC 9 has caused such a huge one. It would be unusual to find a single 'bad' CD and looks like we would see more instances if it was a poor CD pressing. But you do bring up an excellent point - people should exercise extreme caution when installing ANY software. Create a Restore point or image the hard drive before installing anything. Simple fact that all software doesn't always get along with others well.

 

Your situation is an exception. EMC 9 installs without serious problems for most.

 

"Most" being the key word. BTW a restore point did not work. At least it didn't after EMC 9 caused the re-register error.

[ggrussell]

There is obviously a problem and this is the first instance posted in this forum that EMC 9 has caused such a huge one. It would be unusual to find a single 'bad' CD and looks like we would see more instances if it was a poor CD pressing. But you do bring up an excellent point - people should exercise extreme caution when installing ANY software. Create a Restore point or image the hard drive before installing anything. Simple fact that all software doesn't always get along with others well.

 

Your situation is an exception. EMC 9 installs without serious problems for most.

[grandpabruce]

you'll have to excuse all the "Roxio Experts" they have the attitude that if it didn't happen to them then it didn't happen at all.

 

First off when I ordered the download version each and every files was corrupt, I had to have the download reset a couple of time's, I tried on different computer's at different locations, and yet it was still corrupt, I finally did get it downloaded after waiting a day.

 

Once I installed the #$^@ thing like you it called for a reboot, this was the first thing I installed after a new and fresh fully updated machine that I just completed the activation on. After I did the required Roxio reboot the first thing that popped up was the windows activation wizard, yes it found too many hardware changes, hmmm wonder if that had to do with all the ATI stuff it un-installed during it's installation process, that was the first thing that set me wrong, I bought my all in wonder card for a reason not to give roxio permission to remove the functionality, and nowhere in the requirements did it state that there were going to be ill effects with ATI products, if it had I would have steered clear of this purchase in the first place.

 

Keep in mind they released Roxio 8 and never did they release an update for the downloaded version.

 

AMD XP 4200+ Dual Core / 2 GB's ram/Creative Labs audigy 2 Plat./Windows XP MCE fully patched/Plextor 712SA/ATI 9800 Pro AIW

 

If we users thought that nothing happened to others, when they installed their software, then we wouldn't even be on these boards.

 

I don't have a clue why you think it uninstalled ATI stuff. I haven't heard of that happening. I know there was a problem with DAO, but it was as much a problem with Microsoft Office as it was with the ATI card. I do have an ATI card in my other computer and don't remember the problems that you are experiencing.

 

As for the download version of EMC 8, there was never an update for it, because it became available long after the Retail version, and already had the fixes that were later offered for the Retail version.

 

I guess you didn't know that, huh?

[tenndevil]

you'll have to excuse all the "Roxio Experts" they have the attitude that if it didn't happen to them then it didn't happen at all.

 

First off when I ordered the download version each and every files was corrupt, I had to have the download reset a couple of time's, I tried on different computer's at different locations, and yet it was still corrupt, I finally did get it downloaded after waiting a day.

 

Once I installed the #$^@ thing like you it called for a reboot, this was the first thing I installed after a new and fresh fully updated machine that I just completed the activation on. After I did the required Roxio reboot the first thing that popped up was the windows activation wizard, yes it found too many hardware changes, hmmm wonder if that had to do with all the ATI stuff it un-installed during it's installation process, that was the first thing that set me wrong, I bought my all in wonder card for a reason not to give roxio permission to remove the functionality, and nowhere in the requirements did it state that there were going to be ill effects with ATI products, if it had I would have steered clear of this purchase in the first place.

 

Keep in mind they released Roxio 8 and never did they release an update for the downloaded version.

 

AMD XP 4200+ Dual Core / 2 GB's ram/Creative Labs audigy 2 Plat./Windows XP MCE fully patched/Plextor 712SA/ATI 9800 Pro AIW

[grandpabruce]

Please reread my first post were I said "I decided to wipe the boot drive and reinstall Windows XP pro. The only software I installed was that what came with my Hauppauge PVR 350, Plextor tools (comes with Plextor DVD RW drives), Win XP Plus! Digital media Edition, and Creative Audigy software. I also installed all Win XP service packs and updates including of course SP2." I can't run much less then this! I think it's something with hardware. Maybe EMC9 doesn't like 2 sound cards, or maybe 2 sound cards and a PVR, or maybe 2 sound cards, a PVR, and the color of the room. Ok that last one probably isn't it but you get the idea. The point is Roxio should test this all out so I don't have to.

 

Your Hauppauge should be okay. I have the same one. It may be a problem with running 2 sound cards. Try it with just one, and see what happens.

 

I had Plextools installed when I had my 716A, which went belly up, but I did not have it installed with version 9. I can't see how that would be a problem, but I never had mine load at startup. I loaded it manually when I needed it.

[KEA]

Well yours is the first post that I've seen where after installation you get OS activation messages like you've noted. If it was me, I'd use the EMC 9 contact support info and call them to see if they can help.

I found out the 30 day refund won't work because I didn't buy direct, I got it locally. Roxio responded to that question real quick but they have yet to respond to my system down call, interesting. If I call them I know they're going to make me blow up my computer again, I'll think about it. Thanks for the info though, I wondered all over their web site trying to locate this info.

[ggrussell]

The point is Roxio should test this all out so I don't have to.

Roxio, like any other company, tests their software as throughly as possible. It is physically impossible to test software for ALL possible hardware/software combinations. It is obvious that your situation is an exception. I can tell you already that M-Audio cards are not supported, but that within itself should not cause the problem that you are experiencing. Unfortunately, we haven't seen your problem before so I doubt if we could be much help. As Larry suggested, it wouldn't hurt to try the EMC9 support page.

[KEA]

Me thinks he is running way too many OS's (computers, if you will.)

 

Please reread my first post were I said "I decided to wipe the boot drive and reinstall Windows XP pro. The only software I installed was that what came with my Hauppauge PVR 350, Plextor tools (comes with Plextor DVD RW drives), Win XP Plus! Digital media Edition, and Creative Audigy software. I also installed all Win XP service packs and updates including of course SP2." I can't run much less then this! I think it's something with hardware. Maybe EMC9 doesn't like 2 sound cards, or maybe 2 sound cards and a PVR, or maybe 2 sound cards, a PVR, and the color of the room. Ok that last one probably isn't it but you get the idea. The point is Roxio should test this all out so I don't have to.

[grandpabruce]

Well yours is the first post that I've seen where after installation you get OS activation messages like you've noted. If it was me, I'd use the EMC 9 contact support info and call them to see if they can help.

 

Me thinks he is running way too many OS's (computers, if you will.)

[Larry]

EMC9 is running in XP Pro not Windows 2003. Windows 2003 runs in Virtual PC. This is like VMware i.e. a PC in a window (only Virtual PC is a Microsoft product, actually they bought it). Pretty slick program, I can run Linux, Windows 95, Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, etc. all in their own window. It's like having a bunch of PCs all in one. All these windows however run under the real OS which is Windows XP Pro. This is handy for testing out domains and what not. BTW Virtual PC is not running all the time just when I need it.

 

I'm not claiming that everyone has problems I'm only claiming that EMC9 has problems and it has big problems with my PC. Like I said I'm not sure what it is and I've spent enough time trying to figure out what it is. I'm calling it a day, especially if I can get my money back. I think however that Roxio should test their software better because this is a real drag! It would have been nice to use some of the features of EMC9 but this is rediculous.

Well yours is the first post that I've seen where after installation you get OS activation messages like you've noted. If it was me, I'd use the EMC 9 contact support info and call them to see if they can help.

[KEA]

You might want to look at the requirements for the software. I don't think it works in a server environment.

 

If this was the case, then every person that ever installed the suite would be having the same problem.

 

EMC9 is running in XP Pro not Windows 2003. Windows 2003 runs in Virtual PC. This is like VMware i.e. a PC in a window (only Virtual PC is a Microsoft product, actually they bought it). Pretty slick program, I can run Linux, Windows 95, Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, etc. all in their own window. It's like having a bunch of PCs all in one. All these windows however run under the real OS which is Windows XP Pro. This is handy for testing out domains and what not. BTW Virtual PC is not running all the time just when I need it.

 

I'm not claiming that everyone has problems I'm only claiming that EMC9 has problems and it has big problems with my PC. Like I said I'm not sure what it is and I've spent enough time trying to figure out what it is. I'm calling it a day, especially if I can get my money back. I think however that Roxio should test their software better because this is a real drag! It would have been nice to use some of the features of EMC9 but this is rediculous.

[ggrussell]

I think EMC 9 is blowing up some Windows registration file because my hardware is not changing.

If this was the case, then every person that ever installed the suite would be having the same problem.