New Member, Old Cubase User

[Wild Bill]

Hello, please forgive me if this is the wrong forum area for this. I have just written two detailed posts here tonight concerning my problem and each time I hit the submit button, the forum shows me logged out. So this is very short. I'm seeking help in getting an activation code for my Cubase 5 VST/32 program. I bought and registered the elicenser, requested help with a support form and was emailed by a person from the Steinberg Support Group who stated that he no longer had any activation codes. But he said I could try emailing info@steinberg.de. I did send info@steinberg an email on December 27, 2012 and have had no response from them.

I have researched the Support/ Knowledge Base and am using article #02 of the Top Ten articles "How to use Cubase VST on a Computer Without Printer Port".

As shown In my profile, I have purchased good number of Steinberg products over the years and still have all of them along with my purchase receipts, serial numbers, dongles...etc. I already know that the red dongle (my Cubase VST 3.6) license is not supported per the Support/ Knowledge Base. I don't know where else to turn to for help in getting an activation code for my Cubase 5 VST/32 program which has the required blue dongle. Can you help me with this matter?

Sincerely,

Wild Bill

[curteye]

Aloha B,

A shot-in-the-dark but perhaps you could start here:

http://www.steinberg.net/en/support/usa ... ntact.html

Good luck
{'-'}

[Suprawill1]

Hi Bill,
At this stage, I would think you'd have to transfer your license from the old red dongle to the newer blue dongle. Unfortunately, to do this, the only way I know is to have a computer with a printer port. If yours does not have one, you can simply purchase a USB to DB25 serial printer adapter cable. I've seen them as cheap as 10usd.
From what I remember years ago, I was assisted by my account on the steinberg site in making the transfer by having both dongles connected to the computer while the instructions guided me through the process.

[Wild Bill]

Hello and thanks for responding.

curteye: Thanks for the welcome! I will be sure to check out that link you posted.

*Update: MySteinberg is where I started. I filled out the support form to start this process with Steinberg Support Group in trying to get an activation code. I traded emails with a support person who seemed only interested in selling me the new Cubase 7 instead of wanting to help me fix the problem. At this point I stilll have no response from info@steinberg.de. I do understand we've just had the holidays and some folks are are still out.

Suprawill1: In the Support /knowledge Base it says directy that the "USB-based LPT emulations are generally unsuitable". There is an PCIe to LPT adapter card that I found that is offered by STARTECH.com. So if there is no other way around this, then I guess should return this elicenser back to Guitar Center and later try the adapter card. One thing is for sure, I'm not taking a hammer to the blue dongle to smash it and send a picture in as required until I get full assurance that I can get an activation code. I like to take care of my stuff no matter how old it is, as long as it's still useful .

My Cubase VST/32 is very stable and I'm comfortable with it. I'm getting back into recording after a lot of things in life have gotten in the way for a number of years. I'm not trying to be cheap either, I own other sequencing software programs too which I'm using until I get Cubase going again on my newer Windows 7 computer. Cubase 7/Artist 7 looks nice enough, but I'm not convinced about it as a stable program from what I've read so far. I have a lot in the way of hardware in guitar, bass, amps, e-drums and effects/synths to make up for my poor skills! I've got some new drum software that's inspiring me to record some more.

Again, thanks for the response!

Wild Bill

[Suprawill1]

Ok, I was unaware that the USB to LPT cable was insufficient. Good to know.
I'm also a proponent for keeping the old stuff till it breaks and if it don't break, don't fix it. I do have to say though that as you start to update to newer software, you may need the newer dongle to store licensing. If and when you go by way of the adapter card for your older dongle, I would suggest that you transfer your licensing from the old to the new. My VST 5 still works with full stability too although I have upgraded through C4 and C5. I transferred my license without a problem and use the USB dongle for several licenses. Having the one makes it convenient, especially if you ever need to use any other computer to launch VST 5 on. It's not a must but a good suggestion.

[Wild Bill]

Hey Suprawill1,
Yes, I would like to keep my new usb-eLicenser which I have registered here at MySteinberg and to be able to operate my Cubase 5 VST/32, and be able to use it to license new products and use the usb eLicenser on an additional computer. Currently my old Windows XP computer with the blue dongle on the LPT Port is dead with a failed hard drive or motherboard. I may decide to repair it because the old computer worked very well for me for over nine years.

So you were able to transfer your VST 5 license to the usb eLicenser without problems? Did Steinberg issue you an activation code for you to be able to do that? Or did you do it by yourself, transferring the license from your LPT dongle to the usb-eLicenser?

I really thank you Suprawill1 for talking to me about this here, as it's been a really frustrating issue for me so far.
Hey your webste for Music Pro Duction is really cool. I checked out some song samples and was impressed by your performance with the instruments and vocals! That #14 Pop Rock song scared the heck out of me at first with the yell at the start of the song!

Wild Bill

[Wild Bill]

Well, I received a reply from a technical support person at info@steinberg.de. today, dated January 15, 2013 (my time here on the pacific coast). I will indeed have to smash the LPT port blue dongle for my Cubase 5 VST/32 program and send in a picture of the destroyed dongle to be able to get an activation code to download a license to the usb-eLicenser for my old and unsupported product. Strange, I don't think have ever destroyed anything on purpose that I've owned before. We shall see how this goes. Thanks technical support at info@Steinberg.de for responding to me.

Wild Bill

[Suprawill1]

Hi Bill,
No problem, people have helped me here so I have no problem sharing!
I was able to transfer my LPT dongle license to my USB dongle by myself with no activation code with no problem. As long as you have the "blue" LPT dongle, it won't be a problem. If you have the older "red" LPT dongle, it won't be possible.
Firstly, you have to connect both dongles to your computer. Then you will have to launch your eLicenser Control Center. Make sure you have the latest version. If not, you can download it from the Steinberg site.
When you launch it, you will be able to see both dongles with their respective licenses. There is a help button on the upper right of the contol center. It will instruct you to simply click on the license in your LPT dongle and drag it over to the USB dongle. You'll see the operation better when you connect everything and open the ECC.

Thanks for checking out my site Bill. A lot of those songs were written for children. I am a staff writer for an organization called Songs Of Love. We create songs for children that are chronically or terminally ill. It's referred to as the "medicine of music". I will post the link on my site soon!

[Wild Bill]

Hey Suprawill1,
Thanks again for responding and the info on how to transfer my license from the old LPTdongle to the new USBb-dongle.
The key thing that you helped me with, is that I should be able to transfer my license myself and not have to destroy the blue dongle. If I'm allowed to do that, then why does Steinberg require that I destroy what I already bought 12 years ago that I still own and use?

You know, I thought my serial number of my product would be more important. Oh well, I can see I'm complaining too much so I better quit and make a decision on which route to take.

Suprawill1, the Songs Of Love sounds like a great organization to be part of and you should be proud of it. I give to the St. Jude Childrens Hospital myself. It feels good to give back to society as a way to help others who really need help.
Again, thank you for your help!

Wild Bill

[Suprawill1]

Hi Bill,
Steinberg suggests destroying your old blue dongle because after the transfer, it will be useless. Your VST license will no longer reside in it because you will have transferred it to the USB dongle. You may keep it as a momento but it will no longer integrate into your Cubase program.

Songs Of Love offers me the opportunity to give something back to this life. I am honored that the organization kept me on board when they downsized the writing staff in lieu of the economy and lack of support with donating institutions. I'd like to thank you for your involvment with helping St Judes Children's Hospital. I'm sure they have connected with Songs Of Love in one respect or another. Hospitals are generally the first and main sources of children catered to in requests for songs for uplifting and ultimately, healing.

[Wild Bill]

Hi Suprawill1,

I think you would be right if I was using the Windows XP computer that has the LPT port. Remember I'm using the newer Windows 7 computer that has no LPT port at all. So getting an activation code to download the license for the Windows 7 computer is why they want me to smash the LPT blue dongle, which of course would still have MY license on it.

I now have a Windows XP computer working and I tried to follow the instructions you provided.

The eLicenser software (latest version 1.5.3..4113) would not install, It asked for NET FRAME 2.0 to be installed. So I went to Microsoft Windows website and downloaded it. But NET FRAME 2.0 won't install because of an advpack.dll (Microsoft Corporation) on my computer that wont allow the installationit. At least my Cubase 5 VST/32 program is working great with the LPT blue dongle attached and I can play back the tracks of the songs I've recorded in the past..

Today 1/17/13 I emailed the Technical Support person at info@steinberg.de and attached two pictures. One pic of a close up of the LPT port blue dongle and one pic showing my original purchase receipt, and my original product/registration that shows the part number and serial number of my Cubase VST/32 program. I explained the problems I had trying to transfer the license myself on the Windows XP computer, from the LPT port dongle to the USB-dongle as I told you above in this email.

I'll be waiting to see if steinberg will send me the activation code so I can download my license that I've already had for nearly 12 years and still own and use. Or do I need to return this USB-eLicenser back to Guitar Center with a formal complaint. I'm slowly getting tired of the effort in dealing with this USB-elicenser I purchased. I'm an old customer since Cubasis AV with MMX technology! (Which I still have). I am not a criminal, but I'm feeling that I'm being treated as such with having to smash the only dongle that I own that operates my Cubase 5 VST/32 program.

Wild Bill

[Suprawill1]

I feel you on this Bill!
Does your XP machine have any eLicenser on it at all? If you can't download the latest version, an earlier version may do. I didn't have the latest version installed when I transferred my license. I did this close to 8 years ago.
If we were in the same city, I would gladly do it for you. My old XP 'puter has everything you need to make this transfer.

[Wild Bill]

Hi Suprawill1,
Man, I really thank you for your continued offers to help me! That is very noble of you.

No my XP machine does not have the eLicenser software on it because it fails to install, showing it needs NET FRAME 2.0 or higher installed. When I try to install NET FRAME 2.0, It also fails to install too. The error it flags is advpack.dll. I tried removing advpack.dll and re-tried to install NET FRAME 2.0, but i get the same failure to install...advpack.dll.
Some how advpack.dll reappears back in Windows XP System 32 all by itself after I delete it, which is strange!

Suprrawill1, I may try that older version eLicenser software you suggested. I've read that the older version deals with the computers that only had a LPT printer port only and no usb compatibility. So I may give the older version a try.

Yea, I'm in Southern California so I'm just right next door to ya from MD...Haha!

Hey those song samples you performed, did you use midi mostly for them? I always used audio files and with Addictive Drums software, I'm having to relearn midi mapping. I had a tough time mapping out drums with my Steinberg LM-4, so I used VST Drum Sessions and Drums on Demand mostly for my drum loops over the years.

Wild Bill

[Suprawill1]

You know what they say Bill, "in for a penny, in for a pound".

If you don't have any success installing an older version of the eLicenser, it would seem much easier for you to bite the bullet and purchase the PCI to LPT card. I've seen them as cheap as 18usd. That way you can make the transfer on your new 'puter and be done. Here's two I ran across:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-PCIe-PCI- ... 2ebe6db460

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6815201049

The first one is UK currency and works out to be 18 w/free shipping. The other is also free shipping.

Haha, yeah, we're neighbors! I have several family and friends in So CA.

Yes, most of the instrumentation I use is midi driven. I use it for drums and keyboard parts. I use audio for vocals, guitars and some basses. It depends on the song application. Addictive drums supplies you with a plethora of pre recorded midi patterns for 2 and 4 bar loops and whole song patterns. Not much work is involved there but I usually compose most of my own percussion from scratch but sometimes use loops.

[Wild Bill]

Hi Suprawill1,
Looks like you are gigging this weekend with your New Censation band. I just went and checked over your website again with MPD and all. A class act all the way around! I'm lovin' the quality of your sample songs too as I listened to a bunch more just now. You are very talented and I'm sure you work hard to stay on top of it all in staying sharp with your timing and such, keeping up with the band.

Thanks for the info and locations on the PCI to PCIe cards. I mentioned the STARTEC adapter card in my first response to you. You know, I think I'm going to take your advice and just move over to the USB-eLicenser completely, since you did it some eight years ago and seem to have no regrets in doing so.

Wild Bill

[Suprawill1]

Hi Bill,
Thanks again for the kind words! Music lets me express myself and it's a blessing to be able to do something I enjoy for a living. It's not so financially rewarding at this point but I'm still eating.
The gig went nicely last night with a full house and an energetic crowd. Nice to see during the usual lull in the after holidays span.

I didn't look up the Startec so I didn't know how it compared in price so I listed the others because they were relatively cheap. After I transferred my license, I never looked back. I have several licenses on my USB dongle so it paid to have all of them in one place. Back at that time, Steinberg changed the licensing status so that the VST 5 no longer worked after an upgrade and they weren't going to offer any support. Many of the VST users freaked because they still had many songs in that format that they wnated to keep. Steinberg then devised this system of transfer and I was glad to do it. I didn't want there to be any mistake costing me the operation of VST and all the songs I had in that format. So as you can see, I had a particular incentive to make this transfer. You wouldn't be so much under that gun so you can choose not to transfer but you never know what will happen down the road.

Will

[Wild Bill]

Hi Suprawill1,
Glad to hear the gig went well for you! Nothing beats a great sounding live band. My wife and I have been attending the annual fair each year for about five years now, listening to all the the great bands from many years ago.

I'm 55 years old, and all of the people I've played with are gone. It always happens, I get a good band together then people die or move out of the state. I've gigged some in the past while in the military stationed overseas, and a bit after I retired from the military. But the wife put her foot down and said no more playing out. So that's when I started doing home recording. Maybe I'll PM you sometime and give you links on the internet or send you some of my recordings. I'll admit right up front man, it's not as good as your recordings. Your music sounds so big, clear and defined. Maybe I'll get there someday if I keep at it.

Yeah, since you also have Cubase versions 4 and 5, I can see why It is easy to have several licenses on one USB-eLicenser key. I tried the older version of the eLicenser yesterday, still no luck on the Windows XP machine. As I have mentioned in a previous email, I'm waiting to hear from info@Steinberg.de to see if they will send me an activation code to download a license for my Windows 7 machine. The elicenser software seems to be working well on that computer.

Wild Bill

[Wild Bill]

Well, I got an email response from a Steinberg Technical Support person from info@steinberg.de today January 22, 2013 (my time on the pacific coast). He stated in the email that the old vst licenses cannot be directly transfered from from the old VST Dongle to the USB-eLicenser.

So I wasted several days trying to transfer the license myself. I didn't get very far anyway, because I couldn't get Net Frame 2.0 installed, or the eLicenser software installed on the XP computer.

Today I smashed the blue dongle with a hammer and sent in two "after" photos of the smashed dongle to Steinberg. I again asked Steinberg to send me an activation code/ license that I can use on my Windows 7 machine.

There is one thing I just don't understand. If I'm able to use the eLicenser for both my Windows 7 machine and the Windows XP machine, then why is it so important that the LPT port dongle be destroyed? I can understand the importance for copy protection, but since one eLicenser can be used for both computers, it's a moot point is it not?

Wild Bill

[Suprawill1]

Wow! Maybe they've changed their transfer protocol ... or at least have you believe they did. Even the instructions on the latest eLicenser Control Center say you can drag and drop it from one to the other. It seems your biggest problem was having the ECC on your XP machine. Man, it shouldn't have been that hard. Sorry you had to go through that.
I think they just want all users to graduate to the USB licensing system because they longer support the old technology and are fed up with the more conservative users showing up with the old dongles. They want to antiquate them.
Anyway, keep me informed on your progress with your activation code. I would also ask support if they discontinued the older transfer technique because I, for one, transferred the license directly from one to the other! Kinda disproves their theory!

I have a hard time with wives cutting husbands off from the things they love unless of course it poses a direct problem with the family aspect, like too much time away or drinking problems etc. Music is not just a hobby or career, it's an outlet, a form of self expression and a buffer for life itself. At least you're allowed to retain some of that by recording at home. I would love to listen to your work! Send me links.
It's hard to keep an outfit together when it entails band members. Especially at our age! I've been blessed to have this same outfit for 38 years. We have some great stories including opening up for major acts like Johnny Cash, Sammy Davis Jr, Victor Borge, Merle Haggard, The pointer Sisters, etc. We have travelled the US, Cananda, Europe and the Islands. We used to have 10 pieces including horns and 4 show singers. Now in our latter years, we've wittled down to a 4 piece. (less mouths to feed)

[curteye]

we've wittled down to a 4 piece.

I am down to just my laptop and me.
But at least I still work every weekend. Thank God!

and a buffer for life itself.

Word! Sooooooo true!
{'-'}

[Guest]

I would also ask support if they discontinued the older transfer technique because I, for one, transferred the license directly from one to the other! Kinda disproves their theory!

You can still transfer the old Cubase VST 5.x license to a USB-eLicenser using one of the very old Syncrosoft License Control Centers that still come with a LPT port driver for the old dongles.
We usually don't recommend that anymore because it is easier to send a proof that the LPT port dongle has been destroyed and get an activation code in return that can be used with any eLicenser Control Center version.

[Suprawill1]

I would also ask support if they discontinued the older transfer technique because I, for one, transferred the license directly from one to the other! Kinda disproves their theory!

You can still transfer the old Cubase VST 5.x license to a USB-eLicenser using one of the very old Syncrosoft License Control Centers that still come with a LPT port driver for the old dongles.
We usually don't recommend that anymore because it is easier to send a proof that the LPT port dongle has been destroyed and get an activation code in return that can be used with any eLicenser Control Center version.

Hi Ed,
Yes, I destroyed mine years ago but only because the license no longer resided on it. It couldn't be used for my service or anyone else's from that point on. I understand from Steinbergs perspective that destroying the dongle ensures security. I do have to admit though that it's easier for the user to drag and drop licenses as compared to having to send proof of a destroyed dongle and have to wait for support contact to get an activation code. Maybe making an archive version of an old synchrosoft LCC would make it easier for all? Wouldn't the old dongle be secured when the license is transferred to the newer USB dongle? You would know better than I.

[Suprawill1]

we've wittled down to a 4 piece.

I am down to just my laptop and me.
But at least I still work every weekend. Thank God!
{'-'}

And that right there my friend is key!

[Wild Bill]

Finally! Finally! Finally! Today after nearly a month of buying, asking, arguing and destroying, I am happy to report today, Steinberg allowed me to receive an activation code and license! My Cubase 5 VST/32 program is now working on my Dell XPS 8300 computer with the i7 2600 processor, 8 gig of DDR3 ram and Windows 7 Premium 32/64 bit. My E-MU 1212 sound card is unfortunately on my old Windows XP computer. So I'll have to shop around for a new soundcard or interface for the newer machine.

I also tried the USB-elicenser with the new license on it with my XP computer. No dice man. It still is looking for the printer port protection device. I will deal with this later, starting with reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling everything, including NET FRAME 2.0. and the eLicenser software that will not currently install due to the advpack.dll.

Suprawill1, I bet those were incredible experiences you had playing with those stars and touring/performing in other countries around the world. Heck, I'm getting nervous just thinking about it. Wow!, you are still performing with the same band for 38 years? Amazing! Yep, you've certainly been blessed. Sorry, I feel a bit too intimidated to post any of my junk music stuff here. I'll send you a PM.

[Suprawill1]

I'm so glad you finally broke through! I hope for many happy recordings for you. Now, to get your XP machine back in operation. Keep us posted on that!
Your new Dell sounds like quite the beast! Should have no bottlenecking on that thing!

I got your PM.

Will