VS x10 Ultimate Won't Update

[GWild]

How do you infer my new install isn't fresh? Its a freaking ONE DAY OLD ... lmao.

Okay - I will repeat:

I installed a new download of VSx10 yesterday (late night 09/17 but log shows it installed 09/18/2017). Fresh, clean, and MAIN only on a NEW computer that is working fine. I am an administrator (the admin account is disabled just like it is on 99% of home user PC's. I do allow the app to work using the built in UAC functions. AV has NEVER affected an install in the last four dozens of years I have been using computers - at least none of the legit software I've used.

How can an uninstall, clean, and reinstall help?

Now support wants to log in and install their own tools ... like I'll let that happen. Last time a buddy let someone do that it took me three days to put his system back together so it ran right... yeah, I've been using computers a while, and even have two degrees in SysAdmin and IT. Add my years designing software. It's daunting to see such a disastrous install. Its something I'd expect for free shareware, not a package that costs hundreds of dollars.

[MrJohnny]

Hi

When is fresh not so fresh? My definition is not fresh after an update/software install fails. You have had an update go wrong on your fresh setup – so, ergo, your setup is not so fresh now.

Why did it fail in the first place, -- I have not got a clue? Suspect it may have something to do with permissions, or lack of – you mention User Account Controls etc.

Why not make a backup image of your system on an external HDD, then disconnect that from your system; then let Corel Help do what they want? As you say your setup is pristine and unsullied, you will have little/no personal data so nothing to lose. Reinstate from the image if anything goes haywire.

“How can an uninstall, clean, and reinstall help? “ - Think it has to do with Registry entries and other files installed at installation that are not cleaned up using Uninstall through Windows.

Interesting to find out folks' backgrounds, well done with the two degrees. You must be a late 60s, early 70s graduate.

John

[GWild]

The update isn't writing any data except for unpacking the installer. When it checks for a serial number it stops and aborts the install. Install is intact and unchanged.

As for data, there is about 4TB of taken and scanned images and of course my configuration I don't want changed. As stated, helpers generally do a lot of damage as they try to "help" as the only thing they care about is somehow making their software work and all other applications and features are just in the way. I've seen corrupted registries, lost files, and assorted other issues after a remote help session. The folks doing the remote help are very willing to crash your system or leave it crippled and walk away if things go bad.

I have back ups of all my data on servers and my old machine, but there is no comfort is knowing this and having someone mucking with trying to get an ill-behaved application to work by trial and error. If they have a solution, I can implement it. If they don't, then why let them risk damage.

My two IT degrees were earned in 2012 after a tentative career change: one is SysAdmin and the other Networks. They are recent enough, though classmates said I should have been teaching some of the classes.... lol. My engineering and business degrees were earlier Some might say too much time spent in school.

The update fails because the software is buggy and can't read the serial number reliably on new hardware. Probably thru some obfuscation technique that isn't compatible with new i9 CPUs and support chips. Its an amazingly simple problem, it surprises my the updater is failing to finish.

In the end, I really don't care if it gets fixed, I've already decided I wasted money buying the higher end software... I found a trick I needed using ffmpeg to adjust the 30fps from my film scanner back to the original 8mm film rate of 16fps. And it did all 46 conversions I needed in minutes (all were done in the time it takes VS to start thinking about one file); ffmpeg doesn't add titles or match audio tracks, tho I think it can; I just don't really need them enough to learn those tricks. And as-is, VS will work to make the simple edits to make clips out of the long spliced reels I want to break apart and try to reorganize; they were spliced into 400' reels in no particular order from 25' reels and pretty sure my kid brother isn't interested in watching a few minutes of a birthday party from a neighbor he didn't know (oh my gawd, home movies!).

Even the installer log shows where the installer fails:

Code: Select all

09/19/17 12:43:05   DIMPrmHndlr::init elapsed time: 0.047 seconds
09/19/17 12:43:05   Before LaunchDIMEXE - DIM Folder: C:\Program Files\Corel\PASMUtility\v1\ params: -file="C:\ProgramData\Corel\Downloads\15035...
09/19/17 12:43:05   In OnBeforeNavigate2 - URL:pcucmd://Continue/
09/19/17 12:43:05   CloseWindow is called with return value:1    <<< ---------  returns with a 1, generally means an error
09/19/17 12:43:05   MS::IPushMsg(1,2) elapsed time: 2.977 seconds
09/19/17 12:43:05   MS::RPI started
09/19/17 12:43:05   MS::RPI elapsed time: 0.000 seconds

And I am pretty sure PASM is the serial number checker Corel uses for all their products. Reading about it via Google, seems there are many issues in Corel Draw related to PASM failing to update and a manual hack is needed to move one of its libraries around to make it work. I may try that tomorrow (if I am bored enough).

Thanks Johnny ...

[RobertOZ]

You may have stated it somewhere, but what are the computer specs of your new system, I assume that your profile specs need updating.

I have also purchased a brand spanking new Dell, specs below, whilst I had some initial installation problems, a complete uninstall and reg clean was necessary, 2nd attempt was completely successful

Process Module - pasmutility.dll is loaded as a DLL (dynamic link library) module within the process vstudio.exe (Corel VideoStudio Pro by Corel TW Corp.) via run-time dynamic linking.

[lata]

Hi CWild

Interesting that you have only installed the Main program and not the Bonus Features.

First installing updates can return a warning that the Installed Version cannot be determined, this usually occurs when trying to install SP’s in the wrong order or installing a second time.
Your messages go a little further referring to the serial number.

The original installation of the Bonus Features caused a problem with one of the filters, I believe Mercalli, Corel provided a hot fix, later to applied the fix to the service packs.
Just making assumptions here…….
If you try to install service packs without Mercalli installed there may be a problem as the service pack is trying to fix files that do not exist.
The reference to serial numbers being for Mercalli?

Can you install the Bonus Features, you can do that via the Web Installer

Then try installing the updates automatically from the programs popup messages.

[GWild]

Corel is already trying to install junk I don't want on my computer... adware as samples, etc. This junk also hogs internet time because each time you touch those menus they phone home to download images, thumbnails, and report that you touched that folder (Triple something and Musreck). I have DVD and BluRay burning built in, I don't need Corel's less useful version of a DVD burner. The last time I let the installer do everything it broke other applications (taking over shortcuts that really need to be left alone). And back then all those bonuses also turned out to be just more adware... pay per use, etc.

Anyway - most people just let their computer pile up with excess garbage that takes space and slows down the hardware they pay good money for. I try to keep tabs on that sort of thing and select what I want installed and what I don't want installed. Keeps things working better that way.

[TonyP]

I had the exact same problem when I tried to update X10 after it was already installed with valid serial number. I could not update to .5 for the reason GWild posted. Now, I do have it installed, and can not figure out what happened (except for M$ updates to Win10) to allow me to do this.
Like you, I monitor what is happening on my computer too, trying to keep things unnecessary from finding a home.

[GWild]

Hi Tony,
I selected to install the main app and any updates; including 10.5; still got nothing but the main 10.0.0.137 version. I read somewhere updates on Win10 required removing a specific update - but it wasn't - or at least didn't seem to be - applicable to Win7.
Calling tech support today to see if they have an y last suggestions. I'll keep this topic going as long as I get new info.

[lata]

Hi

Sorry I was only trying to help
Either your environment is causing problems, although I doubt that.
the Corel server is still having problems with updates, don’t know?
Or the program is installed incorrectly, could be a corrupt download.
There are several versions of that 10Mb Web Installer file which is why I suggested downloading the latest version.
I used the version available from the Trial to install VS, about 3 weeks ago, worked ok without any issues. The latest file I used was 10.823Mb

But the service packs did fix problems with Mercalli and my thoughts were if we try installing SP without installing Mercalli then there could be a conflict.
With that in mind I did consider doing a re-install to test.

I agree that the program does install some bits we do not want but the Bonus Features are very useful, the MyDVD that is part of the Contents Folder and not the Bonus Feature
The audio you refer to is installed with the main program, but we can hide two of those folders from the library. The content/files are on the server and needs internet connection to display them, So disable Video Studios access to the internet via Firewall and no more Triple Scoop Music or Muserk Sound Effects or Welcome tab.
I can only ask again that you install the Bonus Features, maybe clutching at straws, probably wont work anyway, only one way to make sure.

I do not know what else to suggest?

[GWild]

I appreciate the attempts to help Trevor, but I did download the latest installer before performing the install. Its a simple serial number issue ... and I suspect the base installer did something bad like install Pro instead of what I am licensed for, whic is x10 Ultimate. I see serial number and license text that suggests I am running Pro. But the Ui looks identical to what I think I was using as Ultimate.

By the way, even hidden those folders reach out and consume bandwidth... and consume large amounts of space on the install drive - which in my case is an SSD I don't want apps writing to unless absolutely necessary.

In any case, the VS x10 is buggy, and their Licensing Manager is just as buggy, and I think between the two of them they didn't ensure things worked in Win7 Pro x64.

Either Corel can help, or not. So far they haven't been helpful in a meaningful way. Lots of messages, but nothing that has altered the fact I can't update.

[lata]

Hi

Installing video studio Main program effectively installs the Pro version.
Installing the Bonus Features installs the Ultimate software, most of which are FX filter, ProDad software, NewBlue filters

The Contents files install extra templates and library content to complete the installation.

[GWild]

Thanks Iata ... I think I finally absorbed the Pro vs Ultimate difference.

Just got off the chat circuit with Tech Support. They've opened another ticket for me. They do not believe in having supervisors answer chat; and will not provide a phone number to tech support. So far all they have done is said they want to do a remote connect at some future point in time they won't commit to; I asked that instead they call me, but I've not even received a courtesy reply to that request.

Pretty unhappy with Corel at this point. It's bringing back memories of issues I had with Corel Draw crashing my computers years ago and the tech support people were unable to help (had lots of reasons why I was experiencing problems, usually blaming hardware or Microsoft or the blue sky...

[lata]

Hi Wild

I mentioned there were a few variations of the Web Installer
The latest versions should allow the user to choose an installation folder so we are not forced to install to the default C:Drive.
However there was an issue in selecting an alternative location, afaik is fixed.
I assume you install to the default location on the C: Drive............

The installer should also download the Service Pack and indeed install from there.
As Roberts post image………..
http://forum.corel.com/EN/viewtopic.php ... 88#p347569

The question is when you run the Web Installer do you get the option to download the service pack.

What do you see when running the Web Installer?

[GWild]

Just did a checksum on the two different installers I have, both files properties report being version 2.0.0.002:

However, inside the 64bit\Ultimate folders the setup.exe files differ.
Hash 1: da92baab43b5321842f277b63daa5ba8
Hash 2: b4fa8210f95417ec4feb6a274a44fe3a

So which one is right - did Corel change the setup app without changing the file version? And worst case, doesn't Corel's downloader check the hash after a download to make sure the files arrived intact? Arggh.

Looking deeper, perhaps both are correct, seems the earlier version only has a SHA1 digest; while the later version has both SHA1 and SHA256. A valid reason for a difference.

Oh well; seems like a bogus download and install is NOT the issue.

Iata: My program install was to default C: location; my data folders are on D: ... the downloader did grab the 10.5 updates; but that part of the install was where things went sideways with the serial number fiasco. My attempts to run the SP1 and 10.5 updaters meet the same serial number invalid fate.

[GWild]

Just did the install using the "downloader/installer" method rather than the updaters. Install reports a problem (non-specific) and then finishes with a page stating the installation was successful and I need to make a backup of the install files. My guess is the serial number validity is being questioned there, too.