Cannot install DP because of optical drive

[edurbrow@sea.plala.or.jp]

I have migrated my startup drive to a larger SSD on my 2008 MacPro. I put the install disc in the drive, but my optical drive has not functioned for many years. The computer does not read it. I have to write CDs on my laptop. So how can I authorize DP on my new startup drive?
Also, could you explain how to migrate my MachFive program? I have the USB dongle. I haven’t been able to make MachFive work for years and years. It can never find the sounds. I know I sound like a newbie, but actually I’m the opposite. I’m getting old and I need things explained to me.
Thank you in advance.

[mikehalloran]

USB optical drives are cheap. This is likely to be your best bet.

If you have the old drive, you may be able to copy the hidden Auth File. You have to show it, copy and paste into the same directory on the new SSD. It my or may not work.

Without knowing the version of MachFive and your MacOS, can’t really help. You do need to have a functioning iLok with your license installed — if lost, you may be out of luck.

[monkey man]

I haven’t been able to make MachFive work for years and years. It can never find the sounds.

If you get it back up-and-running again, point the VI to your root (M5) library folder. You'll see the facility there if you poke around in the instrument's preferences area.

[edurbrow@sea.plala.or.jp]

USB optical drives are cheap. This is likely to be your best bet.

I feel there should be a workaround. To go to the trouble to buy a drive just to do an install seems wasteful to me.

If you have the old drive, you may be able to copy the hidden Auth File. You have to show it, copy and paste into the same directory on the new SSD. It my or may not work.

I have the old drive. Could you tell me where to look for the Auth file? Is that the name I would look for? When you say show it, I assume it is hidden. Is there a technique to show hidden files in the normal Finder? (other than the library)

Without knowing the version of MachFive and your MacOS, can’t really help. You do need to have a functioning iLok with your license installed — if lost, you may be out of luck.

Sorry, I'm using MachFive2. I've just upgraded to El Capitan, hence the migration to a new SSD. I have a functioning iLok with my license on it.
Thanks you.

[bayswater]

Would it be possible to make an image of the CD on another Mac and use the image to install? Or ask MOTU if they will provide an install file via download? It must be a fairly old version DP if not.

[edurbrow@sea.plala.or.jp]

Or ask MOTU if they will provide an install file via download? It must be a fairly old version DP if not.

I'm using Digital Performer 7.24, so yes, old.

I sent emails to two tech support addresses I had. One of them seems to have bounced. It is probably way out of date.
I did get a reply from Brendon and a MOTU TechLink. However, when I click the link, I get:
Permission denied!

We're sorry but you are not permitted to access this page.

I sent another from the link at their website. We'll see what happens after the weekend, I guess.

[Tritonemusic]

However, when I click the link, I get:
Permission denied!

...[snip]...

We're sorry but you are not permitted to access this page.

Are you using a VPN by any chance?

[mikehalloran]

I feel there should be a workaround. To go to the trouble to buy a drive just to do an install seems wasteful to me.

You’re entitled to that belief but it is the easiest way. Easier than replacing the drive in your iMac, easier than hooking up another Mac and using its drive—which may or may not work. If you order from Amazon, you can return it. They’re less than $20.

With Auth files, best to download Find Any File. Search with the Option key held down. Click on the DP 7 Auth file (no, I don’t recall the exact name) and note its exact location. Now Copy it and install in the exact same location on the new drive. I no longer remember how to tell the difference if you have more than one from previous versions but you need to copy the one from DP 7 only. Again, this sometimes works.

I’m assuming that, because you are on a 2008, you’re running MacOS 10.11.x or earlier. If you’ve run one of the hacks that let you install High Sierra or later, time to give up, you will not be able to authorize DP 7.24 by any method. Your only option will be to upgrade to DP 11.

You not given us any of the info we need to know about MachFive. If MV3 and you’ve not lost your iLok with the two licenses you need, you can download and install everything. If you have v.1 or v.2, you will need to upgrade to v.3 and then you’ll be all set and will receive both licenses for your iLok (one for MOTU, the other for UVI effects). Though there’s a large set of CDs, you won’t need any of them.

[edurbrow@sea.plala.or.jp]

Are you using a VPN by any chance?

Nope.

[toddbooster]

Would it be possible to make an image of the CD on another Mac and use the image to install? Or ask MOTU if they will provide an install file via download? It must be a fairly old version DP if not.

One can download 7.24 here: https://motu.com/download/download_matc ... oduct_id=1

They appear to have downloads going all the way back to 3.02.

[bayswater]

If all else fails go to sales@motu.com and tell them what you need to dd

[monkey man]

I can't remember where the v7.24 auth file lives, but here's where the v8.x one can be found IIRC:

~Users/Shared/Library/Application Support/MOTU/Auth-DigitalPerformer 8.0

[mikehalloran]

DP 8 Auth doesn't apply. DP 8–11 use internet Auth files. DP 7.24 and earlier require CD authorization.

DP 7.24 is the only version of 7 that works in MacOS 10.7 Lion and later. Authorization requires an original DP 7 CD—version on the CD doesn't matter. MOTU says duplicates won't work but they sometimes did for me. Burning a CD from the download does not work, however as that does not contain the hidden files required to generate the Auth file.

DP 7 cannot be installed after a certain MacOS (Yosemite, I think) but, if installed in an earlier OS, it will work through Sierra. Likewise if DP 7 is copied from a working drive via Migration Assistant, it will work without re-installation but must be re-authorized from a CD. With High Sierra, the MacOS cannot generate the required Auth file from the CD.

I used to test this with every MacOS release. If there was an easy way to search the archives around here, you'd be able to find all my reports on this.

[monkey man]

DP 8 Auth doesn't apply. DP 8–11 use internet Auth files. DP 7.24 and earlier require CD authorization.

Ugh... of course Mike; how could I have forgotten?

I used to test this with every MacOS release. If there was an easy way to search the archives around here, you'd be able to find all my reports on this.

I remember, mate.

Thank you for sharing all that you have over the years.

[krisjonzmusik]

Hi there-

Long time posting here, I hope you can help.

I’ve been running Mac OS 10.6.8 using DP 7.21 for ages and I just upgraded to 10.10.5 (Yosemite). Everything is installed and opening but my old project files are not. The project files are just text files. How can I open my old project files now in Yosemite? Do I need to upgrade DP or are my old files now not usable? Please advise!

-Chris