Sonicstage CP Backup Tool Problems

[Ruxpin]

I have recently purchased a new computer and wish to transfer my Sonicstage music library to the new computer.

Database is approximately 6500 songs.

99% of the songs were encoded in Atrac3plus 64kps (with copy protection) using various versions of Sonicstage/Connect as the software has been developed.

I am currently using Sonicstage CP v4.0 which works fine with both my NW-HD1 and NW-A608.

The specs of my old computer are:

Dell Dimension 2300

Windows XP Professional Version 2002 Service Pack 2

Pentium 4 2.5GHz

512MB Ram

40GB HDD

Music files are stored on an external Maxtor Onetouch 250GB Firewire/USB HDD connected by Firewire.

I have tried to backup the database using the Sonicstage BackupTool several times. Before backup I have disconnected all USB devices and shut down all other programs. Each time I get the same error as follows:

Approx 2/3rds through the backup (Going by the progress bars) the following popup box appears:

“Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library”

“Runtime Error!

Program: C:\Program Files\Sony\Sonicstage\Omgbkup.exe

This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.

Please contact the application’s support team for more information.”

Program then crashes and I get the usual windows error report stuff with a link to the accompanying information which I have saved if that helps. The back up generates files totalling about 8GB out of the 12GB of music.

Any ideas as to a solution??

[JSP62]

I don't know if there would be problems with just copying the files on the external straight to your new computer (if your planning on not using your External HD).

I've heard using the back up tool messes everything up and renders the files useless. So it is probably useless to try the above cause you already used the back up tool.

I wish I could elaborate, but it is something I have not done in my case.

In short, I think you'll have to start from scratch again. I nkow it isn't what you like to hear, but it'll save you alot of headache starting anew.

The best peice of advise I can suggest is to keep back up DVDs of your tracks in MP3 format for when your database gets corrupt. (You can count on it happening at some point). Prepare ahead of time and you'll be set.

Good Luck & Welcome to ATRACLIFE

Ishi + Stuge, got any input?

Edited July 12, 2006 by JSP62

[pata2001]

99% of the songs were encoded in Atrac3plus 64kps (with copy protection) using various versions of Sonicstage/Connect as the software has been developed.

That is the reason you cannot just copy the files straight out. I know it sucks. I forgot how many times I have re-rip my CDs between multiple PCs before the copy protection is removed. That was also the reason I stick with Simpleburner, or use MP3 instead of Atrac as much as possible.

Worst comes worst, you have to re-rip your whole collection.

[Ruxpin]

The copy protection on the Atrac music is the problem - hence i can't just use the external drive on the new computer (i tried this first)

I have read else where on these forums about using the 'convert to' tool in Sonicstage CP to convert my copy protected to the same format atrac but without the copy protection. I had a quick experiment with this this afternoon.

The original files appear to remain on the external HDD as they were and new files are written to an 'Optimised Files' folder. I then imported the 'Optimised Files' folder to the new computer and they played ok. If i was to do this conversion on my whole database are there any downsides to this? Has anyone tried it?

If i end up having to rip all my cd's again i will probably rip to mp3 and ditch the sony stuff completely. The main reason i went with Atrac3plus and encoded at only 64kbs is that sound quality is fine for portable use (which is all i use it for) - allows over 900songs on the little 2GB NW-A608 which is nice.

Hope i can resolve the issues as i really like the sony hardware. Several years after my first introduction to sonicstage with the HD1 i'm still not too convinced by sony's software.....

[JSP62]

- Before you do anything, back up your data just in case something goes bad. (FYI: something will go bad).

- If you ask me, you should go to MP3

[georgia]

I am getting the same message during backup - after which the program hangs and does not complete backup. Any insight into the cause would be appreciated.

[Ruxpin]

Ok so i got bored waiting for a reply from Sony

I have now managed to convert nearly all my tracks to non copy protected files using the file conversion on the right click menu. Didn't take 'too' long considering 6500 tracks - i guess thats because i specified the same output quality.

One thing i have noticed is that the files are all just placed in the Optimized Files folder - not in a folder for each album etc. Also not every track could be converted. I had an error on one track but having looked at the Optimized Files folder there are a few others missing - maybe 20 so not too bad - hope they weren't good ones!

Will let you now tonight if i manage to import all the song on to the new computer and if the database retains album information.

Sony didn't half make a cockup with early versions of sonicstage and the copy protection stuff. If people wanted to copy music there are so many alternatives, i-pod etc that i doubt it helped reduce music piracy. All it has meant is sony are now lagging way behind itunes etc - a far bigger lose of revenue in the long term - very short sighted of the sony imho

[Ruxpin]

Ok so it worked - files uploaded to the new computer, retained information and playback is fine

Only problem is that all compilation albums lost there compilation tag so each song appears as a different album - i see others have had this problem when using the backup tool correctly.

Has this been rectified yet?? Not sure i can face selecting all the tracks individually and marking them as compilations....grrr