How to use SonicStage 2.1 with Sharp NetMD recorders

[Fernando Olmos]

I don't know if anyone already posted this, but I thought I would share my experiences with the group. This is especially relevant to us Aussies, which have only experienced the Sharp IMMT899 NetMd recorder. We have not officially been exposed to the later Sharp NetMD machines, and only just been exposed to Sony HiMD recorders! SHARP COME ON! WE LOVE YOU DOWN UNDER TOO!!!

Anyway... I got my copy of SonicStage from a member, and I thank you kindly for it!

Also these steps are totally contradictory to the NetMD FAQ. I found that in actual fact YOU DO need the OpenMG software installed BEFORE you install SonicStage.

STEP 1: Install the OpenMG software you got with your Sharp unit. You should have version 2.2 of the software but it doesn't matter. What matters is the installation of the NetMD drivers. Forget SonicStage drivers! They will not communicate with Sharp NetMDs. Let the installation install EVERYTHING, including the OpenMG drivers, and security patches. DO NOT CHANGE INSTALLATION LOCATIONS, OR ANYTHING ELSE. LET IT DO ITS THING TO THE DEFAULT LOCATIONS.

STEP 2: Reboot

STEP 3: Insert your SonicStafe 2.1 disc. If you have the software installed on the C drive, I recommend you copy it (expand the Zip) into a CD and reboot. I suggest you install SS from the CD and not from the C drive. Don't ask me why, but I tried this and it did not work. SS will not register the NetMD drivers if you install it from the C drive.... something like... oh this is not a legitimate copy..what ever!

STEP 4: Install SS and again let it do it's thing. Let it detect (and it SHOULD) that you've already got OpenMG installed. It will un-install it for you (no need for registry handling here - trust me).

STEP 5: reboot

STEP 6: You should see that the OpenMG shortcuts are gone and the Openmg software itself is gone, but the only thing left is the NetMD drivers (Sharp ones that is) and your Sony folders (do not delete them!).

STEP 7: Start SonicStage.

STEP 8: Connect your Sharp NetMD to the PC. IMPORTANT YOU DO THIS AFTER THE SOFTWARE STARTS.

STEP 9: Click TRANSFER and the NetMD word should appear on both the remote (unit) and on the screen on your right.

Note: The "database conversion" error that everyone is complaining about is because of the fact that people installed SS without installing first the OpenMG drivers and get it to register/build the protected MSAccess database. That's the database that SS is looking for and it MUST be installed properly before SS is installed.

Without sounding like I am criticising the authors of the FAQ, I actually found that removing OpenMG, and cleaning out the registry caused more problems than it was worth and the SS installation never worked.

I did the above a few times to make sure I was not fluking it, and it always worked for me.

I hope this helps someone with Sharp NetMD units get a good night's rest.

Cheers