Can't register SF-7b even with the key

bzan wrote on 8/6/2025, 11:08 AM

I sent the text below to Magix Support 2 weeks ago and have not received a reply. Meanwhile, I found out that my product is registered with Magix. Why should my new registration not work? Thanks for any help!

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I have been using SF-7 for years and quite happily and successfully. I mainly needed the excellent editing function and saving WAV to MP3. I am a voice-report journalist. No fancy needs, just tight editing, which SF-7 does fine. No need to update to a newer version. But I have 2 issues:

1. The SF installed on my desktop PC for years no longer opens or saves in MP3 (expired). Re-registration doesn't work.

2. I just bought a new laptop and wanted to install SF-7 on it for field work. The installation went fine, but I can't register it, so I get a message that there's a 30 day expiration on this installation.

This software was given to me for free by Sony Support to replace a paid SF-5, which was a bad version. I have the "HQ" S/N, but it doesn't work anymore.

Comments

SP. wrote on 8/6/2025, 12:19 PM

@bzan Here, I found this information:

If you own a license of an older version of Vegas Pro, Vegas Movie Studio, DVD Architect, Sound Forge or Acid Pro and are trying to activate it, you will no longer be able to use the original activation workflow. The reason for this is that this older software will try to connect to a Sony server which is now no longer in operation.

You may still activate your software using the off-line method by following these steps:

Log into the service center on vegascreativesoftware.com

Click "create activation code"

Type in the serial number for the SCS era software

Type in the computer ID provided by the SCS era software when prompted

Copy and paste the activation code provided into the field in the SCS era app prompt

https://www.vegascreativesoftware.info/us/forum/activation-of-sony-creative-software-era-applications--149297/

bzan wrote on 8/7/2025, 3:21 AM

Thanks very much for the link. I was encouraged to get it. I followed the instructions exactly, but unfortunately, my key was rejected as "invalid". I checked and rechecked the key and it was just as I got it originally from Sony support. This same key is already registered with Magix and worked for the other 2 SF-7b installations I have. But the problem is, the key doesn't work on the new laptop. FYI, the special key I got from Sony begins with "HQ".

SP. wrote on 8/7/2025, 3:43 AM

@bzan Maybe it's caused by some incompatibility with a modern Windows system? Have you tried to set compatibility mode for the program to Windows 7, Vista or Windows XP?

If you can install and register it fine inside a virtual machine with Windows XP the problem is likely caused by Windows 10/11.

And don't hesitate to ask the same question in the forum linked above. These guys are the original developers of Sound Forge. Maybe they can help you.

bzan wrote on 8/7/2025, 5:29 AM

No, that's been checked. The issue is that the new key/SN sent to me by Support is also rejected.

SP. wrote on 8/7/2025, 5:48 AM

@bzan You tested it in virtual machine?

bzan wrote on 8/7/2025, 7:28 AM

I don't know how to do that

SP. wrote on 8/7/2025, 8:41 AM

@bzan Ok, well, Window changed a lot since Sound Forge 7 came out. Have you installed it under the Program Files directory? This directory has much tighter security nowadays. Maybe the registration doesn't work because something gets blocked. Instead, you could try to install Sound Forge 7 under C:\SoundForge7\

bzan wrote on 8/7/2025, 10:12 AM

Thanks for the continued help. The program installs just fine, and it's under a Sony folder in C: Everything normal there. The program opens normally and functions, except that I keep getting the "26 days left" message. It started with 30 days, and is now counting down, even though I have uninstalled and reinstalled SF-7b several times. The problem seems to be with Magix somewhere. I tried installing both the Sony Archive file and the original one I got as an upgrade from Sony. Both behave the same way. I'm running Windows 10, which works fine, although I also ran compatibility, and it suggested reverting to XP settings, which I approved. Still no change. Again, I have to say that my program is properly registered with Magix for 2 other PC's. But for some reason, only this attempt to register it with my Acer Aspire 5750g laptop fails. A mystery. The other issue involving no more MP3 activity on one PC is something else. For that problem, the workaround is to edit on SF and convert with Audacity.

SP. wrote on 8/7/2025, 2:20 PM

@bzan I sent you a private message.

SP. wrote on 8/7/2025, 2:25 PM

@bzan 

I tried installing both the Sony Archive file and the original one I got as an upgrade from Sony.

This could be the issue. As far as I know, Magix updated the installer after they took over Sound Forge from Sony. Maybe the Magix installer has a slightly different serial number algorithm.

You need to log in with your old Sony login credentials at Magix.com and download the installer from your customer account. Sony transferred all accounts to Magix.