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Straight talk about the “required” Silhouette update

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What we know is that without a new (3.3.622 or higher)/patched version(2.9.67), after June 22, you will not be able to:

1) Shop through Silhouette Studio

2) Download purchases

3) Activate a new upgrade (to DE or BE)

4) Reactivate an existing upgrade if necessary

5) Restore your library using V3’s File>Library>Import library (this is not confirmed but it does require server interaction)

If you do not update, your existing upgrades and store purchases will remain in place.

Everything else in Silhouette Studio should remain unchanged and run fine (perhaps better and faster without internet interference).

-There was/is already posted a version 3.3.638 for Win that works fully going forward. This is the second third iteration, as version 3.3.622 and version 3.3.632 failed to open for many Windows users.

–The latest version for Mac that works going forward is incorrectly labeled 3.3.638 but will install as 3.3.631 (you will see this after install) so autoupdate incorrectly reports a newer version available, when there is not. The current Mac download is correctly labeled but is no different from 3.3.631. An identical to 3.3.631, but now labeled 3.3.638, is available for Mac.

– There are many people on the Windows side who can not get 3.3.632 to open and SA is working that. The problem seems to be related to graphics card drivers. Update: 3.3.638 seems to have solved the opening problem, there are other issues being worked, and limited information as this is brand new.

-3.3.631/2/8 have not corrected existing issues with sluggishness, preference errors, diagonal draw bug, Mac resource hogging, etc. Please keep pressing SA for fixes!

-3.3.632/8 will not work with Win XP

-SA has promised a patch version of V2, to be called the Heritage version, for those who would like to remain with version 2. We plan to hold them to this promise. Update: the patched version of 2.9.45, now version 2.9.67 is available for download here.

–Default cut settings for various materials has changed as of 3.3.632. A headsup to those who are not diligent about writing down your own preferred settings (and you know who you are).

My recommendations

-back up your library and license file immediately if you have not already. This way you can restore your own store files and DE/BE license if you need to, independent of SA servers. The location of these files can be found here.

–if you do not wish to update your software, you don’t have to. Please let support@silhouetteamerica.com know that you will not be shopping at the store until your preferred version is supported. (If you have a subscription, respectfully request a fee suspension until your preferred version is supported.) Note: You will still be able to support many of your favorite designers through their web sites, Etsy stores, etc. and I hope that you will do so.

-if you do not mind updating, try 3.3.638 and if it works you are good to go. If not, roll back and sit tight for SA to fix things. Windows users may want to make sure their graphics card drivers are up to date first. Really, there is no rush and you can wait and see if things stabiiize if you like.

 -for Mac users it is fairly simple to install more than one version of Silhouette Studio so this is a good alternative. Win users who are computer savvy may want to consider this option as well.

-don’t forget you have plenty of options, including Sure Cuts A Lot and Make the Cut. Do not be pressured to make a change you do not want to make.

SA’s FAQ is here. (Note:This is a fluid document that has already changed at least 4 times that I am aware of.)

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Comments

  1. I just checked and I don’t have any updates available for my silhouette.  Are we all supposed to get a notice?    …………………………………………………………………….I would like to live my life in such a way that when my feet hit the floor in the morning, Satanshudders and says, “oh rats, she’s awake” 

      • However …. when you select the new Windows upgrade from the Silhouette studio page it says there is no file……………
        If i ever get to upgrade will it cobble up my Designer edition or Corel edititon?

  2. I did not know that XP was not supported on this, as the option to upgrade just said Windows or Mac. I upgraded and cannot open my Sil program. I have been told by SIl that I cannot even go back to the V3.3.451ssde version that I ran before the upgrade, that I have to uninstall and install V2. To say I am unhappy is an understatement. I was not afforded the time to back up anything so what I have lost, who knows. Plus, I have a subscription for the design store and have no idea whether I have lost that also.

    • Lynne,
      I assume that what they mean is that you cannot go back to 3.3.451 and continue to use the store. There is no reason you can not reinstall and continue to use 3.3.451. And you should not have lost anything in the installation attempt. My advice if you want to continue to use the store, would be to install the heritage version when it becomes available, along with 3.3.451. Use the heritage only for downloading from the store and restoring keys if necessary.

      • Thank you for your response. I do understand there will be a patch for the XP users but just how good it will be, I have no clue. Due to the age of my lap top, I am going to get a new one but it will be a week or so before its up and running. I have sent a couple of emails to Sil but their responses have at times been vague, and in one instance, they have not responded at all. I have a subscription with them for the design store. It expires in November. Although not upgrading at the present time means I cannot purchase from the store, since I have a credit with them, can I still purchase designs? Also, since it will be a little longer before I have my new lap top and am up and running I wonder if they will suspend the monthly subscription for a couple of months as I could lose $50.00 or more. I also want to take this time to thank you for everything you post. I was very upset last Monday when I upgraded and found I could not longer use my Sil program. I was also concerned as I thought I may lose all the designs in the library, but I read your article of where to find the file to back it up and was able to do that. Thank you so much for being there for all of us with your help and knowledge. You will never know just how much we appreciate it. Thank you.

  3. I don’t know what to do….I never wanted to upgrade from version 2. It works beautifully for me. I don’t have a flash card to back up my files. Can I copy on a CD?

      • Thanks Kay!!! So afraid this patch is going to mess up my SIL. so many users having problems sonce ver 3 came out. At least you had to option to continue with ver.2. Now this..another buggy update.????

  5. Thanks for the info, Kay. One question please: Do you know what the “patch for version 2” fixes? I’m still using version 2 and it is working just fine.

    • The patch will be required to let it communicate with Silh’s server under the new protocols to be implemented on the 22nd.

      • Okay, got it. Fingers crossed that the v2 patch will work and will not end up requiring everybody to upgrade to version 3 (although I’m certain my days on v2 are numbered….ugh). Thanks, again.

  6. Kay, If you cannot show thru the program, can you download files by going to silhouetteamerica.com ?

    • Not unless they create a new mechanism to do so. As it stands now, you can purchase files through the web site, but you can only download them through a version of Silhouette Studio with a server connection.

  7. Kay, could you do a post or give a reputable link to a source that tells how to check graphics card and how to back up files on cloud or whatever for those of us who are technologically deficient? I’m in rather a fog as to how to proceed.

  8. Great information. I had NO idea that this was on the horizon. I will use up my last subscription $ and wait for a Mac/Yosemite patch. Thanks!!!

    >

  9. I also just checked for updates. It says there are none. But my version says I am using 3.3.451ssde. I held out a long time and just did this update a few weeks ago. Any suggestions?

    • You do not have to update until you want to access the store after 6/22 so you can wait to see if things settle down if you like.

  10. I never got a notice about this upgrade. If not for you I would not have known.
    My system said I had 3.3.451 and no new updates but I found the updates from your link. Thanks – The update said it was 3.3.632 in my download folder yet after I installed it my system says I have 3.3.631 ssde . I tried reloading the new update and it still says 3.3.631 not 632 . What am I doing wrong? -Thanks for all your hard work doing what SA should be doing !

    • As I mentioned above, the Mac version is mislabeled. You are good to go with 3.3.631.

  11. I don’t even want to due this. I guess I won’t be shopping with them anymore. I have an older version (1.9) simply because I wanted to be able to convert my purchases to svg files so that I could use them with my sCal/Sizzix. I’m really saddened by this. Guess they just don’t want my money.

    • I don’t know how to do it , but I thought there was a way to convert Studio files to SVG files. Did i misunderstand this ?

      • There is a way, but it requires Windows DE version 1.9 or 2.0 only. This is the number one reason a person would not want to update to a newer version.

  12. I have the Business Edition. How do I update? I only see an update for the Basic Edition. If I download the update for the Basic Edition, is that going to make me lose my Business Edition? Help! What do I do to update, but keep my Business Edition???

    • As always, there is one update for all versions. Your BE should be detected and appear automatically. If for some reason it does not, you will need to re-enter your key code under the help menu.

  13. Thanks for all the information!! I would not have known all of this had it not been for you. How do I update a graphics card on windows? Also, another question I had was to ask if I copied my Library correctly. I simply found the file with the Library in it and copied it and pasted it to my external drive. Is that correct? I am scared to put this new version on my computer but sounds like so many options will be closed off if I don’t. Thanks for caring about all of us enough to keep us in the loop….it’s more than Silhouette is doing.

  14. Kay, sorry if this question has been asked….can you tell us the name of the folder to copy our files(our library).

    Clicked on my computer….clicked on or programs..brought up Silhouette but I don’t see a specific file to copy to a CD.

    Can you please tell us the name of the folder to look for..don’t want to make a mistake and lose my creations.?

    Thank you for taking the time to help us.

    Marion

  15. I haven’t seen this asked before, so if it’s already been discussed I missed it: Are the files in the Silhouette Store (from program or from Online) for all versions? I haven’t noticed any files that state they are only for version 3 or whether they are for any versions. I hope this question makes sense! ?

  16. Thanks for the info. I updated earlier today and it worked just fine for me with Windows 7. No problems, so far. I love my Cameo! I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for all the helpful info.

  17. There is no com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio.8 in my application/Support area on my Mac running 10.10.3. Also, I don’t know where to find the file/copy of my license. I see this as a sign that I should not use the Silhouette Design Store for future purchases.

    • Either you do not have Designer Edition or you are looking in the wrong Application Support folder (there is more than one).

  18. My silhouette wants me to update, to V3.3.638 I have not seen this number anywhere else. I know absolutely nothing when it comes to computer. The question is , Do I need to update.

  19. Kay, as you may recall I’m a novice with the Cameo & Sil software, and I’m presently using v3.3.451.ssde on my Mac. How do I get v. 3.3.631 for my Mac or should I? If so, where do I find it? I am extremely confused about all this. Can’t thank you enough for the information below but I still don’t know what to do. I have made a backup of the files you suggested. Do I have to open every file that’s in my Silhouette library and save each one individually to have a preview?

    I do not understand how Silhouette can prevent anyone from updating the software or recognizing the license. These were included in the purchase of the Cameo; therefore, we paid for them.

    I do hope you don’t mind my asking you these questions, and I hope you’ll find the time to answer them for me. Thank you so much for your time spent reading this post.

    Sincerely, Pennie Smith

  20. Kay, My effects don’t work. I have a HP laptop that is about 1.5 years old. How do I know if its the graphics card and what do I do about it? Kate

    • It likely is the graphics card, check the HP support site to make sure your graphics card driver is up to date and if it still doesn’t work, contact Silhouette support.

  21. Currently I am using 2.9.45d, and choose not to upgrade to v3. I learned there is supposed to be a patch for legacy, so I’ve been emailing customer support. One response said the patch would be available next week. A response today said to download 2.9.45 shown on the website since it now contains the patch. However, when I look at release notes, there has not been an entry since January 10, 2014. Can you shed light on this for me? Like another commenter, I would not have known anything about this had it not been for bloggers–nothing from SA.

    • I have not heard anything about the download containing the patch. I will try to verify. Ok. I just downloaded it and compared it to my original archive and it appears to be identical. I would wait until we have some other indication.

      • Thank you so much for your help. I’m almost 70, and truthfully, never feel “old” until it comes to computers and software. To say I’m computer illiterate would be an understatement. I love using my Silhoutte, and use it almost daily even though I’m not an artist or a graphic designer (maybe another life) which is why I don’t want to upgrade. I know eventually I’ll have to, but until that day, I want to stick with legacy. I’m anxious to know if you find out anything re a patch.

      • Below is the latest response I’ve gotten from support at SA–
        And, of course, I would have no idea how to download designs from the design store through my browser. With the patched version, I should be able to download directly from the design store, right?

        “Hi Gigi

        Thank you for your follow up email. We apologize for the misinformation. You are correct, the patched version of legacy has not been released just yet. It should be released on either Monday or Tuesday. If you download the current version of Legacy, you will not be able to access the design store from the software, however, you will be able to download designs purchased from the design store through your browser.”

        • Hmm. That would be big and wonderful news. Not so sure it’s true though, as they already gave you bad info once. Thanks for getting back to me.

      • Kay, thank you for caring and helping those of us that are hanging out here in limbo–those of us that are using a machine that we really enjoy using–those of us who are feeling betrayed by a company we have all supported by buying products and designs.

      • Kay, after rereading “Straight Talk…” this caught my eye–
        “for Mac users it is fairly simple to install more than one version of Silhouette Studio so this is a good alternative”
        I use a Mac, but I don’t know how to download another version without it replacing the legacy version that I really enjoy. Can you walk me through the steps?

      • Received the following from SA today–

        “Thank you for your inquiry. A version of the Silhouette Studio V2 software that is patched with the security update can be found at http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software/silhouette-studio/legacy-software.”

  22. Kay…Just received two flash drive disks to copy my SIL files. I found the two folders to copy ….my question, must I open and copy each file or copying the entire folders be safe. Deadline is around the corner…never worked with flash drives before…?
    You must be exhausted answering our questions…sorry!

    • Do not open the folders. You risk corrupting them. You want to copy the whole folder in tact.

  23. Thanks Kay….ready to transfer folders to flash drive…how many folders. I see studio license snd com.aspex software.silhouette studio 8. Are they the only two folders?

  25. Like Gigi, (comment #49) I’d also love to know how to run a second version of Silhouette Design Studio on my Mac. I’m using the 2.9.45d version, and I like that. I’ve hesitated on downloading the 3. version. I’d like to have both. Can you explain how to have both versions on my mac? Thanks – Evelyn

    • I would like to know how to download and have a second version too – I have V3- Thanks , Barbara

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