Installation folder is not writable. Please select a folder now

That's the message I get when I try to scan my vst plugins folder from my host (ableton). I have set permissions to full control and still can't use my plugins. I am using Vista SP1. Anyone have any ideas. I am going crazy.

 

Same thing happened to me after I downloaded the update from Ableton 7 to 8...

I actually still have 7 installed, in that everything seems to work okay (at least it doesn't give me that error at anyrate).

But in 8 I get that error for every NI plugin I have installed.
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Hmm... when I turn off UAC (I also have my library with NI dll plugin files not in my program files directory) it doesn't give me that error... however, it doesn't behave like i'm using an authenticated plugin... i have to use it in demo mode.

It's a step closer anyway.

 

UAC needs to be turned off.

You could try what I suggested in your thread in the Ableton forums (and, it looks like you have). However, I'd try this first, considering you've got them running in demo mode:

Run all your NI plugins as standalone apps. Reboot.
Now, try resetting your plugin folder in Live. If that doesn't work, close Live and trash its preferences.cfg. Reboot, and start Live. Reset your plugin folder and scan.

ew

 

i'm running vista 32bit, can't vouche for anything else:

okay, here is what i did (following EW's instructions... how does he know all this stuff?):

First, moved the VST plugin DLLs out of the program files folder (for instance to: c:\VST Plugins\)

second, turned off UAC (control panel> user acount > turn user acount control on off)

(this forced a restart)

third, deleted my preferences.cfg

mine was found in: C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Ableton\Live 8.0.1\Preferences

might have to have show hidden files turned on to see it?

fourth, opened all my NI plugins in stand alone mode and closed them

reboot

start Live 8,turn on vst custom plugin folder in preferences, selected the folder (in my case c:\VST Plugins\)

Done. It works.

However, I occasionally share this computer, so I want UAC on. Juuuust incase.

Even if you do the above the moment you turn on UAC it screws everything up again. BUT it appears that if you right click on the LIVE 8 short cut, and select "run as administrator" everything works fine too.

 

Well, after checking my Komplete4 VSTs I'm in the position to assure that it's Battery 3 the one to blame. Live 8 always shows the "Installation folder..." message when re-scanning the VST folder over this plugin, Absynth 4, Kontakt 3... work perfectly.

What is more, after this process Battery 3 is no longer shown in my Live 8 plugins column.

I think we need a future update from Ableton to fix this bug...

I'm running Vista Home Premium 64.

 

That's the only and best solution, I agree, everything works fine then.

 

That's not a bug as far as I know- Live's playing by strict Vista rules this time around.

ew

 

Thanks this really resolve my problems...

no I can move on... lol