Symptom
After updating a product in Native Access, the VST plug-in loads in your DAW as a demo version.
Cause
This can happen if VST files are moved after installation and / or if a duplicate or outdated version of the plug-in is used in your DAW.
Solution
- Start Native Access and go to Library > Installed.
- Find the affected product and select Installation Paths from the product menu.
- If you want to change the VST Location path, click the folder icon on the right. In this example, the default VST path is used:
C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > VSTPlugins 64 bit
Note: Current NI products are 64-bit only. If both 32 and 64-bit locations are listed, disregard the 32-Bit version.
- Close the Preferences window and select Reinstall from the product menu.
Note: Allow the reinstall to complete before proceeding to the next steps.
- Launch your DAW and open the VST plug-in manager.
Note: The VST plug-in manager is similar within every DAW, but please check your DAW documentation if needed.
- Open Windows Explorer and go to each folder path listed in your DAW plug-in manager. Check these folders for any duplicates of the NI VST file.
- Delete any duplicates of the VST plug-in that are found in these paths, as these may be outdated.
Important: Please do not delete the VST plug-in you just reinstalled!
- Check the VST plug-in paths in your DAW for the VST location shown in Native Access (i.e. step 3 above). If the VST location from Native Access is not listed, click the option to add the path.
- Use your DAW plug-in manager to rescan your plug-ins.
- Once the plug-in scan is complete, relaunch your DAW and load your instrument.
The current version of the VST plug-in should now be open. You can verify the version number by clicking the NI Logo and checking the software details.
To learn more about VST plug-in administration on Windows, please see this tutorial.