The following SmartSound error has been encountered by Premiere Elements 11 Windows 8.1 64 bit users when trying to access the "Use SmartSound" feature under the Music Tab of the Expert and Quick workspaces.
Error: Unable to acquire serial number for Express Track. Please make sure you are connected to the internet and click OK to try again.I have confirmed this finding and contacted SmartSound Customer Service about the matter. SmartSound representative Frank* responded promptly with the resolution for now.
ISSUES
Some of the issues involved in gaining use of the free SmartSound soundtracks of Premiere Elements 11 SmartSound feature on Windows 8.1 64 bit include
- Premiere Elements integration with SonicFire Pro will only work with Sonicfire Pro version 5.7.3-5.7.5.
- Online serial number retrieval process no longer available. New serial numbers for versions of SonicFire Pro less than 5.8 are no longer available
- SonicFire Pro 5.8 is available only purchase or tryout; nonetheless will not integrate with Premiere Elements.
SOLUTION
STEP 1
Get A New Free Serial Number
According to Frank from SmartSound Customer Service
For now, any Elements users who need a free serial number can email us at support@smartsound.com, preferably after creating an online SmartSound account, and we can provide them with a serial number that way.STEP 2
Entering The New Free Serial Number Into SonicfirePro5.Exe
With Premiere Elements 11 closed.....
Local Disc C
Program Files (x86)
SmartSound Software
Sonicfire Pro 5
and, in the Sonicfire Pro 5 Folder, is the SonicfirePro5.exe which is opened by double clicking it.
Enter the new serial number to unlock Sonicfire Pro and apply all the updates.
STEP 3
Next, Applying Update Patch To Work With Sonicfire Pro 5.7.5
If Sonicfire Pro less than 5.7.5, SmartSound is recommending application of the update patch so that 5.7.5 is in use. See http://www.smartsound.com/support/updates/?product=sfp5
STEP 4
Open Premiere Elements 11 To Find a Working Music Tab/"Use SmartSound" feature.
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*Many thanks to Frank at SmartSound Customer Service who represented SmartSound and himself well in this matter - a model of excellent customer service and responsibility to customers.
Work In Progress.
Any further developments will be posted as they become available.
ATR
