Upgrade from Final Cut Studio 5.1.4

[Michael Gissing]

Hi Dana, Are you sure you can go from 5.1 to 7? YOu might find more info on the Apple site but it may be that an upgrade for 7 is only from 6, not 5.1 .

[Dana Hughes]

Hi Michael, I could have just gone straight to you! I’m not entirely sure about that, but the download page on the Apple site said it was a 5 to 7 upgrade. Because it wouldn’t even accept my serial number I couldn’t get far enough into the process to find any technical difficulties.

It’s not a huge deal, just trying to work from home on this one job – I don’t even like FCP much, and no doubt all the facilities will be upgrading to X soon, so my upgrade will become obsolete very quickly. I haven’t researched it but going from my previous FCP experience I’m sure non of the current versions will talk to the newest one.

Thanks for the response, I’ll persevere a little longer then give up. Back on AVID in a couple of months and I’ve got my home/workplace set up working beautifully with Media Composer.

[Paul Dickin]

Hi
I’ve just done an upgrade to FCS 3/FCP 7 from FCS1 (FCP 5.1.4, using the S/N that came with FCP 5.0) and it worked fine (with UK-bought software).
Changing from a G5 to a new Mac Pro.

[Dana Hughes]

Thanks Paul, it is possible then. I’ll keep trying, time for a call to Apple!

[Michael Gissing]

Good to know it is possible. Using XMLs to go between FCP7 and 5.1 would be a pain so call Apple and see why you can’t get it installed. A word of warning though, the recommended technique is a clean OS and FCP install, not an overwrite update.

I would buy a new internal drive and do a clean install. That way you can always option boot to the old drive. Also FCP7 needs to be on an intel Mac and Leopard or Snow Leopard. If you are running Tiger and an old non intel Mac, then you can’t install FCP7. There are some people who have done it with some hacks, but not a good way to build a stable system.

[Dana Hughes]

Hmmm, the appeal that peace and quiet, fresh air, natural light, comfortable chair, no traffic and access to good food that working from home has, is looking like it’s too much trouble.

Thanks for your help, if I can’t get it happening this weekend I’ll just stay put at the facility.

Problem solved! I rang Apple and it turns out that I was confusing the Apple site updates with upgrades, and if I buy the box, (therefore having the discs needed to upgrade to Studio 2009), rather than try to do it online, it should all become clear. I would like to emphasise the should. Fingers crossed.

[Miodrag Ristic]

I just recently upgraded from FCP 5.1.4 to FCP 7.0.3 no problems.

In fact it was a clean install (on a separate boot drive), but for the sake of installing procedure (and your serial number problem) it’s everything the same.

When you insert you UPGRADE discs, FCP asks you first for the serial number OF THOSE UPGRADE DISCS,
later (I’m, not sure at what stage, probably at the end) FCP asks you for the serial number OF YOUR ORIGINAL DISCS.

I was too at first confused and typing in original numbers, but then realised what numbers is asking for.

Mio

[Dana Hughes]

Thanks Mio. That is what I vaguely figured from my conversation with the Apple guy but having your clear explanation in writing will help me tomorrow when I have the upgrade in my hot little hands and load the sucker up.

Going into it with more optimism now!

[Dana Hughes]

Success!

Thanks everybody.