Wonderfully helpful - thank you so much!

On OSX 10.10.5 now - not before time.
And downloaded MC 8.4.4
But all the advice is to un-install the old version before installing the new-er version.
(Probably not relevant, but want to stay dongle-activated)

Now I'm told
'An error in the Preuninstall task cancelled the uninstall'

This feels beyond satire, so I'll go pack for the long weekend walking Hadrian's Wall.*
Any further advice very welcome if and when I get back to London...

Usually, you should uninstall, then upgrade the OS, then install...since sometimes the change in the OS messes with the uninstaller.

You can try using the uninstaller included in 8.4.4 (instead of the one already on your hard drive).

If that fails, you should use the "Manual Uninstall" procedure highlighted in the START HERE thread at the top of the forum.

Kevin Klimek:

You're right, but we live in a world where no software gets released without bugs. If you wait for the perfect version of MC, you will be waiting a long, long time.

I have the "perfect" version of MC! It's V4.05 running on Snow Leopard!

@Susi:

1. In OS X, go to System Preferences -> Security & Privacy.

  a. Unlock to make changes.

  b. Allow apps downloaded from: select "Anywhere" for now.

2. Use the uninstaller from the 8.4.4 DMG.

Don't do a manual uninstall just yet.

Report back.

Thanks, Isaac - back at the desk after a brilliant few days in the hills and wilds.
(Edge of the 'known world' to occupying forces, during Roman Empire; good to put things in perspective) 

The 8.4.4 'Uninstall' doesn't do anything when invited to open. Asks me to verify password, then goes away.
The download seems to be OK; 'Install' went ahead with various 'Agree' steps after the same verification - didn't go any further, obviously!

Hey Susi,

Welcome back! "A few days in the hills and wilds" sounds ridiculously amazing!

So did you try setting Security & Privacy Settings, as outlined above?

Also, try dragging the installer and uninstaller out of the DMG to a folder on your Desktop, then uninstall. What happens then?

Tried dragging to desktop and still nothing.
'Security&Privacy' was already set to 'anywhere', but on the old principle of 'turn it off and turn it on again', I unchecked that, shut and re-opened preferences and then allowed 'anywhere' again and hey presto, the desktop icon opened.

So far so good. Now to re-start and see if the new installation runs nicely with the dongle :)

THanks!

('Hadrian's Wall' was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD122, to guard and tax the then boundary of the Roman Empire. Several metres high, with a small castle every mile and a fort every five, it ran across the far north of what's now England, from coast to coast. Some of the remains were disinterred and/or re-assembled in the 19th and 20th centuries and they run through very underpopulated and beautiful countryside - great walking, interesting history, but WOW! the geo-politics are far too topical...)

Dongle update - the final frontier? 

I'm assuming Application Manager is the route, but it's confusing - and wants to know 'License File'.
What is this? 

Thanks for any help!

Dongle update - the final frontier? 

I'm assuming Application Manager is the route, but it's not obvious how to use it.

"NO dongle compatible with this update file found" is most frequent response to anything I try in the 'License File' box

Thanks for any help!

Susi:

I'm assuming Application Manager is the route, but it's confusing

http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/en_US/user_guide/Avid-Application-Manager-Documentation

Hi Susi, 

To update your dongle, yes, you use the application manager. 

But, first, you need to download the Dongle updater file. 

Got to my.avid.com and log into your account. Then under My Products, select  My Products and Subscriptions. Here you should see your version of Media Composer. Open that up and you should see the details on your system & purchase. Then click on the Product Details and Download Links. 

Now, over on the left side, you should see, download dongle updae file, and downlod that.  Easy enough?? :) OK, remember were you downloaded that file. 

Now, making sure your dongle is mounted, go to Application Manager and the Licensing Tab. Then under your system, in the choose action box, select "Update", then navigate to the file that you just downloaded. It should be called  Updater.avd. App manager should then open a new box, telling you, what it's going to update your dongle to. If that all looks good, then click update in the upper right corner.

And that should do it. Easy as pie.

Post back if that doesn't work or if you run iinto any problems or questions. 

Jamie

Thanks Jamie and Isaac - yesterday i wrote to 'Support' via my account

Downloaded and installed MC8.4.4 and need to update my dongle. 

My account doesn't seem to know that this is the version I've downloaded - please can you send me a dongle updater file?

They offered to generate the right file, and on starting up this morning I find they've sent one.
It seems to have done the trick; Avid 8.4.4 is opening at last.
Glad I waited for a slack period to do all of this; now to get my head and fingers around the 'new' version.
(Impressed by, and grateful to, all of you who use and test and improve the 'current' version as soon as it is out!)

Happy editing -
Susi