try here, randy >>    https://www.stardock.com/sdnet_login.asp

i hope that helps you, my friend. it may not get the lastest update but it will probably get things started for you.

Hey, Thank you VERY MUCH John! Hope things are well with you!

Same issue here. Hangs as soon as it starts on the XML transfer. Even with Autoarchive disabled this time.

After killing SDC with TM & restarting, tried Tools/Internet/Refresh XML Data which ran without a hitch, but same error occurred after a second restart of SDC & another attempt to let it update.

I also see in the release notes that this SDC update does not fix the autoarchive problem - I could swear SD said just last week that would be fixed with the next release.

Had the exact same issue reported above yesterday. After 3 attempts & killing SDC via Task Mamager, I uninstalled SDC using custom & selecting all files in each window. Rebooted & reinstalled SDC using the same link Snidely Whiplash provided & updated with out any issues. This am SDC installed another update, version 2.48.485 build 160 without issues.

I use XP PRO SP2. While SDC was stuck the main window indicated that it was still looking for application updates and Auto archive was disabled.

It's My Secret

Here's another interesting twist on this problem. The last time I was able to use SDC, it installed an update to itself without asking whether or not I wanted an update; it downloaded and installed the update immediately upon opening SDC. And that's the last time I could open it, regardless of whether I used my ObjectDock shortcut, the one on the Start Menu, or going to the Stardock folder itself and trying to load it directly.

Each time, it asks me to use "loader.exe." There is no such file on any of my hard drives. The backups I made of the Stardock folder and each of my user folders (using Retrospect; I have a workaround to allow it to backup hidden and system files) to a different (external) drive don't have that program in them. The Stardock Folder in Common Files doesn't have it right now, nor do any of my User folders; there's no such file anywhere. A System Restore point set a couple of hours before that drive-by update doesn't have it. I can't use Stardock's own restore files or utilities, because they all ask for loader.exe. I also can't uninstall any/all of Stardock's products so I can start all over, because they all want loader.exe. I can't ask Stardock for help, since I can't remember my password for support, their computer says my email address is not on record (an error on their computer that handles registration, I suspect), and when I click on their Forgot my Information link, it says that the info is on the way (to my correct email address, which the applet just said was not registered), but it never actually comes. I've also tried directly emailing Stardock Support, but the email gets kicked back.

I suppose I could manually delete Stardock file on my hard drive, and then hunt down every registry entry relating to Stardock or any of its products, but that's very tedious, time consuming, and any kind of registry surgery is potentially dangerous. I could restore the Stardock files from my backups, but that could also confuse the registry and I consider it a last resort.

I'm hoping that someone with Stardock happens upon this entry and can solve the problem. My subscription isn't even near the renewal time, so I think I deserve some help from Stardock.

Download and install the most recent SDC from here.
Install it right over your current version.
After it installs and you run it, it will upgrade.

All should be well at that point.

You can always call Stardock if email is failing for you. i know for a fact that they are manning the phones. I crank call now and again. MOOOO!!!!
1-888-STARDOCK for sales to fix yoru email issues

You can also fill out the form here to get a message to them

Is anyone still having this issue from this thread?

Is it OK to re-enable Auto-Archive? Last advice I can recall seeing was to leave it off.

Does anyone know what the latest version number is? I have version 2.49.500 build 162. Thanks

Yes it is OK to re-enable.


2.49.500 build 162 is the latest

Thanks Hankers

Make sure you don't have a Firewall, or applications like anti-virus/popup killers/AdAware things running in the background. They may prevent SDC from updating.

You can also try going to Tools, Settings, and Internet and reset the XML data.

Sorry it took a while to get back, but yes! Worked like a charm. Thanks Sir Zubaz!