Any guides out there on how to install R2R PT 2021?
Getting a hold of it by itself is already being a nightmare without having a premium, but I've been reading that it's not a straightforward unlock once you have it.

 

Unfortunately, your efforts were in vain. In order to make any use whatsoever of the R2R PT 2021 release is if you somehow obtained a working free Protools First license from Avid. Don't let the avid-corp-speak fool you - they discontinued it because of the R2R release. The demise of that license was the demise of the release. The only truly blanket functional (semi-recent) ProTools release is the AudioUtopia Protools 12.5 HD from 2016.

 

what a shame. thanks for the information though.

 

Can you help? I've been using it for a month, and the next month it says, "Error, missing PACE authorization for 'Pro Tools'. Please insert the necessary iLok or rejoin your cloud session and restart Pro Tools."
I've tried re-patching, but it doesn't work. Do I have to create a new account? Is there a solution?

 

Hi @EnginnerINDO, here are the AI results for your question, good luck:

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

This error with PACE authorization in Pro Tools typically occurs when your iLok license (for the full Pro Tools software or plugins) expires, isn't properly detected, or there's a glitch in the iLok License Manager syncing with Avid's cloud-based activation system. Since you've been using it successfully for a month, it sounds like a subscription-based license (e.g., Pro Tools Artist/Studio/Ultimate perpetual with updates or a monthly/annual plan) that may have lapsed at the billing cycle rollover, or a temporary cloud session disruption.

You do not need to create a new account—that rarely fixes authorization issues and can complicate things further. Here's a step-by-step troubleshooting guide based on common fixes from Avid's knowledge base and user reports:

1. Verify Your Subscription and License Status

• Log in to your Avid account at my.avid.com.
• Go to My Products > Products and Subscriptions to check if your Pro Tools license is active and not expired.
• If it's a paid subscription, ensure your payment method is up to date (billing issues are a frequent cause at month-end).
• In the Avid Link app (or iLok License Manager), check for any available updates or renewals.

2. Basic iLok and System Checks

• Insert your iLok dongle (if using a physical one) and ensure it's recognized in iLok License Manager.
• Open iLok License Manager (download the latest from ilok.com if needed):
  • Sign in with your iLok account.
  • Go to Licenses > Refresh or Sync to pull the latest authorizations from the cloud.
  • Look for "Pro Tools" or related Avid assets—right-click and Activate if available, or Repair if corrupted.
• Restart your computer, then launch Pro Tools while connected to the internet (for cloud session validation).

3. Rejoin Cloud Session and Restart

• The error mentions rejoining your cloud session: In Pro Tools, go to Help > Sign In (or Avid Link) and re-authenticate.
• Fully quit Pro Tools (use Task Manager/Activity Monitor to force-quit if needed), then relaunch.
• If using iLok Cloud (no physical dongle):
  • Close all iLok Cloud sessions in iLok License Manager (File > Close Cloud Session).
  • Reopen the cloud session (File > Open Cloud Session).
  • Restart Pro Tools.

4. Re-Patching or Advanced Fixes (Since You Tried Basic Re-Patching)

• "Re-patching" likely refers to running the PACE patcher or redepositing licenses. Try this more thoroughly:
  • Uninstall and reinstall iLok License Manager (from ilok.com).
  • Run the PACE/iLok repair tool: Search for "PACE License Support" installer on paceap.com and run it.
• Clear Pro Tools preferences:
  • Quit Pro Tools.
  • Delete preference files (back them up first):
    • macOS: ~/Library/Preferences/Avid/Pro Tools/
    • Windows: C:\Users\[YourUser]\AppData\Roaming\Avid\Pro Tools\
  • Trash the Pro Tools database folders (search Avid's site for exact paths).
• Update everything:
  • Pro Tools to the latest version via Avid Link or avid.com/downloads.
  • iLok License Manager to the newest release.
  • Your OS (ensure compatibility—check Avid's qualified systems).

5. If Nothing Works

• Run Pro Tools in Safe Mode (hold Shift during launch) to bypass plugins that might interfere.
• Deactivate/reactivate the license:
  • In iLok Manager, right-click the Pro Tools license > Deactivate, then reactivate to your iLok or cloud.
• Contact Avid Support directly:
  • Create a case at support.avid.com (include your iLok User ID, system info, and error screenshot).
  • Or PACE/iLok support at paceap.com/support.
• If it's a subscription lapse, renew it in your Avid account—licenses often reactivate instantly after payment.

This resolves the issue for most users without needing a new account. If you provide more details (e.g., Pro Tools version, OS, physical iLok vs. cloud, exact subscription type), I can refine the steps further. Hang in there—it's usually a quick sync or restart fix!