Thanks @rraud, please tell me about the registry settings. I have experience of writing my own keys (though not for any Magix products) and I take regular images of my system so I can restore it should something go wrong. I consider keeping data separate from the system and being able to restore either essential for overall security.

I routinely backup all User data in addition to taking system images and allow very few hidden files and folders. If you know how to back up and restore all the FX plug-in chains I'd like to know that as well. That's another area of Sound Forge that has become 'flakey'.

Hi @Unsounded, Export/Import the DXCache and Metrics registry folders in Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MAGIX\Sound Forge Pro\18

I think the registry 'Presets' folder is for the 'Save/Save as' formats. There are actually two Presets folders.. one in 18 .0 and another in 18 (as in the above reg path).

To save/restore plug-in chains and individual Direct X presets, the SCS (Sony) Preset Manager 2.0 still works well (though it no longer included with SF and I am not sure if it will work with Win 11) . If you do not have PM 2.0 already, it can be downloaded from Software Informer or the Sony archives.

The default folder for the Individual <.fxp> VST-2 and 3 plug-in presets is in your 'Documents' folder (which was different in SCS versions of SF)... you can just copy/paste those.

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately restoring the registry keys you mentioned didn't help. I actually suspect that the changes I'm making are not being fully recorded in the registry. Currently, I can make changes to the toolbar layout and then close Sound Forge. I wait for it to disappear from the Task Manager and then reopen it. None of the changes I make stick.Even saving a new Windows layout doesn't help. Once I close Sound Forge it forgets about the changes I've made to the buttons, even if it is adding just one button.

Once I close Sound Forge it forgets about the changes I've made to the buttons, even if it is adding just one button.

That is abnormal and something must be corrupted. Normally, the toolbar stays the same after adding, removing or changing the icons order when exiting and I have never experienced that behavior in any version of SF. Have you tried the reset-clear cache procedure, then redoing your toolbar customization. If that does not resolve the issue, try an uninstall/reinstall using a third-party uninstaller which can remove the pertinent leftover data the basic Windows uninstall leaves behind which can cause issues to reoccur.. Revo Uninstall is often recommend. Revo has a pro and freeware version. The free version is adequate in most cases,

Thanks for the suggestions. I've never tried the reset-clear cache procedure. What exactly happens if I do this? I found nothing in the help file. Will I lose my FX chains, presets and/or keyboard shortcuts as well?

I've had issues with the toolbars after version 10. Losing changes when closing Sound Forge seems to have come with the latest build. I have the pro version of Revo Uninstaller.

I've never tried the reset-clear cache procedure. What exactly happens if I do this?

Reverts settings back to the 'factory fresh' installation and clears the cache of temp files and other data. The 'reeet' has been known to fix many behavioral issues. I firstly recommend backing up the keyboard shortcuts (keyboard.ini) and window layouts (.ForgeWindowLayout) files in the C:\Users\-user name-\AppData\Roaming\MAGIX\SOUND FORGE Pro\18 folder. Also install the legacy Preset Manager to save your FX Chains and DX plug-in presets. Your VST presets should remain untouched in your 'Documents' folder and the VST presets you use in a Fx chain via PM 2.0 .

Thanks rraud, using Files>Reset All preferences and cached data... seems to have sorted my issues. Interestingly it didn't affect my keyboard shortcuts, FX chains or presets. After rebuilding my toolbars I looked in the registry. There was no DXCache key like before only the Metrics key. I exported the key and then made a change to the toolbar layout and restored the key. My original layout was restored. It's almost as if the presence of the DXCache folder was the cause of the problem. If trouble returns I'll check the registry to see if it has returned as well. Thanks again.

Glad to help and thank-you for the update @Unsounded, I have never actually needed to use the 'reset' tool. but user reports indicate it has resolved many issues.

FWIW, SCS versions of SF did not have the reset command in the menu, but could be enabled by holding down the Ctrl+Shift keys whilst launching SF.. which is very useful if SF will not open.