sbcStudio Updates

sbcStudio software decision - March 19, 2012

As we mentioned in our last update, we have spent the last few months pursuing options to raise sbcStudio software to a standard worthy of Creative Memories. Unfortunately, we’ve found no suitable solution. The decision has been made to exit sbcStudio and Mac-specific digital artwork as of April 1, 2012.

Please be assured our goal is to do the right thing by you, our customer. We stand behind our products. On Monday, April 2, we’ll be emailing each Mac customer a personalized code in the retail amount spent on sbcStudio and Mac digital artwork. This code will be valid for 60 days, expiring on June 4, 2012, and can be used in increments for multiple orders.

We encourage you to explore StoryBook Creator software and artwork if you’re already running Windows on your Mac, but you’ll be free to purchase anything in the product line available on creativememories.com (.ca), Personal Web Sites and Digital Center.

You may also choose to purchase digital artwork in our new Universal Format. Universal Format artwork provides the individual pieces of kits, palettes, etc., in either .jpg or .png file formats so they can be used in virtually all desktop software programs. On April 1 we’ll be launching approximately 50 Universal Format artwork packages, followed by hundreds more in the coming months.

A couple of things to note: You will be responsible for paying applicable tax, shipping and handling charges on all purchases. You will be required to connect to a Consultant to check out, and pay via credit card for any amount purchased above the value of your personalized code.

If you are among users not having a problem with sbcStudio, you can continue to use the software as long as it works for you. Creative Memories will offer limited sbcStudio support until June 4, 2012.

If you are able to use sbcStudio and have finished projects, we recommend you upload them to the Digital Center at this time. You will be able to order those projects as long as your Digital Center account is active.

Thank you for your patience in this process.

sbcStudio™ Software Update – April 4, 2012

On April 4 we emailed a second personalized code to some users. The code in the original email sent April 2 was based on purchases made through March 27, 2012. The new message is to provide an additional code to users who made Mac digital artwork purchases March 28-31, 2012. Some users may also be receiving an additional code due to a reporting oversight that failed to include some digital artwork purchases in the original code issued.

Both emails were sent to the email address under which sbcStudio and/or your Mac digital artwork was purchased. If you checked that email account and/or your Spam folder and did not receive the message(s), please contact us and provide the email address under which the purchase(s) were made so that we can resend the email to you.

 

Thanks,

Creative Memories Home Office

sbcStudio Discontinuation FAQs

My sbcStudio works. Can I continue using it?

If you are among users not having a problem with sbcStudio, you can continue to use the software as long as it works for you. Even if you continue using it, on April 2 you will still receive a personalized code in the retail amount spent on sbcStudio and Mac digital artwork. Creative Memories will offer limited sbcStudio support until June 4, 2012.

If you’re able to use sbcStudio and have finished projects, we recommend you upload them to the Digital Center where you will be able to order your project.

 

How long will my software continue working? Will it stop working again in September because of the same digital certificate expiration issue that occurred in September 2011?

We believe that the changes we made in October 2011 will cause the software to continue to be usable indefinitely (with the exception of uploading – see below), but we cannot guarantee that the software will remain operable, as we will no longer be maintaining any back-end sbcStudio services.

 

Can we still upload books/projects from sbcStudio after April 1st?

As most sbcStudio users are aware, your creativememories.com and Digital Center accounts must be linked in order to upload from sbcStudio. After June 4, we will no longer be maintaining account linking and it will cease to function soon after. It is unlikely that you will be able to upload from sbcStudio to the Digital Center after this date.

 

Can we still print old sbcStudio projects through Creative Memories using other software?

Once a project is uploaded to Digital Center, it will be stored and remain orderable in your Digital Center account as long as your account is active (but please see information above about the unlikelihood that uploading will function after June 4).

sbcStudio project pages can be exported from the software as individual full-bleed jpg images. These images can then be imported into a StoryBook Creator project and uploaded to Digital Center. They can also be used on full photo templates for Page Prints, Photo Panels or new Custom Album Pages (US | Can) on Digital Center.

 

Can I use StoryBook Creator (or Memory Manager) on my Mac?

For people interested in using StoryBook Creator or Memory Manager on their Mac, there are a variety of programs available that allow running a Windows program on a Mac.

• Parallels: www.parallels.com
• Boot Camp: www.apple.com/support/bootcamp
• VMWare Fusion: www.vmware.com/products/fusion/overview.html

Please note: The Creative Memories Consultant Services team does not have the staff or expertise to support these programs. We will continue to provide support for StoryBook Creator.

 

I received my email (sent April 2) with a personalized code. What do I do now?

You can use this code toward purchases on www.creativememories.com (.ca), your Consultant’s Personal Web site, and the Creative Memories Digital Center. Please apply the code during the checkout process. This code will be valid through June 4, 2012, and can be used in increments for multiple orders; your code does not have to be used all at once, but has to be used before it expires.

A couple of things to note: You will be responsible for paying applicable tax, shipping and handling charges on all purchases.  You will be required to connect to a Consultant to check out, and pay via credit card for any amount purchased above the value of your personalized code.

 

My personalized code expires before I think I can use it. What are my options?

We are unable to extend the expiration date of the personalized codes. Consider redeeming your code for items that may be used as gifts, such as for baby showers, Mother’s or Father’s Day, birthdays, graduations, or other occasions.

Another option is to apply it toward Product Credits on creativememories.com (ca). Product Credits expire 180 days from the date of purchase.

 

I used my personalized code to purchase StoryBook Creator software. How do I convert my sbcStudio content and projects?

sbcStudio content cannot be converted to be used with StoryBook Creator. We suggest you purchase new content for StoryBook Creator, applying part of the personalized code value you received for previously purchased sbcStudio content.

sbcStudio project pages can be exported as full-bleed jpg images from the software, and then imported into StoryBook Creator projects. They can also be used on full photo templates for Page Prints, Photo Panels or new Custom Album Pages (launching April 1) on Digital Center.

 

I never received the email with my personalized coupon. What should I do?

The email (sent April 2) was sent to the email address under which sbcStudio and/or your Mac digital artwork was purchased. If you checked that email account and/or your Spam folder and did not receive the message, please contact us and provide the email address under which the purchase(s) were made so that we can resend the email to you.

 

Why did Creative Memories choose to issue refunds in form of a personalized code that expires?

We stand behind our products and our customers are very important to us. In the software industry, a 100% exchange for product is extremely rare. We chose to offer an option that would allow customers to “exchange” 100% invested in their software and content for other products; we believe this is the right decision for our customers.

 

Is there a way to make a StoryBook on Creative Memories Digital Center?

There isn’t currently a way to create StoryBooks on Creative Memories Digital Center. However, sbcStudio project pages can be exported from the software as individual full-bleed jpg images. These images can then be imported into a StoryBook Creator project and uploaded to Digital Center. They can also be used on full photo templates for Page Prints, Photo Panels or new Custom Album Pages on Digital Center.

 

What types of projects are available on Creative Memories Digital Center?

The following types of projects can be created on the Digital Center (US Digital Center or Canada Digital Center) using full-bleed .jpg images exported from sbcStudio:

• You Create It Albums
• Custom Album Pages (launching April 1)
• Photo and Fine Stationery Cards
• Page Prints
• Wall Print Posters
• Mugs
• Mouse Pads
• T-shirts
• Photo Panels

You can also print your photos. 

Studio Update - October 26

Based on blog posts and calls to our customer service team, we have put together the list of scenarios below to help guide you to the best solution for your situation. Read through each scenario to determine which most closely reflects the current state of your sbcStudio, and then follow the link to the solution recommended for that scenario.

We have also created a printable PDF guide that includes all scenarios and their solutions.

If you are experiencing an issue that is not outlined below, please send an email to sbcstudiosupport@creativememories.com with the details and, if possible, screen captures (click here to learn how to create a screen capture). We need to gather complete information about errors in order to troubleshoot the issues.

 

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 SCENARIO 1:

 

• I have installed the new version of sbcStudio and it will open.
• All or almost all of my purchased content appears gray when used in a project.
• I don’t have (or don’t mind losing) any personal templates and/or freebies I’ve imported into sbcStudio.

BEST SOLUTION FOR YOU: Uninstall and re-install sbcStudio, then re-download your content packages.

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SCENARIO 2:

• I have installed the new version of sbcStudio and it will open.
• Some of my purchased content turns gray when used in a project.
• I have personal templates and/or freebies I’ve imported into sbcStudio, and I don’t want to lose them.
• sbcStudio does NOT lock up when I try to do the following:

1. Insert a page
2. Change a page theme
3. Use an alpha set
4. Insert a shape

BEST SOLUTION FOR YOU: Remove and re-download bad content packages

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SCENARIO 3:

• I have installed the new version of sbcStudio and it will open.
• Most of my purchased content turns gray when used in a project.
• I don’t have (or don’t mind losing) any personal templates and/or freebies I’ve imported into sbcStudio.
• My sbcStudio DOES lock up if I do any of the following:

1. Insert a page
2. Change a page theme
3. Use an alpha set
4. Insert a shape

BEST SOLUTION FOR YOU: Uninstall and re-install sbcStudio, then re-download your content packages.

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SCENARIO 4:

• I have installed the new version of sbcStudio and it will open.
• All or almost all of my purchased content appears gray when used  in a project.
• I have personal templates and/or freebies I’ve imported into sbcStudio, and I don’t want to lose them.
• My sbcStudio DOES lock up if I do any of the following:

1. Insert a page
2. Change a page theme
3. Use an alpha set
4. Insert a shape

BEST SOLUTION FOR YOU: Remove and re-download bad content packages, then follow additional instructions to remove/re-download alpha sets, predesigned pages and shape packages.

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SCENARIO 5:

• I have installed the new version of sbcStudio, but when I click on the icon to open it, it just bounces in the dock and won’t open.

BEST SOLUTION FOR YOU: Try the following things.

1. Open Finder and go to Username [Home Icon] > Library > Preferences. Delete any entry that starts with “com.creativememories”.
2. From within Finder go to Username [Home Icon] > Library > Caches. Delete any entry that starts with “com.creativememories”.
3. Open the Applications folder and go to Utilities > Keychain Access. Delete the Digital Center entry, if it exists.
4. Open sbcStudio from the Applications folder, rather than the dock.

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SCENARIO 6:

• I’m not sure if I’ve got the latest version of sbcStudio installed.

BEST SOLUTION FOR YOU: To check, do one of the following:

1. Open sbcStudio and go to sbcStudio > About sbcStudio. The version should be 1.0.5 OR
2. Open Finder and go to Macintosh HD > Applications. CTRL-click/right-click on the sbcStudio icon and choose Get Info. The version listed should be 1.0.5.

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SCENARIO 7:

• I don’t have the latest version of sbcStudio installed:

BEST SOLUTION FOR YOU: Follow these directions to re-install sbcStudio.

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Uninstall/Reinstall sbcStudio

The instructions below are written specifically for Snow Leopard, since sbcStudio is not supported on Mac OS X Lion. If you are trying to follow these instructions on Lion, note that the “Library” folder is hidden on Lion. For instructions on viewing this hidden folder click here.

PLEASE NOTE: Following these directions for completely removing sbcStudio from your computer will result in a loss of all personal keywords and personal content, including any freebies, external content you may have imported or user-created templates. You will also need to re-download all purchased content. If your sbcStudio projects are saved in the Username [Home Icon] > Library > Application Support > Creative Memories, move them from that folder before following these instructions (they are not, by default, saved there).

1. Open Finder and go to Username [Home Icon] > Library > Application Support.
2. CTRL-click/right-click on the folder sbcStudio and choose “Move to Trash”.
3. While still in Finder go to Username [Home Icon] > Library > Preferences. Delete any files that start with “com.creativememories”.
4. While still in Finder go to Username [Home Icon] > Library > Caches. Delete any files that start with “com.creativememories”.
5. While still in Finder go to Macintosh HD (under devices) > Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access. Delete any Digital Center entries
6. While still in Finder go to Macintosh HD (under devices) > Applications. Drag the sbcStudio icon to the trash.
7. If you have an sbcStudio icon on your dock, drag it to the trash.
8. Empty the trash.
9. To reinstall, download the sbcStudio_Retail.dmg file that can be found by clicking on this link: http://downloads.creativememories.com/sbcStudio/Application_Update/sbcStudio_Retail.dmg

 

Figure 1

10. Once downloaded, double-click the file sbcStudio_Retail.dmg.
11. Read the license agreement. To continue with installation click Agree.
12. Drag the sbcStudio icon over the Applications folder.


Figure 2

13. If sbcStudio is already installed on your computer, you will be asked if you want to replace an older file with a new one. Choose Replace.
14. When installation is complete, open sbcStudio. If you are prompted to activate the software (even if you have activated it previously), choose Activate sbcStudio using my purchased license and my Creative Memories account, and then click OK.



Figure 3

NOTE: You may also be prompted to allow sbcStudio to access your Digital Center password that’s stored in your keychain. Select Always Allow to not be prompted again.



Figure 4

15. If prompted, enter your Creative Memories user name and password, and then click Login.



Figure 5

16. You will see a message indicating that activation has been successful.



Figure 6

17. To verify you have the current version installed, open sbcStudio and go to sbcStudio > About sbcStudio. The version should be 1.0.5. You can also check for this by opening Finder and going to Macintosh HD > Applications. CTRL-click/right-click on the sbcStudio icon and choose Get Info. The version listed should be 1.0.5.
18. Once sbcStudio is back up and running, go to sbcStudio > Check for My Content and re-download your purchased content. 

Remove a Bad Content Package and Re-download

The instructions below are written specifically for Snow Leopard, since sbcStudio is not supported on Mac OS X Lion. If you are trying to follow these instructions on Lion, note that the “Library” folder is hidden on Lion. For instructions on viewing this hidden folder click here.

NOTE: Use these instructions for all content EXCEPT shapes, alpha sets or predesigned pages.

ALSO NOTE: Deleting your content package will remove any personal keywords you have assigned to it.

1. Open sbcStudio
2. Go to Window > Show Content Manager
3. Select the package that turns gray when you try to use it in a project (hold down the Command key to select multiple packages)
4. Click the Delete the selected packages button at the bottom of the package list (it’s the little button that looks like a – sign).
5. You will be asked to confirm that you want to remove the package(s).

NOTE: REMOVING THE PACKAGE FROM CONTENT MANAGER WILL DELETE ANY PERSONAL KEYWORDS THAT ARE ASSOCIATED TO THE PACKAGE.


 Figure 7

6. Go to sbcStudio > Check for My Content
7. The removed content package(s) will now appear with a Download button. Click Download to re-download the package. Once re-downloaded your content will no longer appear gray when you use it in a project.

Remove Shapes, Alpha Sets or Pre-Designed Pages

The instructions below are written specifically for Snow Leopard, since sbcStudio is not supported on Mac OS X Lion. If you are trying to follow these instructions on Lion, note that the “Library” folder is hidden on Lion. For instructions on viewing this hidden folder click here.

PLEASE NOTE: Deleting your content package will remove any personal keywords you have assigned to it.

1. Go to sbcStudio > Check for My Content.
2. In the list of content that appears look at the Package ID column to find the Package ID of the content package(s) causing issues. The problem package(s) will appear with a checkmark in the Installed column, rather than a “Download” button.


Figure 8

3. Make note of the problematic Package ID(s).
4. Open Finder and go to Username [Home Icon] > Library > Application Support > Creative Memories > sbcStudio.
5. CTRL-click/right-click on the Contents.sbcLib file and choose Show Package Contents. You will see a list of files/folders that looks similar to this:


Figure 9

6. CTRL-click/right-click on the file that corresponds to the Package ID of the product that’s not working and choose Move to Trash.
7. Repeat as necessary until all problematic packages have been moved to the trash.
8. Go to sbcStudio and select Window > Show Content Manager
9. Select the package that does not have a license file (hold down the Command key to select multiple packages)
10. Click the Delete the selected packages button at the bottom of the package list (it’s the little button that looks like a – sign).


Figure 10

11. You will be asked to confirm that you want to remove the package(s).

NOTE: REMOVING THE PACKAGE FROM CONTENT MANAGER WILL DELETE ANY PERSONAL KEYWORDS THAT ARE ASSOCIATED TO THE PACKAGE.

12. Go to sbcStudio > Check for My Content
13. The removed content package(s) will now appear with a Download button. Click Download to re-download the package(s).

Reinstall sbcStudio

1. To reinstall, download the sbcStudio_Retail.dmg file that can be found by clicking on this link: http://downloads.creativememories.com/sbcStudio/Application_Update/sbcStudio_Retail.dmg

 

2. Once downloaded, double-click the file sbcStudio_Retail.dmg.
3. Read the license agreement. To continue with installation click Agree.
4. Drag the sbcStudio icon over the Applications folder.



5. If sbcStudio is already installed on your computer, you will be asked if you want to replace an older file with a new one. Choose Replace.
6. When installation is complete, open sbcStudio. If you are prompted to activate the software (even if you have activated it previously), choose Activate sbcStudio using my purchased license and my Creative Memories account, and then click OK.


NOTE: You may also be prompted to allow sbcStudio to access your Digital Center password that’s stored in your keychain. Select Always Allow to not be prompted again.



7. If prompted, enter your Creative Memories user name and password, and then click Login.



8. You will see a message indicating that activation has been successful.



9. To verify you have the current version installed, open sbcStudio and go to sbcStudio > About sbcStudio. The version should be 1.0.5. You can also check for this by opening Finder and going to Macintosh HD > Applications. Command-click/right-click on the sbcStudio icon and choose Get Info. The version listed should be 1.0.5.
10. Once sbcStudio is back up and running, go to sbcStudio > Check for My Content and re-download your purchased content.