For the last two years I've been using Vegas 6, rendering, and burning DVDs with success. Recently, when I go to render in Vegas or other Sony programs, as an AC-3 file, it won't allow me.

When I go to render as an ac-3, it states that the plugin "wasn't unlocked" but it doesn't give me anywhere to enter the activation code. Huh? Wasn't unlocked?

I'm considering re-installing Vegas 6 but am uneasy about losing project files/loops/etc--even though I have them backed-up. I must have installed something recently that has affected my Sony AC-3 plugin. Any ideas?

I had similar problems with another NLE recently. I bit the bullet and did a complete uninstall and reinstall (as like you I had everything backed up.)

It cured 90% of my problems immediately so my advice is do it!

As for the 10% remaining...I decided the software (in my case Ulead 10 Plus) really could not hack the sophisticated HD editing I was trying to do and recently installed Vegas 7. Everything is now working really well and I'm a happy bunny!

Dale, I'm assuming you're using DVD Architect for your DVD burns.
If so, that's where you get AC-3 capabilities so, if I was going to re-install anything, that would be the app I'd start with.