I spent 5 hours after a first time corrupted install sorting out the mess on my pc and then taking precautions to get it to install. It seems stable and working OK now.

To answer your question on customer support, I had 3 emails back within 12 hours, none of which helped, I made a phone call to +31 (0) 411617700 and was amazed after getting through a few levels to speak to a real person within 5 minutes. They didn't help so now I'm a self taught expert on installing this software package without destroying my PC. I honestly think the state this programme can leave your PC if it fails to correctly install, is well beyond an email or phone call.

Here are some tips and words of warning about installing this software:

1. You can destroy a PC platform after a failed install. Studio puts in massive registry entries all over the registry, creates files in hidden temporary directories you won't easily find and some of these left over will stop a re-install.

2. Before doing anything, get yourself a copy of 'Total Uninstall' or similar which tracks every change made to your pc. and run it before installing Studio. You will never find all the registry entries manually if you need to re-wind to repeat an install. In my case XP 'Remove Programmes' found the Studio uninstall file was corrupt and wouldn't do anything. Ghosting your hard drives after installing any XP updates is also an alternative.

3. Make sure if on XP that you have the latest updates before installing Studio.

4. If you have something like Tracks Eraser pro, run it to clean out temporary files and links. You should disable this and other background programmes before attempting the Studio install.

5. Copy the Studio installation DvD to space on your HDD. and execute the setup file from there. Do not install it on C drive with Windows, use another drive e.g D. However it still puts lots of files and creates media folders on C. (another reason to track the Studio install)

6. After the install has finished, re-boot XP.

7. If you have version 11.0 like me, download their 50Mb executable patch. In my case, I tried two downloads of the file which wouldn't run. If the file shows a DOS icon against it, it is probably corrupt. The file should show a Pinnacle icon.

8. Remember to start up your uninstaller tracker before running the update exe.

9. So now your i-Link from your new Sony HDV cam won't capture via Studio. Oh the pain when other posters suggest the camera firewire interface has blown up!! Ok so I installed Sony's Picture browser via 'Total Uninstall' and i-link still wouldn't work. Solution is to delete the firewire card (Texas in my PC) via Device Manager, reboot XP with the camera connected and XP miraculously re-installs the card and finds desktop camera drivers it needs. Studio seems to want the camera on and firewire link connected BEFORE starting it up on my PC. It's not like USB plug and play.

SimpleGirl, I sympathise with your frustration - mine lasted 5 hours! One day, you or others here might find my feedback useful when that crash happens and you need to do a re-install.

I emailed Pinnacle suggesting they could save a lot of money in support costs if they provided a wizard to clean up both the registry AND file folders. Having gone through my large registry manually, the amount of stuff Studio puts in or links to shared folders is frightening. I hate software that leaves its tracks behind.

Good luck with support, try phoning them (1p/minute call 18866) the contact worked even though they returned a poor responses to my problem which I eventually solved it myself.

My Pinnacle Studio 11.1.1 on XP is now stable. It was a cheap package beset with installation problems, but now they're solved I'm a happy bunny. I'm just waiting for some Blu Ray drivers.