Optimize your pc for audio. look on the internet....tweak your vcache, virtual memory, set hard drives for DMA, make sure graphics card is compatible...A million things can cause pops and clicks. Memory is a big culprit.....The easiest thing to do is to is look on the net for windows tips and tricks. after you adjust vcache, virtual memory etc...check that your sound card is compatible with Cakewalk on their site.