Hello, everybody...

I am about to install BIAB 2011 Everything Pak. I've configured my existing BIAB version 2010.5 with the program files on my system drive (C:\), my song files on a separate drive (H:\), and my RealTracks and RealDrums on an external drive (K:\).

Everytime I upgrade BIAB I usually remove the previous version completely -- the program files on C:\, that is -- to save space on the drive. Since it seems that many new changes were made in version 2011, it occurred to me to ask if removing version 2010.5 -- again, only the program files on C:\ -- would mess anything up with the songs I made with that version.

Well, thank you for your help, folks. Goodbye.

bluage

Your songs made in 2010.5 will be fine when played in 2011.

I do not erase old versions; I install on top of them. That way, I keep any 'bonus pacs' that PG Music may have provided along the way.

Whenever you install a new version, BIAB automatically makes a copy of the needed .EXE file of the older version, so you could revert if you wanted to. I never had to.

Keep in mind that any saving of file space you would realize by removing 2010.5 is very small compared to the size of the Real Tracks. Even better, version 2011 allows you to remove unneeded pitch-shifted versions of RealTracks so that (assuming your machine is decently fast) you can shrink the size of the Real Tracks to about 35% of what they used to be. If you want to save space on the drive, that is a real saving.

Ditto what Matt said - install over the top. One other advantage to that is that BIAB will pickup your settings from the previous version (e.g. file locations) so you don't have to redo all of your custom program settings every time. I have never had to revert to the earlier version (builds is a different story) so that shouldn't be an issue. And the new RT setting to get rid of the bloat works great.
Good luck.

Dear Mr. Finley...

You know, I just posted a deliberately glowing review of Band-in-a-Box software on the Amazon.com page featuring those products. One of the reasons why I wrote so effusively is because of the example you and the rest of the BIAB experts set by the way you respond so quickly and generously to users like myself who search for help in the forums. What I want to know is how you and the other pros find time to do YOUR thing when you seemingly spend such a great deal of time coming to the aid of others!

Anyway, thank you very much for your selfless assistance. By the way, last week I visited your page on CDBaby and previewed the selections from your release, "Brazilian Wish". It's some of the smoothest, yet most exciting Brazilian-influenced music I've listened to recently. I've had a love affair with bossa nova and the samba and the rest ever since I was child. Band-in-a-Box has enabled me to realize my own stylings in that genre, which is another reason why I love this software.

I'm low on dough after my purchase of BIAB 2011, but you better believe that when I get paid next week I'm going straight back to your CDBaby page and download the entire album. In fact, I'll even let you know when I do, so you can go out and spend it! (lol!)

Most sincerely and respectfully,

bluage (known to the real world as Loren. Nice to meet you!

Dear Mr. BarryKJ...

What I wrote in response to Mr. Finley's answer to my questions applies to you, too, sir. The world is a better place because of people like you, Mr. Finley, and all of the other pros who have ever helped me out in the forums.

What kind of music do you produce with Band-in-a-Box?

Gratefully,

bluage (Loren)

I will jump on the pile of kudos for Matt's album. I bought it as well and it has spend a lot of time in the stereo in my Kia!! Love the genre, and the songs are performed extremely well. Love it.

Wow, thanks Loren (and thanks again, Eddie) for your very kind words about my CD.

All the songs were composed using BIAB. That was in 2005, even before RealTracks were available, but I still could hit the studio knowing what it should sound like when the heavy hitters joined me. I can't say enough good things about BIAB and how it helps me on every music project. That's great you posted a favorable review of BIAB on Amazon.

I'm retired, so for fun I usually check in here twice a day. There are especially nice folks on this forum, and I try to help out when I can. As a former computer science and music prof and academic dean, education is pretty well ingrained. It's not a one-way flow, by any means; I am always learning more from others about this great program. Perhaps no one, not even a creator, knows everything it can do!

Most folks, when they make a CD, have dreams about selling ten thousand copies as soon as it is released. The reality is, you should be thinking about how to sell your next one, or two, or five. My mission is to get Brazilian jazz wider recognition, and referrals like yours are the best way I know to make it happen. It is most appreciated!

ps Catch my music on Pandora, too!