Possible bug in Band-in-a-Box 2016 Build 431 update
I just installed update #431 and the install/download manager will not open.
When I click "Run download/install manager now" (in help/utilities) Windows7 (x64 home premium) instead opens my smartphone-manager software !!? (I have a Sony android, so the software that opens is called "Sony PC companion")
I have just tried that, and the result is the same (download-manager does not open, but Sony's PC-companion opens instead) So no change between running as admin or the normal way.
Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
What happens if you run it directly from disk
I can run download-manager when going via the folder you show. Here I also tried running it both as admin and the normal way, and it behaves the same way in both situations.
So running it directly works.
However, I now discovered another odd issue:
In the download-manager it says "Realtracks Sets 228-232" is NOT installed.
I then tried to re-install it from my previous download, the install-procedure completes with no error-messages, but when I re-open download-manager it still says it is not installed.
I then ran download-manager as admin, let it download and install "Realtracks Sets 228-232" (I did that because I thought perhaps it had been updated or changed from the version I originally downloaded in december), which seems to complete without error and ends with download-manager saying the "Realtracks Sets 228-232" is installed.
When I close and then re-open download-manager it once again says the realtracks 228-232 is not installed.
So I'm definitely having some weird issues here.
In BIAB-about it says: Band-in-a-Box® for Windows Version 2016 (431) Activated.
And when I click "check for updates" it says it's up to date.
(I usually love a good mystery, just not BIAB-related ones )
Try this Cold start the computer (to make sure there are no legacy applications running) Start Task Manager Check and make a note of everything that is running under the Applications tab Start BiaB Check that Band-in-a-Box is showing as an application, and no other new applications have appeared (1) Select the Processes Tab, check that BBW.exe is in the list. Check that Sony PC companion is not running as an Application or any "sony" type processes are shown in the Processes list.
From the BiaB Help drop-down menu, select Help > Utilities > Run Download/Install Manager Now
Use the default folder value that is recommended and press OK (2)
Check that the PG Music Download Manager is running under Applications, and that no other new Applications have started (3)
Check that downloadManager.exe and bbw.exe show up under processes. (4)
Please advise your results for each step.
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
When Sony PC-companion is NOT running, BIAB launches the download-manager correctly.
When Sony PC-companion IS running (in 'Processes', but not in 'Applications'), BIAB opens Sony PC-companion instead of the download-manager.
So the problem only exists when the Sony PC-companion is running in the background, but not when it's closed down completely. As soon as the PC-companion icon is visible in the task-bar, indicating it's running as a background-process, it somehow intercepts the request from BIAB and opens when it should have been the download-manager that opens.
The problem with the realtracks, that I can't get to indicate in download-manager as having been installed (it keeps saying it's not installed), persists. Download-manager installs it without indicating any error, and says it is installed until I close it and re-open it again.
Is there a way I can test if the realtracks are seen inside BIAB? If BIAB sees it, then it's not a major issue if download-manager does not.
Thanks for your time and suggestions, "Videotrack"
JEL, I think you should report this to PG Music support. I'm not suggesting that they can or will be able to fix it, because Sony is obviously running as a background process or service, and it might be intercepting Windows Messages. But they should know about it anyway.
The workaround is to launch the download manager manually as shown in an earlier post.
Good Luck!
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
JEL, I think you should report this to PG Music support. I'm not suggesting that they can or will be able to fix it, because Sony is obviously running as a background process or service, and it might be intercepting Windows Messages. But they should know about it anyway.
The workaround is to launch the download manager manually as shown in an earlier post.
Good Luck!
Thank you Luckily it's a minor issue that doesn't really affect the music-side of BIAB But strange nonetheless
This is why most musicians who use computers recommend you use a clean install of Windows and not use the corporate "bloat" that the PC manufacturers like to install.
I can't say this is definitely your problem but I've always either built my PC's myself or had a third party do it so I wind up with Windows direct from Microsoft. No Sony, HP, Acer, Lenovo, whatever bloat.
Indeed Somebody made a coding-error somewhere, since there's an obvious error happening. Unfortunately I can't afford running more than one windows-machine, so I'm stuck with this one for now.
I've always used PC Decrapifier on a new PC to remove all the bloatware. You don't always get clean install disks with new computers, so this is the next best thing.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
I've always used PC Decrapifier on a new PC to remove all the bloatware. You don't always get clean install disks with new computers, so this is the next best thing.
Indeed I don't have win7 disks, as the pc came pre-installed with it (a typical run-of-the-mill store-bought package-deal )
It does work well though. Except of course for this strange mix-up with BIAB and Sony PC-companion.
Thanks for all suggestions in this thread It's a puzzle, but I'll just live with it as it is for now.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Video: Enhanced Melodists in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®!
We've enhanced the Melodists feature included in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows!
Access the Melodist feature by pressing F7 in the program to open the new MultiPicker Library and locate the [Melodist] tab.
You can now generate a melody on any track in the program - very handy! Plus, you select how much of the melody you want generated - specify a range, or apply it to the whole track.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.