|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 4 |
Hello,
My husband, a Sax and Clarinet musician, uses BIAB extensively. Recently, there was a software glitch and he lost over 700 arrangements/songs. He is busily re-doing them, but I'd like to know how we can backup his songs so this won't happen again.
He uses BIAB on the external hard drive it came on, on his Windows 11 laptop. I have a Windows 11 PC and I use Backblaze to backup my PC and a couple of external hard drives attached to it. I would like to attach his BIAB external drive to my PC to allow Backblaze to back it up. But I don't know what happens when you attach the BIAB external drive to a new PC. Does it automatically try to install anything on the PC it's attached to? I don't want it to install anything on my PC, I just want to attach the drive and let Backblaze back it up every week or so.
Hoping somebody can clarify how I can do this for my husband.
Thank you so much!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,717
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,717 |
Hello SLM and welcome to the forum.
In order for your husband's BiaB user files (or any files to be backed up) they need to be in a folder that gets backed up. So in this case, make sure he saves his .SGU files (and any other files he wants backed up) to a folder that's in the backup path so that your Backblaze software can back them up. The fact that you are running BiaB from an external hard drive is immaterial.
For 30 years or so this is a rough description of how I have organized my user files.
1. Start by creating a folder on the C: drive called "Data". This is a 1st tier folder.
2. Under the "Data" folder, create 2nd tier folders with names of interest like "Music", "Home", "Finances", etc.
3. Under the "Music" folder create a 3rd tier folder called "BiaB"
4. Whenever you create a song in BiaB be sure to save it in C:\Data\Music\BiaB (obviously you can create 4th, 5th, 6th or more tiers depending on how grannular you want your folder hierachy to be.
5. This is where the payoff and safety happens. When it comes time to backup your user files, all you need to backup C:\Data and everything underneath it including your BiaB files will be backed up.
Remember, if a file is not in the backup path (under your 1st tier folder) it won't be backed up.
Personally, I don't trust backing up to the cloud, mainly because of spotty internet connections. So we backup to a high capacity external hard drive.
Hope this helps.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,258
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,258 |
Adding to Bass Thumper's excellent suggestions I will add that I keep my SGU/MGU files on a separate external hard drive. I have two external hard drives with BiaB songs backed up. Also do not keep your backup external hard drives attached to your computer as if your computer gets infected it could also infect your backups. I use a toaster similar to this for my external drives: https://www.amazon.com/SSK-External...msclkid=bd0d1ffea9cd10c33aca79c790736146Also like Bass Thumper I do not trust cloud storage.
Checkout person "Did you find everything OK"?
Me "Why do you ask? Are you guys hiding stuff"?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623 |
Does it automatically try to install anything on the PC it's attached to? I don't want it to install anything on my PC, I just want to attach the drive and let Backblaze back it up every week or so. No, it doesn't automatically install anything. You have to choose to do that. I use a program called FreeFileSync to keep my files synchronised across multiple machines. The same program would keep files synchronised across, for example, two USB drives. That might decouple you from part of the backup process.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 4 |
Thanks, rharv, MarioD, and Bass Thumper, I truly appreciate your thoughtful answers. My husband saves his songs/arrangements on the same external hard drive as the BiaB program (NOT on his laptop). So I must connect the hard drive to my PC in order to back it up. The main question I had was whether I could safely plug in the BiaB external hard drive to my PC without it thinking it needed to auto-install anything on my PC.
Gordon Scott, thank you! The fact it doesn't automatically install anything is exactly what I needed to know. My husband plays jazz, too, and is (IMHO) very good.
Just as an aside, I do trust BackBlaze. I've been using it for years for my photography business (the reason for the two other external hard drives I have attached to my PC) and have never had a problem with it.
Again, thanks so much, everyone, I tried google searches but until I found this forum, I could not find an answer to my question. You guys are great!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,449 |
So I must connect the hard drive to my PC in order to back it up With a network drive I do not think this is necessarily true, you could still see it as a network drive, even if the USB is connected to his PC, though his PC must be powered up and and the drive 'shared' for this to happen. But if moving it is easier for you, then great! Glad we could help. /a USB drive is just another drive as far as the OS is concerned ..at least in my experience ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,443
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,443 |
Good answers above. I’m curious about the loss of 700 songs. Are you sure they were lost? Want to give us some detail about that part?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
I used this program to attempt to recover a hard drive last year. I got 95% of the data back. There are other such programs. EaseUS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,579
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,579 |
SLM.
in a previous life in tech that i cant detail i worked in tech re secure systems.
i would also urge you to consider off site backup of your songs etc etc.
eg with a friend or relative or an institution.
frankly i'm paranoid about security these days for various reasons....including because of the private and public breaches//cases we hear on tv daily etc etc.
fyi my music production pc never sees the net. (for more details...read my tips in the tips forum to save me retyping.)
in summary i do the following...
..when i receive the pg drive...its copied
to very fast m.2 drive and the pg one is kept for backup.
when i finish a song its backed up on multiple ssd drives and also ssd's stored offsite.
just some ideas...hth.
happiness
om.
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 05/07/24 06:21 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 873
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 873 |
I used to do all the stuff (and more) suggested by others.
I also worked for some very uptight people in the tech world.
Lots of badges an other stuff.
I know there's always somebody out there selling you on the idea you need to do more.
I think you need to do as little as possible. Your data is not that important to others.
All you really want is an easy reliable backup copy. I believe I figured that out.
I store all my biab (and daw) stuff in the cloud as part of my workflow.
Once or twice a year I copy the cloud stuff to a local drive. Sometimes more often.
Trust, but verify.
Cloud people are very good at data management.
Better than you or I, probably better than anyone on this forum.
I choose to Leave it to the pros. You may do otherwise.
I use no spinning drives anywhere anymore. All ssd's.
10 years into this stratedgerie i have encountered zero problems. Its very little work on my part.
A directory full of biab sgu's is pretty small to begin with, compared to audio files (flac,wav, etc)
I know, the world could end tomorrow and my data would evaporate.
Or someone could make off with my lifes work....
I used to work for those guys.... They don't want anything your or I have.
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro 11.2.2
Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 4 |
Thanks, again, everyone! You've all been a big help!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,717
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,717 |
I set up folders that encompass one year's worth of work. So I call the latest folder "2024" and last year's was "2023" and so on. When I work on something that I like and want to keep, I simply SAVE it into that folder. Periodically, I will simply COPY/PASTE that entire folder to any one of a number of backup drives.... hard drives in the computer, USB external drives and thumb drives. That assures that I have a backup copy somewhere else that will likely save my butt at some point.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
No one has pointed out a basic tenant of BIAB: You do not have to install anything if you run BIAB from the external drive. If running it from your System drive, then you must install the app (this automatically installs supporting files but nothing else). With Audiophile especially, it's not unusual to install and run BIAB from your System drive using only the Drums and Real Tracks folders on the external HDD, saving about 1.3TB that doesn't have to be copied over. Your Projects and other Work files reside on your internal drive and you hardly ever back up your Libraries HDD.
There's way too much we do not know.
Usually (always?) when something like 700 files are lost, a basic mistake was made. When you are lucky, the files were just misplaced and dillegent searching will find that directory and you can breathe a sigh of relief. If you actually stored them on a HDD (mechanical hard disk), then recovery software can do a pretty good job of getting your files back. If accidentally deleted on an SSD (solid state drive), files are gone as soon as TRIM (part of the OS) and Garbage Collection (part of the drive's firmware) have prepared the cells for new data (anywhere from 5 minutes to 72 hours) and then there is no recovery. The higher versions of BIAB still ship on an HDD last I checked but this may be changing.
What Backblaze covers nowadays depends and it can only work if the computer is on and the drives are connected and awake. They have plenty of documentation on that—read and make sure you are set up the way that you need to be.
The problem with Backblaze is not the backing up of your fies; it's the restoration. You must get into the documentation so that you're never surprised.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,702
Posts795,010
Members39,935
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean