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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I recently invested in a (long overdue!) new high-spec PC, and want to transfer/install *my* BIAB 2024 on to it.
When I first got BIAB it was on 2012, and as well as yearly updates I have since added bonuses, 49PAKs, new stylePAK releases and plenty of other this-and-that PAKs along the way including building up a large library of RealTraks.
After a bunch of research on here it seemed I didn't need to go back to 2012 and update it sequentially from day-dot as I had first thought, but instead I could start with the UltraPAK that I was advised to get in 2022, and then install 2024 PlusPAK.
But I really don't want to battle over the very many other PAKs, sets, Bonuses etc needing to be added before it becomes my full installation, and I wonder in fact if that is even necessary when there is already a perfectly set-up 'bb' folder sitting on the old-machine's 2024 installation.
So am I correct in thinking that populating the new installations 'bb' folder with the contents of the old one, sets-up the new 2024 with an already-ideal source and avoids the possibility of problems/issues when recreating it afresh from dozens of individual installers?
If that is indeed a viable way to go, are there any views on whether the sequence should be 2022 UltraPAK : copy-across 'bb' folder content : 2024 PlusPAK to tidy anything up if necessary, or should it be UltraPAK : PlusPAK to complete 2024 first, then copy-across 'bb' content? Either way, would there be something further needed to tie it all properly together for Windows, or does the 2024 PlusPAK take care of that itself?
I'd be interested in any comments/guidance if this is the reasonable step that it seems to me just now. Thanks.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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hannay
some comments.
1..this is a toughie cos people arent there to see your set up and anything special with it...so i dont know how usefull this comment is.
what i typically do is wait for the new year eg 2024 shipped pg drive and...
..immediately copy to the fastest m.2 ssd i can find for around 50 bucks includeing
enclosure.
..use the copy m.2 on my production pc off fast usb.. and store away the pg drive for back up.
..opt for a minimal install as ive found genning pg content off the copy ssd m.2 is blink of an eye in bb.
note...2025 will prolly come out at xmas...so you might take that into account ie new features etc etc.
2..even tho' you have a new pc ive seen many cases where a new pc isnt optimised for music production and thus probs can occur...hence you might see my tips re such in the pg tips forum.
might be usefull to read. particularly note step 1.
thats all i got...as i'm not there to see first hand your rig setup.
happiness.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 10/25/24 12:46 PM.
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.)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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If you have everything installed now on a single drive / same bb folder should be fairly easy. I would attempt this:
On new computer, just install latest core version of BIAB software you purchased. Copy bb folder from your old computer to new, skipping identical files. (There should be an option "do this for all files"). Activate BIAB on new machine. Apply latest patch.
A better way would be to install everything fresh, but ^ should in theory work. Perhaps someone will correct me.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi Hannay, I've changed computers many times since I purchased my first copy of BIAB in 2007. Every time I have moved onto a new computer my process has been... 1) Copy the entire \bb folder and all its sub-directories to a USB drive (or some suitable movable media). If you regularly use Realband, I also suggest copying the \Realband folder onto the USB drive. 2) Copy \bb (and sub-folders) and \Realband from the USB drive onto the new computer. (Steps 1 and 2 take a bit of time because the \bb folder and its sub-folders is large.) 3) Once copying is complete, run the installation program from your latest version of BIAB and do the minimum install into your new computer's \bb and \Realband folders. The minimum install will load the system files needed by Windows. This install will also get the softsyths, notation fonts and playable Realtracks up and running. 4) After the minimum install, download the latest updates for BIAB and Realband and run them. 5) Start BIAB and do a "Slow rebuild" in BIAB's Stylepicker. (This is needed for both BIAB and Realband to work correctly.) After this, everything will be ready to go on your new computer. Regards, --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Justanoldmuso - Thanks for your suggestion, also for a broad smile because "rig" is far too ambitious a term to use! I have BIAB on my do-everything PC. I noodle around writing music/songs based initially on chord progression snatches. I chop and change that until it gives me a warm feeling. That then generates its own melody line/variation, by which point the emotional colours may well have started to make some lyrics come floating by. Then I (agonise over) create a full perfect lyric because anything less is complete failure. Well, it all helps pass the time  I'll certainly check out your tips, I'm sure there'll be things from which I can benefit.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Rustyspoon – Thanks, and I already have the old PC’s drive installed as a slave in the new PC to help move regular content across cleanly, so can do so that way for the bb too. Good to know that it all seems to be doable ... sometimes what seems to be logical is actually sabotaged by a bunch of unknowns, what I call the Spock Paradox.
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Hi Noel – That’s not SOME awe, that’s all of it!! Thank you so much. In any walk of life there’s no better advice than that coming from knowledge and direct experience. It also helps that in this case the Spock Paradox isn’t hiding round a corner somewhere waiting to jump out at me and say “nope, fundamentally that won’t work because ...”
So I’ll install via the 2022 UltraPAK first, then copy-over the healthy *old* bb content, then update with my 2024 PlusPAK plus whatever routine updates might additionally be waiting in the wings, and finally do the slow rebuild.
Just a quick check/clarification on one point if I may ask, to be sure I am interpreting your words correctly: you say “... and do the minimum install into your new computer's \bb and \Realband folders.” I wasn’t aware of a Minimal Install option, but I have now Googled it and also now appreciate why you say that is needed/important.
But .. “minimum install (the PlusPAK) into your new computer's \bb and \Realband folders.” Do I have that right? The whole thing? Or am I just taking it all far too literally and being a total pedant without realising? Won’t the minimum install simply go wherever it must anyway between Win, bb & RB folders? Or are you saying that’s counterproductive for this purpose and needs to be limited somehow (in addition to sidestepping duplications of course).
When I add PAKs, annual upgrades etc I use the Install Manager because that is clinically efficient/accurate (Spock permitting!) – I guess you can’t do a minimum install that way, so how best to handle that? I’m probably overthinking it, but when you don’t have experience to fall back on it is better to clarify first instead of redoing after! Long ago I had a Workshop teacher who used to say “You can experiment when we get the putting-on machine, but until then check everything before you do anything.” Wise words.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hannay,
Personally, I think you'd be better off copying over the old content before you install any version.
Installing over the copied \bb folders and sub-folders is easier than copying the old content over the top of a fresh installation. When copying over an installation, you'll need to be on-hand to give permission to overwrite files. When you install over the old copy that's been loaded onto the computer, there is no need to give permission other than allowing the installation to go ahead right at the start.
So my approach would be...
1) Copy all content from your old computer and put it onto your new computer.
2) Install BIAB 2022 (if that is your latest full version of the program). This will load all needed Windows drivers and files on your computer. I suspect that you can do this through install manager. (You won't need to run a minimum install.)
3) Run BIAB 2022, rebuild Stylepicker and set up your audio and midi drivers. Register the installation online with PG Music. In other words, get BIAB 2022 fully running.
4) PlusPAKs are special installations. They only update the program by adding new content to the previous year's installation. You'll first need to install PlusPAK 2023 before you install PlusPAK 2024. Again, install manager should allow you to do this. (I haven't done that for 2 years of PlusPAKs so I'm not sure.)
If you run into any problems, the blue circular icon at the lower right corner of this webpage will link you to a direct chat with PG Music staff. They will be able to help.
I hope that all this makes sense.
--Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hello Noel That makes perfect sense, explained that way. Greatly appreciated, and I'll take a run at it like that .. watch this space
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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For the benefit of anyone with the same/similar query coming across this later, the process advised by Noel as above appears to have been entirely successful.
Copying-across the *old* bb folder first to the new PC's C: drive (system drive) took barely a couple of minutes, though handily I had already installed the old drive on the new PC as a slave for easy drag-and-drop of other content which similarly made moving the bb folder equally straightforward.
Installing the previous Full BIAB using the Install Manager required no attention once set going, and completed in around 15 mins to include associated bonus PAKs, 49PAK, RealTraks and a couple of other things in the same bundle.
Ditto the 2024 upgrade-with-extras, a couple or so minutes shorter though the times depend on your system anyway.
No problems or reported issues/glitching to redo manually afterward, and I've checked a little by looking at the What-Add-Ons-Do-I-Have panel and everything is there, also by opening a couple of past projects plus one in-progress, and everything that needed to happen happened and nothing that didn't need to!
Noel: A serious thank you, I'm grateful beyond words.
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Hi Hannay, Thanks for reporting back. I'm glad that everything went so smoothly for you Now you can enjoy your new computer and have fun making music! All the best, --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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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!
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This Free Bonus PAK includes:
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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-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
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- 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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