Hi there, I'm having major issues installing the new 2026 BIAB. I have used the "Install Manager" and seperate files but no joy.
I get the error message "You cannot install to the hard drive root. Please select a folder (e.g. C:\)."
So, I've tried - selecting a folder i.e. (C:\bb) - selecting a folder i.e. (G:\bb) - G is my external hard drive - folders inside a folder ( 2 or 3 folders deep) - creating new folders and locations - tried installling on the external drive where the RealTrack files are - downloading the install and manually installing - different admin account
Basically I get the above error message each and everytime.
I contacted the chat yesterday and he suggested deleting everything and starting again (all the files took hours to download).
Anyway I did this as getting it working is the priority and it's made no difference at all.
I'm literally unable to install the program files .
I tried your suggestion and it didn't work unfortnately. In previous years I've always installed the program on the C drive and the Realtracks and Realdrums on the external drive.
For some reason I'm getting the same message no matter where I try or how deep into a Windows folder or Extenal Hard Drive folder I specify.
I really don't know how to resolve this and although this is a newish PC I installed BIAB 2025 UltraPAK Plus with no issues literally about 2 months ago.
Any trace of that has gone now - I didn't even uninstall it.
This is intentional for bb and RealBand since people shouldn't install the bb files directly the hard drive root. However for the RealTracks, you're right, it is actually fine (as in your case - you selected G:\ for the RealTracks). This would just create the folder G:\RealTracks. We're updating the Band-in-a-Box installer to change this behavior and will post back here when it's available.
Hi Andrew, Thanks for replying. I've also tried folders inside the C drive and no luck. Also I've got another drive that didnt work either. And I've tried the G drive with no luck there as well.
Everywhere I have tried comes with that error message even though I'm trying 2 or 3 folders deep.
I've tried every single drive including the external drive (G) and nothing works unfortnately.
C:\bb (My Windows drive) G:\bb (My External drive) D:\bb (Seperate hard drive) E:\bb (Seperate hard drive)
And I've tried...
C:\bb\new folder (My Windows drive) G:\bb\new folder (My External drive) D:\bb\new folder (Seperate hard drive) E:\bb\new folder (Seperate hard drive)
new folder = me creating a new folder within the hard drive just for clarity.
I've tried 1, 2 and even 3 folders deep but I get the same message no matter what drive I try or how many folders deep I try.
I'm using the BIAB manger installer and I've manually downloaded an installer, I've tried another Admin account on the computer and have installed loads of software like Cubase, Albeton Live and scores of 3rd Party VST's from numerous manufactuers without any issue - and that's just music software as an example.
Thanks for all help and suggestions thus far, if there's any work arounds or suggestions I'm all ears.
Windows 11 Professional is my Operating System BTW. BIAB Install Manger version - 1.0.98 BIAB installer version - Build 1211
What I would try if something like this showed up. Pre requisite. Make sure BIAB is not running on the background, or some processes related to BIAB in task mngr. Restart computer.
1) Run DL manager as admin, or check if there some kind of permission thing related to your setup. Folder permission? Can you manually create bb folder in root, without DL manager in file explorer?
2) Download main BIAB package (first item on the list) to whatever folder it defaults, without "auto install" to and try install it manually from folder.
3) If you already have bb folder in root, rename it to bbOld, try Install manager again.
What I would try if something like this showed up. Pre requisite. Make sure BIAB is not running on the background, or some processes related to BIAB in task mngr. Restart computer.
1) Run DL manager as admin, or check if there some kind of permission thing related to your setup. Folder permission? Can you manually create bb folder in root, without DL manager in file explorer?
2) Download main BIAB package (first item on the list) to whatever folder it defaults, without "auto install" to and try install it manually from folder.
3) If you already have bb folder in root, rename it to bbOld, try Install manager again.
Thanks for that.
I tried every suggestion on your list but still no luck.
Hi Andrew, Thanks for replying. I've also tried folders inside the C drive and no luck. Also I've got another drive that didnt work either. And I've tried the G drive with no luck there as well.
Right - as I said it's intentional and I could see in your screenshot that you had selected G:\ for the RealTracks which is the root of the G drive. In any case, the installers have now been changed to allow root for your RealTracks and Drums folders, which makes sense.
So you can re-download just the program install (i.e. Band-in-a-Box and RealBand 2026 ....exe) and this will be fixed for you.
Hi Andrew, Thanks for replying. I've also tried folders inside the C drive and no luck. Also I've got another drive that didnt work either. And I've tried the G drive with no luck there as well.
Right - as I said it's intentional and I could see in your screenshot that you had selected G:\ for the RealTracks which is the root of the G drive. In any case, the installers have now been changed to allow root for your RealTracks and Drums folders, which makes sense.
So you can re-download just the program install (i.e. Band-in-a-Box and RealBand 2026 ....exe) and this will be fixed for you.
Hi Andrew,
Thank you so much!
I've manually downloaded and installed the new install (Build 1212) and I can confirm it has now installed fine without any issues
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.
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.
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.
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)
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!
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