|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824 |
This question is the same as one posted by Notes Norton way back in February. I don't know if all the folks who were struggling back then eventually solved their problems, but I have not! And neither have a couple of my band mates. We are all a bit frustrated because we used to swap a lot of files amongst ourselves for pre-rehearsal purpose.
Here are the circumstances:
Band-in-a-Box 2012.5 Audiophile on external drive
My BB files stored on main drive of laptop in Libraries/Music Library/My Music/BAND-IN-A-BOX FILES/(One of about 40 sub headings and then the full tune name.
Windows 7
64 bit laptop computer
When you select a tune from within BB, it works fine.
I would prefer my normal setting to be: Opt, Preferences, At Program Boot up..., Open previous song. And also the box ticked "Boot up in the directory of the last session", otherwise it all takes too long to run BB from the external drive.
As I said in the topic heading, I cannot open a BB tune directly from Explorer, Search in Explorer, from an email, or from another website. I used to be able to do that with no problems whatsoever. But I think the problem started somewhere around 2011, maybe earlier. I have just been copying and pasting but sheeesh!
I printed out the first four pages of the previous question and have tried all the suggested solutions, namely:
File, File Utilities, Associate File types. (I also tried removing the previous file associations before I associated them)
I also got a message first saying with Windows 7 you had to change the User Account Control Setting. I did that but I would prefer the setting to be the way it was, i.e. Always notify. But changing did allow me to remove and associate. The BB message said something about "true", which did not make sense to me.
Tried changing the startup preference to "Do not open song or style."
I thought once that I had solved the problem but it turned out to be a one-off fluke.
I (we!) do not know what else to try and it is very frustrating.
Maybe the problem has been solved, or I did not persevere long enough with the original question, but it’s too long ago to now go back.
Any suggestions anyone?
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
I can play files and e-mail them from Win 7 Explorer with no problems. I just click on the file in Explorer and BIAB opens up and plays the file. Maybe you need to return to factory settings or re-install BIAB. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645 |
Graham,
Just so I can get a clearer picture, what happens when you double-click on a BIAB file? Does BIAB start up?
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I don't have a need for that but I just tried it. From Explorer clicking on a Biab song opens Biab but not the song itself. Biab opens with a new blank project and this is not using my external drive, I have everything loaded on my C drive. Hmmm, I see there's only three options on startup, Open previous style, Open previous song and Don't open style or song. Right below that is a checkbox for Open in directory of last session. I don't see any way for someone to click on a Biab song in any directory and have Biab open with that exact song. The program opens fine but you still have to navigate to your song in question.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625 |
Yes, I would like to know the answer to Noel's question too.
Wild guess: I know you run from an external drive, but what folder did you install the BIAB system files to on your hard drive?
The Open Previous Song works for me unless the computer froze when running BIAB. That hasn't happened in a long time, but if it does, the name of the current song may not get written, so you wind up with the second-to-last song opened. Once you shake your head and remember what happened, you load the song you want (assuming you saved it at least once).
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
try this:
FILE > FILE UTILITIES > REMOVE FILE ASSOCIATIONS
then
FILE > FILE UTILITIES > ASSOCIATE FILE TYPES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625 |
Pat, that's a good idea but I think he said he tried that already.
This is an odd case since we know it can and does work for some of us. Perhaps the problem requires assistance from PG Music Support?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824 |
Quote:
Graham,
Just so I can get a clearer picture, what happens when you double-click on a BIAB file? Does BIAB start up?
Regards,
Noel
Yep, what Bob said. BIAB opens up, but with the previous file, or style, depending on the setting you have for "At Program bootup...". The tune you have double clicked does not open. There looks to be a flicker, as though it is trying, but it does not happen. 
Re Matt's question, "but what folder did you install the BIAB system files to on your hard drive?" BIAB did that automatically but the answer is "C:bb". It has the following subfiles: BB2Go, BBHelper, Real Tracks Demo, and Uninstall, then lots of styles are listed.
Last time I tried to fix this, I did return to factory settings. That did not help and it takes an age to get everything back the way I want it.
I can't believe this problem is only happening to three Aussies. There must be more people out there suffering the same annoyance. Unless they found the answer and we missed it.
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625 |
Yes, I have seen that. The flicker is the song you want being loaded, very quickly followed by the song you saved last in BIAB. I'm guessing your laptop is pretty fast, because on a slower machine like mine, you can see this happen.
Still, I don't see that effect much because most of the time, I do want to see the song I last worked on. However, I think there should be some sort of option to accommodate this so the "previous song" option still works without interfering with a "direct load' request from Windows. You can see how these two requests are in conflict. Perhaps it should be something like this, assuming it can be done:
PREFERENCES
At Program Bootup:
Open the style last used
Open the last song that BIAB saved
Open the last song that BIAB saved unless another song is directly requested via Windows
Open BIAB without a song or style
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645 |
Graham, Try the following and see if it helps. Before you do it, though, turn off User Account Control (UAC) under Control Panel. UAC can be re-engaged once you've finished the process. Please note that the below process was performed on Vista but I'd imagine that it's very similar on Win 7. 1. Have your USB drive plugged in and operational. 2. Navigate to a folder containing a BIAB file. SGU and MGU will need to be treated separately. Just pick one of them to begin with. (I chose a file with an MGU extension for this example.) 3. Right click on the file and select "Properties".  4. Now click on the "Change" button.  5. Irrespective of what it says under the "Recommended Programs" heading, click on the "Browse" button at the bottom of the pop-up window.  6. Now navigate to the BBW.EXE file on your USB drive. Select that file by left-clicking. Now "OK" your way through the menus to exit the process. 7. Repeat the process for the SGU file-type (assuming you started with MGU like I did). 8. Now re-activate UAC. One potential issue that may arise is that because you are associating a file with a program that's on a removable drive, it's possible that the drive could be assigned a different letter each time it's plugged in. Should a different drive letter be assigned to the USB drive, then the file association will not find the BBW.EXE program. (This could happen is, say, a USB stick (or thumb-drive) is plugged into a USB port before the USB drive containing BIAB.) BIAB files open fine for me when I double-click. I've just found myself wondering if it's tied up with "Open multiple instances of BIAB". Anyway, for reference, the below image shows my "Preference Settings".  Hope this helps, Noel P.S. Please let me know how it goes. I'm curious to see if it works.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,488
Posts805,629
Members40,131
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean