|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
A regular on the OTR forum became frustrated with Win 8 so posted this link. I'm not using Win 8 so I only offer this as a unverified suggestion. And to those on Windows 8 who really miss the old Windows desktop, download the free ClassicShell (get it at classicshell.net -- saved me lots of headaches!). They're getting an average of 20,000 downloads a day on that site as people tire of figuring out the Windows Metro interface and decide they want to get something done! As our own Mac would say: YMMV Your mileage may vary!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
Yes, this is good advice, or use a $5 program Start8.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Yes, this is good advice, or use a $5 program Start8. That's a good program. I told my son about it and he loves it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
Yes, this is good advice, or use a $5 program Start8. That's what I am using and it works perfectly! Matt nailed it. It's $4.99.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,143
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,143 |
They do another good one too, Modernmix that will run all the apps from your desktop instead of going to start screen.
Musiclover
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
Is there an app that will let me run my old XP programs now that I have Win 7?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Flat, Win 7 has what Bill calls "Compatibility Mode" which makes Win 7 backward compatible. IIRC, you will require Administrator rights. It then becomes invisible.
Mercy buckets, that doesn't sound correct. What I meant was; Compatibility Mode becomes transparent when it has been applied to an XP app (or words to that affect.
Last edited by Don Gaynor; 05/25/13 11:38 AM. Reason: Syntax error.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
I think compatibility mode is only available in Windows 7 Pro or better, not the Home or OEM editions.
Interestingly, I bought Pro for this reason but never had to use compatibility mode.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
That may well be the case. I have Home Premium on my Dynavox and desktop machines. I have never needed to use it either but thought it worth a go. Can't hurt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286 |
Yes, compatibility mode is available only on Win7 Pro or better.
I have it and I am running a photo-editing program from Win95 as well as a couple of XP programs in compatibility mode. Interesting that MS programs do not either run at all or only partially run. Office 95 does not run and Office 97’s Access does not run. Of course I have current Access databases that I started way back on my Atari that I can’t run in Office anymore. A big problem as my wife’s computer is XP and we share databases. Fortunately thus far my Internet computer is also XP so all isn’t a total lose, yet!
Yes, I have OpenOffice but I have had problems with it’s database.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 657 |
Or learn to use Windows 8. :-) Kidding!
I've been using Windows 8 since beta. Couldn't even find the Control Panel at first. Have Windows 7 on a computer in my kitchen that I don't use very often. Went to shut it down the other day and said, "What the heck is going on with this thing?" Was trying to shut it down as you do on Windows 8. It's what you get used to!
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise."
Cornelius Tacitus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
I created desktop shortcuts in Windows 8 for both Shutdown and Restart. Makes things easier.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897 |
My youtube Diana Krall repeats and repeat this old "Gem"...as a stuggle wit my new Win 8 "Gateway"...
[url="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AKiR3b2RscU?]"
Few days ago, last of my four desktops running XP was cripped by the "free" Win 8 "incognito-", and I as soon over at Walmirage to get a new smallform Gateway with Win 8, 4gigRam and 500 G Hard Drive.
A real love-hate trying to learn the new "sliding" window..
I've added lots of addition apps...fought with my feeble 80-year-old mind which is challenged by MS leadingme down a meriad of maze-like patchs...
but....but....I do appreciate the above links and will grab a couple of them...no sense bearing up to this water-torcher without a shot of booze...or any easier way to meet the challenges of a new and frustrating widows "horizon".
Maybe it would be easier with a "touch" pad...
but maybe it's just too cool of a tool for this "musical journalist"...I keep expecting the AG and his goons to show up with his jp goons or irs to breakinto my RV...
Now do appear before a hearing in DC and invoke "The Fifth" again...or just buy a 5th!? Are we having fun with Win 8...
Only with yur help fellows...or it's the RV Detention Center at GitMo....
Potato Solid!!
Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.
Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Rumor has it that m-soft may be working up their own way to give Win8 the things that people want, like the good old familiar desktop, etc.
Good chance that if it happens, it will be released as either an upgrade or Service Pack, which means free to registered users.
Let. Us. Pray.
On the other hand, Win7 is now fairly mature...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,471
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,471 |
I learned I could get to the desktop with the WIN+D combination, but without the start menu, I still had difficulty finding things.
I installed a freebie start menu (I forget the name) on my Win8 machine. It's functional and gives me what I want.
I suppose if I had a touch screen I'd like the new interface, but with a mouse it's a bit of a time waster. Also it seems 'dumbed down" to me. Perhaps if I learned to use it I'd find it's more useful than I presently think it is.
I understand that MS wants the same interface for phones, tablets, and PCs and that isn't necessarily a bad idea. I think the start menu on my phone would be a bad idea.
Every time MS makes changes, so many of us dislike the change. In time, some of the changes actually turn out to be an improvement that we like. Time will tell.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Yes the Virtual PC (XP) mode is available only on Win 7 Pro.
Bought it when I built my new desktop so I could still run some of my old XP compatible programs like Corel Draw.
One thing to remember is you must install your old XP programs while your Win 7 Pro is in the Virtual XP mode or they won't show up in the Virtual deckstop menu.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,751
Posts795,787
Members39,950
| |
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