Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 12
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 12
Hey all....

I'm a long-time BiaB fangurrl/user (12 years+/-) and have been happily piloting Version 2009.5 "Ultra" on a WinXP Pro 32bit machine since it came out.
Well..., I have firmly decided to take the plunge and move-on-up to the BiaB 2013 "EverythingPAK". I plan to buy the full "First-time Purchase" version rather than to follow an upgrade path because I will be definitely purchasing a new computer within the next 6-12 months. I am also not really inclined to go the "BiaB pre-installed on a USB drive" purchase route.

My current installation on the above stated machine (BiaB v.2009.5) is installed on a dedicated external eSATA HDD (used for audio work) in "E:\AudioApps\bb" and ***not*** in "C:\Program Files\bb".
This 'external SATA HDD' approach, by the way, is a convention that I follow religiously for all of my installed Applications and User Data (e.g.:"F:\VideoApps\...", "G:\ProductivityApps\...", "H:\UserData\DocumentsAndSettings\...", etc.). The main reason for this approach is that it has totally saved my butt on more-than-one occasion when I have experienced a complete failure of my "C:\" system drive (it happens...), such that I only had reinstall 2 or 3 programs instead of all of them.

So my question is as follows:
Until I purchase the new computer, I would like to install BiaB 2013 on my existing machine..., ***however***..., I really want to install it (in my case) to "E:\AudioApps\bb2013". The goal of this is to leave my existing installation (BiaB v.2009.5) fully intact and functional, while also installing and using BiaB 2013 "EverythingPAK". This is mainly because I have, over time, made a whole lot of unique "tweaks" to my existing 2009.5 installation (including manually editing ".ini" files, etc.) that I don't want to lose for now.
The two different versions would not necessarily need to be able to actually run simultaneously (although that might be interesting).

So..., bottom line:
Can two different versions of BiaB happily coexist side-by-side on the same computer without freaking out?
Hmmmm...?

Thanks in advance.
Ciao,

Rina
<3


"When the going gets weird..., the weird turn pro."
-- Hunter S. Thompson
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840
You can run two different versions side by side; just make sure that they are in different folders, that you have sufficient space, and you have start icons to each version. However, I suspect that once you start using 2013, you'll probably leave 2009 in the dust.

Also, when you get ready to purchase, there is no need to do a "first time" purchase. If you purchased the 2009 Ultra, then you will receive upgrade pricing for the 2013 Everything Pak (based on your previous purchase), but what you get is the whole shebang. While not guaranteed, there is usually a mid-year .5 release (2013.5) that is expected out in the near future. You may want to hold off on your purchase until it's released; but, that being said, PGMusic does offer a 30-day money back guarantee, as well as an upgrade to a new release if it is within the 30-day period.

Hope this helps.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA

BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 12
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 12
@jford--

Thank you soooo much for your answer! Exactly what I was hoping.

***Especially thank you*** for the tip on the upgrade package. I was (obviously) assuming that the upgrades were more of an "update/upgrade-path" kind-of-thing rather than a full product installation package, so that news is awesome.
Boy, am I glad I didn't click on the "Purchase Now" button yet!!!

Back in 2009 the ".5" update was a freebie, and I was assuming that to still be true (although we now know that I have a terrible track record with assumptions). I will need to double-check that.

Thanks again..., and Happy Toonzz!!

Rina <3
xo


"When the going gets weird..., the weird turn pro."
-- Hunter S. Thompson
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Also be advised that the USB drive not only can run standalone, but also contains the Installer .exe files that can let you choose to install it anywhere on any disk on your system. A great way to go, as the USB can then serve as backup for the program.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 12
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 12
Originally Posted By: Mac
Also be advised that the USB drive not only can run standalone, but also contains the Installer .exe files that can let you choose to install it anywhere on any disk on your system. A great way to go, as the USB can then serve as backup for the program.


--Mac


True perhaps..., but I have more faith in the multiple DVD backups that I burn myself, and the weekly scheduled clones of all of my external SATA3 HDD's, than I do in an off-the-shelf USB drive.
Just sayin'....
Maybe I'm paranoid..., but one girl's paranoia is another girl's prudence. wink

Rina
<3


"When the going gets weird..., the weird turn pro."
-- Hunter S. Thompson
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

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

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,052
Posts799,436
Members40,020
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
Elpayo, LeoCento, kimmolsn25, addsomebottom, m3talmud
40,019 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 148
DC Ron 102
rsdean 97
DrDan 75
WaoBand 71
Today's Birthdays
Bob Hunt, C J Lane, freeman, Philsaxophone
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5