BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
True, but the Band-in-a-Box coloured desktop program icon has gone again, replaced by the standard 'nothing' icon. This only seems to happen with PG Music icons. I am using Windows 7 pro. Is there some kind of compatibility setting I should be using?
True, but the Band-in-a-Box coloured desktop program icon has gone again, replaced by the standard 'nothing' icon. This only seems to happen with PG Music icons. I am using Windows 7 pro. Is there some kind of compatibility setting I should be using?
Hi Graham, not sure what the 'nothing' icon actually looks like, but you can put the icon from the program back on the desktop: Open your \bb\ folder, locate the file bbw.exe and follow steps below: Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Another thought, were you logged on as an Administrator privilege account when you ran the upgrade? I would think that would be the case, and don't understand why the installer would not extract and use the icon correctly. Just a thought though.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
I don't know about the icon problem, either. As far as I know, there is no 'compatibility setting' required.
Videotrack, you emphasized the word "beta" in your post. PG Music frequently posts updates and calls them a beta. The beta term disappears either when the update has been available for awhile, or the next update is released. In case you were wondering, I wouldn't take it any less seriously or with any more concern than any other update.
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.
BB icons on desktop can change to the generic Windoze 'filler' icon when USB drive with BB on it is disconnected, maybe that's what is being reported here?
Yes, I used the word Beta, but this was only to reflect the wording that PGM had used on their Support page: "Band-in-a-Box Version 2014 Build 381 BETA Update (30 MB)"
Like you, I'm sure they wouldn't be making it available unless they were very confident that it could deliver.
Thanks for the clarification on their naming policies though.
Cheers Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
When a posted BB Update includes that BETA descriptor, the idea is that the more experienced users and, of course, the registered Beta testers, should download, use and make reports.
Those who are new to the program or perhaps not "superusers" might want to hold off until that BETA term is removed from the Support page.
Thanks guys for the advice. However, it seems it was a Windows problem. Today I got 13 updates for my Windows 7 and when I had finished installing them and rebooted, my proper icons for Band-in-a-Box and RealBand were back. It might also be related to the fact I have BB on an external E drive.
BTW, I don't know how to describe a 'nothing' icon other than to say it is the icon you get when there is no designed icon. It has the link arrow, a turned down right hand top corner and some sort of graph as the picture.
Not that I really like the current BB and RB icons, you understand. Probably because, as a jazz musician, I am not fond of pop music guitars. NOT ! I much prefer the picture you get when you select the BB program. The one with all the instruments and 2014. But even a guitar is better than the 'nothing' icon.
I have found Windows will sometimes do some weird things when updates are stacked up to be installed. Usually resolved after installing the updates and rebooting.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
...It might also be related to the fact I have BB on an external E drive.
BTW, I don't know how to describe a 'nothing' icon other than to say it is the icon you get when there is no designed icon. It has the link arrow, a turned down right hand top corner and some sort of graph as the picture.
External drive, that's exactly the situation I described above.
If the drive does not communicate to the OS at bootup, the Custom BB icons will be replaced with that generic "place holder" icon by Windoze.
If it happens with an external drive that is always connected, try unplugging and replugging both ends of the USB cable several times WITH THE COMPUTER TURNED COMPLETELY OFF to wipe the connections clean mechanically.
If you leave the computer turned on and attempt this, there is the chance that the two power prongs to the USB can spark when connected and disconneced, which could create an even worse bad connection problem, so be sure that the Power is off before doing the above.
When a posted BB Update includes that BETA descriptor, the idea is that the more experienced users and, of course, the registered Beta testers, should download, use and make reports.
Those who are new to the program or perhaps not "superusers" might want to hold off until that BETA term is removed from the Support page.
--Mac
While I agree with Mac's suggestion to delay if you are at all unsure, research shows that the use of the term "Beta" by PG Music is as I stated earlier. It is called a beta because it is new, and that designation will be removed when it has proven itself or the next update is released. Nothing was said about user experience level. Here are the only two posts about it I could find by searching the forum:
"This is considered a beta update because it is new. The most recent shipping build is 325." - Peter Gannon, July 28, 2011 re: build 326
"This is considered to be a beta update because it is new. The latest shipping build is 317." - Andrew, March 28, 2011 re: build 318
Neither of these updates is called a beta now.
To my knowledge, the use of the term "beta" for a public update has not occurred since 2011, so it may indeed have taken on a different meaning. If so, it would be helpful to know that from PG Music.
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.
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!
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This Free Bonus PAK includes:
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-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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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!
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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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!
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.
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! I much prefer the picture you get when you select the BB program. The one with all the instruments and 2014. But even a guitar is better than the 'nothing' icon. 
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