Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#20456 04/18/09 02:27 PM
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
My DAW is based on an Athlon 2200+ 1.8 GHz processor. The Maxtor HD containing my install of Win2K died during a move. For a time I used a Seagate drive with an OEM install of Win XP Home that was pulled from an emachines T1840 which had an Athlon 1500+ 1.35 Ghz CPU. The latter is what my PC reported when I looked at the General tab in the "System" property sheet since installing the Seagate as my main drive.

I have since done a clean install of XP Pro on a brand-new Western Digital HD. Yet the system still reports that I have the emachine's 1.35 Ghz CPU.

Is this changing the machine's performance? How can I make it correctly report the actual processor?

TIA,

R.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
My first suggestion would be to clear the bios. Unplug the computer, open it up, find the Clear CMOS jumper, and install it across the center pin and the now open pin for about 5-10 seconds. Then, put it back to it's original position.

Reboot the computer, enter the CMOS setup, set everything to 'Set Default Settings' and then go back into Windows and see what it reports.

I don't know why, on a new hard drive, that it would report being something it wasn't, unless there was some utility on the e-machines disk that was able to reflash the bios, which is very unlikely.

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357
Do you have both hard drives in your system?


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Noel96 #20459 04/18/09 06:10 PM
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Noel,

No. I have the same secondary (D:) drive, but it was there when the previous main drive, a 60-Gb Maxtor with Win2K, was before it failed.

Gary,

Why do feel rilly nervous about that? Should I?

R.

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357
Ryszard,

Have you checked you BIOS to see what it"s reporting (i.e. cpu, hard disk type, etc)? I've found that with the BIOS, it's sometimes necessary to enter it on booting up and simply press F10 to save the settings (without making any changes) and then exit. This doesn't always solve the problem but it's an easy first step and worth trying before moving on to more difficult solutions.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Noel96 #20461 04/19/09 02:27 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
A
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
A
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
The BIOS might be write protected. Setting the defaults could a good start. Flashing the standard settings, if defaults do not seem to work, would be another option. Just download the default flashfile for the motherboard and flash it back to the MoBo. Oh and make sure, eventhough it doesnot work correctly, to make a backup of this BIOS so you can flash it back to the setting you have now, in case the default flash messes up the BIOS even more...


I'll be back...
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 222
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 222
Before doing anything you may regret, why not run a utility to verify the system components reported by Windows. You can download a free utility at http://www.gtopala.com/siw-download.html


JBlatz
JBlatz #20463 04/19/09 06:03 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Did that, got an amazingly thorough system readout. Still reported the old processor, though.

Thought of something else, too. On boot, the system alternately reports the onboard NVidia video chip with 8 Mb RAM, and the aftermarket NVidia 64 Mb AGP card. It has done this since installing the card, even when I was running Win 2000 on a completely different drive, which was never in the box with either of the XP drives.

Any other opinions on whether I should initialize the BIOS? Will I still have a working PC after that? I am about to reinstall Windows anyway, so this would be a good time to do it.

R.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Many "OEM" branded machines use their own proprietary BIOS. Downloading the flash for that company's brand and model may only include ID data for the chips they sell in that particular mobo config in the first place.

If you can identify the make and model of your mobo by looking at the board for any ID, logo, etc. you may be able to find the original mobo mfr and their website, get the BIOS for the board as a generic situation.

For example, the other day I did that to an emachine mobo that turned out to have an MSI mobo in it.

Flashing with the MSI BIOS got rid of all the proprietary emachines stuff and also brought a more complete BIOS setup that even allows for overclocking, although I did not do any overclocking to the guy's machine. The machine now "thinks" that it is a generic MSI mobo.


--Mac

Mac #20465 04/19/09 06:21 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
I'll look into it, thanks. The mobo is branded "PC Chips" but the SWI utility reported a three-letter mfr--ESC or some such. The BIOS appears to be a standard AMD. Like your idea about the generic, so maybe the new information will give me somewhere else to look. (Support at PC Chips does have the flash(?), drivers and docs, though.)

R


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 222
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 222
After looking up the documentation for your motherboard at the PC Chips site, it seems you should be able to see the CPU and settings listed in the AMI bios. I assume you have checked the bios to make sure it is also reporting the processor incorrectly. In case you have not found this site I'll include the url:

http://www.pcchipsusa.com/PCCWebSite/Sea...104&LanID=2


JBlatz
JBlatz #20467 04/19/09 10:09 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Rys,
Resetting the CMOS Bios is not a big deal, what it does is to clear out all the old settings that have been put in there. It sets it back to a default state. PCChips and ECS are probably the same company.

JBlatz has given you a URL for the ability to flash the BIOS to the latest version. You will need to download the Flash Data File and the Flash utility.

WARNING!: Incorrectly flashing your bios will make your system unbootable. If you are not comfortable doing this, do not proceed

Having said that, reading and reviewing all instructions before flashing your bios and then following them to the letter is a fairly easy and straight forward process, and I've never had any issue flashing bioses.

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Ryszard Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Quote:

. . . I've never had any issue flashing bioses.




Can't you be arrested for that? *g*

R.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
I think champagne caused my wife to do that once...but this is Canada, you see stuff like that on the six o'clock news...LOL


John Conley
Musica est vita
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 235
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 235
I'm so glad someone finally picked up where Russ left off (no offense Russ ) in the perpetual computer repair department! LOL

I really don't know if you can consider this computer a Daw. Maybe a Dawette?


DTuna
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 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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,736
Posts795,470
Members39,942
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
smitoz, Jonnyfartpants, Gengiz, MarcAlanMichael, Kylie jen
39,942 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 200
Noel96 116
DC Ron 109
rsdean 103
DrDan 103
dcuny 93
Today's Birthdays
baz66, joesarahh, prsings
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5