Hey gang. Hey this might be a coincidence or something else might have gone amiss but it appears there's some sort of scam that's infected my band in a box disc. It only happens when I run the audio file and it seems like it started when I downloaded an update but it's one of those stupid security alerts and a voice tells me my computer is infected and the virus is accessing my credit card Facebook blah blah blah and if I don't call their number immediately to have it cleaned off Microsoft will do something terrible to my computer. I realize it's all rubbish but has anyone ever gotten that on their audiophile drive before? AVG is scanning the drive right now. Thanks. WSS
Not quite the same as you, but one day I was on the internet when a pop up window claiming to be Microsoft Support said my computer was infected. I call the phone # and they wanted $500 for a year of protection. Final offer was $99 to do a scan and fix the problem.
Didn't buy any of that crap. But I ran every virus / malware software I have on the computer and nothing was found.
DE
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Steve, that's unfortunate. You are the first I've read about here who suspected a PG Music drive for malware. I have to say, the odds of that seem awfully low compared to all the other ways you could have downloaded ransomware.
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.
I agree with the others. It's quite unlikely that the drive is shipped with any infection. Most likely any issue has infiltrated through a different source.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Chances are really good that you picked up a malware bug but not very likely that it came from PG on their disk or update.
All it takes to pick this kind of bug up, is for you to click on a link to a web page.
You need to run a GOOD anti-malware program immediately to rid your computer of this issue.
My wife picked one up from a search she was doing for an elementary teacher's website. It got in instantly and put her machine into a loop. Demanding that she click on a link to remove the hundreds of viruses that supposedly infected her computer. She couldn't get rid of the popup or run any other programs she needed.
It took me the better part of an hour or more to remove it. It slowed her computer down and caused all sorts of issues.
Anti-MalwareBytes is the thing I used to clean the computer. I have this program on my machine and run it periodically as normal maintenance on my machine.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I agree with Herb that Anti-MalwareBytes is one of the best anti-malware programs out there. I have the purchased version of it on both my and my wife's Internet computers. It runs a scan every day.
Between these daily scans and the daily scans of my anti-virus program our systems have been bug free for a couple of years now.
PS - I hope that I haven't jinked myself.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Viruses and Malware that infect a computer can plant themselves, or infect executable files on any drives connected to your machine. The thing you'll want to do is run malware/virus scanners while your drive is connected and check your entire PC (all hard drives if possible).
EDIT: DEddy's suggestions are all great. I personally use ADWCleaner if all else fails. It's pretty diligent in removing some very destructive malware for my friends PCs in the past.
EDIT: I personally use ADWCleaner if all else fails. It's pretty diligent in removing some very destructive malware for my friends PCs in the past.
Mat, I just wanted to say Thanks for this advice. I have Windows 10 with Defender on, plus I run Malwarebytes regularly. However, right after Malwarebytes said I was clean, I ran ADWCleaner on each of my computers and came up with malware. In one computer, it was 1 item; in another, 3, but in the third, 151 bad items!
Another good thing is this program is an EXE, so you can download it and put a shortcut to it; that's all that is needed.
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.
Not quite the same as you, but one day I was on the internet when a pop up window claiming to be Microsoft Support said my computer was infected. I call the phone # and they wanted $500 for a year of protection. Final offer was $99 to do a scan and fix the problem.
Didn't buy any of that crap. But I ran every virus / malware software I have on the computer and nothing was found.
DE
More of less the same thing happened to me only two days ago. I was reading the opening page news page on Windows 10 Skype browser. I have never got such a warning previously. The alarm sound was extremely load! Since the introduction of Windows 10 the whole experience for me is more interactivity with Microsoft and unfortunately I believed it was them warning me. The lady I phoned gave me her name, phone number and employee ID and I let her access my computer to do the scan. Her 'close' was also to get some software from her ("Load and Go" card), or pick it up from a Woolworths store or Post Office. That last bit seems rather strange because I do not see how she was going to get anything from me.
I started to get a bit worried at the end of the conversation and left it with the fact she would phone back the following day.
Then I phoned Telstra Platinum, which is a technical support, personalised coaching advice service I get from my internet/phone supplier. The technician told me the supposed Microsoft warning was a scam and spent nearly an hour removing the many viruses etc. from my computer. He also set up a free version of SUPERAntiSpyware which seems to work very well. I now run that every day. I think I will probably have to purchase in the end.
I thought I was protected from picking up these problems with my Avast Malware software but it seems not.
Since then I have also changed my credit card passwords and banking access etc., just to be on the safe side.
I have a question coming out of all of this with regard to Band-in-a-Box. I use the Audiophile version on the external drive supplied. I had never imagined that it could contain a virus or that I could pick up a virus when updating from PGMusic. As a result I never had my previous software check the E drive, which is the location on my computer. The reason for this is that I was worried that the antivirus software might remove some important files, because it does this automatically, and I would not be able to use my Band-in-a-Box. I noticed with the new software that it was also checking the E drive and I am wondering if I should continue to allow it to do so?
I'm curious about the answer - I have the same concern. I don't allow malware sw to run on my USB drive for the same reasons as you. I disconnect all USB prior.
Hope people respond.
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
No matter how good your AV software is, it will NOT protect you from your own mistakes.
Allowing someone to access your computer over the internet is a prime example. Once they are allowed in, they can delete or download anything they wish, and your AV won't prevent that, just like it often won't stop you from doing likewise.
you have to use common sense. And only allow tech support folks into the machine that YOU CALLED.... AND.... that you know and or trust. For example, I have business software which I need some help on occasionally.... I have their tech support number and I let them in. I know who they are.
The guy who calls me, and calls himself Bob.... and has a barely understandable Indian accent who just happened to call me to tell me he's a MS technician and they discovered viruses on my machine...... no way.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
The first thing obnoxious faux-ransomware pages do is reset your browser's startup/homepage. Sometimes calling up Task Manager, even via Ctrl-Alt-Del, and closing out your browser, then restarting it, will get rid of the message; uninstalling/reinstalling the browser almost always gets rid of the false ransomware pages. If you can get to the feature of your browser that allows you to check/set your homepage, do that and make sure that only your homepage is showing in that setting.
Another tip: If you get an unfamiliar, suspicious or unwanted pop-up, DON'T CLICK ON THE X (Close Button) AND EXPECT IT TO CLOSE. If the popup is malicious, chances are the X is the trigger for the malicious activity---but that could also include any part of the popup. Close the entire page with your browser's Close functions or, slower but safer, close your browser entirely.
Another way to get suckered into these sites is to click on one of those tantalizing news stories ("Clinton Just Arrested by FBI", "Trump Apologizes", etc.) that appear on the right side of your browser pages, even on Facebook or your email account.
AND---don't think you're immune to this stuff on iOS.
Paj 8^)
P.S.: NEVER CALL THE PHONE NUMBER---unless you want to be put on the open-season world-wide harass-me anytime all-the-time list. They have better caller-ID than you can imagine.
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.
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!
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.
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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