I thought I would mention a few things that need to be said even though they're rule #1 for anyone who does work on their computer. But, let me just emphasize for dramatic effect:
Always always always *twenty minutes later* always always back up your work. Even if you're in the middle of working.
I'll try to sum it up in a bit of point form:
Save as a new file name every now and then just in case you accidentally save over your main project file. The reason is, if your computer crashes, or you lose power, or if the file becomes corrupt for whatever reason, you don't lose your project. I wrote an Impulse Tracker song a year ago and nearly lost it because I saved over top of it. This wouldn't have happened had I saved this file multiple times in different areas. (For those who are curious, I did manage to bring the file back using file recovery software. It corrupted the title info but luckily the notation was still good. I just had to re-import the samples. Let's just say I got very lucky.)
When the project is complete, always back your work up. (Yes, even the mixed down music). It's nice that it's in your local hard drive, but we live in a day in age of cloud storage, the likes of Google Drive and OneDrive. Very convenient! You may be worried about your privacy though, with good reason. But you can still save your work to DVDs, or external storage like Flash drives. This is great for archiving your work for years from now if you ever want to come back to it. This leads me to my next tip:
Back up your backups! Magnetic Hard Drives with heads are fragile. Nothing's more terrifying to me than when someone knocks over my external drive. Hard drives have moving parts and therefore are sensitive. Thumb drives fail. DVDs fail. Flash media like SD cards or CF cards. They all fail. Always back up your backups. Here's a great article on the average lifespans of digital media.
I know this goes without saying but one of the reasons I still have some of my old Impulse and Scream Tracker files from back in the 90's is because I've archived them on multiple drives.
Yes Acronis True Image will image as well as clone drive (no compression) to a bigger or smaller drive and it will be bootable, you just make the iso, burn it, boot it, clone it, or do it from windows. see info & video https://kb.acronis.com/content/56634
With Win7 if you want to clone the drive for another PC with different hardware https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/922976 use this fix for an automated reg change as above, before cloning, to change the sata mode so it boots on the new hardware. http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/4/8/44839D4F-B210-4241-8C3F-374B71A39C29/MicrosoftFixit50470.msi If you didn't do the above an it loops at boot, use Hiren's Boot CD - Tools - Registry -> “Fix hard disk" there is another one called fix_7hdc.vbs that you boot with the win 7 dvd to CMD prompt and run the script form a usb thumb drive, fixes any incompatible sata drivers that prevent booting.
Btw, on Windows do you know of a backup all that just copies the files, and doesn't compress them or make an image of them
On my computer, I have a batch file (yep, just like in the old MS-DOS days) that uses the Windows "robocopy" command to back up all my files to an external hard drive. I've been using this method for many years and have never had an issue losing files. I also keep my data synced across my desktop and laptop computer by using robocopy.
I use the mirroring feature, which basically compares some sort of CRC for the file and only backs up files that have been changed. So the first time you run it, it will take the time it takes to copy the files, but on subsequent times, it screams through the folders where nothing changed. So while I may have 300 or 400 GB of data to back up (which takes quite awhile on a USB2 interface), subsequent backups usually happen in 5 or 10 minutes or so (depending on what changed).
So, I just attach the external drive, validate that it is still using the same drive letter as before (95% of the time it does, but occasionally, Windows gets squirrely. It's easy to change drive assignments, though). I then launch the batch file and let the backup run. Once done, I safely remove the USB drive and keep it disconnected from the computer.
Works for me. If anyone wants any help setting something like this up, just PM me. It's old school, but works great. The files are copied as is, are not compressed, are not part of an image, and are usable on the external drive as-is (but that's not the point here).
The mirroring function basically makes the destination drive folder (and its subfolders) contain exactly the same as the source folder. That means files not found on the source drive are deleted from the destination; new files on the source drive are added to the destination, and newer files on the source drive overwrite the older files on the destination.
If that makes you uncomfortable, you can also use the "exclude older" option instead of the "mirror" option. The "exclude older" does not delete any files from the destination, but does add new files from the source to the destination, and overwrites (refreshes) older files with their newer versions.
TMI?
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
Awesome! I've been using an xcopy command .bat script to my USB external hard drive for years. I do an incremental backup only saving changed files so it doesn't take too long when I run it weekly.
I'll look at the robocopy commands in DOS to see if I can enhance my xcopy commands. Looks promising!
I used to use xcopy, but robocopy is much more robust.
I'm seeing that. That's been the one weakness of my method is I've got tons of old files I don't need on the backup. Will definitely check out purge or mirror.
EDIT: Tested a few command line switches and have switched to and run Robocopy. Thanks John!
These suggestions are awesome! I only have so much room on this sheet of paper I have.
There are a number of open source options I would like to try, however I need to purchase a new drive as it's about time I backed up my backup.
Oh! Another couple tips for people:
If you can, back-up to multiple smaller drives. The reason for this is for larger drives, what happens if that drive has failed? You lost everything on it. Losing a 500 gig drive is definitely not as hard a hit on you as losing a 1.5TB drive.
Also, I hate to say it but they just don't make drives like they used to.
Second tip:
Drive Manufacturers matter! I don't want to post any information in regards to drive brands, but a quick internet search will show you which drives are the recommended ones for longevity. Just remember, like my father always said, you get what you pay for.
In additions to all of the good suggestions I will add always have at least two backup HDs with one stored off premises. I have one stored in a safe deposit box at my bank but a friend or family member's house also works.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
(which means make the source folder the master folder and make the destination folder look just like it, even if it means deleting files, overwriting older files, or adding new files)
(which means copy everything in the source folder to the destination folder, but only if the file in the destination folder is older or doesn't yet exist. This command does not delete anything in the destination folder, only update files and add new ones.
Another thing I do is the very first time I run Robocopy on a system is to include the flags:
/w:1 /r:1 /reg
(this says that if the file can't be written (which happens with some system files that are open by the O/S), then just "wait" 1 second and "retry" 1 time, and "reg" means to write that to the registry so it remembers it everytime you run robocopy. That's why you only have to do it the first time you run the program. If you don't do that, the default number of retries is one million and the default wait time is thirty seconds. That means that one file can pause your copy by 30,000,000 seconds (8,333 hours) before moving on. You really don't want that to happen. Another precaution is to include the /xj option, which can cause recursive copying and extremely deep folder structures. Usually only happens with system files, not data files, but just a warning.)
Hope this helps.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
I back up every day, every week, every month, and every quarter. I have 5 external backup drives, including the MASTER Back Up HD in the safe. I do a back up of a back up of a backup of a back up of a backup of a backup.
It took 24 hours to record Phoenix and Gargoyle. If I remember to back up 3,467 songs before I go to bed every once in a while, it's a no brainer.
Right on Mat!!!
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 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 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 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 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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