Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 48
J
jazzi Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 48
Having recently purchased BIAB 2018, I decided to take the old version (2017) on its dedicated hard drive to use on another computer, which has Windows 10. When I plug it into the USB port, I get an error message saying "Power Surge on the USB Port", and the drive isn't recognized. The computer is a Dell Inspiron 3847, so I checked the Dell support site.
[url= Power Surge on the USB port in Windows 10] http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln301114/power-surge-on-the-usb-port-in-windows-10?lang=en[/url]

They cover the problem, but their solutions (except for the last one of getting a powered USB hub) have been followed and nothing helps. Any advice short of buying the powered hub?

Thanks in advance!


Last edited by jazzi; 01/01/18 04:25 AM.

Janet Stevenson

BIAB 2023 Win/Finale/Audacity
Yamaha Tyros 4/Yamaha P-115/Pianodisc Player Piano

https://www.janetstevenson.com
https://www.reverbnation.com/janetstevenson
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,492
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,492
Have you tried plugging both the red and black cables into the computer?
(if applicable)
"Unknown USB Device needs more power than the port can supply"
To me this means the drive is erring from lack of power. A lot of PG drives have a cable with 2 USB connectors at the computer end.

This is to give the drive additional power when needed, and this may be an application where it is needed.

As for 'newbie'; I see you joined in 08, so I knew better.
smile

Last edited by rharv; 01/01/18 04:22 AM.

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 48
J
jazzi Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 48
Yes, I tried that first, and then again after the troubleshooting.

Originally Posted By: rharv
Have you tried plugging both the red and black cables into the computer?
(if applicable)
"Unknown USB Device needs more power than the port can supply"
To me this means the drive is erring from lack of power. A lot of PG drives have a cable with 2 USB connectors at the computer end.

This is to give the drive additional power when needed, and this may be an application where it is needed.

Last edited by jazzi; 01/01/18 04:21 AM.

Janet Stevenson

BIAB 2023 Win/Finale/Audacity
Yamaha Tyros 4/Yamaha P-115/Pianodisc Player Piano

https://www.janetstevenson.com
https://www.reverbnation.com/janetstevenson
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,480
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,480
I’ve never seen that error message; perhaps it’s a Dell message rather than Windows? Anyway,

Which USB port did you use? Not all USB ports are equal. The one or two on the back of the desktop case are the best; they are directly connected to the motherboard. USB ports on the top or front are not as good.

In Windows Device Manager, it is possible to drill down and see the power usage of a USB port. If the port is being shared with another device, try another port.

Of course, I’m guessing my suggestions were covered in the things you already tried. If so, then do get a powered hub but plug it into the port on the back of the desktop.


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 for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 48
J
jazzi Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 48
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
I’ve never seen that error message; perhaps it’s a Dell message rather than Windows? Anyway,

Which USB port did you use? Not all USB ports are equal. The one or two on the back of the desktop case are the best; they are directly connected to the motherboard. USB ports on the top or front are not as good.

In Windows Device Manager, it is possible to drill down and see the power usage of a USB port. If the port is being shared with another device, try another port.


Yes, pretty sure it is a Dell issue. I'm using front ports, that's a good idea about switching to the back ones connected directly. Will be a bit of a pain, but perhaps the only solution.


Janet Stevenson

BIAB 2023 Win/Finale/Audacity
Yamaha Tyros 4/Yamaha P-115/Pianodisc Player Piano

https://www.janetstevenson.com
https://www.reverbnation.com/janetstevenson
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 48
J
jazzi Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 48
I tried the back ports, first with only 1 plug, then with 2. Getting random results, sometimes it works, sometimes it will disconnect and give the error. Tried it a different laptop, no problems. Think I will move everything off this drive, just in case.


Janet Stevenson

BIAB 2023 Win/Finale/Audacity
Yamaha Tyros 4/Yamaha P-115/Pianodisc Player Piano

https://www.janetstevenson.com
https://www.reverbnation.com/janetstevenson
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
Topics85,854
Posts796,961
Members39,974
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
holger6810, zxkarass, SteveCanada, Marcel29, James K
39,974 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 183
Noel96 160
DC Ron 119
rsdean 108
Today's Birthdays
Spiritsax1, Tony Schmitt
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5