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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Is anyone having trouble with file associations from within Windows Explorer? I have installed 2019 twice on a Windows 10 machine - 64 bit to try and overcome the problem with no improvement. With 2018 ( and many previous releases) I had no trouble clicking on a file in Explorer to open it in BB. If BB was not open it opened and loaded the file. If a file was already loaded the clicked file would load and replace the previous file. If that file had been changed there would be a message asking if it should be saved.

In both installs there was a message asking if BB files should be associated with the program. I said yes.

First install with 607 updated: Once installation was complete the files displayed in Explorer were not associated with 2019 in the same way as previously, there was no association at all. The BB icons were not adjacent to the file names. Clicking on a file gave a Windows error message saying cannot access specified device........... I used the utilities option in BB to try and overcome this problem with no success. I used Windows itself to do the association for the BB files and that resulted in the icons appearing. Double clicking a file opened BB and loaded the file. Ok so far. Clicking another file in Explorer did not load and replace the original file as it had in previous versions and presumably should now. It looks as though it is "trying" to. The BB logo appears in the centre of the screen for a very short time (flickers) and then nothing. The original file remains. If the right mouse button is used and the play or open options used they offer no improvement. If the multiple instances option is enabled then a second instance is opened with the "new" file.

Second install with 608 updated: Same outcome apart from the icons being there but this may be a hangover from the first install.

Seems to be the same for the 64 and 32 bit versions.

The files can be opened from within the program and perform in the way expected in terms of loading but this is not as convenient (for me) as using Explorer which remains open throughout and can display more files with various viewing options.

File associations work fine for all other programs on the machine.

Any ideas?

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Make sure you're running BIAB as administrator and disable User Account Control in Windows, then try again.

Does that work?



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emstrjg Offline OP
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Hi Cerio
Thanks for the quick response. I have administrator rights and have disabled Account Control as you suggested.

The problem remains.

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emstrjg Offline OP
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Thanks for the welcome. I have dipped into the forum as an observer over the years but have never really had a problem before. I can now see that associations has been a continuing problem throughout new releases and operating systems. Thanks for the links. Quickly looking at them it seems I have tried most of the suggestions but will continue trying. I will post if I find a solution.

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There is a small .exe in the bb folder you can run:
bb\data\installers\fileassoc.exe

Alternatively you can do it from within Band-in-a-Box - there is an option under the file menu (this requires that you run Band-in-a-Box 'as an administrator' (right-click on the .exe / shortcut) because it needs to change a registry setting.

The "default app" setting in Windows 10 doesn't seem to work for some people, not sure why ... and it's not just with Band-in-a-Box, but other files like text files for example.

Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 12/22/18 10:55 AM.

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emstrjg,

This thread could also be a useful read...

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=509629#Post509629

regards,
Noel


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emstrjg Offline OP
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Thanks to Cerio, Andrew and Noel for your replies.

I have tried all suggestions both here and in the other links suggested. I even deleted the relevant association keys in the registry manually to make sure they did not exist and then re-associated again. The problems are still there exactly as described in my first mail. Interestingly in the first mail I said the BB logo appeared very briefly (flickered) when attempting to load in a second file from explorer. It was that quick I could not actually see if it was 32 or 64 bit. I removed the allow fast bootup option in preferences and tried the second loading again. As expected this was not as speedy and the logo remained on the screen for a few second before disappearing. It was trying to open the file in the 64 bit version which was the one I had associated and was using.

I have spent far too much time on this. More time than actually playing my saxophone so I will open files from within BB until maybe an update will solve the problem.

Thanks again

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As Andrew says, the issue of file association and default apps is not only with Band In A Box but also occurs with other applications such as media players. I was trying to associate midi files with XMPlay but have had no success.

The issue is Microsoft's fault and occurred after an upgrade to Windows 10 sometime this year. Searches online recommend varying method of righting this but do not help. I think Microsoft is aggressively pushing their own apps and resetting the default apps to suit.


Kevin smile

Last edited by Kevin Woolley; 12/26/18 07:29 AM.
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Originally Posted By: Kevin Woolley
... I think Microsoft is aggressively pushing their own apps and resetting the default apps to suit.

So true. Why i won't let Windows Updates take control in Windows 10 especially. Every time i switched it on for some reason i regretted doing so. I know others here don't agree .... F

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Video: New User Interface (GUI)

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!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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.

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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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Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

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!

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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

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!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.

Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

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Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.

XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!

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Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!

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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.

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Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

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