I am using the UltraPak with the external USB hard drive. Lately Win7 pro has not been detecting the drive consistently. Maybe 1 in (5 to 10 times) it does not find it.
After inspecting the HDDscan 4.0 (Hard Disk Drive Scan) website http://hddscan.com/ which has some help I am currently running the available tests on the drive. This utility was recommended by my computer service person. The first read test looked good. I am running the RD-read test and watching the details. So far no sectors are bad. There is 1 more test I can run. The smart test is unavailable for external USB drives.
Currently I am reading this guide found through google. I need to find some time to read it slower. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/external-drive-not-recognized-this-is-how-to-fix-it-in-windows/ Unfortunately the issue is intermittent. The article suggests one problem might be the USB port itself. However when the problem first started I was using a port at the back of the computer and I decided to start using a different port at the front so I can unplug the drive when not in use. I get the same intermittent problem with the front port.
I have backups of the external USB hard drive in two places. I am thinking of buying another external USB hard drive and copying everything to it but I am not sure if that is necessary.
I was wondering if anyone has any similar experience and any thoughts on this issue.
First thing that comes to mind; are you changing which physical port it is plugged into sometimes?
The operating system may remember this external drive as being plugged in to one certain slot, and changing this may cause the issue. Usually whenever I have drive recognition issues (not just with BiaB) it's because I've moved things around.
If it's a drive 'power' problem, that's another possibility. Does the drive appear to turn on? Any indication of activity from the drive when this happens? Does it make any noise at all, or lights, or bells or sirens?
When it does fail, take a second to see if the drive itself is alive. Then we can move on to connection and OS possibilities.
If you have 2 backups copies, you are likely fine there. Plus in your PGMusic account you should have links to re-download everything you need anyway.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
good question. I don't actually know. I attached the list showing in the device manager. Not sure how to read it (I am more of a programmer than a hardware guy).
I am wondering how I would know which port it is currently using.
I do know it was running maybe 2 years without problems on the back port and this issue started maybe 2 months ago.
First thing that comes to mind; are you changing which physical port it is plugged into sometimes?
The operating system may remember this external drive as being plugged in to one certain slot, and changing this may cause the issue. Usually whenever I have drive recognition issues (not just with BiaB) it's because I've moved things around.
If it's a drive 'power' problem, that's another possibility. Does the drive appear to turn on? Any indication of activity from the drive when this happens? Does it make any noise at all, or lights, or bells or sirens?
When it does fail, take a second to see if the drive itself is alive. Then we can move on to connection and OS possibilities.
If you have 2 backups copies, you are likely fine there. Plus in your PGMusic account you should have links to re-download everything you need anyway.
To answer each question; I am trying to remember what I did when it first occurred in the back port. I think the first thing I did was unplug it and plug it in a different computer and it found it. Next just after doing that I plugged it back in the same computer and it found it. So after that each time it happened again I just unplugged it and plugged it back in and it found it. Eventually I decided to unplug it and plug it in the front port to save me work. It found it. Of course if I unplugged it and it was visible I used the utility to shut it down before I unplugged it but if it was not recognized I just unplugged it. As mentioned above it does it about the same amount in the front port as the back port. To finish that question I never change the port unless it does not recognize it.
I do not remember if I checked the drive before I unplugged it each time. I do not think so. I will have to remember to check that from now on if Win7 can not find the drive.
Since I started unplugging it when not in use I have had to plug it in each time I want to use it. Only once has it not recognized it when I plugged it in while the machine is already on (tonight actually). So tonight BIAB actually locked up and I thought maybe it was because the drive became unrecognizable during operation. I could not kill BIAB with the task manager so I shut the machine down. At the moment it is recognizing it but I decided to plug it into the 2nd port on the front.
Thanks for letting me know about this "Plus in your PGMusic account you should have links to re-download everything" Where is my account...lol. I am looking right now to see if I have a log in...lol. All I ever log into is the forum :-) Found it. it worked. Amazing...lol. Thanks Rharv :-)
In addition to rharv's comments, does this problem arise after the computer has gone to sleep and it reactivated?
Regards, Noel
The ports have blue inside the socket so they are USB3 then.
I have the computer set so it does not go to sleep. It is the machine I trade on and it can't be allowed to go to sleep or it screws up my datafeed processing. I do the same on the notebook where I run BIAB for the jams to give count in and to use as backing tracks when players are missing. The other desktop does not have BIAB installed. That ones goes to sleep.
To access download files, log-in into your Sales account and you'll find them under "My Products". If they are not appearing, it means that you haven't registered your latest version of the software. If this is the case, simply register the software and the files will appear.
To access download files, log-in into your Sales account and you'll find them under "My Products". If they are not appearing, it means that you haven't registered your latest version of the software. If this is the case, simply register the software and the files will appear.
Regards, Noel
Thanks Noel. I found them and left myself a reminder in my database reminder system they are there.
Download USBdeview, and remove all USB drivers not in use any more. !!! DON'T remove your eventual keyboard and mouse drivers BTW !!!!
Widows updates screws this up every time: So again switch off Power Management here for all USB drivers called hub:
Thanks Fiddler2007. I installed USBDview and also turned off the power management checkbox. Great utility.
So am I correct in assuming you are saying?
Any USB port in the USBDview display list that says "No" under the connected column can be highlighted and I can click the "Uninstall Selected Devices" button.
The assumption being that when I plug the device in again it will reappear in the list as in use.
Download USBdeview, and remove all USB drivers not in use any more. !!! DON'T remove your eventual keyboard and mouse drivers BTW !!!!
Widows updates screws this up every time: So again switch off Power Management here for all USB drivers called hub:
Thanks Fiddler2007. I installed USBDview and also turned off the power management checkbox. Great utility.
So am I correct in assuming you are saying?
Any USB port in the USBDview display list that says "No" under the connected column can be highlighted and I can click the "Uninstall Selected Devices" button.
The assumption being that when I plug the device in again it will reappear in the list as in use.
Yep, and you can delete the white ones, the green ones are in use ...
So here are the results of my 3 HDDScan tests. http://hddscan.com/ 1/ Verify - read data without transfer (no bad sectors). 2/ Read - read data to the host (no bad sectors). 3/ Butterfly - read data to the host with seeks (there was a mass of bad sectors at the very end).
So after seeing such a large number of bad sectors in the 3rd test which seemed out of place compared to the other two tests I checked the drive and Rharv's suggestion appeared (the drive light was off). So I guess the drive shut down during the Butterfly test. I plugged the drive in again and it is fine at the moment.
So I guess I buy a new drive today :-) Well I have a bit of a happy emotional problem so it should be :-(
I think what I will do is I will keep the new one unplugged except when in use. Hopefully that will make it last longer than 2.5 years (I registered it July 27th 2016).
P.S. I am wondering which way I should load the new drive (downloads, copy from old drive, copy from one of my backups). I guess it makes sense to copy from one of my backups for three reasons. 1/ it will be the fastest, 2/ it might be most likely to be good and 3/ since that way I can test my backup. I will leave myself a reminder as to where I loaded it from. Another option might be to use this drive until it stops completely then do one of those choices.
If it's f.i. your BIAB audiophile drive, type WD My Passport USB 3.0, you might still have warranty. I found them very reliable sofar. You could run a checkdisk routine from Windows, and mark 'fix bad sectors' doing that. Takes some time, but might repair your drive.
Important: Usually USB drives themselves are not the cause, but misuse. You cannot unplug them un-punished, with out using a proper eject routine from within windows.
For copying files i'd prefer FastCopy (freeware) or Teracopy, has some verifying options. -F
If it's f.i. your BIAB audiophile drive, type WD My Passport USB 3.0, you might still have warranty. I found them very reliable sofar. You could run a checkdisk routine from Windows, and mark 'fix bad sectors' doing that. Takes some time, but might repair your drive.
Important: Usually USB drives themselves are not the cause, but misuse. You cannot unplug them un-punished, with out using a proper eject routine from within windows.
For copying files i'd prefer FastCopy (freeware) or Teracopy, has some verifying options. -F
Thanks Fiddle2007, I will check into the warranty.
I suspect the problem is not sectors since the first two tests did not have bad sectors. I will run the 3rd test again to see if it completes without bad sectors. I think it just shut off much like it shut off when I was running BIAB before I decided to create this thread. The thing is the 3rd test takes longer so it is more likely to shut off.
The only time I unplug it without the correct procedure is if I cannot find it in the "Safely Remove Hardware" list (no choice).
Sometimes, if you have multiple USB devices plugged in, you can use too much power and the drive does not perform properly. Also, on some systems, some USB ports have more oomph than others. I have had luck by using powered USB hubs.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Sometimes, if you have multiple USB devices plugged in, you can use too much power and the drive does not perform properly. Also, on some systems, some USB ports have more oomph than others. I have had luck by using powered USB hubs.
Very true, and why i invested in a Freslogic 4 controller USB 3.0 card in my desktop. In my case especially for an external audio interface. Usually a laptop has only one or two contoller chips for USB.
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.
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.
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean