Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
I really wanted to upgrade my laptop to Win10 (in fact, I did for awhile). But HP couldn't be bothered to provide a compatible video driver for my machine (well they actually didn't provide it for Windows 8 and so by extension for Win10 also), and the fingerprint reader and HDMI port stop working (again, drivers). And a few other things didn't work right. Even after spending a long time looking for alternate solutions and fixes, the best solution for getting on with being productive was reverting back to Win7.
The good news is that since at least I had done the initial Win10 upgrade, my machine is already in their registration database. So come 2020, I'll be able to either buy a new laptop or re-upgrade to Win10 and just live with the limitations for awhile.
But for now, I'll keep it at Win7 as it is rock solid.
I'm not anti-Win10 (my two desktops are Win10), just pragmatic. I gave Win10 the old college try (on my laptop), but Win7 sits more comfortably on it.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
I really wanted to upgrade my laptop to Win10 (in fact, I did for awhile). But HP couldn't be bothered to provide a compatible video driver for my machine. <snipped>
Bro, how old is that laptop?
I am at a level of nerd that I actually LOOK for reasons to buy new computers. Since Windows 10 came out I bought 2 new towers and a new laptop. It's only money, and I can't keep a cent when I'm dead.
While some folks can just go out and buy new computers as it suits them, that is not my situation. And all it would have taken was for HP to literally spend 5 minutes on new drivers, but they didn't (and said they wouldn't), because they would rather sell a new computer. And this was not a cheap laptop to start with.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
I'm still using a Dell Latitude laptop with Windows XP and another, slightly newer, with Win 7, my other laptops and my desktop are now all Win 10.
However, even my new home built Win 10 desktop has MULTIPLE Windows XP and Windows 7 VM's eating up space on my SSD.
All these older OS's are mainly due to customer support requirements but I still prefer Win 7 over Win 10.
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
While I've been (for the most part) happy with Win10, I prefer Win7 as well; it's one of the reasons why I use Stardock Start10 as a replacement Start menu on my Win10 machines.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
Well, if it's any consolation..... I'm still using XP Pro 32bit with SP3 on my DAW. The machine is totally 64 bit capable with quad cores and all that.... but.... if it ain't broke.... why fix it? Right?
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 03/13/1908:48 AM.
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.
Larry: And while it's for nostalgia more than productivity, I've got VMWare Desktop (an older version) running on the same laptop so I can run MS-DOS 6.22, Windows for Workgropus 3.11, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows XP Pro, Windows Vista, Windows 8, and Ubuntu Linux. Those images are all on a 1TB eSATA drive connected to the laptop.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
And yes, Windows 10 is a pain. It is just a different sort of pain.
I guess the precise number is not known but somewhere around 129 million people are still using Windows XP.
I really don't like Windows 10 but it is better than the other choices for me.
Cheers,
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Well, if it's any consolation..... I'm still using XP Pro 32bit with SP3 on my Daw
I'm still using a laptop with Windows XP to run my Model Railroad out in the Garage. No sense throwing out a perfectly running computer on one hand, and no sense putting a bleeding edge piece of technology in the Garage to run trains over telephone wire. I keep the fire breather with the 2 graphic cards in my studio to edit videos.
Interesting views on versions of Windows OS. I've always been a complete geek and try to learn the new Windows versions as soon as I can. That way I can always help friends and family when they adopt. My view is that each version has got better. Sure there are some things that change that can be difficult to grasp at first. Others will mention that they do not like the "intrusions" newer versions seem to have regarding your privacy. The more you work with the new OS, the easier it becomes to use it. It's all about adapting to change. If change is difficult for your personality, the upgrade will be difficult.
I've always been a complete geek and try to learn the new Windows versions as soon as I can.
When you work in IT and have to support it, you have no choice.
Quote:
Others will mention that they do not like the "intrusions" newer versions seem to have regarding your privacy. The more you work with the new OS, the easier it becomes to use it. It's all about adapting to change. If change is difficult for your personality, the upgrade will be difficult.
And some of these people buy a house based on where they will park their horse and buggy.....
I remember when Windows 95 came out in, uh, I guess it was 95. LOL!! I was one of those idiots standing in line waiting for the store to open at midnight to buy it on the first day. I then spent 40 hours straight over a weekend with a manual on my lap listening to it beep saying "invalid command". Cursing at it like a sailor. Until I realized "Oh yeah. I did that wrong."
Some people refuse to continue learning new things. But that is just part of the microwave world we live in.
My favorite t-shirts. And yes, I own both of them.
Steve, fortunately the few friends I have are also nerds and can fix their own problems. Which is good, since they caused them.... I once charged a past girlfriend for fixing her kid's computer. She was shocked, but she paid me. Hey, 2 hours of my time is 2 hours of my time. I don't care if there are "benefits" involved or not.
I also fired her from the band we started, so.... I didn't see much of her after that.
All of this is fun but John has a legitimate issue and I'm one of the biggest proponents of using Win 10. You shouldn't have to buy another expensive laptop because HP refuses to update the stupid drivers. That's one reason why I usually build my own desktops but I've not yet seen a DIY laptop kit...
Larry: The frustration and discontent so well expressed in the video are, sadly, nearly universal among PC users required to plunk down their hard-earned cash for editions for which they don't see the need, although few of us express the feelings quite like the actor in the video. The video talks about options, but, really, most of us feel there isn't much we can do about Silicon Valley's business plans. We console ourselves with the miracle of the PC and shrug it off and, if anything, after trying the MAC option. Linux, of course, still the elusive Holy Grail. I received the news about WIN 7 last year and went ahead and bought a reconditioned laptop with WIN 10. After going through and disabling most of the touch features, it runs about like a regular computer. I'll keep the WIN 7 machine as an offline box -- a lot of years, tweaks, and money later, I could never bring the WIN 10 machine up to the standards of the old WIN 7. I doubt I am the only one who has chosen to go this route -- a so-so internet machine and a serious offline computer.
Win7 x64 user here, hated Win10 the few months I used it for the studio. For the net I am Linux 99.9% of the time.....
That was the fork in the road when I bought the reconditioned WIN 10 machine : Linux or 10 for the internet ? Down the road, we will be seeing Linux/Inrupt/Solid. It has reached that point. Incidentally, I've noticed an increase in registry activity noted by CC Cleaner upon logging off. Not a lot, but just a few issues to be deleted, usually connected to Edge and Explorer, neither of which I use. Never used to happen with 7.
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)
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!
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.
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!
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 Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 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!
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!
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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