The other day, when starting up my win10 64 bit desktop, I got notice that Windows was installing updates, that It would take a few minutes, and that I should not turn off the computer. GRRR.
An hour and a half of frequent checks showed the same $-%%: messages. Power outages are not unheard of around here, or surges that reset my battery backup. One happened while I was away.
Now I can't boot up except to a notice that a certain file in the Windows directory is missing.
I don't have a backup disk. I've read that I can DL an .iso to thumb drive and use it to repair windows, but I can't make sense of any discussion/articles about whether or not I can keep my non-windows files...like two years worth of creative work with biab, not much of which is backed up.
All I wanted to do was spend a few minutes on the computer I paid for. I'm beyond angry, and as much with myself as with Windows. Well, mostly Windows. Give me a freaking option!!!
SO...is it possible I can get things back close to the way I had them? Any not-too-technical instruction U can read?
Sorry for the rant, but hopefully important info is buried in there.
Years ago, I found myself in a very similar situation.
What I did was to download a bootable version of Linux (the Ubuntu version) and by using that to boot up the computer, I was able to access all my files and copy them off the hard drive. I was quite relieved when this worked.
Now I don't know if starting up Ubuntu from a live DVD will give you access to your Windows 10 files but it might. It does work for me with my Windows 7 installation.
Here's Ubuntu if you want to check it out. When you start it up, choose the option that allows you to run it from the DVD and not the install option. It's freeware. You don't need to donate any money to get it.
I had several selections on the screen for possible solutions. After clicking around I found a restore command. Took that selection and half a day later my laptop was like it was a day or so before the update.
Sorry I cannot be more specific. Look around and see.
Thanks, Deb. I don't know that I can get booted up enough to find that selection. I'm confident O can eventually get Windows back and not have to convert the tower to a boat anchor. What I really want is to save my files...especially my .sgu's and stems.
Thanks, Noel. I hope this isn't too much trouble for you. I'm hoping for good news, but any report is welcome.
I've done the linux trick too - you can certainly save your data files and if you have the original windows number (its on a sticker at the side of the pc/laptop) you can reinstall windows10 from a download. you might be best to reinstall BIAB from your back up files at PG Music (unless someone wiser than me can advise that simply copying your BIAB files might work ) sgus and mgus i am classing as data.
its a pita but there's hope that its not too serious. i think if you can get a windows 10 download you can actually install and keep your data and settings so its just a matter of repairing the operating system.
if you have a friend with a pc you can can create windows installation media which is self booting and then i think there is an option to 'repair'
I used CDBurnerXP (link) to burn the Ubuntu ISO file to DVD. This created a boot-up DVD with a working version of Ubuntu installed on it. It would also be possible to create a bootable flash drive if your computer supports this. The link below explains how to burn an ISO to a USB drive.
It took around 3 - 4 minutes to boot from the CD. Eventually, I reached an option to "Try Ubuntu" and I selected that.
Using Ubuntu's file manger, I could access my three Windows drives and directories by clicking on the "Other" option. I could then move files between drives and on to removable media.
Although I have Windows 7 and I cannot guarantee that it works the same with Windows 10, it's worth a try.
I know this doesn't help your problem, but to avoid it in the future you need to do two things:
1) Get a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
2) Get an external disk and disk cloning backup-up software (I use Acronis).
The next time Windows wants to update when you shut down, don't shut it down, instead run a backup with your cloning software. When the backup is complete, shut the computer down and let Windows do it's thing.
This not only happens with Windows, Mac does the same thing.
Also backup your drive often to the cloning disk. How often? Depends on how much you use it, what you use it for, and how important the data on your primary HD is to you.
I use Microsoft Sync Toy to back up the data I don't want to lose every day. I do a hard drive clone at least once a week depending on activity, it might be more.
Also, before I install any new program or major update to that program (even BiaB) I clone the disk first.
Running a computer without a backup is like taking your boat out in the ocean without a life vest. Most of the time it's OK, but when it's not OK it is a major problem.
I'm confident O can eventually get Windows back and not have to convert the tower to a boat anchor. What I really want is to save my files...especially my .sgu's and stems.
Take the hard drive out of the tower and plug it into a different working desktop PC. Using that PC, copy all the files you need from your disk to a folder on the working PC's (C:) disk. Plug in a USB drive to that PC and copy your important files to it. Now that you have all your files backed up both on the second PC and on an external USB disk, you can continue doing whatever it is you need to do to get Windows working (reinstall / repair etc.) without worrying about possibly deleting your files in the process.
Chances are the computer has operating system back up and recovery options built-in. By knowing the brand and model we can download the manuals and offer alternate suggestions.
Andrew's suggestion above is spot on. His may save you a lot of grief. Always best to safeguard your files.
Thanks so much, all. I asked if there was hope, and it seems there is a lot of it. I will begin on these in order of increasing difficulty in my particular life situation keeping safety foremost.
Noel, you are as kindhearted as your songs tend to be.
I'll mark this "resolved" and get down to it. THANKS !!
The bad news first. 1. Windows is toast. 2. I am a panicky dumb@zz.
The good news next. I am a panicky dumb@zz who did not remember that his irreplaceable files were on a different internal drive, and it is intact.
Given the age of the computer and the cost of repair and reinstallation of the OS, I've decided to just get a new system altogether. That's not the cheapest option, but it makes the most sense in the long run.
Though it will be a bugger-bear to reinstall apps, locate lost bookmarks, etc, etc, etc, at least I haven't spent the last two years with BIAB in vain.
We'll have to do some saving and maybe not feed the kids for a while, but I hope to be at least limping before too long.
Thanks again for giving a durn. It means a lot to me.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
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.
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.
Norton Music
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean