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.
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 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 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 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 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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