during one of the upgrades in the last few months, I discovered that now when our dear program launches, it doesn't appear on my laptop screen, but somewhere else... possibly on a monitor that does not exist.
I have the Audiophile version and launch it off the E drive with all my files, drums, styles pointed there. When I plug it in, Windows explorer opens it, and I launch the 64 or 32 bit app from there.
Last time after it launched, I went to the task manager and maximized it. This is what I got (see pic's).
Strangely, when I am within the black window, I can do keyboard shortcuts, like ctrl shift N for Big Piano Window, and the big piano window will appear.
Any suggestions?
Tom Marvan / Dunbar7376
Tom Marvan Dunbar7376 San Diego, CA
Band in A Box Audiophile 2025
MSI GE66 10SFS 15.6" Laptop (Model GE66048) Intel Core i7 10th Gen i7-10750H 2.6ghz 32GB DDR4 RAM 2666mhz 8GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 1920x1080 Full HD LED 2x1TB NVMe SSD PCI
In my experience, usually freaky graphics things are related to graphic DPI or compatibility setting. Right click on the BIAB shortcut and try to change DPI settings on the bottom of the list to something else, just for testing purposes. Seems like it is a monitor/video card related.
It should overwrite the whole program, but not the content. That might help. ----
And something else.. Windows pushed update within last couple of days, and I know it messed up some drivers for people. In my case, it was audio interface driver. Just stopped working... Had to re-install to make it work again.
The strange thing is, Band in a Box works just fine when I launch it from the hard drive (C drive) - but it does not show the latest patch there (that you pointed to and I installed), not does it show PAK 9 which I installed today.
Tom.
Tom Marvan Dunbar7376 San Diego, CA
Band in A Box Audiophile 2025
MSI GE66 10SFS 15.6" Laptop (Model GE66048) Intel Core i7 10th Gen i7-10750H 2.6ghz 32GB DDR4 RAM 2666mhz 8GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 1920x1080 Full HD LED 2x1TB NVMe SSD PCI
Just guessing here, when you install the patch, did it asked you for location of the program...not the Rt/Rd folders...? Try to update both places (C and E drives) with latest patch, see if that resolves it.
Just checking a long shot, since you've been with BIAB since at least 2008:
Even if you run BIAB from the supplied audiophile hard drive, you must first have installed it to your computer. This puts seven or so Windows font files and a few other small things like the record of activation onto your boot drive. You do this by selecting the Minimal Install from your (I think) four options during setup. Did you do this?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I did as Rusty just suggested - I installed the latest patch on the C drive (I had initially done so on the E drive, where the external drive is plugged into). It recognized the new patch and, after I rebuilt the styles, the new PAK9 and Loop 2 are there.
I have 4 shortcut icons on my desktop:
1. 32-bit "launches" from the C drive 2. 64-bit "launches" from the C drive 3. 32-bit "launches" from the E drive 4. 64-bit "launches" from the E drive
If I try option 3 or 4, I get the issue I originally posted. If I try option 1 or 2, it now works, as I mentioned, with the new styles and latest patch visible (722) when I check the "Help...About Band in A Box" menu.
Within RealTracks and RealDrums, I see that my preferences are still pointing to the E: drive, so I presume I am getting the benefit of the audiophiles. I am not sure it matters if it the program is launching from C or E, does it?
And should I choose 64-bit over 32-bit? Maybe a topic for another time.
Thank you gents. With your help, I will happily be spending the rest of the weekend composing songs!
Tom.
PS: To answer your original question, Matt, I did at one point install it on my C drive, but with a subsequent version chose to run it off the E. Off the E drive was working fine until recently. I think you may be onto something, as was Rusty, in focusing on the C drive again.
Last edited by dunbar7376; 06/13/2005:06 PM.
Tom Marvan Dunbar7376 San Diego, CA
Band in A Box Audiophile 2025
MSI GE66 10SFS 15.6" Laptop (Model GE66048) Intel Core i7 10th Gen i7-10750H 2.6ghz 32GB DDR4 RAM 2666mhz 8GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 1920x1080 Full HD LED 2x1TB NVMe SSD PCI
I would do the Minimal install each time to drive C:
Yes, whether you run from drive C or your PG Music drive, Options, Preferences, Real Tracks (and same for RealDrums) determines where the program looks for the best sounds. You might enjoy reading my article about this; it’s the first post in the Tips and Tricks Forum here.
I run 64-bit whenever possible. For BIAB it makes little difference but it’s good to future proof. In the 32-but version you can’t run 64-bit plugins nor access full RAM without a utility called JBridge. However, in 64-bit BIAB you lose your 32-bit plugins. This is less of a problem now but the determining factor is what your plugin collection looks like.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I think this my 3rd year in a row of the Audiophile edition (although I have been a member of this forum since 2008, I do recall having band in a box since roughly 1999).
For the 2018 and 2019 audiophile versions, I did the minimal install to C (based on your article, and possibly some discussion on this forum between us), but then when running in 64-bit, there were some periodic error messages that - if I recall - support could not resolve and, either through their prompting or my initiative, I tried the E drive approach to see if I could get rid of the error.
It did not work. The support team then did suggest, to avoid the error in 64-bit, just run 32-bit.
I will run 64-bit now, and I am certain there will be an error again which I will share on the forum. The error doesn't prevent me from moving forward or saving files to prevent loss of my work, but it will sometimes stubbornly reappear unless I relaunch.
Anyway, I was able to successfully experiment with some of the new PAK 9 styles last night, lots of fun.
Thank you again for your help.
Tom Marvan
Last edited by dunbar7376; 06/14/2008:27 AM.
Tom Marvan Dunbar7376 San Diego, CA
Band in A Box Audiophile 2025
MSI GE66 10SFS 15.6" Laptop (Model GE66048) Intel Core i7 10th Gen i7-10750H 2.6ghz 32GB DDR4 RAM 2666mhz 8GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 1920x1080 Full HD LED 2x1TB NVMe SSD PCI
As far as the black screen issue and the program showing up off screen, I've found a simple solution when it happens to me.
I right-click on the screen and choose Display Settings and set the screen to a lower resolution. That will usually at least get your program back on screen. At that point, you can drag it around to the middle of the screen and restore your resolution back to what it was.
That's interesting, Steve. Does that imply either the user or the program changed the screen resolution? And are you saying this happens to you now and then?
Along those lines, I suppose it's theoretically possible to change the color scheme to be black writing and graphics on a black background ...
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Does that imply either the user or the program changed the screen resolution?
Not sure on that one so I won't imply it.
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
Are you saying this happens to you now and then?
Matt, I was referring to other programs that go wonky. I've not had the issue with BIAB/RB.
Media Monkey is an app that I get the issue with on occasion. I have a 3 screen setup on my main PC and sometimes I unplug a screen to connect to my work laptop. That app tends to lose it's mind when I do that and the screen resolution trick helps me restore the app back on to the remaining screens.
I haven't tried running BIAB/RB when I unplug a screen to test that scenario, but I ASSume it would work to restore the app.
EDIT: Sorry for the confusion. I thought that first screenshot of the black screen was just the app being off screen. I didn't notice the BIAB bar running across the top. I'm not sure if the screen resolution trick would bring it back then... It's worth a try I guess.
Try this: Save a file called safemode.txt in your bb\Preferences folder on the E: drive. The splash screen should indicate 'safe mode' when you launch the program. This simulates factory settings. Does the problem still happen?
Greetings. I don't have quite the same problem as the original poster, but I think it's close. I have BIAB 64-bit on Windows 10, and I've been using BIAB successfully. Starting today, when I start the program I see only the splash screen. It's not black; it's the usual screen, but the rest of the program never opens. (Naturally I first re-booted my computer.) Another symptom: I can't kill the program by x-ing it out from the Windows taskbar; I have to use the Task Manager.
Following Andrew's suggestion above, I created a safemode.txt, although in my case it was in C:\BB\Preferences. After doing that, the program does start, with the SAFE MODE banner on the splash screen. I got a few errors about unassigned drum notes. So thank you very much for that.
Now, my question is, how do I get out of the safe mode requirement? I assume that I have a corrupt song file or something that's freezing the program (right?). While in safe mode, I opened a song and set my preferences to "On startup, open last song." But that had no effect, and when I remove the safemode.txt file, I'm back to where I started. How can I identify what's getting in my way -- any ideas?
When the program works in safe mode then the settings are corrupt. You will need to open the program in safe mode then navigate to "Options" > "Return To Factory Settings ...".
I'm sad to say that Jim Fogle's eminently reasonable suggestion didn't work. That is, having "returned to factory settings," I still can't get BIAB to start. I will try to call tomorrow, but...Andrew?
...Now, my question is, how do I get out of the safe mode requirement? I assume that I have a corrupt song file or something that's freezing the program (right?). While in safe mode, I opened a song and set my preferences to "On startup, open last song." But that had no effect, and when I remove the safemode.txt file, I'm back to where I started. How can I identify what's getting in my way -- any ideas?
Sam
With the BiaB program closed, create a new text file named "writebootuplog.txt" in the \bb\Data\ folder.
Start Band-in-a-Box. This should create a new file named "bootuplog.txt" in the Data folder.
The contents of that file may assist to determine what is causing things to go awry for you.
Please let us know if that assists.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Hi VideoTrack, Thanks for taking the time to help me out on this.
I did as you suggested, and indeed a bootuplog.txt was created. I should mention that this arose from the situation where I was *not* in safe mode.
That file contains this: C:\bb\Data\BootupLog.txt= Log file of bootup times. Paste into Excel for best viewing LogThis: Start of this: Init Start Init1 [6/21/2020 9:23:03 PM] [ms since LogStart(boot)= 2 ], since last LogThis function = 2 LogThis: Start of this: InitCompleted. bbw.dpr started [6/21/2020 9:23:03 PM] [ms since LogStart(boot)= 48 ], since last LogThis function = 46 LogThis: Start of this: possibly showing splash screen... [6/21/2020 9:23:03 PM] [ms since LogStart(boot)= 48 ], since last LogThis function =0
which doesn't really tell me much. Can you think of something that this indicates?
With thanks for you taking your time on this, Sam Buttrey
I think the next step is to return to factory settings (if not already undertaken). As you can't do this from the program, you can do this manually by having BiaB closed and deleting (preferably renaming) two files as follows:
Go to your bb preferences folder (usually c:\bb\preferences), and rename the following two files:
Mysetup.dk intrface.bbw
Then right click on your BiaB desktop shortcut and select Properties | Compatibility | Check 'Run program as Administrator' and click apply. Then double click on your Band-in-a-Box icon to launch the program.
Hopefully that might have a better outcome.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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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.
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!
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.
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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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