|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 137
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 137 |
Just a question about how to best unplug the pg usb drive that puts less strain on it.
Should I use the safely remove hardware icon in system tray on monitor or does it do the usb drive no hard just to unplug it without using above?
I got a kind of a pop noise yesterday when just unplugging, Probably just the drive suddenly stop spinning, I'd imagine the safely remove hardware stops it spinning before you unplug.
What do you thing is the best way for the usb drive and for that matter any external drive?
Thanks
Paddy
Last edited by pwhack; 12/16/09 08:15 AM.
Paddy McGurk,
Liverpool,
Don't mention the Beatles!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116 |
The safely remove function makes sure that your drive is not in the middle of something when you remove it. Always use it.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730 |
A good example of that is when you use a thumb drive and use the safely remove feature the power is interupted to the thumb drive and therefore it is ready to disconnect without damage. I have heard of drives being wiped out that way.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Vista is very picky that way. Sometimes it won't recognize the drive when you plug it back in. And I had issues going between XP and Vista with the drive. I know a patch went out, now I wonder if that patch is part of the 2010 release?
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505 |
I thought I recalled the opposite advice, that Vista corrected the problem and it was no longer critical to use the "safely remove". However, after losing the contents of one flash drive and one USB external drive under Vista, I religiously continue to use "safely remove", even in Windows 7.
After all, it can't hurt, and it might help, and it takes but a second, literally. Plus, in some cases, it reminds me I still have that drive open in another program.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840 |
To me, the name of the command is "safely remove hardware", with the key word being "safely". I will generally err on the side of safety.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
The drive may default to Safely Remove Hardware. To be sure, do the following:
. Start|Computer - you'll see your drives now
. Right click on the drive and select Properties
. Click the Hardware tab and select the drive and press Properties
. Hit the Policies tab.
. Finally you'll see the options available for this drive. The safest bet is to optimize for quick removal. That way, you won't have to open the Safely Remove Hardware on your taskbar. As far as performance, I've never measured but with USB, you're limited anyway. Stick with the safest option.
Rachael
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 39 |
As most PC harddrives are still mechanical, the safely remove option should always be taken as it ensures the disc reading heads are in the 'parked' position
Otherwise it's like leaving the needle on the record when you move the hi-fi, and that always used to end in tears in our house
Flash drives are slightly different as there are no moving parts, but the advice to always 'safely remove' is good nonetheless
Same goes for the internal drives, so always follow the Windows shutdown procedure when ending a session and resist reaching for the wall socket until it powers off completely
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
To be honest, I just yank out the plugs, and don't do a safely-remove-hardware, and have never had a problem.
If you're writing a file, you should wait a few seconds extra before doing it.
And if its a crtical file, then safely-remove-hardware.
This fits in the same category as shutting down your PC by holding the power button for 5 seconds - it works, but you can lose data, and it isn't the recommended way.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505 |
Hi Peter. Yes, you have the sense of it. But I suspect you will change your mind after your first episode of major data loss when the drive becomes corrupted, like I did.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
Quote:
As most PC harddrives are still mechanical, the safely remove option should always be taken as it ensures the disc reading heads are in the 'parked' position
Modern "voice coil" drives effectively auto-park - the way they operate, when they aren't actively seeking they are always in the parked position. In addition, they all use a "slipper" support for the heads now, which means that the heads are no longer supported aerodynamically the way early drives were. This means that a physical head crash just isn't possible - the head support is already in pernament contact with the disk surface so it can't creash into it.
That said, it is always wise to to be patient. WAIT until all drive activity has definitely ceased before pulling the plug. "Safely remove hardware" can ensure this, though like Peter, I almost never bother and have never had a problem. Can't say the same for one of my staff members though - he's as careful as can be and still regularly kills "thumb" drives... Be funny if it didn't cost money.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya  --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Leave the yank and go to guys like Peter who have all the BiaB hard drives at their disposal. Replacement for Peter would not be a kill.
Everyone else should play it safe and use the Safely Remove Hardware command.
At least, everyone else who is smart and not just smart alecky, that is.
The latter will yank and go, and when the drive finally does fail, will be quick to post on the forum about the "crappy" drive that PGMusic sold 'em.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 137
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 137 |
Well the reason I ask is because biab became corrupted on my usb drive, was ok when I got it.
I think just pulling it out without using safely remove hardware process might have been the cause.
Paddy
Paddy McGurk,
Liverpool,
Don't mention the Beatles!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
G'day Paddy,
this is certainly possible. I would expect it to happen if the drive is removed before a write is completed.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I always just pulled the plug until last year when my 250G external died. Well, not died exactly, it powered up, I could hear it spinning but the system would not see it. I even took it out of the case and installed it in my tower, no go. From what I read on various forums the FAT was probably corrupted. I finally got some restore software, put it back in the case and recovered all the files but the drive is trash. Who knows if unplugging it without going though the "remove" dance caused it or not but I love dancing now.
It only takes a few seconds.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840 |
For the folks just yanking out the plug, if you open the "Readme First.rtf" (you know, so you get a sense of what's on the drive and how to use it), it says on the very first page: Quote:
Note: Before unplugging the hard drive from your computer, make sure it is not in use, then click the ‘Safely Remove Hardware’ icon in your taskbar. When you plug the drive in, Windows may prompt you to select an appropriate action - if so, select 'Open folder to view files'.
Just sayin'...
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
People.
Just because you can get away with doing something in the wrong fashion does not mean that you can get away with it *every* time...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 142
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 142 |
Hi all,
My experience is only with XP. I've had thumb drives wipe because didn't know that I was supposed to use the "Safely Remove Hardware" feature. Before that I didn't understand why my PC sometimes wouldn't recognize a thumb drive that I had "just pulled" a few minutes ago.
Sometimes you learn the hard way.
The harder I work the luckier I get.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14 |
On my laptop most of the time the "safely remove hardware" icon doesn't appear. Does anyone know why? To be safe I don't remove the USB device until the laptop has been powered down.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
On my laptop most of the time the "safely remove hardware" icon doesn't appear. Does anyone know why? To be safe I don't remove the USB device until the laptop has been powered down.
What is the OS?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
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!
Order now!
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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,050
Posts799,394
Members40,018
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean