|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216 |
I ordered a laptop today that comes with that operating system installed. I have no experience with later win os's. Is this OS considered pretty stable? `Tried a search It only comes up in peoples system info.
Thanks Ron
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582 |
I believe Windows 7 is by far the most stable of all the editions of Windows.
My present Windows 7 64-bit version runs on an SSD boot drive. I have not had even one BSOD since installing it 9 months ago.
If your laptop comes with 64-bit rather than 32 bit, you may encounter a few challenges finding drivers, but by now most current peripherals are supported.
Other than that, the one thing you will not be used to if you come from Windows XP is something called User Account Control, but even that is much improved in Windows 7 over Vista. If you receive any 'permission' issues, let us know and we can help.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I have no issues with win7 / 64. Running Ketron SD2 as my syth but since RealTracks latest edition almost never use midi.
I am of the opinion that if you take it 'on the road' most people have no clue what is going on other than it sounds very good.
For those who love to agonize over bar 32 or 10 or 8 having a clash between the strum on something against the comp of the b3 track not sounding right, the audience is clueless, unless one of them happens to be Joey Di.
My advice is the same as it was for midi tracks, don't sweat the small stuff, and if you have an issue try and pull back the volumes for a bar or two.
I've played in bands where the whole thing went south, the drummer was out of time, the guitars were 'bad' and the whole band sucked, but the dancers never really missed a beat, they drank enough libations to be oblivious to the warts. Might not pass the acid test in a studio with the guys on monitors going WHOA, but if you are so good as to warrant the cash for studio musicians what are you doing with software to begin with eh?
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582 |
Quote:
but if you are so good as to warrant the cash for studio musicians what are you doing with software to begin with eh?
My answer: saving a ton of money in studio time.
Before I hit the studio, I always work over the song in BIAB so I am best prepared for recording. This is of obvious benefit in the case of my own compositions, but it also applies when someone hires me as a sideman. I transcribe their song into BIAB and work on horn lines and hits so I have good ideas to present to them in the studio. Maybe the muse strikes in the studio, maybe not, but I always come prepared with something that will be solid, and BIAB makes that possible.
But John, you were probably kidding, right?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216 |
Thanks Matt and John, Matt, I don't know what BSOD means. Is there a way in 7 to eliminate the log in feature? I'm very ignorant of windows conventions. This one, signing in or clicking the screen away is in my face every time I boot into XP. I don't like having to pass a test to get into my own computer. I live in a remote area and I trust my wife and two cats implicitly. So security stuff is just spurious noise in my life. Our house can't even be locked. I don't have anything in the puter to hide from anyone. I understand the reasons behind it but my life is outside of the need for such stuff.
You mentioned 64 bit drivers. The laptop will be for gigs only for me. My wife will use it occasionally to access online pages related to her work. The company she works for doesn't support mac browsers so she will be using it for that. I tell you this because I wonder what other 64 bit drivers might we need? I can foresee something for adobe pdfs. Java? and related stuff maybe?
Ron
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
BSOD Blue screen of death, when your PC crashes.
Last edited by raymb1; 01/29/11 01:06 PM.
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
If you use a sound card, like a pro one with multiple ins and outs, you will need a driver for that. Lots of guys with 'legacy' cards they bought some years ago for that purpose and they have no end of problems with 'drivers' needing updates but not done by the company who want to sell them a new board.
I got a new synth yesterday. Came with drivers. Said if I plug it into port 1 I need drivers. Then it says straight out plug it into port 2 (both usb) I need to re-do the drivers.
I plugged the keyboard in, no drivers, it waited, said ready, and in band in a box I could use the usb thing with my keyboard, and it showed up as a midi device in Band in a Box. So I didn't even need drivers.
You need drivers for you video card, they come with the system.
You need printer drivers.
Sound Card drivers.
Wireless drivers just in case.
And so on.
Tip: to keep work separate make 2 logins. Don't use passwords. Click on yours and Bob's yer uncle.
Matt: No I didn't mean you, certainly getting something ready for a CD is different from getting something ready and doing it live on a gig. That's when at some bar it sounds a bit off it sounds real. But sometimes I wonder what people are doing spending hours tweaking tracks. I just prefer to make music.
Going to do that now.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582 |
John, good plan!
Ron, the browser will tell you when it needs an extension (like java) and it will generally present you with a place to load it from.
As far as device drivers like John mentioned, you generally need to check the manufacturer's website.
Yes, you can disable the login in Windows 7, but I really do not recommend doing so. If you are still determined, you will find the instructions in the first page of Google results for "disable login in Windows 7".
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85 |
Hi Ron
My laptop runs 64 bit windows 7 without any glitches and has never blue screened. I'm definitely not an MS fan, but they got it about right at last with 7 I think. I don't run loads of periphs, but never struggled for drivers. Generally it makes installing periphs and esp. networks much simpler.
There is a log in screen - havent tried to lose it, but its pretty quick.
I installed BIAB 2011 and it ran without a hitch.
Good Luck
Tom
PS - you say you cant lock your house.... so where exactly is this?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629 |
I have a music system using XP and another with Win7, neither require login. Unless you and wife need different starting screeens, you could easily share. The benefit of having separate logins if there are multiple users is that her documents will be automatically stored in her folders (my documents, my pictures, my videos, etc) and yours will be in yours. If this feature is not needed you can share and have windows just launch to the startup screen right away. If there is only one profile (and no password) in the User Profile area of control panel, windows will just launch to the full start screen.
You can also have separate logins without needing to 'sign in' with a password. Just make the password empty in the User Profile area and then when Windows launches you just click on which user you want to be and it will launch windows right away with your preferences, desktop setup, and profile folders ready to go.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216 |
Thanks Ray I know it well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216 |
Thanks John, Audio midi i/o that's a biggie. I'll check into that while I wait for the puter. My pc has been behaving since I ordered the laptop. Just coincidence probably.
I opted out of the printer scam. It is the biggest ink golden egg there is. Haven't use one in about 3 years. Don't miss it. I'll sell it to you cheap.
Matt, Thanks again for the help. I'll wait and see how login is in 7
Tommo', turn left at the cowboy and right at the next hitchin post, keep going to the Billy the thug sign and it's the next right. Coffee's always good, cause it's not always on. Got good tea too next time you are in central New Mexico. I'll let you throw my tomahawk. Don't see that word too often these days. Great help everyone. I have much to learn.
Thanks for login lowdown rharv. need to think about that some.
Ron
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582 |
Quote:
Matt, Thanks again for the help. I'll wait and see how login is in 7
Ron
Login is unchanged from Windows XP and Vista (although I think it works faster than Vista).
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
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!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,296
Posts802,871
Members40,085
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean