|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824 |
This question is the same as one posted by Notes Norton way back in February. I don't know if all the folks who were struggling back then eventually solved their problems, but I have not! And neither have a couple of my band mates. We are all a bit frustrated because we used to swap a lot of files amongst ourselves for pre-rehearsal purpose.
Here are the circumstances:
Band-in-a-Box 2012.5 Audiophile on external drive
My BB files stored on main drive of laptop in Libraries/Music Library/My Music/BAND-IN-A-BOX FILES/(One of about 40 sub headings and then the full tune name.
Windows 7
64 bit laptop computer
When you select a tune from within BB, it works fine.
I would prefer my normal setting to be: Opt, Preferences, At Program Boot up..., Open previous song. And also the box ticked "Boot up in the directory of the last session", otherwise it all takes too long to run BB from the external drive.
As I said in the topic heading, I cannot open a BB tune directly from Explorer, Search in Explorer, from an email, or from another website. I used to be able to do that with no problems whatsoever. But I think the problem started somewhere around 2011, maybe earlier. I have just been copying and pasting but sheeesh!
I printed out the first four pages of the previous question and have tried all the suggested solutions, namely:
File, File Utilities, Associate File types. (I also tried removing the previous file associations before I associated them)
I also got a message first saying with Windows 7 you had to change the User Account Control Setting. I did that but I would prefer the setting to be the way it was, i.e. Always notify. But changing did allow me to remove and associate. The BB message said something about "true", which did not make sense to me.
Tried changing the startup preference to "Do not open song or style."
I thought once that I had solved the problem but it turned out to be a one-off fluke.
I (we!) do not know what else to try and it is very frustrating.
Maybe the problem has been solved, or I did not persevere long enough with the original question, but it’s too long ago to now go back.
Any suggestions anyone?
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608 |
I can play files and e-mail them from Win 7 Explorer with no problems. I just click on the file in Explorer and BIAB opens up and plays the file. Maybe you need to return to factory settings or re-install BIAB. Later, Ray
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: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,414
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,414 |
Graham,
Just so I can get a clearer picture, what happens when you double-click on a BIAB file? Does BIAB start up?
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I don't have a need for that but I just tried it. From Explorer clicking on a Biab song opens Biab but not the song itself. Biab opens with a new blank project and this is not using my external drive, I have everything loaded on my C drive. Hmmm, I see there's only three options on startup, Open previous style, Open previous song and Don't open style or song. Right below that is a checkbox for Open in directory of last session. I don't see any way for someone to click on a Biab song in any directory and have Biab open with that exact song. The program opens fine but you still have to navigate to your song in question.
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: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,473
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,473 |
Yes, I would like to know the answer to Noel's question too.
Wild guess: I know you run from an external drive, but what folder did you install the BIAB system files to on your hard drive?
The Open Previous Song works for me unless the computer froze when running BIAB. That hasn't happened in a long time, but if it does, the name of the current song may not get written, so you wind up with the second-to-last song opened. Once you shake your head and remember what happened, you load the song you want (assuming you saved it at least once).
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: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
try this:
FILE > FILE UTILITIES > REMOVE FILE ASSOCIATIONS
then
FILE > FILE UTILITIES > ASSOCIATE FILE TYPES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,473
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,473 |
Pat, that's a good idea but I think he said he tried that already.
This is an odd case since we know it can and does work for some of us. Perhaps the problem requires assistance from PG Music Support?
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: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824 |
Quote:
Graham,
Just so I can get a clearer picture, what happens when you double-click on a BIAB file? Does BIAB start up?
Regards,
Noel
Yep, what Bob said. BIAB opens up, but with the previous file, or style, depending on the setting you have for "At Program bootup...". The tune you have double clicked does not open. There looks to be a flicker, as though it is trying, but it does not happen. 
Re Matt's question, "but what folder did you install the BIAB system files to on your hard drive?" BIAB did that automatically but the answer is "C:bb". It has the following subfiles: BB2Go, BBHelper, Real Tracks Demo, and Uninstall, then lots of styles are listed.
Last time I tried to fix this, I did return to factory settings. That did not help and it takes an age to get everything back the way I want it.
I can't believe this problem is only happening to three Aussies. There must be more people out there suffering the same annoyance. Unless they found the answer and we missed it.
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,473
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,473 |
Yes, I have seen that. The flicker is the song you want being loaded, very quickly followed by the song you saved last in BIAB. I'm guessing your laptop is pretty fast, because on a slower machine like mine, you can see this happen.
Still, I don't see that effect much because most of the time, I do want to see the song I last worked on. However, I think there should be some sort of option to accommodate this so the "previous song" option still works without interfering with a "direct load' request from Windows. You can see how these two requests are in conflict. Perhaps it should be something like this, assuming it can be done:
PREFERENCES
At Program Bootup:
Open the style last used
Open the last song that BIAB saved
Open the last song that BIAB saved unless another song is directly requested via Windows
Open BIAB without a song or style
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: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,414
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,414 |
Graham, Try the following and see if it helps. Before you do it, though, turn off User Account Control (UAC) under Control Panel. UAC can be re-engaged once you've finished the process. Please note that the below process was performed on Vista but I'd imagine that it's very similar on Win 7. 1. Have your USB drive plugged in and operational. 2. Navigate to a folder containing a BIAB file. SGU and MGU will need to be treated separately. Just pick one of them to begin with. (I chose a file with an MGU extension for this example.) 3. Right click on the file and select "Properties".  4. Now click on the "Change" button.  5. Irrespective of what it says under the "Recommended Programs" heading, click on the "Browse" button at the bottom of the pop-up window.  6. Now navigate to the BBW.EXE file on your USB drive. Select that file by left-clicking. Now "OK" your way through the menus to exit the process. 7. Repeat the process for the SGU file-type (assuming you started with MGU like I did). 8. Now re-activate UAC. One potential issue that may arise is that because you are associating a file with a program that's on a removable drive, it's possible that the drive could be assigned a different letter each time it's plugged in. Should a different drive letter be assigned to the USB drive, then the file association will not find the BBW.EXE program. (This could happen is, say, a USB stick (or thumb-drive) is plugged into a USB port before the USB drive containing BIAB.) BIAB files open fine for me when I double-click. I've just found myself wondering if it's tied up with "Open multiple instances of BIAB". Anyway, for reference, the below image shows my "Preference Settings".  Hope this helps, Noel P.S. Please let me know how it goes. I'm curious to see if it works.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,814
Posts796,515
Members39,964
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean