|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
1) Download the driver with antivirus scanner still turned on.
2) SCAN the dowloaded file immediately using your antivirus program's manual scanning (many allow that with a rightclick).
3) Shut down the Antivirus program.
4) Install downloaded software safely.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824 |
Quote:
Hi Graham,
I have been away on tour and just logged in
We found the best way is to go to - Device Manager > Sound Video and games > Creative SB X-Fi Proerties > Driver - and either Roll Back Driver to the previous one OR Uninstall to remove the lot with "Delete the driver software for this device" checked if you feel comfortable with re-install - this is what we do
After reboot make sure that ALL applications are closed including those which go active at start up - like virus - spyware - etc before re-install of the driver update
jazzman
G'day Jazzman,
I am still envious of you having been on tour. Don't I wish!
Thanks so much for the advice. I let Windows do the replacement driver job and then made sure to close down EVERYTHING when the computer was doing the installation in the rebooting stage. Delayed close down now cured! 
There are still a bunch of people over on the Creative forum experiencing the same problem but I am not sure they read my post when I passed on the info.
http://forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message?board.id=soundblaster&thread.id=142449
The support people at Creative don't do themselves any favours by not monitoring that forum of theirs themselves, do they? 
Thank goodness PG Music are always willing to jump in on this forum. 
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
I still reckon Creative should have hired Daniel K. instead of vilifying him...
--=-- 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: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486 |
Hi Graham,
I am pleased to hear that you have cured the problem with a correct install proceedure - once you have a faulty driver install the best way is to uninstall it and start again - over the top of a faulty install does not really work 100%
There is nothing wrong with the drivers but being a large package of features and drivers,due care is needed
We deal directly with Creative and receive prompt attention - they do monitor the forum - I am afraid that the Creative forum have some who are blind to their own shortcomings and just want to blame something and some dubious ones like the few we have on here from time to time - no wonder Creative only answer sensible questions
It seems strange that we have made over 600 installations of the X-Fi range over many different computers without problems and you cannot do that with bad drivers
jazzman
BIAB - RealBand - 2022
Windows 10 64
Zoo computer with 7i processor- SSD 1TB -2TB HDD
Roland keyboards
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824 |
I am sorry to drag up this old post but I feel some extra information might be useful to members of this forum using the Creative soundcards SoundBlaster X-fi series - in my case the XtremeGamer. And of course I have a Vista 64bit operating system, although the problem is probably more widespread than my setup specification.
What is the problem? Extremely long shut down of computer and possibly other associated problems.
After some suggestions from Jazzman in this thread, I felt the problem had been solved. But it kept returning. If you look at the thread on the Creative forum you will see that the problem is widespread and that several other solutions were proposed, all of which I tried, but they did not offer a long-term solution.
Creative themselves were very quiet on the subject but have recently admitted that there is a problem with the new driver. They are now offering to selected members of their forum via PM a bug fix for the driver. I am a bit loath to use it after reading the note which said:
"The following beta driver has been found to resolve the issue on delayed OS shutdown.
Before downloading this beta driver, please take note of the following:
* THIS IS AN UNSUPPORTED BETA DRIVER. No technical support is available.
* We recommend that only experienced users install this driver. Do not install this driver on a system used to perform critical tasks.
* Customers looking for stable drivers should wait for the final release and install the latest production driver when available."
I have been offered the new driver for testing but since my computer is used for critical tasks - i don't know too many that are not - I think I might wait for the final release.
I suppose I am still a bit surprised that Creative released a driver without proper testing in the first place.
I pass on this information for what it is worth. I know it has nothing to do with the Band-in-a-Box program itself but I am aware that many BB users have Creative soundcards. Hopefully not many with the X-fi series.
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Disclaimers are necessary in today's litigational climate.
Feh.
You makes yer choice and you lives with it either way.
Soon it will likely be a full release candidate.
...Which may or may not work right either, given their track record...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805 |
Well, this makes sense in that they say it's a beta driver. So, before releasing it in final form to the public, they want select users (who don't work for creative) to test it out in a real-world situation (different machines and configurations, etc). That way, when they do release it, they will have hopefully worked out the bugs.
If it were my machine, I would set a restore point and then take an image of my C: drive (which doesn't take very long); then install the patch and see if it works. If so, great; if not, it's easy to revert back.
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: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486 |
Hi Graham,
I remain astonished to read of something that we cannot reproduce - we have used the previous and the latest update and the beta offering with no problems on all drivers regarding slow OS shutdown
Over the last few weeks we have had a deluge of MS OS and security updates and these have definately slowed down the shutdown of the OS
I have just done a series of shutdowns with and without Creative items in the start up menu and there is barely 1-2 seconds difference in the time - the only one we now leave unchecked is CTXfiHlp App as this has not worked fully since one of the MS downloads - this definately makes a slowdown as the activating/de-activating is held up by this now faulty app.
It happened before that an MS update has caused problems with various programs especially with drivers - as it is the drivers that can be the source of these problems.
As John states make a Restore Point then download and install the Beta and see if it does the trick - if not revert back
Remember to turn off virus and spyware before action and no other program open
jazzman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I too, have experienced long shutdowns and in some cases, slow startups, too, on machines where the recent microsoft updates have taken place.
Maybe there will be future update releases to solve that, dunno.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824 |
14 pages of complaints and the releasing of a beta driver suggest that there is definitely a problem. http://forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message?board.id=soundblaster&thread.id=142502I still think it is 64bit Vista which is particularly prone to the problem. I suppose it is possible that the MS OS updates (I got another 8 this morning!) keep making that Creative driver redundant but is definitely the driver because when I tried reverting to the old driver, the problem went away. Actually my operating system is still claiming the old driver is in place, whereas the Creative update process says the new one is in place. I am going to try the beta driver. I'll probably do it after work tonight - just in case anything critical is affected.
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,738
Posts795,599
Members39,946
| |
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