Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
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 Offline
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
Offline
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 laugh --=--
You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486
Expert
Offline
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 Offline
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
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
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: 12,772
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
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 8TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA

BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486
Expert
Offline
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
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
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 Offline
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=142502

I 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."
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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 Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,311
Posts790,808
Members39,855
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
gim77, StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo, Minstrel
39,855 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 332
MarioD 223
DrDan 213
Noel96 161
DC Ron 146
Rob Helms 127
Today's Birthdays
Country Fever, EddieP.Morrison, Mariothegreat
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5