Hi, I ended up doing a complete reinstall on my old dell which can load the complete program just to see what happens. After installing bb 2015 , sample tank etc etc , I checked to see if I was getting the error message. No I wasn't the demo song was loading perfectly. I then loaded my 49 pack and checked it again. .
Everything still worked. I then installed the complete version of the latest update, that's when I started to get the missing instrument message again. Wasn't till I did the update.
Hi Larry, Thank you for all the info, I believe I have it sorted. I finally worked out how to check where my files were. Didn't even realise what they were, until I read one of your recent posts. Lot of catching up to do. ----------
[quote=Out of Cacophony] You can help verify the lost instruments message refers to Hi-Q stuff by right clicking on the radio button of a midi track at the top of the screen; choose the 'Select Hi-Q midi synth patch' and you will get the error message in every case if the folders are a lost tribe.
Thank you, I did that, and realized my files weren't actually missing. I selected the so called missing patch and re saved the demo song. No more missing patch error. Hope this works with any others I may come across.
----------
[quote=RWilliams]I'm fairly certain it was only after I installed build 412 that I started to get this error message when I tried to use a HiQ instrument patch.
Thank you for pointing that out. I formatted my old laptop, got it working , or at least so far so good. I installed my old biab 2013 program, that particular hi q patch on the demo song wasn't missing, I then installed biab 2014 over the top, still not missing.
Installed biab 2015 still not missing, installed the 49 pack, everything still ok, installed the full update 414, the errors popped up with missing instruments, even though as it turns out , the instrument patches weren't actually missing from my files.
Anyway now I'm sorting out my new laptop, didn't want to mess around with it too much by unloading and reloading programs on a brand new laptop , just in case I messed thing up even worse.
Anyway, thank you all for your input, it's made my husband very happy that it got sorted and that he doesn't have to put up with my unhappy face. Haha
I was having the exact same issue as Floyd Jane (and others, apparently), and nothing suggested above or in all the relevant threads seemed to help. On a whim based on Andrew's post, I installed the 414 patch, and that seems to have solved it. I say "whim," because I got BB2015 on the USB drive and it has the label "UP414" pasted on it! Pretty sure I had the proper "Instruments" subfolder in the path designated in the ST prefs - the default, btw - before I ran the patch, so I'm thinking the drive was mislabeled.
Hope this saves someone else a bit of time. -Ron
Originally Posted By: Andrew - PG Music
We update some HiQ files in the BB2015 patch (this mainly fixes some small tuning issues). The HiQ instruments rely on files in the bb\DX Settings folder, and also in the IK Multimedia folder which is usually in Program Files. People who have manually copied their IK Multimedia (Instruments) folder to a different location after installing it, might end up with those files not being updated by the patch.
We'll try to make this work better in the next patch. If anyone has this problem in the meantime, you could copy the Instruments folder back to the default location (i.e. "C:\Program Files (x86)\IK Multimedia\Instruments" or "C:\Program Files (x86)\IK Multimedia\SampleTank 2.5\Instruments") then install the patch again.
"Originally Posted By: Andrew - PG Music We update some HiQ files in the BB2015 patch (this mainly fixes some small tuning issues). The HiQ instruments rely on files in the bb\DX Settings folder"
I have DX settings in drive C:\bb (screenshot 1) and drive F\bb (screenshot 2) In #1 the date is older than #2. So... should I copy from #2 (drive F - USB HD) over to replace #1 (drive C)??
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
if you installed BIAB on your C drive with new BIAB 2015 installer, maybe also ran the HI-Q set 2 installer exe file, and the current BIAB update - the .tgs files on your C drive should already have those Jun (25 and 26) 2014 dates?
The 6/26/2104 and 6/25/2014 dates are the most current - note there are 5 of the 27 "HI-Q 0nn name.tgs" files that have older dates (2012 and 2103)
=====
You don't have to worry with or mess with any of the .txt files - those two .TXT files that have same name as .tgs are
1. the descriptor you see in BIAB about the instrument, and
2. the sub-PATH descriptor, within Sampletanks' instruments folder
.../instruments/Band-in-a-Box folder
to the actual SampleTank SOUND file (the .STW file) for this BIAB HI-Q sound (those names are not same as Hi-Q name.
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/11/1504:18 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Thanks Larry for the response. BIAB is installed on Drive F (USB HD); and the min install puts a few files on Drive C <ie> DX settings (in both drives).
All patches/updates were run on drive F.
I'm gonna mull over what you said (a lot) -- at the moment I'm having a senior moment and it's not yet digested.
Thanks again.
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Well based on the "Installed on F" comment then when you run BIAB (FROM F drive, correct?) it will see and use THAT DX folder (it won;t care about the one on C:BB\DX...
Can I ask "1" more question. I get this annoying Admin msg each time I want to use ST. I did do as instructed once but it keeps coming up each time I start BIAB. This recent time I just clicked OK and ST ran as normal.
Is there a way I can prevent this each time? Screenshot provided.
Thanks for your time.
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Others can explain this better then I but you need to run BIAB and ST as ADMIN.
I ONLY run my PC's and my user accounts as full admin. I have NEVER done the "User Account Control" (UAC) , it was first thing turned off with fresh install of Win 7 - before I even installed Anti-virus.
So I have never had issues with those kinds of pop-ups. But I do see people asking about them all the time here (and at other forums).
UAC is a PITA, no matter how well intentioned it was NOT well thought out, actually I don't think the whole /Program files, Program files (x86) structure and especially the REGISTRY method introduced after Win 3.1 was well thought out either.
Good Luck larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/12/1501:20 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Larry, thanks for taking the time. I also run my PC as Full Admin. First time using a USB drive instead of C. Guess I'll have to remember to Run As Admin when I clicked on the Shortcut to BIAB (drive F).
Thanks for the assistance.
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Hi John, yep I tried that (properties), went into Security, checked and "System", "User" and "Admin" all have the same settings. But no cigar; unless I right click the shortcut and select "Run As Admin" works fine but just clicking on the shortcut doesn't work.
Thanks for responding.
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
When you right click the shortcut and open the properties window you should see three buttons at the bottom. Click the button labelled "Advanced" and then select the "Run as Administrator" checkbox.
When I first got my copy of 2015 I had all the issues everyone has even the corrupt drum files.
Sent a support inquiry, and then went to my account and re downloaded the file for the drums issue.
However, before I did that, I gutted all my old installs and ST2 because all of the fixes didn't work.
My moral of my story was, if I have a bad spark plug wire, I don't just take one off my other car to fix the problem, I take out the shed window pronto with a flying hammer, then carefully proceed to fashion a 1" thick plexy glass replacement for the next time.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean