Worked on a song, saved song in a new folder. Closed BB Went to folder opened song from the new folder by clicking the BB file Song comes up with a blank chord window. Closed program. Opened BB program Chose song from file list Opens song with correct chord window Also went to file “open” and got the correct chord window.
What has happened to just clicking of the saved file in a folder? Each time I try to open a file from BB I get a new blank Chord sheet and an Untitled Song. This never happened before. What has changed? This happens now whenever I want to open any save song I have been working on.
I've just tried it and I got the same result as Richard and jpatty49.
On further investigation, though, it seems that this problem is something to do with Windows User Account Control and its subsequent computer protection (not Band In A Box). When I took that into consideration, the file opened fine.
What I did....
1. Closed BIAB.
2. Restarted BIAB in administration mode by right-clicking on the BIAB shortcut and selecting 'Run as administrator'.
3. Used CTRL+T to return to the 2016 chordsheet view.
4. When BIAB opened, I then clicked on "File | Utilities | Associate files types with Windows". (See below image.)
5. Then I closed BIAB and double-clicked on a BIAB sgu/mgu file in File Explorer. The song now opened correctly within BIAB.
Try running through the procedure that I outline above and see if that makes a difference.
Also, do you run BIAB in admin mode? (That is right-clicking on the BIAB shortcut and setting the "Properties | Compatibility" to 'Run as administrator.)
Try running through the procedure that I outline above and see if that makes a difference.
Also, do you run BIAB in admin mode? (That is right-clicking on the BIAB shortcut and setting the "Properties | Compatibility" to 'Run as administrator.)
As an experiment, try setting your BIAB startup to run in Admin mode permanently. It might be that, at the moment, after double-clicking to open a file, the program reverts to non-admin mode.
To set admin mode permanently....
1. Right-click on \bb\bbw.exe.
2. Select 'Properties'.
3. Select 'Compatibility' tab.
4. Set the option... "Run as administrator" and OK to exit.
4. When BIAB opened, I then clicked on "File | Utilities | Associate files types with Windows". (See below image.)
5. Then I closed BIAB and double-clicked on a BIAB sgu/mgu file in File Explorer. The song now opened correctly within BIAB.
Hope this helps, Noel
Thanks Noel, I was already running bbw.exe as administrator so I followed steps 4 and 5 and the song opened as expected. I restarted the computer and it still continued to work properly.
Tried all the above but mine still does not work. I'm getting an error that says it can't write to registry and something about user set to true in user account. Windows 10 won't let me change my user account to admin. When I run in admin mode it seems to allow for file association, but then does not work when I double click file.
TLMelvin, you should have been asked during the BIAB setup to associate BIAB extensions. Perhaps you did not? There is a command to do so. I don't recall the exact place - perhaps in the Options menu, or File Utilities. Find and run that, reboot, and try the double-click again.
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.
For whatever reason, it seems like whenever I associate files during the installation process, it never seems to take; however, when I do it after installation from within the program, it works fine.
That being said, Windows sometimes forgets this setting and you have to do it again. I suspect (but could be wrong) that it might happen whenever we upgrade to a new patch, as Windows probably sees the new BIAB EXE file as a different file signature.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
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!
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.
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
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.