|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114 |
Hi all
Looking for some guidance from you knowledgeable members.
As suggested by many of you I always make a complete usb HD copy of my entire C:’/ B B folder and also my C:/ realband folder for emergency or possibly move to another pc.
My question is as there are often update patches to apply during the year, and these are stand alone exe files that do the update, do they when run mess with any of the files in the :C:/BB FOLDER. Making it necessary to make a new back up.
Or can I safely do it once fairly soon after my yearly upgrade and not again till the years updates stop coming in towards the end of the year.
I do of course keep a back up of my separate biab patch downloads at least the last 3
The C:/bb folder is quite big 103g 126,438 files 5,609 folders so can take some time and I would not want to do it on a monthly or more often patch basis if this is not necessary
Your advice appreciated
Mike
BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,820
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,820 |
When you run any patch update, it affects the contents of the BB folder, any subfolders, and possibly the RealTracks and Drums folder.
To do my backups, I use a Windows command line utility called Robocopy (which I embed in a batch file). It lets me copy only new or changed files to my backup drive, so it's pretty fast. (External USB drives are not very expensive).
I've been using this technique for many years and it has saved my butt a few times and has eased moving BIAB to a different computer, with all my preferences intact.
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 2017
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 68 |
I use Directory Opus as an alternative to Windows Explorer. It has similar features to Robocopy in that you can just sync your local drive or folders to your backup device and it will only copy newer or altered files to the backup. It does a Compare between your day-to-day drives and your backup and thus is pretty quick to just update the newer files.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,405
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,405 |
I use Microsoft's SyncToy (it's free) to keep my back-ups synchronised. It only adds new files or those that have changed... very efficient.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,820
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,820 |
I wouldn't be surprised if SyncToy actually ran robocopy in the background (since they are both from Microsoft).
Not that I use them all, Robocopy gives me a whole lot of options when backing up data. And I'm an old DOS-Head anyway, so going to the command line is not a problem. I've written some pretty convoluted batch files (and in a past life, I had to write some pretty detailed Novell Netware login scripts to support multiple business units sharing the same networking resources), so that doesn't bother me. I get that it's Greek to a lot of folks.
But you definitely want a utility that just copies the differential (new/changed), and as an option, deletes the files on the destination that are no longer valid, in order to mirror your backup target to the source content. It definitely saves a lot of time.
I lost one of my drives recently and was back up and running in no time (well, except it did take quite awhile to copy all the data from a USB2 external drive back to the new hard drive).
And while we are on the subject, don't forget an imaging solution for your boot drive. I have lost my boot drive before, and was back up and running on a new drive in about an hour as if nothing had happened. That versus re-installing the OS, all the applications, all the custom configuration, all the authorization/authentication, etc. It is definitely worth the cost of an external drive and an imaging application (I use Acronis True Image, but there are free ones available). When I managed a computer lab working at the Federal Aviation Administration, we imaged all our Windows servers using the free G4L (basically Ghost For Linux). Never had a problem with it and it also worked over the network. But the interface might scare some people off, even though for us it was rock solid.
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: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,147
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,147 |
Interesting thread.
I have a few backups of biab on two PG drives and each yaar I just install the latest version of biab on each + the latest realtracks etc.
Then a few times throughout the year I might add the latest biab update patches,and to realband as well.
So its interesting that both Noel and John are using Robocopy and SyncToy.
Just wondering (without trying to hijack Mike's thread) are these utilities a lot faster than just doing a straight copy of the whole biab folder from one drive to the backup, or a lot faster than just installing the latest upgrades each year and doing the subsequent update patches?
Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 05/08/17 11:47 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,731
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,731 |
Hi all
Looking for some guidance from you knowledgeable members.
As suggested by many of you I always make a complete usb HD copy of my entire C:’/ B B folder and also my C:/ realband folder for emergency or possibly move to another pc.
My question is as there are often update patches to apply during the year, and these are stand alone exe files that do the update, do they when run mess with any of the files in the :C:/BB FOLDER. Making it necessary to make a new back up.
Or can I safely do it once fairly soon after my yearly upgrade and not again till the years updates stop coming in towards the end of the year.
I do of course keep a back up of my separate biab patch downloads at least the last 3
The C:/bb folder is quite big 103g 126,438 files 5,609 folders so can take some time and I would not want to do it on a monthly or more often patch basis if this is not necessary
Your advice appreciated
Mike
dang... using commas would have made that easier to understand.... (the bold part in the OP) I run my BB/RB from the factory HD. if it fails, which it never has, I would call PG and see what they could help me do. The only thing I backup is my work folders and projects. I keep the most current year on the C drive and move them to the storage drive and backup drive as they age out. I've never had any issues with anything not working properly after the updates and bug fixes. Regarding such things..... you only need to do those updates if you are having issues that need resolution.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,804
Posts796,401
Members39,960
| |
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