I'll try to put in as much detail as possible. This is regarding Band in a Box 2018 I'm running a current version of Windows 10. I installed the program to the default location (C:\bb and C:\RealBand), but put the real tracks in a folder at the root level of a portable hard drive with a fixed drive letter.
After attempting to start the program, I see a splash screen followed by a full screen window that says "counting candidate plugins". Then the program freezes while stating "counting candidate plugins". The menu bar will then give a message that the program is not responding.
If I click anywhere, I get a black box in the center of the screen, which then turns to a white box. The box is in front of everything else on the screen. Eventually a dialog asks if I would like to terminate the program or wait. Regardless of what I do, I cannot end the program/process (including via the task manager). The only way to end the program is to reboot the system.
I just recently did a system reset keeping personal files and have installed no other audio/midi programs since that reset so I don't know what could be conflicting with it.
The contents of the Plugin Scan Log are as follows:
Quote:
Plugin Scan Log
Calling Windows FFilterMapper2.EnumMatchingFilters... ... Windows FFilterMapper2.EnumMatchingFilters succeeded
Counting candidate plugins in the Enum...
Two times it did start up, but without plugins and only after the program wrote the file "MaxPluginsToScan" to the c:\bb folder. This file reads only:
Quote:
Max=0
If I delete the "MaxPluginsToScan" file, then the program goes back to freezing.
I have attempted to run it as administrator. I have turned off antivirus while installing. I have reinstalled it about 6 times, but the problem is persistent.
I did find a similar issue on the forum for version 2012 here:
However, the resolution seemed to be to cripple one feature in order to fix another. Since this is six years later, I am hopeful that there is an actual fix.
I can't get a response from technical support either by email or by phone. Maybe just the holiday. Nevertheless, unless fixed, this is obviously a deal breaker. I've haven't had this severe of a problem with commercial software since Windows 95. Perhaps this was released too soon. I'm concerned about other issues that may be present in the software that I haven't even gotten to yet.
Any help would be appreciated, especially a solution. Thanks in advance.
If there is a faulty plugin, that's been known to cause software (not just BIAB) to freeze during the boot up process? Is it possible that this is the case?
Also, it's always best to use the "Run as administrator" option when starting BIAB and RB. This can be set permanently by right-clicking on the startup shortcut, selecting properties and setting the option that's found under the Compatibility tab.
I did a reset of windows so I don't believe that there are any plugins other than what BiaB installed. I've not installed any other audio software.
From poking around: In the 32-Bit programs folder, the only VSTs are the two installed by BiaB. There is no VST folder in the 64-bit programs folder. If there are other plugins, I don't know where to look.
And thank you for the advice on changing the shortcut to always run in admin mode.
Oh, and I did speak to PGMusic customer service. Apparently they received over 600 tech support emails over the holiday, which explains the delay in replies.
2. Restart the computer to guarantee that all memories are fully cleared.
Now with BIAB closed and the computer rebooted, in the folder bb\Preferences...
3. Rename INTRFACE.BBW to INTRFACE.BBW.OLD (note the spelling of 'intrface')
4. Rename MYSETUP.DK to MYSETUP.DK.OLD
Also...
5. Check if there is a "MaxPluginsToScan.txt" file in this directory or any other directory. If so, rename it to "MaxPluginsToScan.txt.old".
6. Now right-click on the BIAB shortcut and select "Run as administrator" to start BIAB.
Quote:
As a note... by renaming the files, it forces BIAB to create new ones. This is equivalent to forcing a factory reset. Also, by renaming files it makes it possible to get them back if needed.
Does this help? If not...
7. Recreate the "MaxPlugInsToScan.txt" and set it to max=0 (as you've already indicated).
8. Now, once more, right-click on the BIAB shortcut and select "Run as administrator" to start BIAB.
Thank you for taking your time to help me with this.
I made the first set of changes you suggested, adding .OLD to those three files. BIAB still crashed at the start up, but it did recreate the MaxPluginsToScan file (but not the others).
I rebooted and restarted BIAB with the newly created MaxPluginsToScan file with "Max=0". BIAB did start up so thank you.
Question: does this solve the issue or does this mean it will only run without plugins?
I did attempt to install Coyote from the help menu and then restarted BIAB. It did restart, but does not show Coyote in the VST/DX Synths/Plugins window and states that there are no DXi synths installed. Is this related or is this a separate issue?
ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE What anti-virus software do you use? I'm finding myself wondering if maybe this is impacting on the program. Norton and lately McAfee have created issues for some users.
I suggest that you exclude c:\bb and c:\Realband from being checked by your antivirus software.
QUESTION Regarding your question about plugins... I'm not sure about this but I suspect that setting max=0 in MaxPluginsToScan stops BIAB from loading any plugins. That BIAB boots up with this setting is also suggesting that there might be some faulty plugin that's failing the scanning process and causing grief.
ANOTHER LOCATION FOR VST PLUGINS Another place to look for plugins is \Steinberg - if this exists on your computer it will be off the \'program files' and \'program files x86' directories.
PLUGINSCANLOG.LOG There's a text file in \bb\Data\Logs called "PlugInScanLog.LOG". This would be worth looking at and seeing if it stops somewhere.
The below link is to my "PlugInScanLog.LOG" for comparison purposes. Note that you will not be able to use my file in place of yours because the Windows Registry addresses will be different. At the end of my file you will see that it says that 37 plugins were counted successfully. It would be interesting to know if you get something similar.
BBWERROR.LOG The text file BBWERROR.LOG is also worth having a look at. The latter entries are the most recent (if I recall correctly).
This file might give some added insight.
COYOTE WT To check if it installed, have a look under \program files(x86)\Coyote\CoyoteWT.
I find that I always prefer to install it by running the BIAB installer. To do it this way, just run the minimum install and make sure the CoyoteWT is selected.
WAS AUDIO DRIVER Under "Options | Preferences | Audio", set the driver to MME. (See the below image.)
By default, BIAB 2018 chooses WAS as the default audio driver. My experience is that BIAB is much more robust when running the the Windows MME driver.
Antivirus is Windows Defender. I had already excluded the bb and RealBand folders from scans per another forum post recommendation.
No steinberg directories appear to exist. I did find a VST folder in the C: root directory for u-he's Protoverb and Zebra2. (I don't know how they ended up there.) However, I don't think those programs are still installed because of the OS reinstall, they do not appear in "add/remove programs", and there are no .DLL files in the folder. It must just be old data.
I'm not clear on how to upload a file to the forum so I've included the contents of the PluginsToScanLog below:
Quote:
Plugin Scan Log
Calling Windows FFilterMapper2.EnumMatchingFilters... ... Windows FFilterMapper2.EnumMatchingFilters succeeded
Counting candidate plugins in the Enum... Plugin Enum Max was set by C:\bb\MaxPluginsToScan.txt ... 0 candidate plugins were counted.
If the number of plugins did not change since the last successful scan, this is an error-free end of the log.
Scanning candidate plugins...
The plugin scan apparently succeeded without fatal errors.
So that would suggest you are correct. That there is an errant plugin somewhere. But where...?
BBWERROR.LOG does not appear to exist in the bb folder.
COYOTE WT is installed under the PROGRAM FILES (X86)folder, but does not show up in BIAB, probably because it was never scanned. I attempted to rescan from VST/DX SYNTHS/PLUGINS > OPTIONS > SCAN FOR NEW DX PLUGINS but that had no effect.
Per your suggestion I did change the audio drive to MME.
Thank you again for your help.
Last edited by jireland; 01/03/1801:39 PM. Reason: Additional items added
Check that you have the latest update of BIAB installed (my apologies for not mentioning this sooner... it's ALWAYS the best starting place).
To check this, have a look under "Help | About Band In A Box". Beside 'version 2018' there will be a number in (). This is the update number. The most recent is 508.
If your version if not current, go to the below link, download the update, install it while BIAB is closed using "Run as administrator".
Thank you for your help. I have managed to find out the problem. There appears to be some sort of issue between BIAB and the Toshiba Dynadock, which is a USB hub that also has display outputs, audio in/outputs etc. When I disable the Dynadock audio, BIAB has no problem starting up and scanning plugins.
I found this out because after one of my reboots, a got a windows pop-up that said something called DIRECT SHOW crashed previously. So I started disabling hardware to troubleshoot and the Toshiba Dynadock was the culprit. If the audio adapter is disabled in the device manager, BIAB starts without issue.
Thank you for your help. I have no idea how to resolve the issue, but I have a work around.
Thanks again.
Of course, if you or anyone else has any idea how to resolve this conflict, any help would again be appreciated. But I don't use the audio part of the Dynadock so I'm not giving up much if its not possible. Take care.
Thanks for the update. That's most interesting. I haven't tried using BIAB over Dynadock but that hardware has caused me issues, from time to time, with a couple of other programs that I run.
I guess the moral of this thread is that when solving problems, it's always a good starting place to disconnect everything. Once that's done, get the program working with the computer alone and then start adding peripherals.
I've reported this thread to the developers as I'm sure it will be of interest to them.
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.
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.
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)
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!
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!
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!
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.
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