I wonder if it's an Operating System related issue.
For example, perhaps it works on Windows 7 but not on Windows 10?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
The reason I asked is because it's apparently worked for Kent, but not others.
I'm not sure how much W7 'compatibility mode' might restrict a driver installation.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I GIVE UP .... was checking (Tweaking Com's Windows repair) all windows basic installer functions and more, SFC found errors, all repaired, switched off firewalls and antivirus .... No Go, only a PDF955 shows up in Control Panel. As Kent suggested to install it from there it seemed not to be installed .... F
So PDF995 is showing up in the Control Panel, but Band-in-a-Box doesn't see it? It seems like it's partially installed then. At least part of it must be on your computer, which may be blocking reinstallations from working.
I'd try running CCleaner, and see if it still shows up in the Programs and Features list after that. This could just be a registry issue, and this could fix it.
Done all that, also shop-lifted (edited) the registry for pdf955 (or PD955 as the BIAB pop-up, see OP above) entries. Even used the paid CCleaner (pro version). I guess it has to do with some missing windows (permissions?) setting. BTW i used Tweaking.com's Windows Repair on all sorts of possible installer issues. Afraid though to turn it loose on permissions.
BUT EUREKA: Thanks Kent, you made me re-think: got it working. Switched to my Administrator account. Installed from there, running as administrator probably wasn't enough LoL. F
I've never used a non-admin account on my own computer, so that didn't even occur to me. You'll definitely want to be logged in as an administrator when installing and troubleshooting installations.
I'm pretty sure that "running as administrator" is only going to give you as many privileges as your user account allows. If your account has administrator equivalence, then running as administrator gives you full administrative access. If your account has anything less than that, you'll only get up to the max of what your account allows (just short of full administrative privilege).
I've always made my account administrator equivalent, as I'm the only one that uses the computer anyway, and I'm the guy installing all the software and updates. Perhaps a security risk, but I also have my firewall, anti-virus, and anti-malware running to help in that regard.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
In the earlier days of Windows the standard advice was to create an administrator account but also a ‘normal/limited’ account for your everyday use, and I’m talking about the situation John just mentioned where only one person uses that computer. More recently, and especially in the case of BIAB, I’ve found I might as well just log in as an administrator-level account all the time.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I've never used a non-admin account on my own computer, so that didn't even occur to me. You'll definitely want to be logged in as an administrator when installing and troubleshooting installations.
Cheers Kent PG Music
Was always warned against doing that, and subsequently had to use 'take ownership' assigning my 'adapted' user account and even use edited security settings on specific installations and editing options. Kind of habit since i started using windows (89,XP).
Now this is important (for me): do you all think i should switch to a full administrator account from now on? Never had such problems before, especially with PG stuff, 'running as administrator' was often the advice here in this forum LoL. One won't needing that anymore i understand then. My user account has been always 'set' for administrator privileges .... F
Just remember, being an administrator and running as administrator are two different things. The first is the rights you have on the computer; the second is the rights the application has on the computer. I think as long as you are prudent about how you use your computer, you should not have a problem having your regular account as administrator equivalent. I just make sure I keep anti-virus up to date, firewall on, do regular data backs, and do regular boot drive images to easily recover in the event of catastrophe.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Exactly, I run as admin at all times, but I'm also careful about where I click and what I install. When I use a limited account, my computer sometimes doesn't do what I tell it to, which I don't want when trying to work on tunes. I also keep User Account Control turned off on my home computer, but that might not be the safest thing for all users.
At the very least, I'd make sure I'm using an admin account when troubleshooting installations.
By the way, I found out about the ads in PDF995. It runs as a fully licensed version, but only when used with PG Music programs. If you use it as a PDF writer in other applications, you'll see ads and that's normal, so might want to keep another PDF writer installed for those situations.
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.
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)
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