Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#49555 12/14/09 09:11 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
K
Keebo Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
K
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
I received my USB UltraPlusPak HD today and installed it with only a minor glitch. XP automatically installed the drivers OK but the autoplay never came up so I went into explorer to view the contents of the drive but it was empty. I "safely removed the hardware" and re-inserted it and then all was fine. I decided to use option one to run from the HD for now.

Later tonight I restarted the pc the way I left it and again the drive was listed as the same volume but was empty as was noted by the non-associated desktop shortcut icons. I removed and inserted the HD several times (using both cable plugs in case of low power) but to no avail. I tried reversing the cable plugs (I'm using the two front USB ports until my two 7 port USB powered hubs come in) and then 2010 came to life. The shortcut icons are still not associated with anything but they do connect.

I have never used a USB drive before and figured there might be issues as far as my luck goes. I have a 1 terabyte USB drive coming as well and I hope that doesn't do the same thing. I suppose I will end up thinning out my two smallish internal drives by transferring files to the tera drive and installing all of BIAB onto one of the internals.

Is anyone having an issue like this? Is this something that I will have to fiddle with even with the hubs?

Thanks.

Oh, and BTW, I thoroughly enjoyed some of the new features of BIAB that I had time for. I was very glad to see a lot more realtracks and especially soloists that I now have compared to the 2009.5 MegaPak. I am looking forward to spending a lot of time with this. Thanks, PGMusic!


See Personal Bio for system setup

My SoundClick Page
Keebo #49556 12/14/09 09:18 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
The same exact symptoms happened to me suddenly with the USB drive that shipped with BB2008.

I carefully opened the USB case using s tiny jewler's screwdriver to push in the little lockpins on either side, unhooked the connection to the actual laptop drive inside and then re-attached it. Reassembled the case and the thing has been doing fine ever since.

I think the internal connection to the drive had come a little loose in shipping.

The reason I did the disconnect/reconnect rather than just push it back on was to make sure that all the contacts were aligned properly and also because the mechanical action of removing and re-inserting would wipe any possible dirt or corrosion off of the pins.

That was back at the beginning of 2009 and that USB drive has functioned first time every time ever since.


--Mac

Mac #49557 12/14/09 09:23 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
K
Keebo Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
K
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Thank you, Mac. I will give that a try.

Does the orientation of the drive matter? I'm not really sure which is the top or bottom since BIAB is scribed on both sides.


See Personal Bio for system setup

My SoundClick Page
Keebo #49558 12/14/09 09:26 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
I don't think orientation of the drive would be a concern.

Just observe Mac's Rule #1 for Gettin' Inside:

Rule number one is: If it doesn't move, don't force it! Relax, study it, find out the trick that allows things to work. Don't get frustrated. If you can't get it open, put it aside. Ask someone who does that kind of thing if all else fails.


--Mac

Mac #49559 12/14/09 09:31 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
K
Keebo Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
K
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Will do. I appreciate all of your help.


See Personal Bio for system setup

My SoundClick Page
Keebo #49560 12/15/09 12:55 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,828
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,828
Hi keebo,

I think it's a power supply issue, Mac's suggestion is a possibility as well. If you have a bunch of other USB devices, and you're using ports on the front of your computer or a hub, you could see symptoms like that. To confirm if it's a power issue, you could plug it in directly into a port on the back of your computer or temporarily remove some of the other devices. Your self-powered USB hub would solve this. The 1.5 TB drives aren't USB powered so you wouldn't see the same issue with those.


Andrew
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
I found out all usb cables are not made equal. I have some that will not charge my blackberry, the same ones will not run the drive. The make of the cable is suspect here.

I have gone through the about 30 usb cables I have and there's one long one that's thick and it runs the drive or powers my blackberry. Even the Y cable that came with the last drive I got will NOT charge the blackberry with both USB ends plugged into the computer.


John Conley
Musica est vita
John Conley #49562 12/15/09 07:19 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
E
Expert
Offline
Expert
E
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Hi John,

Good point, as I noticed the same thing. BUT.....I have not determined what make or model of cable. Would you be so kind as to tell me what model cable you have?

Ed

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
I actually have no idea. I just grabbed the one that looked the biggest, most robust. Seems everything I buy has a mini usb to usb cable. Once it works I don't mess with it.

Maybe an issue someone might want to tackle with a meter. And then the unknowns of which usb plug on the computer is 'better'. I'll take the one off the drive and try my blackberry on the Acer. It only has 2 ports and works fine with the harddrive but the blackberry says not sufficient power to charge, so it needs the most juice, or more than the external hard drive.

Weird thing is it might just be me but I've a silver 12v cigarette lighter to 120v converter in the car, and plugging my blackberry charger into that seems to work twice as fast as plugging the same thing into the wall. Maybe I should put the meter on that....


John Conley
Musica est vita
John Conley #49564 12/15/09 10:26 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
B
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
B
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Are you having usb issues on a laptop running off of battery, ac power or a desktop? It shouldn't make much difference but it might. There was also a post here some time ago about a setting in device manager that had to do with usb going into power saving mode.
Good luck.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
K
Keebo Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
K
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Quote:

Hi keebo,

I think it's a power supply issue, Mac's suggestion is a possibility as well. If you have a bunch of other USB devices, and you're using ports on the front of your computer or a hub, you could see symptoms like that. To confirm if it's a power issue, you could plug it in directly into a port on the back of your computer or temporarily remove some of the other devices. Your self-powered USB hub would solve this. The 1.5 TB drives aren't USB powered so you wouldn't see the same issue with those.




Hi Andrew,

I took it apart but the connection seemed fine. I gently removed and reinserted the connector a few times in case of debris or what not. I'm working a 48 shift right now so I will see what happens on Thursday.

I was going to try plugging it in the back of the PC but it was late and crawling under my studio table in the dark amongst a myriad of wires, cable components, etc. is not a task I take lightly. That is the reason I have a audio patchbay, a 48 switch MIDI switcher, and the two new USB hubs that are on their way hopefully soon.

I think I may not have been clear on my 1 terabyte HD. I ordered the Iomega Prestige 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive as a backup device, not one from PGMusic.

Thanks for your reply.


See Personal Bio for system setup

My SoundClick Page
Keebo #49566 12/15/09 03:12 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
You can also pick up USB extension cables that will route from back of PC to front, where you can plug and unplug devices without the hassle.

At that point I'd likely go with a powered USB Hub and connect it at the back one time, though.

--Mac

Mac #49567 12/15/09 03:43 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
just FYI, I tried using my USB powered hub and it did not work (it works for other things, tho, just not the BIAB HD). I had to plug mine into the rear ports of the computer.

Beagle #49568 12/15/09 03:46 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
I guess not all hubs are created equal either, then.

Mac #49569 12/15/09 03:53 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
K
Keebo Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
K
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Beagle,

Was your powered hub connected to the rear of your PC when you tried the BIAB HD? Not that it should matter but I was just curious.


See Personal Bio for system setup

My SoundClick Page
Keebo #49570 12/15/09 04:01 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
yes, it's connected to the rear. FWIW, none of my USB hard drives (I have 3 total including the BIAB one) will work in the powered hub, but pretty much everything else will. I might need a better powered USB hub!

Beagle #49571 12/15/09 05:20 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
K
Keebo Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
K
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Ouch!

I have never used a USB hub before so I may have purchased a dud. The reviews were swell for whatever that is worth. I don't recall the model off hand.

I am getting tired of swapping things out now that I have accumulated several USB related items. Where is the joy when it becomes hassle?

Hopefully I can find something that works. And I hope you do too Beagle.


See Personal Bio for system setup

My SoundClick Page
Keebo #49572 12/15/09 07:33 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
I just have to have all of my USB hard drives plugged directly into ports in the back of the computer. I have 4 ports in the rear and I have 3 USB hard drives. I plug the USB drives in the rear and also the USB hub in the rear for everything else. I don't use the front ones. it works for now until I needs something else to plug in that won't work on the hub!

Beagle #49573 12/15/09 08:58 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
K
Keebo Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
K
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
I think I only have two in the back and two in the front. My plan was to hook the hubs to back and leave them out of the way with everything plugged in. I would have then used the two front sockets for things that don't stay hooked up like memory sticks, iPod, camera, etc.

It looks like it will be experimental experience when all is said and done. At least it is a lot better than dealing with 5.25" disks :-) .


See Personal Bio for system setup

My SoundClick Page
Mac #49574 12/16/09 10:26 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11
J
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
J
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11
Mac, a reply here is as good a place as any. I've searched 30 pages of threads looking for the thread where it was recommended that a powered USB be used for the USB hard drive upgrade to BIAB 2010, but I didn't find it. I noted several users having trouble with USB in general and hubs in particular. I also noted user reviews of powered USB hubs at Amazon, saying that particular hubs didn't work for USB drives or drives that don't have their own power (require USB power). I see that a number of these are in the hi-$20s - mid-$30s price range.

Can you or anyone recommend one or several that have worked successfully? is this the right price range to be searching? I'm ready to order my 2010 upgrade, but I want the right hub to connect it when it comes. I'd appreciate any comments on this. Thanks,

Joe

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

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.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!

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.

Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

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.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,222
Posts802,059
Members40,070
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Orchestr8, dimtass, Quamido Pirendo, Allan63, isledge
40,070 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 126
zedd 110
DC Ron 93
rsdean 87
Noel96 76
Today's Birthdays
flashlarue, gary133, kirbonite
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5