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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 716
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 716 |
We are often encouraged to do a RTFS when BIAB has problems. Should we then run BIAB in this basic mode to see if the problem has gone away and then re-load our preferences one at a time including midi/audio driver setup, to continue the investigation? Personally I cannot remember all my preferences many of which I established years ago or where to find then in the miriad of BIAB menus so I simply re-load my preferences file, but perhaps this defeats the purpose of RTFS?
Tony
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,744
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At such time as BIAB is working without crashes or errors, save your preferences.
Options | Save Preferences As...
When BIAB has issues and a RTFS is called for, after completing the RTFS, reload the known good Preferences from the Open Preferences file.
Options | Open Preferences File...
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,293
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,293 |
Tony, good question.
I used to keep a written record of each custom setting I made in BIAB. I don't do that any more, for two reasons: one, I almost never have to do the RTFS, and two, I change very few settings now.
I wouldn't describe it as "basic mode". The default values are just as effective in most uses.
Charlie told you, you can Save your preferences when things are going well and that's a good idea for anyone. Then when you do the RTFS, you can load them back afterward. As for the MIDI/audio drivers, when you do RTFS you can choose the MOST option, which leaves your MIDI and audio drivers intact. Most people can set these once and leave them anyway.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,722
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,722 |
I do the same as Charlie has described.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,622
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,622 |
For years I generally had NO custom settings except for one or two. So no big deal if everything went to default. So I never took the time to save options. Only recently in the past months have I begun to customize the preferences.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275
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Joined: Jul 2000
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You may simulate a factory reset simply via placing some file named 'safemode.txt' in the bb\preferences folder. The content of this file is irrelevant. You may return to normal operations by simply renaming this file to something other than 'safemode.txt' . . .
Martin
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 716
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 716 |
so I simply re-load my preferences file
Tony This wasn't a question about how to save and re-load preferences because, as you can seen from my original post, I know how to do this. The suggestion to RTFS isn't as simple as it sounds - what do you do next? It could be that the problem is actually related to one of the preferences so simply re-loading all of them won't help. Or perhaps RTFS is like re-booting the program in which case one's preferences may be irrelevent. I just think that a suggestion to RTFS needs further instruction, particularly for beginners. Tony
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,622
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I just think that a suggestion to RTFS needs further instruction, particularly for beginners.
Tony Point well taken. Here is the back story for what it's worth. The reason "RTFS" is often provided is that it is the recommended course of action so often. Literally, when BIAB goes something unexpected, RTFS is more times than not the correct action followed only by re-boot. Some of the guys here have saved "canned" responses for RTFS. These will often contain a detailed description of the impact and consequences of a RTFS. They will often include options for files to rename or delete. Exactly as you suggest. On the other-hand, those of us who are not so well setup, still see it of some value to just quickly point the beginner in the right direction. And about losing preference settings? It is very unlikely that a setting in your preferences is the cause of the error. After all, what other software do you use which has a reset button to get it working? 
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,903
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,903 |
The history behind Return To Factory Settings, or RTFS, may prove useful.
Whenever the program adds an additional feature the fact that the program does not use the Windows registry can adversely affect program stability. Each new feature can have unintended consequences on program operation. Historically there will be periods of relative stability and other times when the program is not as stable.
I should remind you, PG Music has good reasons for not using the Windows Registry. Because the program is not registered, the program can run on Windows XP up to Windows 10. The program can be used on multiple computers.
Since BiaB does not use the Windows registry the program must internally keep track of many of the details that Windows normally keeps track of. So BiaB is always busy in the background keeping track of details. It also means the background details can become corrupted.
Much of the background details are maintained in three files located in the bb/Preferences folder. When you initiate a RTFS command those three files are erased and then rebuilt by the program. I wish I could tell you the names of the three files but I don't remember all three. The one I do remember is "intrface.bbw" (note the weird spelling).
Band-in-a-Box did not always have a RTFS command. In fact the command is a relatively recent addition to BiaB. Before the command a user would manually delete the files as needed. Once the files are deleted the next time the program is opened, the program recognizes the files are missing and creates new files using the factory defaults. RTFS was added as an aid to prevent users from accidentally deleting the wrong files.
When the program starts acting strange, there is a pretty good chance one of the three files have become corrupted. When that is the case, the easiest way to get the program to act normal again is to perform a RTFS. That's why you see it suggested so much.
That brings up another issue, how can you be sure RTFS will solve your issue? What if RTFS doesn't work? Then you have the issue AND have to restore your preferences; which may introduce another issue by accident. PG Music recently introduced a new troubleshooting tool users can utilize, the "safemode.txt" file.
Use Windows Notepad or another text editor to create an EMPTY file labeled "safemode.txt" (without the quotes). Place the empty safemode.txt file in the bb/Preferences folder. The next time BiaB opens the splash screen will have "SAFEMODE" in red and the program opens with factory defaults. BiaB will ignore the three files normally used while opening until safemode.txt is removed from the Preferences folder.
So if you use safemode.txt and the issue remains, then RTFS will not help you. But, if you use safemode.txt and the issue disappears then RTFS will solve your issue.
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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.
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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!
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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 Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
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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!
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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