A - Launching BIAB I get this notice: "Windows Audio Session Error: Could not select the default input device. The error number is -9985"
This means Band-in-a-Box (BiaB) does not like the selected default audio driver. Select Ctrl+E to open Preferences then select the "Audio" button. Change the "Audio Driver Type" to something different. Save, exit the program then open it again. I normally start with the Audio Driver Type set to MME as that seems to be the most stable selection.
B - Launching RealBand I got 2 popup screens on the first RB launch.
I was unprepared and clicked "X" for each of the popup's. Should have hit the screen capture key for each but in the confusion I failed to do so.
Now I can't get them back to see what info they nee
and
Question 1: How can I get the 2 initial setup screens back for RealBand?
Don't know what to suggest so I'll pass.
Question 2: Should I have my M-Audio Axiom 49 controller connected and its driver installed before I launch either BIAB or RB?
Yes. The computer has to see an external device to attached and active before Band-in-a-Box (BiaB) or RealBand (RB) can see it. This is true for most programs that I'm familiar with.
Question 3: (Off topic maybe) The CD that came with the Axiom 49 is very old (way before Win 10) so I'm guessing I need a new driver for the controller. M-Audio does not list one for the original Axiom 49. Does anyone have any idea where I can get a driver for the old M-Audio Axiom 49?
There is no M-Audio Axiom 49 Windows 10 driver. If you plug it into a USB port and the computer says something like "Installing M-Audio Axiom 49" then BiaB and RB should list it as a MIDI driver. But, if you plug the USB connector in and the device is not recognized by your computer you're out-of-luck.