|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 11 |
Hi everybody.
I have the 2020 BIAB hdd and am using the split system, running BIAB from the C drive, and accessing the sounds from the hdd. I'm on Windows 7. I haven't used the program much, so still very much a beginner, have barely used it since I got the hard drive, and I haven't used it at all in a couple of years.
My question is, the HDD is seen by Windows as an unremovable drive (U - I don't remember now if it came that way, with the letter U assigned, or if I did that myself). It's listed as Disk 1, under Disk 0 (which is the OS on C: drive) in Computer Management.
Because it's "not removable" I can't use the Safely Remove and Eject. When I try, tt always says "Windows can't stop your 'Generic Volume' device because a program is still using it ..." Of course there's nothing open.
After several hours of google research, I understand now that it's because an HDD is not seen as removable, but treated like an internal hard drive, even though it's USB. I've read in multiple places that this is not changeable. (A few rabbit trails, indicating it is, lead to not so good results, super old info, etc.)
Apparently the only way to safely remove the HDD is shutting down the computer and then unplugging it. But I normally leave my Windows 7 desktop running or in standby. I rarely turn it off.
I don't want the HDD to be constantly plugged in, as I'm not going to be using it very often. I'm extremely leary of just unplugging it anyway, in spite of the "warning" because I've been down that road before.
Some years ago, I had lots of pics on a Passport HDD that got corrupted by doing that. It came up as "RAW - 0 bytes" in windows and wasn't readable. I was able to use some data recovery tool to save most of the pics and save them to a new HDD, but was a huge PITA, and no filenames are preserved. Don't want to repeat that.
What does everybody else who bought a BIAB hard drive do?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,595
PG Music Staff
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,595 |
My question is, the HDD is seen by Windows as an unremovable drive (U - I don't remember now if it came that way, with the letter U assigned, or if I did that myself). It's listed as Disk 1, under Disk 0 (which is the OS on C: drive) in Computer Management. I don't think your disk is non-removable. I think you probably assigned the disk the letter U at some point. This is a trick that some people use with external hard disks to force them to have the same letter when you disconnect and reconnect them. This way, a file can always be accessed using the same path, like U:\bb\bbw64.exe, instead of G:\bb\bbw64.exe one day and H:\bb\bbw64.exe the next. If you assign a high drive letter, windows is less likely to change it the next time you plug the drive in, even if you've been plugging in other devices in the mean-time. Right-click on the Windows flag / 'start menu' and click Disk Management, and you can then right-click on your external hard disk and 'change drive letter / path'. Windows being unable to eject your disk 'because there is a program using it' is a very common problem. Even if you don't have any Explorer windows open, and there doesn't appear to be any visible program running, there might be some background process using the drive - for example an antivirus program running a scan among a long list of other techy things. This is something that I think improved in Windows 10. Typically, Windows will now usually give the "ok" to eject a device on the second try even if it fails on the first - not sure of the reason behind that.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,665
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,665 |
Personally, I would not leave the computer running all the time. Shutting it off lets it cool off and rest, and clears the cashe from it's day to day business of record keeping.
I run an older machine with XP Pro 32 and have it set up in the way you describe but without the designated drive number. Since the computer is always run with the same stuff connected and I occasionally pop in a USB thumb drive..... nothing ever changes with the HDD for PG. It always appears as the same drive number/letter.
I have also disconnected the HDD with the machine running and there were no issues.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 11 |
Hi - thanks for taking the time to answer. Yes, you are right. I'm pretty sure I probably set the drive letter, so that BIAB could find the files every time. It was awhile back so my memory is fuzzy, but I think at the time, I was working on pictures on another external drive, so wanted each to maintain its own letter. I'm not sure if I should try to change it back at this point. I don't want to have to change the prefs in BIAB to tell it where to find the real tracks, every time the computer auto-assigns a different letter each time I plug it in.
From my research online, it seems a lot of folks are having the issue that these days external hard drives being seen as "non-removable" anyway, even if they didn't assign a letter, as opposed to flash drives. As I said, I'm a bit nervous about it, since windows corrupted one of my eternal drives before. I was just curious how others who are using the BIAB drive are handling this. I know some people run the BIAB program from their external drive. I'm curious about others who have the program on C drive and keeping the real tracks on the BIAB hard drive.
Thanks again for your response. It's one of the things that makes the BIAB forums so great.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 436
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 436 |
As an aside, there are two kinds of caching: read caching and write caching. The one that can really cause problems is write caching. Things can get scrambled if something is written to the write cache but not committed to the drive.
Anyone remember MS-DOS v4? That piece of software junk not only introduced write caching, it turned it on by default. Lots of peeps who upgraded to DOS 4 got corrupted DBase III databases after that, when they just powered down their PC without flushing the write cache first. Mickeysoft added that feature and didn't really publicize it. But turning it on by default? Super bad idea. I was running real-time SCADA (supervisory control) databases and customers were upgrading their DOS from v3 to v4 and getting corrupted databases. That one took me awhile to figure out. I kept shipping DOS 3.3 until DOS 5 was released. DOS 4 sucked big time.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra
Bitwig Studio 6; Studio One Pro 7; Melodyne Studio 5; Acoustica Premium 7
Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,384
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,384 |
As I said, I'm a bit nervous about it, since windows corrupted one of my eternal drives before. As far as losing stuff with a bad drive eject - Personally, I keep all my RT/RD stuff an a drive separate from C: I use a separate internal drive, so my answer may be a little different than your question.. but same principle applies That way the original drive is left intact and not used unless needed for a catastrophic restore situation (which I have been lucky not to have to do so far). Same thing could be done with a second USB external drive .. copy what you need to that and use it as needed, but keep an original copy on-hand Of course, all your original RTs are safely in your account at PGMusic, so if it *really came down to it you could re-download everything, but that would be quite time-consuming in a pinch.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 20 |
"Windows can't stop your 'Generic Volume' device because a program is still using it...
The problem you mention has happened to me a few times, especially when I delete things from that drive and then do not delete it from the recycle bin.
Maybe that's what's happening to you. Before unplugging the drive delete the contents of the recycle bin if you have sent something there. since I do it always lets me disconnect safely.
Greetings
Last edited by Gsus; 07/06/22 02:13 PM.
To the one who gets up early, nobody makes him breakfast.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,989
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,989 |
Harddrives are also safe to remove while the computer is completely turned off, so that is an option as well.
Cheers,
Ember
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
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!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
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 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,311
Posts790,841
Members39,856
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean