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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 27
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 27 |
I have researched this and I have actually done it in the past, but since I have a new (updated) 2022 version and I found some conflicting information, I wanted to check here before I go ahead.
Question: I have BIAB installed on my main Desktop computer. I want to move the entirety of the BIAB properties (BIAB, BIAB Megapack, 2022 Bonus 49 pak, Jazz Guitar Masterclass and RealBand, henceforth known as "*BIAB*") moved from my C: driver to an internal 8GB hard drive I just purchased (X Drive).
Should I:
1) Just get the folders and move them to the new drive by cut/paste (For the record, I did this in the past without issues, aside from having to remap a couple of things in the preferences)?
2) Uninstall *BIAB* and then reinstall in the X drive?
If #2 is the best option, what's the best procedure? Uninstall everything and start from scratch? Is there going to be an issue with validating my copy or is it going to use one of my 3 validations (I have *BIAB* in my music Laptop, but I wanted to use my third license for another laptop I have in case I need to travel. My music laptop is larger and more difficult to carry).
Additionally, should I uninstall *BIAB* from the Windows Remove programs interface or is there a trick I can use with the "Band in a Box Install Manager"? I don't see anything other than the ability to install, but maybe I missed something?
I don't really use RealBand, but just in case, is it installed together with BIAB or is it a separate download? I don't see it mentioned in the install manager.
Thank you for your help.
Last edited by conticreative; 10/04/22 03:22 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
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I recently copied C:\bb to E:\bb without issue (except it took a long time).
After the copy was completed successfully, I then deleted C:\bb.
I set the existing desktop shortcut to run the program from the new drive.
I checked Options > Preferences > RealTracks and RealDrums to make sure the folders were pointing to the new drive location.
I didn't find any other issues. Everything just worked in my experience.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
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#1 used to work by itself. but now you need to do a minimal install of BIAB in the new position. Then move (copy, test, delete) your other files. However, since this is an internal drive on the same computer, the copy may work as long as you go into Preferences, RealTracks and change their location. Same for RealDrums.
#2, the important first step is to deactivate the copy of BIAB. Then when you reinstall, you don’t lose an activation.
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: Jan 2017
Posts: 27
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OP
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Posts: 27 |
Thank you both. I did not delete the download files from the installer, so I can just go ahead and install on my X drive. I'll first do an inventory of all my installation, from my old 2017 version to the new ones I just purchased to make sure I didn't forget anything.
I opened the program manager in windows (Apps and Features) and I realized that none of the BIAB apps are listed there.
All I could find listed (searching under "band", BIAB, box) were:
Band-in-a-Box DAW Plugin 4.5.33
Band-in-a-Box Download and Install Manager 1.0.48
I don't need to uninstall either of those but it means that once I installed BIAB on my X drive all I have to do is delete the BIAB and the "RealBand" folder?
Seems way too reasonable compared to other windows programs.
As I mentioned, I don't really use "Realband". I am fluent with Cakewalk, Studio One, Mixcraft and a smattering of other DAWs (Mixcraft pro was a gift from my wife, but I found it very useful for some specific features other DAWs don't share), but I never clicked with Realband. I had issues with making my soundcard work with it, but then again that's par for the course with any DAW on windows. I guess part of it is the interface. It takes me back to 1994 when I started messing around with BIAB (or was it 1992? Who knows?)
Anyway, it looks like I can start installing on my X drive, I'll run a sync script I have to make sure I don't leave behind any files I have created in the meantime and then I'll delete the C:\bb and C:\RealBand folders.
Does it sound like a plan?
Last edited by conticreative; 10/04/22 04:16 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448
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I would first deactivate your existing activation, and test the new installation before deleting anything, but yes, this should work and then activate again. The BIAB app is mostly in /BB but there are a few things (some you’ve identified) where I’m not sure if the file location is embedded. If you encounter any trouble, worst case is do a minimal reinstall, then reactivate within 30 days.
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: Jan 2017
Posts: 27
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 27 |
So far so good. Since my X drive is gynormous, I backed up my C:\bb and C:\RealBand folders in a subdirectory (unimaginetevely called x:\22-10-04-biab-bak) and I placed the originals into the trash, without emptying it yet.
It seems to work. Under help I still see the "Deactivate Band in a Box" message, which tells me my activation crossed over.
The only thing I had to do, was to change the originating folder in my start menu takes me to the correct file.
All in all, pretty painless. I wish I could say the same about other areas of BIAB. As much I have loved this program for half my life, there are things that still befuddle me. I wish I had the money to upgrade to the full version (or rather, I wish I could make a strong case to myself and my wife as to why dropping $500 makes sense) as every song I compose seems to need a style I don't own.
I know why they don't sell styles individually, but I wish they did.
Thanks again. If anything bad happens, I'll update the post, but it looks like things are going well.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,022
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Thanks for the feedback. It seems to work. Under help I still see the "Deactivate Band in a Box" message, which tells me my activation crossed over. Yes, the license is not stored in the \bb folder so it is actually not affected by the move. Your installation should have remained activated. Of course, moving BiaB to another computer would have been completely different and definitely required you to migrate the license.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,673
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,673 |
It looks like it all worked out. Just to summarize
Copying BIAB from one drive to another drive on the same computer
- Activation is 'per computer' so will not be affected.
- You can simply copy the bb folder from the source to target drive.
- When that's finished, you should run the main BIAB program installer, and select your new folder. Not required but will make sure that everything is lined up. (desktop shortcuts, RealBand, etc.)
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448
Veteran
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Veteran
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Thanks, Andrew. I was being cautious about the activation.
Since this question arises every so often, would it make sense to have a FAQ for it?
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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