I want to run BIAB 2023 from the external UltraPAK HD, so I did the minimal installation, opened up BIAB, then was confronted with this BIAB window:
Rebuild Style Picker and confirm RealTracks and RealDrums folder locations
Rebuilds Style List, RealTracks and RealDrums. It takes about 30 seconds.
First confirm or select the correct locations of the RealTracks and RealDrums folders
Custom RealTracks folder (instead of E:\BB\RealTracks\) [_] Use a custom folder location for RealTracks (this was checked by default, but I unchecked it)
[ C:\BB\RealTracks [Update] ]
3,718 RealTracks are found in folder E:\BB\RealTracks\
(simile for RealDrums)
[OK-Rebuild] [Close] [Cancel]
What's going on here? I was afraid of really messing something up, so I cancelled out of that window.
What's going on here? I was afraid of really messing something up, so I cancelled out of that window.
Appealing to forum members for help! I
It's normal after an update to styles and probably also if you change from c:/bb to E:/bb for BiaB to ask you to rebuild.
All it's doing is rebuilding the indices to its database to make searching quicker and collect all the style attributes.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Gordon is correct, and it is that way after each update that contains anything having to do with styles or RealTracks (and that's most of them). An alternate form of your question arises when someone questions why they seem to have the wrong number of styles.
I have suggested that the rebuild (at least the Fast one) should just be done automatically. After all, you need to do it, so why not have the update just do it when you have already decided to dedicate the time to installing an update?
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.
"First confirm or select the correct locations of the RealTracks and RealDrums folders
Custom RealTracks folder (instead of E:\BB\RealTracks\)"
Ah, I see. I believe it's offering you the option to change it from what is now it's default folder E:/bb/RealTracks. You just have to confirm that it's correct.
I'm not presently in a position to prove that I'm correct about that, but I think that's the intent. If I go to my Preferences->RealTracks I see that option and just click the 'OK' as I don't want it changed. Perhaps yours is a pop-up that asks the question?
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
If you ran the minimum installation so that BIAB runs from the hard drive (your E:\ drive, I'm guessing), then the default paths for Realtracks and Realdrums are E:\bb\Realtracks and E:\bb\Drums.
This is because the default location for drums and Realtracks is the \bb folder, whatever drive it is on.
You should not need to change any paths. Just to be certain, though...
1) Select the Realtrack preferences.
2) Activate the Custom Location checkbox (#1 on image)
3) Click on the folder (#2) and navigate to where Realtracks are stored and select that Realtracks folder.
4) Click OK and then OK (or update) again. It will take 30 seconds or so for BIAB to do its work.
Now repeat the above process for the location of the \bb\drums folder that you will be using in Realdrum preferences.
This won't wreck BIAB. If BIAB already has these locations set as defaults, then nothing will change.
Now I understand the question. I thought it was about rebuilding the styles, not where the files are installed. And now we know that the external drive is drive E.
It's been a year or so, but I did move the location of my RealDrums. As I recall, the default values are stored from the last install of BIAB (including updates) that you performed. Faced with the prompts above, since you wanted the installation to place the new files onto the PG Music USB drive, which is drive E, I would have done what you did: uncheck the Custom checkbox, then proceed.
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.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
i just got 2023. it was a doddle to install upak drive.
i used to install to other drives eg C but i dont bother anymore..i just hang the upak drive off a usb 3 port. let me say in bb i'm finding for some reason nearly instantaneous genning on my new pc. blinkin' so fast i'm stoked so far.
best.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
the default values are stored from the last install of BIAB (including updates) that you performed. Faced with the prompts above, since you wanted the installation to place the new files onto the PG Music USB drive, which is drive E, I would have done what you did: uncheck the Custom checkbox, then proceed.
OK, I will try that. I WAS going to proceed after I had unchecked the Custom Folder boxes for RTs and RDs, but just wasn't sure. But I'll go ahead now.
Gordon, yes, it was a popup that asked the question, but it indicated the default was Drive "C" (its box was checked) rather than "E." I think Matt answered that point in his post, that whatever I had before in BIAB 2022 remained the default.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean