Band-in-a-Box Pro 2024. Fresh install on Windows 11.
Every time I start BIAB, I get an access violation in bbw64.exe. NONAME.SGU is in the title bar.
BIAB seems to work after the crash, but just ignoring this serious problem doesn't seem right.
Any suggestions ?
You should definitely send the error log report to PG Music as suggested. An Access Violation is a serious unhandled error, and should be managed effectively by the program.
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.
1. Make sure Band-in-a-Box is not running 2. In the Preferences sub-folder, create a file named safemode.txt It can be an empty file, it's only the file name that's important. 3. Start Band-in-a-Box. You will see a text message confirming that it is in "safe mode". 4. This forces the program to start using factory settings. 5. Test to see if the problem still occurs using this method. 6. Afterwards, you can close Band-in-a-Box and delete or rename the file.
This method means that you won't have made any changes to your overall settings.
(Also, welcome to the forums)
Last edited by AudioTrack; 05/07/2401:27 AM.
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.
I just started getting this same error. None of the things PG support asked me to try had any effect. I still get the error.
I'm on the latest version of Win11 Pro.
Question to those of you also experiencing this access violation: are you on the latest version of Win11? Is it possible that a recent Windows update is responsible?
I don't mean to suggest that I'm happy about the situation, but I'm happy that I'm not the only one. That tells me that there's a real problem.
Now, after doing a full reset to factory defaults, I've got to try to remember how I got my BiaB UI set up the way I did. Sigh.
Last edited by TheMaartian; 05/10/2410:23 PM.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra Bitwig Studio 6; Studio Pro 8; Melodyne Studio 5; Tonalic Studio 1; Acoustica Premium 7 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
It's absolutely a minor problem. I don't even report it.
2024 Crash on Startup is a minor problem? How so?
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.
Here are some thoughts that occurred to me as I read your post.
Where have you installed BIAB. Is it in C:\Program Files" by any chance? If it is, this is not a good location for the program.
Also, it would be worthwhile right-clicking on the shortcut and then choose "Run as administrator" when you start it to see if that makes a difference.
Lastly... Go to \bb\Prefences and rename intrface.bbw to intrface.bbw.old and MySetup.DK to MySetup.DK.old ... Doing this forces BIAB to create new versions of these start-up files. If that doesn't solve the problem, you can always go to \bb\Preferences and delete the new versions of these files and return to the old versions by removing the .old from the extension.
If any program my company developed crashed with an A/V after first startup, I would make it a priority to resolve and fix. Others may have a different approach, but that's what I would do, without exception.
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.
I just started getting this same error. None of the things PG support asked me to try had any effect. I still get the error.
I'm on the latest version of Win11 Pro.
Question to those of you also experiencing this access violation: are you on the latest version of Win11?
I'm using Windows 11 Home version 23H2 build 22631.3447.
Originally Posted by Noel96
Where have you installed BIAB. Is it in C:\Program Files" by any chance? If it is, this is not a good location for the program.
It's in C:\Band-in-a-Box Except one folder, which I didn't choose : C:\Program Files\PG Music Inc\Band-in-a-Box Sounds
Why would Program Files be a bad location for a program ? That's where programs are supposed to be installed, and it has been for almost 30 years.
Originally Posted by Noel96
Also, it would be worthwhile right-clicking on the shortcut and then choose "Run as administrator" when you start it to see if that makes a difference.
[...] rename intrface.bbw to intrface.bbw.old and MySetup.DK to MySetup.DK.old [...]
PG Support told me to do that and to Reset to factory defaults, it didn't help.
Originally Posted by MoultiPass
If Biab works it's a minor problem.
If a program causes an access violation, it doesn't work. It is not a minor problem, it's a major problem. Anything the program does after the crash is Undefined behavior. This is particularly risky in a program that uses plugins from unknown publishers.
Why would Program Files be a bad location for a program ? That's where programs are supposed to be installed, and it has been for almost 30 years.
Well, that's not right at all. That used to be the desired location, but Windows security changes and more in recent years (the last 15 years at least) have indicated that this is now not to desirable location.
C:\bb\ is the default location (substitute 'C:' for any other drive.)
'Program Files', and 'Program Files (x86)' etc are a big no-no (for many years now).
It's all about security.
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.
Why would Program Files be a bad location for a program ? That's where programs are supposed to be installed, and it has been for almost 30 years.
Well, that's not right at all. That used to be the desired location, but Windows security changes and more in recent years (the last 15 years at least) have indicated that this is now not to desirable location.
C:\bb\ is the default location (substitute 'C:' for any other drive.)
'Program Files', and 'Program Files (x86)' etc are a big no-no (for many years now).
It's all about security.
The only program installed in a root folder on my system is Band-in-a-box, so if you are right there are a lot of software companies doing this wrong.
Can you point to any information about how Program Files was phased out ?
C:\Band-In-A-Box should be an okay folder to use. While PG Music recommend \bb, it's possible to vary that without issue.
Can you try these couple of things and see what happens.
(1) Go to C:\Band-In-A-Box and then double click on BBW64.EXE. This is simply starting the program without using a shortcut. (Doing this is a check to see if the shortcut might be including some unusual startup instructions.)
(2) Also try starting BIAB in 32-bit mode and see what happens. To do this, go to C:\Band-In-A-Box and double-click on BBW.EXE. Does this version of BIAB start okay or not?
(3) Please have a look under "Help | About Band-In-A-Box" and check that you have the latest update installed. It should say "Version 2024(1111)". This is indicating that you have update #1111 installed (which is the latest update).
1) We know from experience that BIAB will not work if installed into either one of the /Program Files folders. We have known this for decades (I tried it once over twenty years ago) and PG Music has confirmed not to do that.
What we do not know is why. I concur it probably has to do with changes in Windows related to security - the security OF Windows. As I recall, BIAB actually could start to run if it was installed in a /Program Files folder, but would immediately crash when any action took place that tried to save into that folder.
Why other applications install into /Program Files folders and work, when BIAB does not, is unknown to me.
2) The addition of the safemode.txt is an alternative to this: " rename intrface.bbw to intrface.bbw.old and MySetup.DK to MySetup.DK.old ". If one didn't work, it's not a surprise the other did not.
3) I recall reading a comment from Support that you do not HAVE to call the BIAB folder BB. The installer certainly will want to do so, but if you are very careful to change the recommended folders in each step of the install, and each step every upgrade forevermore, then it can go into a different folder. Just not one of the /Program Files folders.
4) What I don't fully understand is exactly what is happening with this: if BIAB crashes on startup, how do you continue to work with it? I think you may be saying something like "BIAB crashes on startup the first time, but then runs normally". Is that correct? That would be quite a different problem statement, requiring a different examination.
EDIT: I like everything Noel just wrote while I was typing my comments.
Last edited by Matt Finley; 05/11/2411:47 AM.
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.
Go to C:\Band-In-A-Box and then double click on BBW64.EXE.
Access violation
Originally Posted by Noel96
go to C:\Band-In-A-Box and double-click on BBW.EXE.
Access violation
Originally Posted by Noel96
Please have a look under "Help | About Band-In-A-Box" and check that you have the latest update installed. It should say "Version 2024(1111)".
It says Version 2024 (1111)
Originally Posted by Noel96
What antivirus software do you use?
Windows Security (Comes with Windows 11)
Originally Posted by Matt Finley
What I don't fully understand is exactly what is happening with this: if BIAB crashes on startup, how do you continue to work with it? I think you may be saying something like "BIAB crashes on startup the first time, but then runs normally". Is that correct? That would be quite a different problem statement, requiring a different examination.
From the first post in this thread : Every time I start BIAB, I get an access violation in bbw64.exe.
Thanks, Sid. This is indeed a strange problem that you have.
Out of curiosity, if you go to "Audio | Audio drivers.settings", what is your Audio Driver Setup? By default, it should be WAS. Try changing this to MME, exit the menu and then restart BIAB. Does this make a difference?
What I don't fully understand is exactly what is happening with this: if BIAB crashes on startup, how do you continue to work with it? I think you may be saying something like "BIAB crashes on startup the first time, but then runs normally". Is that correct? That would be quite a different problem statement, requiring a different examination.
Originally Posted by Sid S
[From the first post in this thread : Every time I start BIAB, I get an access violation in bbw64.exe.
OK. I hope you don't mind that I'm just trying to clarify. Yes, you said that you get an access violation in bbw64.exe every time you start BIAB [my emphasis]. But then you went on to say this "BIAB seems to work after the crash, but just ignoring this serious problem doesn't seem right.". So you do seem to be saying it crashes only the first time, or maybe even most of the time, but then it does not crash.
Please elaborate.
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.
go to "Audio | Audio drivers.settings", what is your Audio Driver Setup? By default, it should be WAS. Try changing this to MME, exit the menu and then restart BIAB. Does this make a difference
It was WAS, changing it to MME does not help.
On a side note, changing it to ASIO causes an immediate access violation, probably because I don't have any ASIO drivers. But that's a different bug.
OK. I hope you don't mind that I'm just trying to clarify. Yes, you said that you get an access violation in bbw64.exe every time you start BIAB [my emphasis]. But then you went on to say this "BIAB seems to work after the crash, but just ignoring this serious problem doesn't seem right.". So you do seem to be saying it crashes only the first time, or maybe even most of the time, but then it does not crash.
Please elaborate.
I don't mind at all, I appreciate that everybody wants to help here.
Every time I start BIAB, I face two message boxes due to an access violation. In my brain, that is a crash.
Now, BIAB detects this serious problem and continues operating. In my book, that's bad practice but anyway - BIAB seems to work after that, until the next time I start it.
Ya, this is not a "crash", but I agree 100% with everything else you are saying. By the way, I have BIAB at c:\BB. And I don't see any access violation message. Good luck.
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