|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64 |
Amazing how stable this program is. All I did was try out the Melodist for the first time. Resulting melody wasn't bad, so I saved the song. Closed BIAB and prepared myself for the obligatory "Band-in-a-box has stopped working" dialog box, only to find instead the dreaded "Access Violation" dialog, then another, then another, and another... They kept spawning uncontrollably so I did a hard shutdown.
After booting back up, discovered that most of the BIAB screen was black - the background of all the buttons, and the whole chord grid. Rebooted again. Same thing. Did a System Restore to yesterday's date. Same thing.
Questions:
1. Is an uninstall/reinstall my only option now?
2. Is there a good reason why I should even bother?, given the thing's touchiness, and given the fact that I still have a functioning RealBand (at least at this moment)?
Thank you.
Bobby K.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199 |
Bobby,
If it happens again, use cntrl+alt+del to access Task Manager. Then scroll down until you come to bbw.exe. Select that and choose "End Process". Doing this will allow you to close BIAB without having to shutdown your computer.
I have had this happen to, but it disappeared after I installed one of the updates. What version BIAB and what version update do you have? This information is accessed under the Help >> About Band In A Box menu.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64 |
It's 2010.5 build 303. I see there's a 304 now. Might as well install it I guess, but I'm wondering: is it different when you're installing over a screwed-up version? Every other time I've updated, it's gone very well with no issues; but those were all installed on top of versions that weren't jacked up (or at least not to this extent).
And yeah, I've done the Task Manager "end process" before, but when this latest Access Violation thing happened, with those dialog boxes cascading all over my screen like some kind of animation software from 1985, I just said screw it and shut 'er down.
What a turn of events - Here I was, all happy about having successfully used the Melodist for the first time, happily closing the program at the end of a long, productive session; ready to go take a nap - when suddenly it decides to go berzerk.
Thanks for any more input.
Bobby K.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
I've had the access violation thing too, with all software being current. It seems to happen randomly with no rhyme or reason. Only last night I was thinking the same thing- I had a great session with the software but frequently upon closing and/or saving before closing, things go nuts and make you spend a whole bunch of extra time dealing with it. I had one song just hang upon my last save before closing, to which I used the task manager to clear it. The project re-opened up, but there was a kind of phantom RT piano behind the original and the project became unusable no matter what I tried. I have noticed biab is more grouchy when closing out since this latest update, for me. I don't remember having these issues when working for the short time I did in the original 2010 version. Actually, my biab version is build 303.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64 |
Very interesting. And I like your term "grouchy". Geez. And how!!
I saw the little blurb on the update page which states that build 304 is basically the same as 303 except for a lyrics improvement or something, so I'm not sure if it'll do me any good to install it. I came close to doing it, but then I thought, hmmm, if it doesn't work and I have to do a full uninstall, maybe it will only be seeking out build 304 registry entries to undo, etc., and it'll fail to undo whatever evil 303 reg. entries that might've been written in there when 303 was going on its error-induced rampage. Wouldn't want to have any of those remnants lurking in my system...
So, I'm going to wait until I get Official Guidance from PGMusic, either here or via a Help Request Form.
Thanks for detailing your build 303 access violation / save / shutdown problem - glad to know it's not just me.
(btw, I do remember freezing the newly-created Melodist track, despite BIAB's benign popup that said it was unnecessary to do so, since the Melodist doesn't regenerate automatically like the accompaniment does. Also, when I went to save, I can't remember if I had a choice to save as an MGU or an SGU. I've never done a song with a BIAB-generated midi melody, so maybe - by force of habit - I had it save as an SGU rather than an MGU? Can't remember now, and I don't feel like messing with the program until tomorrow, but, could a little mistake like that lead to all this access violation madness? Just thinking out loud here...)
Bobby K.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64 |
...oh, and in case it might matter:
Vista 64-bit, 4GB RAM, Edirol UA-25EX.
RealTracks and RealDrums are being run from a super-fast external eSATA drive.
- Bobby K.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
Be sure you have the latest drivers for your video card. That will cause the black screen areas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
First, REBOOT the computer.
BiaB still not right?
Try the Options menu, "Return to Factory Settings" - button number 1 first.
If still no joy, try button number two, which also resets the soundcard/MIDI choices.
The "Return to Factory Settings" rewrites the volatile file in your bb folder that bb must write to every time you close the program. If there is a freeze or crash and bb can't get to that point, that file can become corrupted. This is what the "Return to Factory Settings" is there for, give it a try whenever BiaB doesn't do what it is supposed to do. And don't forget that all-important REBOOT of the computer, too. Sometimes resources in the OS get corrupted as well.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64 |
Quote:
Be sure you have the latest drivers for your video card. That will cause the black screen areas.
Very good advice generally speaking, but since BIAB is the only program affected, and since its current behavior was so clearly brought about by this latest "incident", I don't see how the video card driver could be responsible for it. Besides, doesn't System Restore (which I did) also restore video card drivers to their pre-disaster state?
Bobby K.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64 |
Quote:
BiaB still not right?
Try the Options menu, "Return to Factory Settings" - button number 1 first.
Hey Mac, that did the trick! Woohoo. At first it only restored the bar numbers - all the rest of the chord area remained black - but after re-opening BIAB, all looks perfect.
(btw, yes, prior to doing this, I had indeed rebooted the computer several times, even doing a System Restore, to no avail.)
Anyway, while I'm happy the case has been cracked on the black GUI, I'm still concerned about what caused all this in the first place. I'm wary of using the Melodist again, or of accidently freezing the melody track... or of closing BIAB so soon after saving..., or... I'm not sure what NOT to be wary of at this point. Feels like I'm walking on eggshells with this program. I hope one of the techs will chime in after the weekend here, and give some thoughts on what they think might've happened, because apparently I'm not the only one descending into Access Violation Hell on a seemingly random basis.
But thanks, guys, for the input - and thank you Mac for the black GUI solution.
Bobby K.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
It IS good as a last resort to return to factory settings. But it's really annoying to have to re-setup all custom settings when it becomes a frequent thing. RB for me has always been wobbly and has thrown me the 'ok to return to default settings' or something like that, numerous times. I chose that a couple of times and now I just ignore it and keep my settings. If choosing to return to default settings doesn't clear a problem long term, it's annoying. Now biab is getting glitchy for me and until recently, it's been a rock of stability. It could very well be user error. I don't claim to be all too proficient with the software yet. But when the access violation starts rearing it's ugly head more frequently than not, it's a concern. I wish I could help to pinpoint what the heck brings it on, otherwise it's useless to even cry about. Going forward, I'm gonna be VERY observant about what I'm doing when this kind of thing happens so I can better help. If anything, generally all my troubles revolve around saving and/or just closing out of biab at the moment.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340 |
Dan, I used to write down all my custom settings (in BIAB) in case I had to do the infrequent Return to Factory Settings. Now, however, you can save or reload your settings (save or load preferences, in the same Options menu). It's a good idea to do a save while things are working well.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Yes, you can have BB memorize and store your current settings for a later need to use the Return to Factory and then it becomes a "Return to My Settings" instead.
It is a good thing to have that button, prior to that we had to know which files to go looking for and deleting and remembering to shut BB down first, etc.
The one button solve is a lot quicker, considering it is something that you will likely have to do whenever one of those critical volatile files becomes corrupted, which, as I said, can happen when the program freezes, crashes or otherwise ends not so gracefully. It doesn't have time to write the necessary info from that last session to those files and then the next time you go to use the program - corrupted file can do anything to it.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
Quote:
Dan, I used to write down all my custom settings (in BIAB) in case I had to do the infrequent Return to Factory Settings. Now, however, you can save or reload your settings (save or load preferences, in the same Options menu). It's a good idea to do a save while things are working well.
I didn't know that. Now that is a very good option and I'll be doing that asap. I'm in the habit of hitting save very frequently while I work, just for savings sake. But to be able to save your prefs as a custom setup- VERY good. Thanks for that tip. I probably would have stumbled on it eventually, but you just saved me a bunch of time. Thanks to you too Mac. Still though, instability is dogging me a bit. Not a fun thing. I'll keep an eye out.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
I had a long session with Biab and RB tonight with no troubles at all. Beautiful thing.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Posts790,839
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