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I've been using Norton Utilities since the DOS days, and I started using Norton AV when it was first introduced.

There's no longer a need for Norton Utilities anymore, since most of these are in Mac and Windows as part of the OS and everything else is available as freeware.

Norton AV worked fine for years, but a couple of years ago, on 3 computers (I had a 3 computer license) it started acting up. I forget what it was doing. Anyway the solution was uninstall and reinstall.

So I made a disk image with Ghost (something I do before adding or deleting any program), uninstalled and reinstalled on three computers. Then connected for a looooooooooong virus definition update.

A couple of months later, the same problem. Then a third time. That's when I dumped it for a competitor.

I still use Ghost, and it has saved my a** many times. Besides for weekly incremental back ups, and monthly disk images (on different external drives), I always do another disk image before adding or removing any software. I've installed some buggy software, and having the ability to restore my drive to the pre-new-software state takes the apprehension out of putting something new on the computer.

Recently I bought a guitar multi-effects pedal and it came with Cubase LE. I haven't tried Cubase in years so I installed it. The installation never got past the "virtual USB key" copy protection. It wouldn't finish installing the program, and every time I turned the computer on, it would stall for about 4 minutes and then ask to finish the installation before completing the computer boot. Needless to say I tried, it wouldn't complete, and the computer wouldn't boot.

Norton Ghost to the rescue!!! Restored my drive from the disk image I made before Cubase, and the problem was solved. Of course I never got Cubase on, but I no longer have the problem it caused either.

Anybody want a copy of Cubase LE????

Notes ♫


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Hi Critter,
If you find a new computer, could you keep us updated? I've been looking for over a month. I'm in the same price range and having no luck. So far what I've checked out that would be useful to me are all well above my $500 price range. Good hunting and if I find something I'll post as well.
You can PM me as well if you like.
Wayne,

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Don't overlook refurbished computers that come with the same warranty as new, often these can represent quite the cost savings advantage.


--Mac

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It's getting to be a pain in the a##, Asus has some that would do but they don't have internal fans except for the processor, seems kinda dumb...........duh! Every one I look up for reviews at different sites, well you have to spend more for what you need and for expansion later...........anyway. The way I see it, this also needs to be my computer powerhorse because my good one died.....The best I found so far is an HP model HPE-210y for $899.99. Reviews are good on this one........it has a quad amd. Now I find for $100.00 more HP has a six core model amd, brand new system.....The budget is really gettin messed up here. I also found out that the lower priced models have power supplies that barely run what's already in the box.......I am on my old gateway and to load songs in Biab is well should I say have a beer and come back. I know you can get computers online, build it to what you want but, after seeing how UPS flings the Biab harddrive on my deck, I would hate to see what they would do with a computer........s*&^ it's not a paper........I went to the UPS depot in Sheboygan and told them about what I saw, and they said do you have pictures or a video........PG be carefull who have deliver.......FedEx knocks on the door and hands it to you!!!!!!! JUst a thought. I am still searching for the right box but I am afraid the budget is out the window.......................................................................


Critter
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Same here Critter. I've given up at the moment. I can't buy what I bought in 2007 for $1000, for $1500-$2000. I found the same, bad graphics, one fan, a very small power supply etc. And if I see a $500-$600 PC the upgrades I'd have to do would be at least 2-4 hundred dollars and a new power supply. I've done the same research you're talking about and it seems I can't even replace what I have in my 2007 XP PC for the same money.
Lots of junk out there. I read an article that said Chip orders were way down. Companies aren't selling. So expect price cuts in the Fall. We'll see.
Wayne,
p.s. I've even brought my Gateway P4 2.0, that went through a flood back to life)

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I've been getting good results with the slightly lower priced emachines offerings.

Good quality builds, lotta bang for the buck, but like the others you still may have to add a few things to take it to the top. First thing I always do is swap out the stock PSU for a higher wattage one that has a quiet fan. Especially if the use will be for DAW work or other application where you will be adding peripherals such as soundcards and/or more disk drives. And its always a good idea to throw more memory RAM at these things.

I have found that it is often the case where you can purchase a computer that does not have a lot of RAM in it and then purchase more RAM separately and come out ahead on the price, too. So I tend to avoid those "fullhouse" offerings and moave downscale a bit to the ones that may not come with all that RAM installed at the factory.

Another way to go and save money would be to consider upgrading the box you already have. New mobo and cpu plus RAM and new OS install disks. Careful spec. comparison can tell you if the other things you already have are compatabile with the new mobo and you should do that excercise thoroughly before buying or risk painting yourself into a corner.



--Mac

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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

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PG Music News
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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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!

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  • 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
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  • 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
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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!

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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.

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