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Journeyman
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Journeyman
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I am still looking for the new computer, Best Buy is the only place to go, here's what I was told.......No new computers come with recovery discs!! This is the first time in a while where I had to buy a new computer and I always had the disc that would erase the disc, reformat and put back the stuff that was originally in the computer from new. Best buy for $100.00 will do this for you and with a lot of the new computers they open them and revamp them then seal them up and sell them as new, but, they tack on the extra $100.00 to the selling price. I said what the @#$% is that all about and they said that if you were to do it yourself, it would probably not work, and would take at least 5 dvd discs to do it if it worked..........I said most of the new computers don't have any software in them and it was explained to me that windows 7 is very complicated and it takes that much space. I told them that was a bunch of bull$%^&, it's an easy way for Best buy to make extra cash, and they add their bloatware and geek squad crap. I was then told that they have computers that they haven't worked on, I just had to find boxes without the yellow dot sticker........not many of them.......but if you buy one of them they can not guarantee what you do with the computer........What the hell is going on here...........Anyone else have this experience...............Thanks!!!!!!!!!! 
Critter
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Apprentice
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Apprentice
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Here's my chance for computer evangelization!
Buy the cheap computer of your choice without any operating system on it and install any one of the FREE Linux OSs. I use Ubuntu, but there's plenty of choice out there.
Once you've done that, install WINE, then BIAB and you're free to go.
There's several Linux users on this forum who'll help you out. Probably better if you pick the ones based in the US to save delays when asking questions on the forum.
tony
Lenovo lappie, 4Gb RAM, 500Gb HD
Ubuntu 12.04
Running BIAB under WINE
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Apprentice
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Apprentice
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Buy any computer, clean out the crap, get all of the security updates, install you applications and antivirus etc., purchase Acronis True Image Home (< $50) and make an image backup onto DVD, another partition, or to an external hard drive. The image backup will be compressed down to about 50% of the used portion of the C: partition. If anything goes wrong with your OS, or if the hard drive fails you can boot up from your emergency boot disk and restore from your image backup (in less than 30 minutes) and everything will look and work just like it did when you made the image backup.
This is far better than a factory restore CD/DVD because there's no crap on it, it will have all of the security updates (as of the date of the backup) and all of your applications fully registered etc. Regardless of what caused the problem from virus attack to corrupt files, all the way to complete hard disk failure -your image backup will take you back in time. You can simply restore to a brand new hard disk (same size or larger) and you'll be up and running.
This is primarily for OS and Apps backup rather than systematic data backup, which ideally should be kept on a separate partition or a second hard drive, although you could use the imaging software for data backup if you wished. True Image has a file by file (as opposed to image) backup mode, but I generally do not use it for that. It's also great for cloning a hard disk when you want to replace your current hard drive with a larger faster one.
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Dan has the right idea for this. I wouldn't even buy a toaster from Best Buy. That whole scheme is a ripoff.
I use Linux BUT I only use it for the Internet, email and other things is best suited for. I use another computer for music and have networked them together. The music computer is Win XP. The beauty of what I use is the XP machine is totally stripped of all programs that interfere with music production and it never sees the Internet. With Linux I don't feel the need for my use of any security software. Linux is pretty secure right out of the box.
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I don't know about the other vendors, but I do know that HP offers recovery DVDs, for an added cost. Actually, unless they've changed, HP computers have a separate recovery partition on the computer when you get it and come with a utility to make your own recovery DVDs once you get it home. You should just make sure to do that first, before you inadvertently screw something up on the computer. I've done that with a couple of HPs and it works fine.
That being said, I agree with Dan Tong; you should still have some kind image software program in your software arsenal.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Win7 backup was burned to 3 DVDs here that win7 checks after burning (data verification) to make sure they are good.
That was on the two new egg machines as well as the one Best Buy. Seems standard practice to not include DVD, but have a disk partition and/or a way to burn your own backup.
No biggie. Get a few blanks and burn the backups. Took 30-40 minutes.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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WalMart has a sale on either an HP or Compaq for $398.00 Worth a look.
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Quote:
I am still looking for the new computer, Best Buy is the only place to go, here's what I was told.......No new computers come with recovery discs!!
Hi Critter,I bought a ASUS Laptop from Bestbuy several months back and yes it did not come with a backup disk or partition. As soon as you get it all fired up and running it prompts you to do the system backup which took 4 DVD's. Sounds like Bestbuy is hitting hard on the add on sales, I can confirm this because a good friend of mine is a Geek Squad tech and he told me they were cutting techs hours because of not enough add on sales. Anyway there is some good advive as what to do about backups already posted.
Brian
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Studio One Pro 7 Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro
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Dan is right on. I do the same but with Norton Ghost (I've used it since the DOS days).
Both Ghost and Acronis have good reputations.
I back up to two different external USB drives. One for daily incremental backups and the other for monthly complete images. I copy the original image to DVD and stash it away in a drawer.
BTW, my ThinkPads don't come with a recovery disk, but if you ask before the warranty is up, they will send you one -- or at least they used to. I don't ask anymore since I prefer the Ghost image.
Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton  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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Quote:
.. I do the same but with Norton Ghost ..
Notes ♫
(emph. mine)
Had to giggle
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Quote:
Had to giggle
I've thought the same thing many times, but never bothered to post it.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Quote:
Quote:
Had to giggle
I've thought the same thing many times, but never bothered to post it.
There must be a joke here, but I seem to be missing it? 
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Had to giggle
I've thought the same thing many times, but never bothered to post it.
There must be a joke here, but I seem to be missing it?
Norton Ghost / posted by Bob "Notes" Norton, maybe?
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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Journeyman
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Thanks for all the input, it is unreal the way retailers try to screw you any way they can. As for Silvertones, will check into those and then check Cnet for reviews. Any other brands out there for my low range $500.00 with a decent processor, I've always had intel but if Amd has something I'd give them a try. I know in some tests on Tom's Hardware Amd is faster, Let me know. Thanks
Critter
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Yeah, that was what made me giggle. Norton prefer's Norton's ghost. As for Best Buy, I guess I'm just used to telling them no when they start with the upselling. Burning the disks was no big deal to me. I had already done it with the two systems from Newegg so I kind of expected it. I can see getting turned off by the attempt, but when they have the best price on something I want, I'll go thru it rather than spite them at my cost. They have handled returns and such fairly with me so I don't see it as a deal breaker. If you want to see the opposite approach try going to ABC warehouse and look at something, then mention you want to run over to Best Buy and check there too; they'll start dropping prices and offering free accessories to keep you there. I've gotten a few great deals from them that way. (having been to BB first and knowing I was getting a deal already)  Like I said, I go into both places expecting them to do what they do.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Apprentice
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Since my last experience with Best Buy, I urge others to check the return policy for "restocking fees" before purchasing a major component like a Pc. When I bought a laptop from Best Buy, everything seemed to function properly, but I discovered I could not successfully ghost an image of the hard drive. Using the modest diagnostic software at my disposal, I finally narrowed the problem down to a possible faulty ram chip. So I returned the laptop and discovered Best Buy wanted to charge me a 15% restocking fee.
When I protested on the grounds the laptop was defective, I was forced to wait while a "geek" squad member ran diagnostic tests. Fortunately, at that time, the diagnostics were conducted in an area where the customer could observe the testing process. After 3 hours of standing at the counter and watching the laptop pass test after test, errors in the ram began to show up and the diagnostic software finally halted itself while still displaying those errors. Of course, I still had to stand at the counter for quite a bit longer waiting for a manager to officially concede the laptop was indeed defective and no restocking fee would be required.
I finally bought a comparable laptop from Walmart simply because of their more lenient return policy if I encountered a similar problem. By the way, I am currently tempted to buy an eMachines ET1331G-03w ($398) I recently saw at Walmart.
JBlatz
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Interesting. Maybe when I returned something it was as an exchange so I didn't encounter that issue. (?)
BTW that is a nice looking eMachines. What I'd look for that is not mentioned would be PCI slots and available drive slots just to be sure. Otherwise seems like plenty of processing and storage on it. Card reader seems like it reads eveyrthing. Nice find.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Besides for liking the name, "Norton", I got it way before Acronis got into the game, and since it has always worked for me, I see no reason to switch.
I wish I made money from it though!!!
I did dump Norton Anti-Virus for a competitor though because it gave me problems too often requiring a complete removal and re-installation.
Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton 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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Quote:
I did dump Norton Anti-Virus for a competitor though because it gave me problems too often requiring a complete removal and re-installation.
Norton AV hiccups required a fresh installation of Norton here too after running for about just 3 months. Unfortunately the S/W geniuses at Norton were unable to recognize an otherwise valid license period of about some 3/4 year. Norton robber-barons required a fresh fee for another *1 year* license, despite my rather new purchase of this package. I felt seriously robbed and turned away from Norton for good ...
Martin
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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.
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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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- 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)
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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
- 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.
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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!
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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!
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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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