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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195 |
Guys, I’m seeing crashes far too often. I’m running BIAB 2024 (1114) on Windows 11 on a Lenovo laptop with plenty of excess disk space and tons of memory. Same laptop for the last four years, but in the last few weeks I’m getting a couple of black-screen auto reboots per day. Always happens in a re-generate. I’ve been using BIAB a lot lately as I’m retired from Engineering and recently “promoted” to bass player in a band, so I’m spending lots of time using BIAB as my back-up band for practice. I let W11 update at the mercy of the Microsoft gods, so likely the latest version.
Maybe it’s something else in my system, but I’ve been using BIAB for many years. I’m that guy who uses it live in solo restaurant gigs, and It’s always been very trustworthy.
The songs are pretty much standard lengths, so I don’t think I’m triggering the “255 bar limit issue”. Unless maybe … (and this just now occurred to me) after multiple stops and starts on the same song file, and sometimes even looping over a section I’m working on, maybe some buffer related to that 255 problem is overflowing? Now that I think (and write) about it, I’ve recently been using BIAB in a different work-mode than before, and that’s when the crashes began.
Also, something possibly related is I’m running the Audiophile version off the drive supplied by PG, so the crashes probably happen as the program starts hitting that disk hard.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,090
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,090 |
Hi John, I'm sorry you're having crash issues. The good news is build 1114 is the last update for BiaB 2024 so it was good to read that's what your running. There is a chance you may be encountering a "traffic jam" at the computer USB port where the 2024 Audiophile external drive is connected. One change you may want to consider is to use the external drive as a read only drive and use an internal or second external drive for disk writes. If you want to use the BiaB external drive to store your song project then store the song file on the external drive once the song is complete. Typically Band-in-a-Box creates an error log when there is a crash. The exception pop up window gives you a chance to save a error log. You can find the log file by navigating to Help > Utilities > Display Error Log file. Windows crash files are called "dump" files and have the file suffix *.dmp. +++ HERE +++ is a Microsoft article about capturing a dump file. Once you have a BiaB error log or Windows dump file upload the file(s) to cloud storage (Box, Dropbox, Drive, etc.). Create a post detailing what you were doing when the crash occurs and a link to the files. That will give the developers and fellow users enough information to obtain a clear picture of what is happening.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,657
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,657 |
Good info by Jim.
I think, but cannot prove, that the recent thread about the 255 bar limit might be related to some recent change in a version of BIAB 2026. We haven’t heard about this in some time. That could be wrong, or coincidence that you just happened to find the same thing now.
If you’re ok with this, try posting the song as an SGU file somewhere we can download it and give it a try, such as the public folder of a free Dropbox account.
If I understand your point about Audiophile, it’s that you recently started using that version and speculate this is causing your trouble? If so, I actually doubt it. Uncompressing a WMA file (or now, a FLAC file), actually stresses your computer more than simply playing the WAV file that the program wants.
But let’s give it a test. Oh, and there are some audio quality settings you could try. I’ll get to a computer and find them, but I think they are in Preferences. RealTracks. The audio quality is one. This Song Has Problems is another.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195 |
Thanks Matt, but it's not related to one song, and I've been using the Audiophile versions for years. As far as I know, it's using the Wave files on the PG-supplied drive.
One possible difference in how I've been using it lately is that before, I was using it for standards, thus pretty much exclusively using Real Tracks. Lately, I've just thrown together mixed styles to get a rough mix of whatever old rock song as a practice tool, and it seems maybe(?) it's crashed more often (but not exclusively) when hitting the disk building a style from the Stylepicker.
Also, another thing comes to mind. A couple of times in the last few months I've had a "Current drum kit has no bass, snare, closed hi-hat, open hi hat," error. I posted about that, and Jim Fogle suggested I return to factory settings, which I'd done; however, I'd not done the full return to all factory settings. Did that, and that fixed the problem. And now that I think about it, I had to do that again last week.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,657
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,657 |
Thanks, that makes sense. I haven’t seen the missing drum messages in a long time but return to factory settings solved it for me, too. I went a decade without having to do that, then went through a period where it seemed routine, so I guess it works out that way. My 2026 version has been extremely reliable (and you would like the user interface changes, I’ll bet).
Question so I understand fully: by ‘mixed styles’ I take that to mean styles that have some MIDI tracks. Correct?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195 |
And I plan to upgrade when 2027 is released
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 195 |
And I think my MIDI setup is pretty generic. Using VSTi/DXi Synth (CoyoteWT), WAS Always on Audio
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,973
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,973 |
A black screen automatic reboot that you describe is unlikely to be caused directly by a normal Band-in-a-Box application error. Even if Band-in-a-Box encounters a problem while regenerating, it would crash back to Windows or display an error rather than reboot the entire computer. It's much more likely to be a driver or some kind of hardware issue that's being exposed.
Some things you could try/troubleshoot. Although I do realize it is a sporadic problem so that doesn't make it easy:
-Change different audio driver type in Band-in-a-Box - select MME or WAS, rather than ASIO.
-Boot Band-in-a-Box in 'safe mode' to test if the problem still happens. To do this, you can (temporarily) add the file safemode.txt to the bb\Preferences folder. When you run Band-in-a-Box, it will use factory settings and will not load plugins.
-Check Windows Event Viewer (Windows Logs) after a reboot, and look for any errors shown there immediately before or after the reboot. It may or may not point to what the cause was.
-Use chkdsk to scan the USB drive. If possible, see if it happens while running Band-in-a-Box from the internal drive. You could copy the bb folder, excluding the larger folders like Songs and Lessons', RealTracks, and Drums. Then just copy of portion of the RealTracks folder for testing.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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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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Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
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Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
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