|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 708
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 708 |
We are often encouraged to do a RTFS when BIAB has problems. Should we then run BIAB in this basic mode to see if the problem has gone away and then re-load our preferences one at a time including midi/audio driver setup, to continue the investigation? Personally I cannot remember all my preferences many of which I established years ago or where to find then in the miriad of BIAB menus so I simply re-load my preferences file, but perhaps this defeats the purpose of RTFS?
Tony
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095 |
At such time as BIAB is working without crashes or errors, save your preferences.
Options | Save Preferences As...
When BIAB has issues and a RTFS is called for, after completing the RTFS, reload the known good Preferences from the Open Preferences file.
Options | Open Preferences File...
BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,860
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,860 |
Tony, good question.
I used to keep a written record of each custom setting I made in BIAB. I don't do that any more, for two reasons: one, I almost never have to do the RTFS, and two, I change very few settings now.
I wouldn't describe it as "basic mode". The default values are just as effective in most uses.
Charlie told you, you can Save your preferences when things are going well and that's a good idea for anyone. Then when you do the RTFS, you can load them back afterward. As for the MIDI/audio drivers, when you do RTFS you can choose the MOST option, which leaves your MIDI and audio drivers intact. Most people can set these once and leave them anyway.
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18,352
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18,352 |
I do the same as Charlie has described.
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,382
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,382 |
For years I generally had NO custom settings except for one or two. So no big deal if everything went to default. So I never took the time to save options. Only recently in the past months have I begun to customize the preferences.
Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,255
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,255 |
You may simulate a factory reset simply via placing some file named 'safemode.txt' in the bb\preferences folder. The content of this file is irrelevant. You may return to normal operations by simply renaming this file to something other than 'safemode.txt' . . .
Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 708
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 708 |
so I simply re-load my preferences file
Tony This wasn't a question about how to save and re-load preferences because, as you can seen from my original post, I know how to do this. The suggestion to RTFS isn't as simple as it sounds - what do you do next? It could be that the problem is actually related to one of the preferences so simply re-loading all of them won't help. Or perhaps RTFS is like re-booting the program in which case one's preferences may be irrelevent. I just think that a suggestion to RTFS needs further instruction, particularly for beginners. Tony
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,382
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,382 |
I just think that a suggestion to RTFS needs further instruction, particularly for beginners.
Tony Point well taken. Here is the back story for what it's worth. The reason "RTFS" is often provided is that it is the recommended course of action so often. Literally, when BIAB goes something unexpected, RTFS is more times than not the correct action followed only by re-boot. Some of the guys here have saved "canned" responses for RTFS. These will often contain a detailed description of the impact and consequences of a RTFS. They will often include options for files to rename or delete. Exactly as you suggest. On the other-hand, those of us who are not so well setup, still see it of some value to just quickly point the beginner in the right direction. And about losing preference settings? It is very unlikely that a setting in your preferences is the cause of the error. After all, what other software do you use which has a reset button to get it working? 
Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,121
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,121 |
The history behind Return To Factory Settings, or RTFS, may prove useful.
Whenever the program adds an additional feature the fact that the program does not use the Windows registry can adversely affect program stability. Each new feature can have unintended consequences on program operation. Historically there will be periods of relative stability and other times when the program is not as stable.
I should remind you, PG Music has good reasons for not using the Windows Registry. Because the program is not registered, the program can run on Windows XP up to Windows 10. The program can be used on multiple computers.
Since BiaB does not use the Windows registry the program must internally keep track of many of the details that Windows normally keeps track of. So BiaB is always busy in the background keeping track of details. It also means the background details can become corrupted.
Much of the background details are maintained in three files located in the bb/Preferences folder. When you initiate a RTFS command those three files are erased and then rebuilt by the program. I wish I could tell you the names of the three files but I don't remember all three. The one I do remember is "intrface.bbw" (note the weird spelling).
Band-in-a-Box did not always have a RTFS command. In fact the command is a relatively recent addition to BiaB. Before the command a user would manually delete the files as needed. Once the files are deleted the next time the program is opened, the program recognizes the files are missing and creates new files using the factory defaults. RTFS was added as an aid to prevent users from accidentally deleting the wrong files.
When the program starts acting strange, there is a pretty good chance one of the three files have become corrupted. When that is the case, the easiest way to get the program to act normal again is to perform a RTFS. That's why you see it suggested so much.
That brings up another issue, how can you be sure RTFS will solve your issue? What if RTFS doesn't work? Then you have the issue AND have to restore your preferences; which may introduce another issue by accident. PG Music recently introduced a new troubleshooting tool users can utilize, the "safemode.txt" file.
Use Windows Notepad or another text editor to create an EMPTY file labeled "safemode.txt" (without the quotes). Place the empty safemode.txt file in the bb/Preferences folder. The next time BiaB opens the splash screen will have "SAFEMODE" in red and the program opens with factory defaults. BiaB will ignore the three files normally used while opening until safemode.txt is removed from the Preferences folder.
So if you use safemode.txt and the issue remains, then RTFS will not help you. But, if you use safemode.txt and the issue disappears then RTFS will solve your issue.
Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,578
Posts734,636
Members38,499
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean