Tech: Noteworthy BAK (music) files- like the Hydra

Subject: Tech: BAk (music) files - like the Hydra
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 26 Oct 11 - 11:59 AM

I use Noteworthy Composer software, and it frequently creates a useless back-up file of a tune. These files have the extension BAK. They are useless because when I try to open one, my computer says "Windows cannot open this file."

I try to delete them by going to My Documents, highlighting them all, and clicking Delete. I say Yes to sending them to the Recycle bin. I empty the Recyle Bin and get the satisfying sound of paper crunching.

But when I return to My Documents, the BAKs are still there AND more copies of them have been made! I actually have files called "Copy of copy of copy of copy of ASHGROVE.BAK"

It's a sad thing that although NWC is producing these files, the term "BAK" can't even be found in Help or on their web site.

Any suggestions? This is like in the Sorcerer's Apprentice, where the kid whacks the broom and simply produces more brooms. Only in this case I get more files, not more brooms.

Subject: RE: Tech: BAk (music) files - like the Hydra
From: treewind
Date: 26 Oct 11 - 01:33 PM

First, if you rename ashgrove.BAK to ashgrove.NWC (or whatever extension Noteworthy composer uses), does it open in NWC?

Windows seems pretty clueless about files if they aren't named with a big hint about what they are. ".BAK" could be a backup of anything.

It's a bit weird that they aren't being deleted though...
Maybe renaming them first will help them to stay deleted ??

Subject: RE: Tech: BAk (music) files - like the Hydra
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 26 Oct 11 - 02:13 PM

Per this NWC forum thread: Opening NWC BAK files, from NWC 2.1 there is an Open Backup option on the file menu. Before that you need to rename them to .nwc


The following from the (2.1) manual shows why multiple versions of backup files may be created:

Backup Files

You have the option of creating a backup file (*.bak) of your *.nwc song file when you save the *.nwc file.
The backup file could be used if the original *.nwc file became corrupted or lost. To have backup files created, in Tools: Options, File, check Backup files during save The location where backup files will be saved is set with Tools: Options, Folders, Backup Files.
Multiple backup files can be created as you work, in case you need to go back to an earlier saved version. To the right of Backup files during save, select a number for Queue size for extra backups The back up files will be named filename.nwc.bak, filename.q1.nwc.bak, filename.q2.nwc.bak, etc.

The naming convention here doesn't seem to fit the names of your files. What version are you using? (I don't use NWC, this was just from web search)


Mick

Subject: RE: Tech: BAk (music) files - like the Hydra
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 26 Oct 11 - 02:56 PM

Thanks for the info MCP. My version is 1.75c.

Those instructions you copied don't apply to my program. For example, there is no File under Tools, Options. I looked carefully at every screen under Tools and there is nothing there about backup.

You know the sarcastic proverb, "When all else fails, look in the manual?" It cuts both ways. In this case, looking in the manual (Help, FAQ, menus) has been a waste of time.

Treewind, I will rename the files and see if they go away.

Subject: RE: Tech: BAk (music) files - like the Hydra
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Oct 11 - 03:01 PM

Hi, Leeneia-
I assumed you're using Noteworthy Composer 2, but we cross-posted and I see you're using 1.75. I agree that the backup files can be bothersome. It's nice if you're the kind of person who needs a backup, though. I turned off the backup option years ago, and I've never had reason to regret doing that. I prefer to make my own backups when and if I need them.

To turn off backups, go to tools/options/file and uncheck the backup box. That's all it takes. The process is about the same for Noteworthy Composer 1.75. It's just a box you uncheck - I think it's in the "file" menu (far left side), but can't recall.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: BAk (music) files - like the Hydra
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 26 Oct 11 - 03:13 PM

Well, Joe, my NWC must have heard your voice and decided it better behave, (kind of like a bad when dog when Cesar Milan walks in) because this time I clicked on Tools - Options, and the File tab was there. So I unchecked the box, and that should eliminate future BAK files.

However, I still have the problem of the copies that won't go away. This is not an NWC problem, because I'm not trying to use it to delete the files. I'm in 'My Documents' (from the Desktop) and NWC isn't even open.

I tried deleting the old BAK files again, and I'm up to Copy 10 of some of these suckers!

But I had an idea. I'm going to try moving them onto a CD. Then we'll conduct an exorcism over the CD. But first, it's time for lunch.

Subject: RE: Tech: Noteworthy BAK (music) files- like the Hydra
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Oct 11 - 03:28 PM

I wonder if Noteworthy makes the BAK files read only? I'm not sure whether Windows would move read only files to the waste bin or not.

Subject: RE: Tech: Noteworthy BAK (music) files- like the Hydra
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 26 Oct 11 - 05:00 PM

I dunno. They baffle me.

I tried moving the unwanted files to a CD and now I have more of them than ever.

I guess I better just spend the $ and call them.

Subject: RE: Tech: Noteworthy BAK (music) files- like the Hydra
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 30 Oct 11 - 08:11 PM

I've been in touch with Microsoft. Apparently the proliferation of the BAK files was caused by a virus or Trojan. I've agreed to pay $49, and I'm sending e-mails to a rep who has guided me through mysterious steps involving msconfig and other daunting terms.

I've also done two full scans and removed what they told me to remove.

I had 94 copies of some of those silly files!

However, I just deleted them all again, and they seem to be gone for good. With any luck, I will never see them again.

Just thought people would be interested to know...

Subject: RE: Tech: Noteworthy BAK (music) files- like the Hydra
From: Tootler
Date: 31 Oct 11 - 04:52 PM

Glad your problem is resolved (hopefully) leeneia.

I never bothered to turn off the backup option so I get lots of the .bak files. I periodically go through my noteworthy folder and delete them. Fortunately the Noteworthy file format is very compact so they don't take up a lot of disk space, nevertheless, it is worth doing periodically.

They have been useful on a small number of occasions either because a *.nwc file has become corrupted and being able to retrieve it from the *.bak file saved a lot of typing and also because I have on occasions accidentally deleted files I wanted to keep, though in that case rooting through the rubbish bin can also do the trick.

I can recommend updating to Noteworthy 2, by the way. There are a lot of very good added features and the resulting scores are very much better.

Subject: RE: Tech: Noteworthy BAK (music) files- like the Hydra
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 10:11 AM

I could update, I s'pose, but my piano keyboard (MIDI controller) is quite old and is not made any more. It was a real thrash to get things to work after the last time my computer had to go in the shop. So I believe I'll stick with what I have.

I like the old controller because it is so small, smaller than anything I've found for sale today. It fits on my desk next to the QWERTY keyboard.

Subject: RE: Tech: Noteworthy BAK (music) files- like the Hydra
From: Tootler
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 07:44 PM

You don't have to delete NWC 1.75 when you upgrade. You can simply install noteworthy 2 alongside it as it goes in a separate folder so you can download noteworthy 2, install it and test it while still having 1.75 available should things not work out.

I can see no reason why your existing piano keyboard will not work with Noteworthy 2 as long as it its output conforms to the midi standard.

If you are unsure about anything, sign up for the forum on the Noteworthy software site and put your queries there. There are plenty of much more knowledgeable folk there than me, including the Noteworthy person himself and they are very helpful and won't put you down.

So why not go ahead and give it a go.

Subject: RE: Tech: Noteworthy BAK (music) files- like the Hydra
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 01 Nov 11 - 10:01 PM

Oh gee. Next you're going to urge me to get rid of Windows 98.

Just kidding. Perhaps I'll try it.
================

To my surprise there was another step to my process. I was given a mysterious command to type after RUN, and suddenly a little blackboard (DOS-looking) appeared, and what seemed like hundreds of Temp files went into oblivion.

I thought I had been good about removing temp files. Curiouser and curiouser.

Subject: RE: Tech: Noteworthy BAK (music) files- like the Hydra
From: Tootler
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 03:06 PM

Oh gee. Next you're going to urge me to get rid of Windows 98.

Definitely. But only if you are willing to try Linux instead <vbg>