Currently using this to deal with library files - http://www.jmelas.gr/stage/yc-tools.php - There's a demo version to try out. M

The Meals tool link given is for YC. If you're going that route, use the MODX tools not YC.

Without the tools:

1) Plug in a properly formatted (doesn't need to be empty) USB stick to TO DEVICE port.
2) [UTILITY] Content->Save
3) pick type as Library and save to and save the library. This always contains your 640 (or less) User Performances. Less because you may not be full in the User bank yet.
4) Load this library (available in same Content area but the Load sub menu)
5) Initialize the User area only.

[quotePost id=115067]
5) Initialize the User area only.[/quotePost]

Will this also delete Patterns and arps?

[quotePost id=115074]One simple way to know is:

1. Backup your user area
2. Perform the operation
3. Check if Patterns and arps have been deleted

You should ALWAYS back up your user area if it contains any data you wish to protect. That also avoids having to take anyones word that you won't lose anything.[/quotePost]

Does backing up the user area back up Patterns?

And, in light of the fact that Patterns link themselves to Performances, another question:

Having shuffled all 640 User made performances to the Library, and somehow deleted the 640 User Performances, do the Patterns automatically go find the correct Performances they need in the new Library?

Dave or Joel should be able to track that down for you. I'm mobile so looking up the contact info is difficult right now. Joel should have contact info here https://www.moessieurs.com/ and Dave at https://davepolich.com/home

Wrong thread and can no longer delete or edit.

[quotePost id=115082]Wrong thread and can no longer delete or edit.[/quotePost]

Somewhere software is getting better.

Just not in this universe.

Does backing up the user area back up Patterns?

No. Although I would phrase this as saving the User Bank into a Library (X8L) or User (X8U) file. "Backup" I would reserve for saving a complete backup X8A which would save everything.

And, initializing the User Bank (alone) does not touch the Pattern data.

From the best source of clarification, https://www.yamahasynth.com/forum/patterns-user-files (Bad Mister):

You can load and keep your MIDI Songs and Patterns in the Folders, independent of the User Bank you load.
The User Performance Bank can be initialized independent of the Song and Pattern data (after all you may eventually move your Performance (band) into a Library - simply link the Sequence with the Library Performance location.

See full post for all details.