# Windows Installation Guide

## Quick Installation

If you're getting errors with the regular installation, use this Windows-specific installer:

```bash
python install_windows.py
```

This script will:
- Install core packages (PyQt5, numpy, pygame, mido)
- Try multiple MIDI library options
- Create fallbacks if MIDI libraries fail
- Still work in simulator mode even if MIDI fails

## Manual Installation (if the script doesn't work)

### 1. Install Core Packages First
```bash
pip install PyQt5>=5.15.0
pip install numpy>=1.21.0
pip install pygame>=2.1.0
pip install mido>=1.2.10
```

### 2. Try MIDI Library Installation
Try these in order until one works:

**Option A: Latest python-rtmidi**
```bash
pip install python-rtmidi
```

**Option B: Specific working version**
```bash
pip install python-rtmidi==1.5.8
```

**Option C: Alternative MIDI library**
```bash
pip install rtmidi-python
```

**Option D: Skip MIDI (simulator only)**
If all MIDI libraries fail, you can still use the application in simulator mode with built-in audio synthesis.

## Common Issues and Solutions

### Issue 1: Cython Compilation Error
```
Error compiling Cython file... Cannot assign type 'void (*)'...
```
**Solution:** Install Visual Studio Build Tools or use pre-compiled wheel:
```bash
pip install --only-binary=python-rtmidi python-rtmidi
```

### Issue 2: No MIDI Devices Found
**Solutions:**
1. Use simulator mode (works without any MIDI hardware)
2. Check Windows MIDI device drivers
3. Try different USB ports for MIDI devices

### Issue 3: Audio Not Working
**Solutions:**
1. Check Windows audio device settings
2. Try different audio buffer sizes in the app settings
3. Make sure no other applications are using audio exclusively

## Verify Installation

Run this to test if everything works:
```bash
python -c "
try:
    import PyQt5; print('✓ PyQt5 OK')
    import numpy; print('✓ NumPy OK') 
    import pygame; print('✓ Pygame OK')
    import mido; print('✓ Mido OK')
    try:
        import rtmidi; print('✓ RTMIDI OK')
    except: print('⚠ RTMIDI failed - simulator mode only')
    print('Ready to run!')
except Exception as e:
    print(f'✗ Error: {e}')
"
```

## Running the Application

Once installed, run:
```bash
python run.py
```

The application will start in simulator mode by default, which works without any MIDI hardware and provides:
- Internal audio synthesis
- Visual lighting simulation  
- All arpeggiator functionality
- Complete GUI interface

For hardware MIDI, select "Hardware Mode" in the Output Controls tab.