… and inserted the serial number in the trial version already installed …

As far As I Know, the trial version only includes playback through MIDI (not VST).

This makes sense since the VST (Garritan) download is huge.

My guess is that you should (again) run the installer which is {two installers in one}, and install Garritan (the Garritan installer is a separate installer, not the same as the Finale installer).

I have never had the demo version of Finale so I don't know exactly how it works except what others have reported.

Uninstall what you have and get the full version. It just might be easier and less frustrating if you just d/l the paid for regular Finale. I know it contains everything needed.

No need to uninstall: just re-install as Peter suggests and be sure not to end the install process before the additional Garritan install option appears.

I uninstalled before I saw your reply, Adrian. Not a big deal, though.

I made a new installation. As far as I could see, Garritan was also installed. (Also, all 3 optional units were checked).
Still, when I for example try to play St. Louis Blues loaded from the folder Repertoire, I get the same message: that ARIA Player is missing. Other pieces from the Repertoire sounds like MIDI to me (my loudspeaker could be better, though).
In MIDI/Audio > "Play Finale through VST" is checked.

Is it hidden in the different music files provided which replay system will be used? If yes, can that explain why I am confused?

 I uninstalled before I saw your reply, Adrian. Not a big deal, though.

 I would still prefer and do a complete uninstall and reinstall even though it may not be necessary. Even if you should have an issue with something later on the same advice is good to do. Are your Finale files from an older version? You can try the other tips I suggested. Under the Midi/Audio drop down select Reassign playback sounds, see if it clears it up.  Use Ctrl-A to select everything. Then under the Edit drop down select Clear Selected Items>None>check box Midi Data. You might have to reassign sounds on all your older Finale files.

Under the MIDI/Audio drop down>Device setup, what do you have set?

Hi Ernest

> Under the MIDI/Audio drop down>Device setup, what do you have set?

Audio Driver > DirectSound

>  Are your Finale files from an older version?

The files in the Repertoire folder came with version 27, but I cannot know if they are updated.

However:  The method, that you suggested (Clear Midi data and Reassign sounds), seems to work. 

I will check it further and get experience when I write my own scores.

Thank you very much for all help.    

 
I think that method worked

Mathias,

The only reason I know some of these things and try to pass them along is they all have happened to me at one time or another. I have been a Finale user ever since there was a Finale. I was a beta tester up until the new group bought MM. They don't see any further need for beta testers. I can confidently say that Finale 27.3 on Windows is the best version. I hope you have it sorted and it is running OK for you. If you want even better sound you should check out NotePerformer 3. Although the Garritan sounds are OK, NP3 is fantastic. Check this out. It is NP3 straight out of Finale no additional steps taken which I suspect could make it even better. https://youtu.be/oRPGvGtuZRc  In the Score Manager you simply select NotePerformer 3.

EB

Ernest,

Via your link I listened to your music on Youtube. Very nice music. You are a professional.
Thanks for the tip on NotePerformer 3. I'll look into it. Maybe I can afford it too :-)

Thank you very much.

Well thank you but I am not a professional by any means. I could buy a Happy Meal once in a while off my music but that's about it. I suspect you and I are pretty similar.  I have a couple local universities and several civic bands around that play it but that's all I need to be fulfilled with it.

I hear ya on the cost of software but NP3 and the promised NP4 are truly worth the cost. There is another add-on I love and use constantly, Perfect Layout. Again not free but not too expensive for what it does. NP3 and PL made the score you listened to and any of the others on my Youtube basically straight out of the box! I am sure some tweaking could make the sound it even better.