Addendum - The files don't look like music at all, so Finale can't have been copied properly. How can I transfer Finale over, if not using Airdrop? Thanks.

If you go to your account at finalemusic.com, you can (and should) download the application directly to your new computer. You can also deauthorize your old computer. Once you've downloaded and installed the fresh copy, try your music files again.

I have a new laptop and have transferred Finale to it, plus my music files, using Airdrop.

That does not work since it does not bring over support files nor grant permissions on the new Mac. Sneakernet and direct copying over the network fails for the same reasons.

You can use Migration Assistant in your /Appications/Utilities folder. Migration Assistant transfers System and Network Settings, Applications, Files or all three. Migration Assistant can do this from your old Mac or Time Machine. This works over Thunderbolt (fastest), USB, Ethernet or WiFi. Apple has instructions on this and phone support if needed. If from one laptop to another, most Apple Stores can help you with this if you bring them in.

You will still have to re-authorize the new copy and may have to de-authorize the old copy as MikeM suggests.

Thank you to both. I am downloading now and there doesn't seem to be a problem. Not sure why I might need to deauthorize the copy on my old laptop, and I hope I won't have to as I'd like to use it in a different location. Great software, which I use to learn music for my choirs. Thanks again. Annie O

You’re allowed two authorized installations. You can have Finale installed on as many computers as you like, but only two can be authorized at any one time. So, if you have replaced an older computer, de-authorize that one, so you still have the two available.

If, after downloading, installing and authorizing Finale on the new Mac, you cannot open your files, re-read my note about Migration Assistant.

Addendum - It occurs to me that using Airdrop for ARIA would have the same problem, so I scrapped it and downloaded from the website. Still doesn't work, though the files open (so not sure if the Migration assistant will help). Will try tomorrow!  Annie 

Sorry - part of the thread is missing here (thought I'd sent it...) I downloaded Finale from the website and also upgraded it. I can open my files (sent by Airdrop) but they won't play (said I was missing ARIA). SO, I downloaded ARIA, firstly from my old laptop using Airdrop (no joy), so scrapped that and downloaded ARIA from the Finale website. Still no joy! Can''t see how Migration Assistant will help, but will try it tomorrow. Annie

There are many types of files that require permissions on a Mac. Airdrop, Sneakernet, network file transfer etc. transfers the privileges from your old Mac but that doesn’t grant them on your new machine. Some app files have this issue (including Office) while others don’t.

Migration Assistant doesn’t have this problem and has been the way that Apple has wanted you to transfer files to your new Mac for about 35 years. There are other ways that work but doing it Apple’s way when setting up a new Mac is a good place to start. Transfer all your work files, not just Finale. This will ut everything where you had it before.

Success! Mike (both Mikes!), I am SO grateful. I have had Macs since getting a MacPlus at work in 1989 but obviously have no idea about its full capabilities. I had never heard of Migration assistant (or ARIA for that matter). So, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks (I am 71).

All the best

Annie

Annie you are not alone there. I see questions like yours a lot. The best practice is to always d/l new installations of all your software. So if anyone else stumbles across this thread, way less stress if you just get all new installations 

Copying your mus or musx files should not be an issue.