Hi Kathryn

Which tools in particular are causing the issue?

Can you describe *exactly* what it is you do when you try to use a Metatool? (eg select the expression tool. hold down the 'p' key and click on a note)

Can you also describe *exactly* how you are trying to program a Metatool?

Does this happen when you create a new score using the wizard?

Just as a test create a single staff score with the wizard, using the maestro template. Enter a few notes then try using the metatools.

Cheers...

Daz :o)

Well, I click on the articulation button, then I hover over the note I want to put an articulation on, and I press a metatool (for example, A for accent) and then click, and nothing happens. To try to program it, I do as it says, and hit shift+the letter, then hit select when it pops up. It still doesn't work afterwards. And yes, this happens on all my Finale files, be they from a new template or an old piece. Any ideas?

Hi Kathryn

Are you on the same layer as the music when you try to attach an articulation?

Most expressions can be attched on a measure basis, but most articulations need to be note attached.

Cheers...

Daz :o)

I believe I am in the right layer - I can still place articulations on notes, but I have to do so manually, clicking and scrolling and selecting. It's not impossible, but annoying and time consuming. Any other ideas? Thanks!

-Kathryn

Hi Kathryn

Sorry if I sound obtuse here, but are you holding the metatool down when you click on the note?

(ie press (and hold) the metatool, click on the note, release the metatool)

Cheers...

Daz :o)

No need to apologize, it's a fair question, but yes, I am doing that. I would say it's just an individual case problem, but it's happening on two computers in a row now, and just started out of the blue one day - it was working before that. 

Hi Kathryn

The fact that it has occurred on two different computers is really strange. Especially seeing as you can attach articulations via the dbx.

I'm at the end of my list of ideas, there are only a few more suggestions that I can make.

• Trash your Finale preferences. Follow the directions for Windows Vista/7/8 in the user manual (https://usermanuals.finalemusic.com/Finale2014Win/Content/Finale/Finale_Preferences.htm )
• Do you have any piece of hardware that is common to the two computers? A (midi) keyboard, mouse or other peripheral?
  If so, disconnect that piece of equipment and try again
• Do you have any software (other than standard software such as word processors, browsers graphics software) which is common between the two? The sort of software I'm talking about include things like macro shortcut programs (software which create macro shortcuts which can be used in any application), video drivers which include game specific features, (such as Asus' GamerOSD (allows you to save screenshots/captures of you terrific gaming skills) Software like GamerOSD is usually installed by default when installing/updating video drivers) or video capture software (software which can capture/create movies of what is occuring on the screen). A lot of the software that I mention here try to intercept keystrokes to see if a particular keystroke combination is meant for them to 'spring into action' as it were.
  In the case that you do, try uninstalling the software/disabling the feature and see what happens.

Of the list above, the first two are more probable. (The third is a long shot, born out of deperation and in the hopes that it may be useful <grin>)

If none of the above work, then open a support ticket (scroll to the top of the screen and click on "Submit a request" next to your username.

If any of the above work, or if you need to get support involved and they manage to solve it for you, can you post back here for future reference?

Cheers...

Daz :o)

Hi Kathryn

I've just thought of one more thing.

Have you ever used the TGTools Menu Shortcuts plugin? (Plug-Ins->TG Tools->Menu Shortcuts...)

If so, try disabling the shortcuts. (Even if you have not, run the plugin and see if there are any listed)

Cheers...

Daz :o)

Hi Kathryn,

Out of curiosity, do you happen to have any anti-virus software installed, perhaps Webroot? If so, there is an option called Secure Keyboard (in Webroot) that can conflict with Finale's metatools functions. Does this sound like it fits your scenario?

Hey guys, I figured it out! It was a touchpad issue, that the internet had told me to fix the exactly wrong way - the touchpad delay was set to long, and I needed to set it to "no delay". They work again! Thank you so much for giving me suggestions, you are all such nice people :) 

Hi Kathryn

I'm glad that you managed to get your problem sorted out. The touchpad. Well, I suppose that that makes sense.

Thanks for giving your feedback. At least if someone else has a similar issue, it's something that we can suggest as a possible solution,

Cheers...

Daz :o)

Late to the party, but wanted to thank Lawson Dutton for the Webroot uninstall suggestion. Worked like a charm. (macOS Big Sur, Finale 26)

Thanks,