Dolet is not compatible with Finale 2006. 2011 is the minimum.

https://www.musicxml.com/dolet-plugin/

Hey Michel, will you be learning the new product in the future? If so, let me know why I should switch. I have nothing against Dorico, I just want to know why that's all. I did see one feature that I thought would be helpful and it was the MIDI window. I am used to seeing those windows in other music producing products like Reason. Also thanks for all the help in the past.

In your case, I think you should consider getting (149 $) the Dorico crossgrade offered by MakeMusic, as it will include Finale 27. From that point on, it is up to you to use Dorico (which I don't know) or not. Personally, I'll get it and decide later if I use it, but not right away, as Finale can still be used on current systems.

Finale 27 can export files in the MusicXML format, version 4 (the latest and best version) if you need to transfer files efficiently (95 %) to Dorico, Sibelius or MuseScore. A good reason to get it.

Dolet versions of Finale going back to 2000, perhaps earlier have certainly existed. The download links are gone.

https://www.musicxml.com/dolet-plugin/dolet-plugin-for-finale/version-history/ 

The OP is looking to see if anyone has a copy Dolet 5 or 6.0 – 6.5 for Windows.

https://rekkerd.org/recordare-releases-dolet-5-for-finale/

Recordare was Michael Good’s company. It was purchased by MakeMusic and Mr. Good was brought onboard as a VP. He has since retired.

I agree. The learning curve does look steep. When I saw the first window I thought of Sibelius immediately. But I was not aware that Dorico had Finale 27. I will definitely consider the offer of $149

Your suggestion, Michael, to get the Dorico cross-grade offered by MakeMusic, which “will include Finale 27”, sounds like something that might work for me.

However, the announcement  at https://www.finalemusic.com/blog/end-of-finale-new-journey-dorico-letter-from-president/  indicates that the inclusion of Finale 27 will happen in the future. It seems that, as of now, Finale 27 is not yet a part of the cross-grade.

Could someone please also confirm that Finale 27 can open “.mus” files created by Finale 2006?

New announcement from MakeMusic :

"Dear valued Finale customer,
We're excited to announce that Finale v27 is now available to all customers who purchase or have already purchased a Dorico Pro crossgrade. As a reminder, all Finale customers can purchase Dorico Pro for just $149 (75% off the retail price) for a limited time."

Could someone please also confirm that Finale 27 can open “.mus” files created by Finale 2006?

Yes! 

There will probably be some adjustments, normally Fonts (2006, maybe not). These are easily resolved with the Change Fonts plug-in under Plug-ins/Miscellaneous in 27. Once you’ve done one or two, the rest will go quickly.

Not only will you have MM tech support for the next year but many of us know the common issues inside out for what you are trying to do.

Also, to open .mus files in Finale v27 you may have to change the file name extension from {.mus} to {.musx}.

Changing the file name extension will not change the file format, but Finale v27 will recognize the file name extension {.musx}.

Thank you all for your valuable comments. Much appreciated. Based on the information that you have provided, the cross-grade to Dorico with an upgrade to Finale v27 sounds like a logical way forward for me.

Also, to open .mus files in Finale v27 you may have to change the file name extension from {.mus} to {.musx}.

Interesting... Peter, is that a Windows thing? I've never had to do that on the Mac. When closing a .mus file, it asks to Save as .musx.

… Peter, is that a Windows thing? I've never had to do that on the Mac …

I do not know whether it is “a Windows thing”.

But it is a fact that on my Mac I can only open/convert my old “.mus” documents to “.musx” documents by changing the file name extension from .mus to .musx - my Finale will do nothing with the old Finale documents when they have the file name extension .mus - but as soon as I add an ‘x’ at the end of the {file name extension}, my Finale will open/convert the old documents.

I seem to recall that this issue was discussed about 10 years ago.

Well, it is also a fact that, on my Mac, I have never had to change the extension to open old .mus files. It asks to change the extension on close—every time. In Get Info, I select 27 as my default app to open them, then check Apply to all. Although I converted mine years ago, people send .mus files to me frequently.

This is why I asked about Windows.

I seem to recall that this issue was discussed about 10 years ago.

This board is only 8 years old, It's probably been 7 since I looked at the old one.