We need more info:

1) You tell that you are using “the 2012 version”.

Is that the “full Finale”? - or perhaps one of its smaller siblings, like PrintMusic?

2) Windows or Mac OS? What version?

3) Describe the exact steps that cause the crashes - like what tool you are using, and what you do in that tool.

4) Specify the steps you've already taken, so that we can rule out things.

Have you e. g. tried trashing your Preferences file?

- Rebooted?

- Tested a brand new user account?

Hello,

It's the full Finale and I'm using a MacBook. I'm using the simple entry tool, and can highlight single notes, but when I try to add a sharp (be that using '=' on a highlighted note or with the simple entry 'sharp' function) the whole thing crashes. I don't know what 'trashing my preferences file' entails, and I haven't tested a new user account. This is a longstanding problem, so rebooting is not the answer.

Thanks!

What OS is on your MacBook? Finale 2012 is not supported on 10.10 or anything newer than that. Here is one article: https://makemusic.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/218377587-Finale-2012-and-earlier-on-Mac-OS-X-10-10-and-later 

and there have been many more, over the last couple of years.

Thanks. It's 10.11.6, which would perhaps explain it, though not really make anyone's life easier. Just tried the adjustment suggested by the link, but it gives me the same "Unhandled exception caught" notice and crashes. Hmmmm....

Uri Smilansky,

1) You tell that you are “using a MacBook”.

I suppose that the operating system is a version of Mac OS (and not an installed version of Windows, even it is possible to install/use Windows on a MacBook), right?

Then, what version of Mac OS? (Pull down the Apple menu in the upper left corner, and choose “About this Mac”)

2) If I understand you correctly, you have not already taken any steps (except rebooting), meaning that we can not yet rule out anything, right?

3) If I understand you correctly, you have a note that is natural (like e. g. a D natural), and you are trying to “sharp” it (to D sharp), right?

4) When you have answered the above, we can go further.

Meanwhile, here are some things to try:

a. In the Simple Entry Tool, try using the menu system instead of using keyboard shortcuts:

Simple menu > Simple Edit Commands > Accidentals > Sharp

b. Try the same thing in the Speedy Entry Tool:

Speedy menu > Speedy Edit Commands > Raise Half Step

Hello,

Yes, Mac OS 10.11.6, yes and yes. Both suggestions resulted in with same result: Crashed as before.

Thanks, u

In that case, I’m afraid you will need to either downgrade the computer, or upgrade Finale.

All is not lost, though! F25 gives you the option to Save As... Finale 2012. So you can upgrade, and continue to collaborate.

There is a specific action that causes the Unhandled Exception crash in 2012 and earlier in Yosemite and later. For the life of me, I can't recall what it is. Searching these boards is like a needle in a haystack since that crash has so many other causes like trying to run 2011 in High Sierra etc. Whatever it is, you are doing it.

Finale 25 is compatible and, as has been pointed out, is able to save files as .mus for compatibility with Finale 2012. Although these files are not compatible with 2011 and earlier, there is an easy workaround via export as MusicXML.