How are you using Speedy Entry to enter your notes? Are you trying to use the number pad for rhythmic value and your QWERTY keyboard to enter pitch?

Since I use the numeric keypad for rhythmic values and my MIDI keyboard for pitch, I definitely do want the MIDI input box checked.

Number pad for rhythmic values and clicking on the staff with my mouse cursor for pitches. That's the input method I've used for years. I don't use a MIDI keyboard for anything.

Did you realize (as I did not) that in addition to the "Use MIDI device for input" in the Speedy menu, there is another checkbox in the Speedy Options sub-menu? Seems kind of crazy (and confusing0 to me.

Thank you both for your responses. I checked my settings, and I had already found the Speedy options and unchecked MIDI there as well. Finale doesn't appear to change that dramatically over time, so it seems I should still be able to move the cursor with my mouse in my right hand to the appropriate staff line and then just click the desired note value with the number pad with my left and get what I need, just as I always have. Like most systems, it's fast for me since I've been doing this for years.

I cannot imagine what is causing this difficulty. I have not problems entering notes with the mouse (so long as MIDI input has been switched off).

I click on the desired line or space and then press a numeric-keypad key to add the note at the correct pitch.

Presumably since installing Finale 26 you have restarted the program and rebooted the computer. There is the far-off chance that reinstalling Finale would help, but that is an extreme route. Better first to see what MakeMusic Support says via the "Submit a request" link. If you have not tried that route, you should. If you have, presumably you have told them their last suggestion did not work.