Finale Forum

I was trying to help a user with an HP laptop, with a numberpad. Tapping the 4-5-6 keys on the numpad did not change duration in simple entry. We tried both the laptop and desktop Simple shortcuts. It worked correctly to enter numbers in a text frame.

Does it work differently in Windows than on my Mac?

I have Win 10, Dell Desktop, Finale v26, and the number pad works fine for me. I can't say what's up for your friend.

Zuill

P.S.: Odd that the documentation says Alt+Numpad number. I have never had to press Alt. That is very strange that they have that listed as a shortcut. Alt+Number does work for the QWERTY keyboard.

Zuill

Follow-up:

Documentation is confusing. For setting the value, it says 1-8. Change duration it says Alt+1-8. Change means not change the value of the note to be entered, but change the value of a note already entered, which I do all the time.

So, setting the value: 1-8 on the Numpad. Changing the value of an already entered note: Alt+1-8 on the Numpad.

If the numbers alone are not working to set the value, then maybe the keyboard shortcuts have been edited, which is an option in Finale.

Zuill

miker wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 28, 2021 3:42 am

Tapping the 4-5-6 keys on the numpad did not change duration in simple entry.

After rereading this sentence (you can see what I have already said in my other posts), if by change you mean changing an already entered note value, then Alt is needed with a Numpad number to change the value. So, if you had entered a Quarter Note and want an Eighth Note instead, when the note is highlighted, press Alt with the Numpad number 4. If, however, you mean change the value of a new note you want to enter, just press the number.

Zuill

If there's a NumLock key on the keypad, try pressing that (it's a toggle). In one state it's a number pad--that's the one you want. In the other state, the keys emulate arrow keys, Home, PageUp, etc. If there's an LED on the keypad that toggles on and off with NumLock, you want it on.

Thanks, guys. Yes, I meant to change duration before entering the note. Sorry for leaving out some details:

She is using F2014. We tried with NumLock both ways, on and off.

When things don't work as they should, recreating the preferences is sometimes the only solution. If that fails to work, then I'm at a loss. For all the years I can recall (which seems fewer and fewer as time goes on) simply pressing the Numpad number is all that is needed.

Zuill

I'll suggest that. Fortunately, I have the feeling that she has never customized anything, so redoing the prefs shouldn't be that big of a deal.

Open up Windows Notepad and make sure the keypad works!

miker wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 28, 2021 3:42 am

It worked correctly to enter numbers in a text frame.

This was mentioned in the original post.

If the user is trying to do Tablature, then Ctrl+Alt+Numpad Number is needed.

Zuill

I'm going to make another guess:

If the Laptop has a Numpad built in, then the Default Keyboard Shortcut set should be used. Possibly, the user thought, because it is a Laptop, the Laptop Keyboard Shortcut set should be used, and was selected. I believe that set of shortcuts is designed for users that have a Laptop WITHOUT a Numpad. Possible scenario that would cause the Numpad entry to be disabled.

In reading the original post, it said you tried the Laptop and Desktop shortcuts, but I interpreted that to mean the actual key combinations, not the selection of the sets in Simple Entry Options. I'm just trying to get clarity on what is being done. If you meant you tried changing which set was being used, then my guess is wrong.

Zuill

Yes, the keypad works in a text frame in Finale. I've suggested that she trash the prefs.

We tried both standard and laptop shortcut sets.

No TAB, pretty much barbershop and SSAA choral work.

I guess we're back to square one. Preferences is a good step to try. Of course, restarting the Computer was probably tried already.

Zuill

Look at Simple Entry Options / Edit Keyboard Shortcuts, pull down the Simple Entry tab, and scroll through checking for Numpad 4, etc.

The list for shortcuts is confusing. The 2 terms used for note values is Duration and Tool. Apparently, Duration is for changing duration of a previously entered note. Tool is for changing the value of the notes on the palette. I would have expected the list to have Duration for setting the palette note value, and something like "Edit Duration" for changing the value of a previously entered note.

Who designs these things? Definitely not user friendly.

Zuill

Motet,
We looked at those, and all it listed was a number, no numpad.

Note: I did not see any of this. We were working via Zoom.

Now we're getting somewhere. It sounds like someone edited the Shortcut list. The values should be in the Tools section, lower down in the list. for 4 (8th note) it should say Numpad 4, for 5 (quarter note) it should say Numpad 5. From what you describe, it sounds like there are errors in the list. That would explain why it isn't working.

Zuill

P.S.: If she's using Finale 2014 on a Windows 10 machine, she might want to get the 2014.5 update. I have 2014 on my Win 10 machine, but it is unstable.

P.P.S.: Here's a picture showing what I mean. I am guessing that if only "4" is where "Numpad 4" is, that could explain things.

If those things are stored in preferences, then that's an easy fix.

There are these for plain 2-9, so don't confuse those. Scroll down for "Tool: Note: 16th" and the like

I don't think that was the case. She didn't even know that screen existed.

What wasn't the case?

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Finale was unable to undo Laptop Shortcut Table by going back to Default Shortcut Table. It sounds like the thing they would cursorily test once without fully exercising it.

I notice there's a button that says Reset to Defaults, so you might have her try that.

I meant, I don’t think she changed the shortcuts.

Since it's not generally a Finale issue, there still needs to be a solution. Please let us know if resetting the preferences does anything. If not, it looks like it's time for a reinstall. I still recommend 2014.5, since that is a better version.

Zuill

I will do that. Thanks, all.

[quote=motet post_id=83195 time=1619588207 user_id=19590]
If there's a NumLock key on the keypad, try pressing that (it's a toggle).
[/quote]
BINGO! NumLock evidently was accidentally hit. I searched all the documentation and googled for 15 mins before finding this one mention. (also trying several other fixes, including the INI file deletions)
THANK YOU!

SEARCH PHRASE: Windows Numeric Keypad Stopped Working (hopefully this will help someone find this in the future)