What to do with Finale 98d and 2003a files

[Ralph123_]

Greetings,

I have many Finale 98d and Finale 2003a files that I don't know how to port.
These programs don't support MusicXML.
Any ideas how to port them to other apps?
Are any services available to do this?
Any help is greatly appreciated.

[motet]

Finale 27 should open them, then you can export the MusicXML files (after checking them closely!). I don't have anything as old as 98d, but it works for Finale 2005b files.

[Ralph123_]

Thanks motet.

The Dorico Pro crossgrade includes a Finale v27 upgrade. I'm going to see if that works for me.

[dtoub]

One good thing about Finale is that it's generally had good backwards compatibility. I literally, just for kicks, opened an old Finale 3.2 file from the mid-90's and apart from the appropriate window asking me about whether to update articulations, it was perfectly fine.

[Ralph123_]

Looks like I'm ineligible for the cross-grade. Any suggestions?

[motet]

Maybe try getting a hold of MakeMusic. I see nothing in their announcement limiting who can get the crossgrade. The fact is that you're entitled to it, since you're stuck without Finale 27.

[BuonTempi]

If you're on their books as the licensed owner of a copy of Finale, then you should be eligible.

[Ralph123_]

I reached out to makemusic as you suggested, and my previous licenses were attached to an
old email address. Makemusic migrated the licenses, and then I was able to buy the crossgrade.
My finale 98d and 2003a files open in V27, and I only have to make some minor modifications.
Thank you all for your help!