No sound with some Midi files

I am sorry for what I am sure is a very Noobie question. I have just started playing with Reaper (and sequencing in general). I imported one Midi file and was easily able to get instruments assigned to tracks and could hear them and render the project. But when I started a second project with a second Midi file I have no success hearing assigned instruments. I get a line red line on the individual mixer channels but no sound. When I assign an instrument, the red line goes away but still not sound??? Could the Midi file be the source of my problems or do I simply need to learn the proper setting in Reaper? Thank you in advance for any and all support in this matter.

it could be. in general, if you suspect midi file don't good, check it in media player. see if you hear sound. you can also upload your project, to the resources (see above) and post here a link.

Thanks for the reply. Both Midi files will play in WinAmp but if I import the files and add VST samples the exact same way to each project, I am able to hear audio on only one project. Is it possible the other (non-working) Midi file has issues???

i assume you have checked the obvious such as midichannels, right? what vsti are you using, again kinda obvious, but if its a drumsampler for instance, only the notes that have samples assigned will make sound, and if its a synth, some synths/patches only use a limited portion of the keyboard, so check that your notes are in a place that will trigger sound. do you get sound if you press the vertical keyboard on the left side of the midi editor?

Hello msm866 and welcome to these forums. You'll find many helpful people here and a lot of useful information. Perhaps you could compress a simple problem project file (no samples needed) into a ZIP file and post it here as an attachment so we can have a look at it and see what's (not) happening? In XP, right-click the project file, select Send To ... compressed (Zipped) folder). when you reply, scroll down a bit, open the "Additional Options" section if needed by clicking the double downwards arrows, click on [Manage Attachments], browse to your ZIP file, select and Upload it.

Thank you all SO much for your assistance. At first I was trying to use the Garritan's Steinway Grand but to no avail. Project file attached. All I am trying to do is create backing tracks for a friend. I am told the original Midi files are very old. Not sure if that matters. Again my thanks, Sean

As j79 said, it could be because they're not all on Midi channel 1, so depending on the VSTi it might not read the information. Double click on a track, which will open the Midi event editor. Click on View and select Mode Event List. Select all (Ctrl+A), then right click and change the channel to 1. Pete

Yes j79 it was in the Midi channels and thanks Pete for showing me how to check and change them. I am now able to hear the VSTi's and will begin to "Play" with Reaper. As a Noob, it is great to see the support provided by this forum. Thanks again, Sean