I have a Roland Sound Canvas SC-8850 and Windows 10. A few years ago, I searched Google for a replacement for GS Advanced Editor, since I didn't think it could be installed on anything above Windows Vista. I found there was some kind of device-specific (like Instrument Definitions) file that could be added to Sonar to replace GSAE, but I didn't download it at the time. Now it's years later and everything I search for says GSAE -can- be installed above Vista, but I can't find anywhere to download it anymore and I can't remember what that blasted file type was called so I can use that instead. Do any of you have any idea what I'm talking about? All I really need here is a Google search term or two.

An instrument definition mainly just lets SONAR display bank and patch names according to the port and channel assigned to the output of a track. I haven't looked but would guess that there's an .INS file for the SC88 bundled with SONAR; you would just need to import it under Preferences > MIDI - Instruments.
 
But that won't provide any patch-editing capabilities. For that, you would still need some standalone editor application. MIDI Quest might be the ticket; runs on Win 8, so probably good to go on Win 10 as well:
 
     https://www.squest.com/Pr...ts/RolandGSCompatible/
 

I found a instrument definition  for it. http://sonarmusic.ru/index.php/instrument-definitions.html
 
I have one myself but the way I have it its all ready setup for Sonar. Its part of the master.ins file so it would be only partially useful to you. However if you need it I can send it to you.
 
 
 

No no, I didn't mean I was looking for an instrument definition. :) I just meant that the thing I was looking for was device-specific and contained details about how to edit that specific device, much like an instrument definition does. I wish I could remember what the file type itself was called so I could just search for that word and find it in 3 seconds like I accidentally did in the first place. Also, as far as MIDI Quest, I found that a few minutes ago but I don't see anything there about editing insertion effects (like Distortion, Delay, EQ, etc.), which is really what I want the most. Does it do that? Thank you very much for you help in this matter; I'm STILL looking for GSAE to no avail.

I may have what you need, as a former owner of an SC 8850 (man, I loved that thing!) I did download the editor, and I may have to dig a bit to get it, but I could email it to you as an attachment, if you want. Just PM me and we'll see if we can get it to you (once I locate it).  

I found the old install file for the GSAE version 4.01, which I believe is the last version they made. If you want it, I will be happy to send it to you. Just PM me with your email address and I'll attach it and send it on it's way. 
Brings back very happy memories....

Perhaps its because its on the CD that came with the SC8850. I have a disk that is labeled SoundCanvas Software Library. There you will find GSAE. 
 
I just tried it and it wont run under Windows 10 64 bit. It will install but its meant to run under Win 95 and 98. 

I believe the original version from the CD was updated to 4.01, which ran ok on Vista, so I guess it would run fine under Windows 10.
 

I found this GS Advanced Editor which may work, but I haven't tried it myself. All the best with it.
http://gs-advanced-editor.software.informer.com/4.0/
Dave