Problems changing instrument in MIDI file

I have created a midi file using chordsong, exported it as a midi file, the file plays ok, set the midi out on the i/o to microsoft gs wave synth. however, 1) when i click the midi editor and try and change the bank/program select for the instrument in the CC chanel I cant get rid of the piano sound and replace it with say horns for arguments sake. or I add a new event in the chanel that sometimes changes the instrument but I can't get it close enough to the start of the track. 2) further, I cant get the volume fader on the chanel to have any effect on the output and 3) finally, when i try to render the project the midi sounds are missing. i am new to reaper and midi in general. any help is welcome. Mike

thank you for a fast responce ok I understand now what you mean about ms gs wavesynth I have just got to learn about VSTi's is there any tutorials about VSTis?

In the Wiki there's a quick description about VSTi's Also a video about plugins here: Of course the user guide is always a good resource.