Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
Adrien, John Ralls provided advice that, because the OP had not used Gnucash much in version 2.x, he might, in fact, be able to jump directly from that to 4.4. That advice, as I noted, is non-standard, but may work-- and if it does, then there's no real problem. David T. Original Message From: Adrien Monteleone Sent: Thu Jan 14 20:01:52 EST 2021 To: gnucash-u...@lists.gnucash.org Subject: Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current I think you misunderstood. No, you should not 'update' your GnuCash installation *with your existing GnuCash file* straight from 2.x to 4.x! You have two paths: 1. retain your existing GnuCash file and go through the multi-step update process outlined in this thread and in the wiki. Then when at 4.4, start incrementally importing your Quicken/Quickbooks data from where you last left off when you imported to GnuCash. (note, you may have edited that old data in the other app, so that might not be a good idea) 2. ditch the (as you noted) 'stale/old' GnuCash file entirely (maybe save a backup in case), remove GnuCash 2.x, install GnuCash 4.4, and then start incrementally importing your Quicken/Quickbooks data - from the beginning of your use of Intuit's software into a fresh GnuCash file. Which one you choose depends on how much you've been using the two side-by-side and how much you've invested in the existing GnuCash file. I seem to recall from your original post, it was imported long ago, you played around with it lightly, and you are just getting back to it now to make a permanent switch. If that is the case, I would go for option #2 as there will be no data loss and you'll get better quality imports now with 4.4. Regards, Adrien On 1/13/21 2:16 PM, brad wrote: > I'm a bit confused as to the best update method. These seem to be > differing methods, incrementally updating GC (3 steps), or jump to 4.4 > (1 step) and let it do the data update in one step. Is the JR one > step method reliable for a big file with many accounts? ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All. ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
I think you misunderstood. No, you should not 'update' your GnuCash installation *with your existing GnuCash file* straight from 2.x to 4.x! You have two paths: 1. retain your existing GnuCash file and go through the multi-step update process outlined in this thread and in the wiki. Then when at 4.4, start incrementally importing your Quicken/Quickbooks data from where you last left off when you imported to GnuCash. (note, you may have edited that old data in the other app, so that might not be a good idea) 2. ditch the (as you noted) 'stale/old' GnuCash file entirely (maybe save a backup in case), remove GnuCash 2.x, install GnuCash 4.4, and then start incrementally importing your Quicken/Quickbooks data - from the beginning of your use of Intuit's software into a fresh GnuCash file. Which one you choose depends on how much you've been using the two side-by-side and how much you've invested in the existing GnuCash file. I seem to recall from your original post, it was imported long ago, you played around with it lightly, and you are just getting back to it now to make a permanent switch. If that is the case, I would go for option #2 as there will be no data loss and you'll get better quality imports now with 4.4. Regards, Adrien On 1/13/21 2:16 PM, brad wrote: I'm a bit confused as to the best update method. These seem to be differing methods, incrementally updating GC (3 steps), or jump to 4.4 (1 step) and let it do the data update in one step. Is the JR one step method reliable for a big file with many accounts? ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
Brad It really depends upon the situation. you originally said you had an old file from an early attempt to use GnuCash and there had been little importing of data since that time and that that data was expendable. In this case John's single step process is appropriate. You can then back import any necessary data as far back is required into a new file created with the new version. If on the other hand you had been a long term user with significant records in your existing file (My data file goes back to before 2010 and has data imported from previous accounting programs for example - I do question why I need this occasionally but that is a different matter.), the second update strategy (David T's) is the more appropriate and safest. Changes in data file structures normally only occur with the major version number changes, e.g 2.x to 3.x and 3.x to 4.x and the next major version incorporates procedures for updating the data files for changes from the previous major version. David Cousens - David Cousens -- Sent from: http://gnucash.1415818.n4.nabble.com/GnuCash-User-f1415819.html ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
Brad, My version is the safest, "This is the way that everyone says it should be done" version. However, John is one of the core developers of the app, and if he says you can probably cut corners and just jump ahead, then that might be worth a try. Hey, if it doesn't work, you can always go back to your backup and use my version. You *did* make a backup before all this, right? David Original Message From: brad Sent: Wed Jan 13 15:16:54 EST 2021 To: gnucash-user@gnucash.org Subject: Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current I'm a bit confused as to the best update method. These seem to be differing methods, incrementally updating GC (3 steps), or jump to 4.4 (1 step) and let it do the data update in one step. Is the JR one step method reliable for a big file with many accounts? On 1/8/21 10:15 AM, John Ralls wrote: > > The old GnuCash file still has a bunch of imports and starting with it will > save you some time importing and perhaps training the import-matcher. Make a > separate backup of it for an extra layer of safety. > > Since you didn't actually use GnuCash much it's probably safe to just install > 4.4. The installer will take care of uninstalling your old 2.6.14. There's a > bunch of upgrading that GnuCash will do on its first run and a bunch more on > the first import, so be patient! If your existing file is large and your old > laptop is slow or doesn't have a lot of memory it may take more than an > hour--someone reported several hours for a very large file--to run all of the > startup scrubs and then more hours to update the import maps, so plug in the > laptop, turn off energy savers (it's OK to blank the screen but you don't > want it to go to sleep), and plan to leave it running for a while. > > As you bring the GnuCash file up to date do small imports--a month or two > worth of transactions--to begin. If most of the imported transactions are > matched correctly then you can go to larger import batches, but if they're > not then you'll want to do a half dozen or so small batches to train the > matcher. Note that there's a recently added feature that allows you to select > several transactions in the matcher window and assign all of them to the same > transfer account; just right-click after selecting and pick Assign Account > from the context menu (it's the only option). > > Remember to save frequently so that you can easily go back if something goes > wrong. > > Regards, > John Ralls On 1/8/21 10:28 AM, D. via gnucash-user wrote: > Welcome back! > > Let me start with the last point first: in my experience, Gnucash's developer > team is deeply committed to compatibility, and works to ensure that upgrades > preserve ALL previous data. Furthermore, the default data storage is XML, > which is text that is human readable, and fully transparent to the end user > (I'll add the caveat here that for efficiency's sake, the file is usually > stored in a compressed format, which cannot be directly read by humans, but > which can be expanded and then read). > > Under the circumstances, you can follow either path, but I'd probably choose > to upgrade and update in place, depending on details. Arguing in favor of a > fully new start in 4.4 is the simplicity of downloading that version and > starting anew. Rather strongly against this, however, is the fact that you > have already imported most of your history into the older version--a process > that is usually somewhat painful. > > Under the alternative, you'd update the software, confirm your existing data, > and then import new transactions from Quicken. This would allow you to build > off the existing data set, perhaps quickly. > > If you follow the upgrade path, the recommended method is to: > 1) Make a backup of your data file. > 2) Upgrade to 2.16.21, open your file and perform a check & repair on the > entire file. > 3) Upgrade to 3.11, open your file and perform a check & repair on the entire > file. > 4) Upgrade to 4.4, open your file and perform a check & repair on the entire > file. > 5) Export new transactions from Quicken. > 6) Import these transactions into Gnucash. > 7) Perform any reconciliations in date order. > 8) Relax, don't worry, have a home brew. (This last directive might not > apply to the current set of activities) > > HTH, > David T. > > ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All. ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe:
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
I'm a bit confused as to the best update method. These seem to be differing methods, incrementally updating GC (3 steps), or jump to 4.4 (1 step) and let it do the data update in one step. Is the JR one step method reliable for a big file with many accounts? On 1/8/21 10:15 AM, John Ralls wrote: The old GnuCash file still has a bunch of imports and starting with it will save you some time importing and perhaps training the import-matcher. Make a separate backup of it for an extra layer of safety. Since you didn't actually use GnuCash much it's probably safe to just install 4.4. The installer will take care of uninstalling your old 2.6.14. There's a bunch of upgrading that GnuCash will do on its first run and a bunch more on the first import, so be patient! If your existing file is large and your old laptop is slow or doesn't have a lot of memory it may take more than an hour--someone reported several hours for a very large file--to run all of the startup scrubs and then more hours to update the import maps, so plug in the laptop, turn off energy savers (it's OK to blank the screen but you don't want it to go to sleep), and plan to leave it running for a while. As you bring the GnuCash file up to date do small imports--a month or two worth of transactions--to begin. If most of the imported transactions are matched correctly then you can go to larger import batches, but if they're not then you'll want to do a half dozen or so small batches to train the matcher. Note that there's a recently added feature that allows you to select several transactions in the matcher window and assign all of them to the same transfer account; just right-click after selecting and pick Assign Account from the context menu (it's the only option). Remember to save frequently so that you can easily go back if something goes wrong. Regards, John Ralls On 1/8/21 10:28 AM, D. via gnucash-user wrote: Welcome back! Let me start with the last point first: in my experience, Gnucash's developer team is deeply committed to compatibility, and works to ensure that upgrades preserve ALL previous data. Furthermore, the default data storage is XML, which is text that is human readable, and fully transparent to the end user (I'll add the caveat here that for efficiency's sake, the file is usually stored in a compressed format, which cannot be directly read by humans, but which can be expanded and then read). Under the circumstances, you can follow either path, but I'd probably choose to upgrade and update in place, depending on details. Arguing in favor of a fully new start in 4.4 is the simplicity of downloading that version and starting anew. Rather strongly against this, however, is the fact that you have already imported most of your history into the older version--a process that is usually somewhat painful. Under the alternative, you'd update the software, confirm your existing data, and then import new transactions from Quicken. This would allow you to build off the existing data set, perhaps quickly. If you follow the upgrade path, the recommended method is to: 1) Make a backup of your data file. 2) Upgrade to 2.16.21, open your file and perform a check & repair on the entire file. 3) Upgrade to 3.11, open your file and perform a check & repair on the entire file. 4) Upgrade to 4.4, open your file and perform a check & repair on the entire file. 5) Export new transactions from Quicken. 6) Import these transactions into Gnucash. 7) Perform any reconciliations in date order. 8) Relax, don't worry, have a home brew. (This last directive might not apply to the current set of activities) HTH, David T. ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
I just went through this process (2.6.21 > 3.0 > 3.10 > 4.4) on my Windows 8.1 PC. I chose to do it now because, hey, it's a new year...time to catch up. It went very smoothly...no hiccups whatsoever. FWIW, the biggest change I've noticed so far is that generating a balance sheet went from being painfully slow to almost instantaneous. Once the migration was completed, I copied the resulting GC backup files to the cloud and then downloaded them to my Windows 10 laptop. I installed 4.4 on the laptop (removing 2.6.21 in the process) and opened the 4.4 generated .gnucash file that had been downloaded. Voila! Both machines are up to date. -- Sent from: http://gnucash.1415818.n4.nabble.com/GnuCash-User-f1415819.html ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
David, Thanks for clarifying. I agree with all your points--especially about the fine work of the developers! David T. Original Message From: David Carlson Sent: Fri Jan 08 18:03:03 EST 2021 To: "D." Cc: Tfastle , David Reiser via gnucash-user Subject: Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current First, I just know enough about computers to be dangerous. So I am ultra conservative about going in over my head trying to stay near the (b)leading edge of technology. Like you I have been using GnuCash since very early in the 2.something days sometime after it was ported to Windows. That said, I recognized early on that the transition from GTK-2 to GTK-3 was going to be a challenge for the GnuCash developers, and I wanted to stay out of that issue until they had paved most of the bumps in that road. Unfortunately, Release 2.6.19 runs very slowly for me and 3.8 is still pretty sluggish. I ran both in parallel for a few months. Considering their limited resources, the developers are doing a phenomenal job. Now Linux technology has started to move away from PPA protocols toward Flatpack or possibly other alternatives that I still feel need more development before I am ready to jump from GnuCash 3.8 to 4.4 or beyond. Reading the tales of woe here and on the developer mail list with flatpacks and particularly with building the program from source in various flavors of Linux has me sitting on the sidelines for now. I wish GnuCash developers would look for ways to port GnuCash seriously over to Android or whatever to run nicely on tablets or smartphones, as they seem to be replacing PC's for many users. I will be personally continuing to use a PC for many years yet. On Fri, Jan 8, 2021 at 3:53 PM D. wrote: > David, > > I don't understand; could you explain what exactly is taking such a long > time to upgrade? I've been using Gnucash for, like, 15 years, and the > upgrade process (across multiple major versions [I believe I started around > 2.0.5 or so], using multiple installation methods [anyone remember fink?], > and multiple operating systems [MacOS and then Windows]) has never taken > particularly long. So, I'm curious what is causing you such troubles. > > David T. > > > Original Message > From: David Carlson > Sent: Fri Jan 08 12:34:48 EST 2021 > To: Tfastle > Cc: Gnucash Users > Subject: Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to > current > > Tfastle, > > I am currently at release 3.8, half way through the process of migrating > from 2.6.xx to 4.4. I can tell you that the migration is very time > consuming and it looks like it is going to be a challenge to take the step > from 3.8 to 4.4 in a Linux OS. > > If you are contemplating running GnuCash in Windows, which you may be, > since Quicken runs in Windows, skipping intermediate steps and starting > with release 4.4 might be the best option. > > On Fri, Jan 8, 2021 at 10:53 AM Tfastle via gnucash-user < > gnucash-user@gnucash.org> wrote: > > > A few years back I was going to switch from using Quicken to GnuCash. I > > downloaded and spent a fair amount of time reading about GnuCash and > > getting > > my Quicken Account imported. For me, it was a bit of a learning curve > and > > a > > lack of time thwarted my effort. I now hope to make the move for good. > > > > My plan is to initially run GnuCash on my old laptop which is where I > have > > the 2.6.14 version now and concurrently run Quicken on my new laptop > > (basically entering all the same transactions) until I feel comfortable > and > > adept enough to abandon Quicken. I really only use Quicken as a > glorified > > register and tool to balance my main checking account but do have over 20 > > years of those transactions with regard to it. The file I have in > GnuCash > > from my attempt a few years ago was imported from Quicken and represented > > where that account was at that time. That GnuCash file is not of any > value > > or importance so abandoning it is an option and no problem at all. > > > > So my questions are: > > > > Should I "update" to the most current stable version of GnuCash or > should I > > just uninstall ver 2.6.14 and start over with the current stable version > > and > > then import my current Quicken file? I suspect this is the best route to > go > > but, if for some reason updating is better, how might I best go about > that? > > > > I tried to figure this from reading various post online but it was pretty > > confusing. It appeared that files save in older versions often don't run > > in > > newer versions so, to "update" (if it's even possible) I would need to go > > through a series of updates to get current and still have my file read. > > If > > I end up just starting over then I don't really care about that from a > > "getting to current" perspective but it does bring one question to mind. > > Once using the current version of GC how to avoid the problem of
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
A last note: during upgrades, check the trace file for possibly important logs. These are overwritten, hence upgrade messages can disappear easily. https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Tracefile On Sat, 9 Jan 2021, 9:58 am Tfastle via gnucash-user, < gnucash-user@gnucash.org> wrote: > Well, I must chime in. > > You all are way over my head now but the thread seems lively and is > entertaining. I think what I will do is save my file in a safe place and > try the update and see what happens and, along the way, learn a little. > Then, maybe I'll understand a bit more of what is being discussed here and > be able to resolve issues. If I don't end up having many then great. If I > do, I will then switch to the "fresh install of newest version and import > my > Quicken date mode" and see if I can figure that out. If I can't, it won't > be > the end of the world. > > For now, I have quickly moved on to step 8 am enjoying a brew as I type > this. I really appreciate all of the replies and input but think I may > have > gotten a little ahead of myself (often do) and need to get a little > practical experience (ie - give it a go) before thinking I will understand > the problems. > > I will say, you all write well, are knowledgeable and entertaining. I will > try to update my program and continue to watch this thread and throw > something in if and when I have something I think is of value. > > Thanks! > > > > -- > Sent from: http://gnucash.1415818.n4.nabble.com/GnuCash-User-f1415819.html > ___ > gnucash-user mailing list > gnucash-user@gnucash.org > To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user > If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see > https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. > - > Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. > You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All. > ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
Well, I must chime in. You all are way over my head now but the thread seems lively and is entertaining. I think what I will do is save my file in a safe place and try the update and see what happens and, along the way, learn a little. Then, maybe I'll understand a bit more of what is being discussed here and be able to resolve issues. If I don't end up having many then great. If I do, I will then switch to the "fresh install of newest version and import my Quicken date mode" and see if I can figure that out. If I can't, it won't be the end of the world. For now, I have quickly moved on to step 8 am enjoying a brew as I type this. I really appreciate all of the replies and input but think I may have gotten a little ahead of myself (often do) and need to get a little practical experience (ie - give it a go) before thinking I will understand the problems. I will say, you all write well, are knowledgeable and entertaining. I will try to update my program and continue to watch this thread and throw something in if and when I have something I think is of value. Thanks! -- Sent from: http://gnucash.1415818.n4.nabble.com/GnuCash-User-f1415819.html ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
On 1/8/21 6:03 PM, David Carlson wrote: > Now Linux technology has started to move away from PPA protocols toward > Flatpack or possibly other alternatives that I still feel need more > development before I am ready to jump from GnuCash 3.8 to 4.4 or beyond. > Reading the tales of woe here and on the developer mail list with flatpacks > and particularly with building the program from source in various flavors > of Linux has me sitting on the sidelines for now. I do not know what PPA protocols even are, but when I first upgraded from an old 2.something Gnucash to 4.2 I got it from Flatpack. It installed easily, I converted the simple database I had and was lucky. But it would not print anything. I suspect that this problem is that Flatpack give all its files bizarre names and stores them in unexpected places. Now the trouble with this for me is my Linux system uses an SELinux kernel that is extremely security conscious, and Flatpack does not follow the rules. Even the root user cannot easily violate the rules. I did not follow this up, but Flatpack is so bizarre in where it puts things, what it names them, that if it does not work exactly as you want, you will probably never get it to work. (It was even worse with the BOINC system that I run 24/7.) A knowledgeable friend hand built an rpm for me from source, and gave me a list of necessary other items. Once I got those other items, Gnucash started working correctly and it prints as expected. -- .~. Jean-David Beyer /V\ Shrewsbury, New Jersey /( )\ Red Hat Enterprise Linux ^^-^^ up 1 week, 1 day, 47 minutes ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
First, I just know enough about computers to be dangerous. So I am ultra conservative about going in over my head trying to stay near the (b)leading edge of technology. Like you I have been using GnuCash since very early in the 2.something days sometime after it was ported to Windows. That said, I recognized early on that the transition from GTK-2 to GTK-3 was going to be a challenge for the GnuCash developers, and I wanted to stay out of that issue until they had paved most of the bumps in that road. Unfortunately, Release 2.6.19 runs very slowly for me and 3.8 is still pretty sluggish. I ran both in parallel for a few months. Considering their limited resources, the developers are doing a phenomenal job. Now Linux technology has started to move away from PPA protocols toward Flatpack or possibly other alternatives that I still feel need more development before I am ready to jump from GnuCash 3.8 to 4.4 or beyond. Reading the tales of woe here and on the developer mail list with flatpacks and particularly with building the program from source in various flavors of Linux has me sitting on the sidelines for now. I wish GnuCash developers would look for ways to port GnuCash seriously over to Android or whatever to run nicely on tablets or smartphones, as they seem to be replacing PC's for many users. I will be personally continuing to use a PC for many years yet. On Fri, Jan 8, 2021 at 3:53 PM D. wrote: > David, > > I don't understand; could you explain what exactly is taking such a long > time to upgrade? I've been using Gnucash for, like, 15 years, and the > upgrade process (across multiple major versions [I believe I started around > 2.0.5 or so], using multiple installation methods [anyone remember fink?], > and multiple operating systems [MacOS and then Windows]) has never taken > particularly long. So, I'm curious what is causing you such troubles. > > David T. > > > Original Message > From: David Carlson > Sent: Fri Jan 08 12:34:48 EST 2021 > To: Tfastle > Cc: Gnucash Users > Subject: Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to > current > > Tfastle, > > I am currently at release 3.8, half way through the process of migrating > from 2.6.xx to 4.4. I can tell you that the migration is very time > consuming and it looks like it is going to be a challenge to take the step > from 3.8 to 4.4 in a Linux OS. > > If you are contemplating running GnuCash in Windows, which you may be, > since Quicken runs in Windows, skipping intermediate steps and starting > with release 4.4 might be the best option. > > On Fri, Jan 8, 2021 at 10:53 AM Tfastle via gnucash-user < > gnucash-user@gnucash.org> wrote: > > > A few years back I was going to switch from using Quicken to GnuCash. I > > downloaded and spent a fair amount of time reading about GnuCash and > > getting > > my Quicken Account imported. For me, it was a bit of a learning curve > and > > a > > lack of time thwarted my effort. I now hope to make the move for good. > > > > My plan is to initially run GnuCash on my old laptop which is where I > have > > the 2.6.14 version now and concurrently run Quicken on my new laptop > > (basically entering all the same transactions) until I feel comfortable > and > > adept enough to abandon Quicken. I really only use Quicken as a > glorified > > register and tool to balance my main checking account but do have over 20 > > years of those transactions with regard to it. The file I have in > GnuCash > > from my attempt a few years ago was imported from Quicken and represented > > where that account was at that time. That GnuCash file is not of any > value > > or importance so abandoning it is an option and no problem at all. > > > > So my questions are: > > > > Should I "update" to the most current stable version of GnuCash or > should I > > just uninstall ver 2.6.14 and start over with the current stable version > > and > > then import my current Quicken file? I suspect this is the best route to > go > > but, if for some reason updating is better, how might I best go about > that? > > > > I tried to figure this from reading various post online but it was pretty > > confusing. It appeared that files save in older versions often don't run > > in > > newer versions so, to "update" (if it's even possible) I would need to go > > through a series of updates to get current and still have my file read. > > If > > I end up just starting over then I don't really care about that from a > > "getting to current" perspective but it does bring one question to mind. > > Once using the current version of GC how to avoid the problem of updating > > but not being able to read your file from the prior version? Is it just > a > > matter of updating in a timely manner as new stable versions become > > available and then your prior version file will always be able to be > read? > > I have to assume this is the case but would like to know before I put the > > effort in to making this
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
David, I don't understand; could you explain what exactly is taking such a long time to upgrade? I've been using Gnucash for, like, 15 years, and the upgrade process (across multiple major versions [I believe I started around 2.0.5 or so], using multiple installation methods [anyone remember fink?], and multiple operating systems [MacOS and then Windows]) has never taken particularly long. So, I'm curious what is causing you such troubles. David T. Original Message From: David Carlson Sent: Fri Jan 08 12:34:48 EST 2021 To: Tfastle Cc: Gnucash Users Subject: Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current Tfastle, I am currently at release 3.8, half way through the process of migrating from 2.6.xx to 4.4. I can tell you that the migration is very time consuming and it looks like it is going to be a challenge to take the step from 3.8 to 4.4 in a Linux OS. If you are contemplating running GnuCash in Windows, which you may be, since Quicken runs in Windows, skipping intermediate steps and starting with release 4.4 might be the best option. On Fri, Jan 8, 2021 at 10:53 AM Tfastle via gnucash-user < gnucash-user@gnucash.org> wrote: > A few years back I was going to switch from using Quicken to GnuCash. I > downloaded and spent a fair amount of time reading about GnuCash and > getting > my Quicken Account imported. For me, it was a bit of a learning curve and > a > lack of time thwarted my effort. I now hope to make the move for good. > > My plan is to initially run GnuCash on my old laptop which is where I have > the 2.6.14 version now and concurrently run Quicken on my new laptop > (basically entering all the same transactions) until I feel comfortable and > adept enough to abandon Quicken. I really only use Quicken as a glorified > register and tool to balance my main checking account but do have over 20 > years of those transactions with regard to it. The file I have in GnuCash > from my attempt a few years ago was imported from Quicken and represented > where that account was at that time. That GnuCash file is not of any value > or importance so abandoning it is an option and no problem at all. > > So my questions are: > > Should I "update" to the most current stable version of GnuCash or should I > just uninstall ver 2.6.14 and start over with the current stable version > and > then import my current Quicken file? I suspect this is the best route to go > but, if for some reason updating is better, how might I best go about that? > > I tried to figure this from reading various post online but it was pretty > confusing. It appeared that files save in older versions often don't run > in > newer versions so, to "update" (if it's even possible) I would need to go > through a series of updates to get current and still have my file read. > If > I end up just starting over then I don't really care about that from a > "getting to current" perspective but it does bring one question to mind. > Once using the current version of GC how to avoid the problem of updating > but not being able to read your file from the prior version? Is it just a > matter of updating in a timely manner as new stable versions become > available and then your prior version file will always be able to be read? > I have to assume this is the case but would like to know before I put the > effort in to making this switch. I intend to use it for a long time and > would hate to one day just be out of luck but (I can't imagine that would > ever be the case). > > Lastly, it looks like the most recent stable release is 4.4, is that what I > should start with (or end up with via upgrade(s) )? > > Sorry for how long this is or for being so ignorant on the subject. > > Thanks! > > > > > > > > -- > Sent from: http://gnucash.1415818.n4.nabble.com/GnuCash-User-f1415819.html > ___ > gnucash-user mailing list > gnucash-user@gnucash.org > To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user > If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see > https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. > - > Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. > You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All. > -- David Carlson ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All. ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
Years ago Quicken allowed exporting data (in their version of QIF format) for a limited time interval and/or for one, several or all accounts, but I do not know if that is still true. They also used to allow simply exporting your account tree with no transaction data. Good luck! On Fri, Jan 8, 2021 at 1:58 PM Adrien Monteleone < adrien.montele...@lusfiber.net> wrote: > I too highly recommend this step not be skipped! (if so inclined) > > Regards, > Adrien > > On 1/8/21 11:28 AM, D. via gnucash-user wrote: > > > 8) Relax, don't worry, have a home brew. (This last directive might not > apply to the current set of activities) > > ___ > gnucash-user mailing list > gnucash-user@gnucash.org > To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user > If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see > https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. > - > Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. > You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All. > -- David Carlson ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
I too highly recommend this step not be skipped! (if so inclined) Regards, Adrien On 1/8/21 11:28 AM, D. via gnucash-user wrote: 8) Relax, don't worry, have a home brew. (This last directive might not apply to the current set of activities) ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
Read over John's reply again. If you want to 'start fresh' then just install 4.4 and then start importing. I'm not sure if Quicken allows you to export a date range of data. If so, then following John's advice, export the very first month of data, then import it into GnuCash. Then export the second month, and import. If Quicken doesn't let you create small exports by date range, and instead just get one giant file, then you'll need to open that file (probably in a spreadsheet app) and break it up there. Others who have followed this path can lend more advice as to which route you need to take. As you do each import, there is the opportunity to train the import matcher. The more imports you do, the more training the matcher learns from you. Subsequent imports will thus go faster with less manual adjustments on your part. (always adjust *in* the import matcher, don't wait till after the import or GnuCash will never learn that adjustment for next time) After a few of these, you can start increasing the date range as GnuCash will get more matches right on its own, and leave you less adjustments to make for further training. Eventually, you'll likely be able to comfortably import a year at a time. (otherwise, you face a daunting 240+ monthly imports!) For accounts that benefit from reconciliation against institutional statements (bank accounts, credit cards, etc.) you should perform a reconciliation procedure *for each such statement period*. You may have done this in Quicken already, and I think the importer allows you to import transactions as 'reconciled' already. There is some issue with this however, and you should probably do fresh reconciliations in GnuCash. (also why it might be easier to import one month at a time, reconciling after each import, the larger the time spans for import, the greater chance of having an error that is proportionally harder to find in the larger sea of transactions.) Above all, take it slow, and don't try to import the entire history from Quicken in one go. Regards, Adrien On 1/8/21 12:57 PM, Tfastle via gnucash-user wrote: Well, I would first like to say thanks for the very thoughtful and informative replies! I should have mentioned in my first post that I am not an overly "inner works of a computer" savvy person and even less so with the inner workings of software some of that was a bit over my head. When I first set up GC a few years ago I don't really recall any major issues when I imported my quicken file. I thought I downloaded what was the current version of GC and then imported my quicken file. If that were the case I think I would do that now and not bother with updating. I am gathering that was not likely the case. So, I don’t just import my one Quicken file but have to import multiple files or files individually? It was mentioned a couple of times that there would be a lot of updating taking place. Is that also the case if I just uninstall and start over? I assume not but gather going that route that the importing of my quicken file will be difficult and take a lng time. Am I reading that correctly? I should probably make sure it’s clear that all I would be importing is one quicken file. That file does have multiple accounts but really only one with much data and that is my main checkbook going back 20+ years. I really only use it as a ledger to track my main ck’ing account and balance it. My quicken file is one file. I don’t know how I would import it in increments like 3 months at a time. When I import is there an option to do that? Also it was mentioned that the version I have has a bunch of imports. In my thinking, it just has the one import but I am sure I am wrong on that. Why is my one file import "a bunch of imports?" I am not clear on “performing reconciliations.” After the import will I get a message or messages saying, “these transactions need some sort of attention?” I do vaguely remember some of that but it didn’t seem like a lot. I am running on Windows 10. If it’s a matter of just having to install the new version and import my quicken file and I can expect few issues I am inclined to go that way. If instead, importing my quicken file will require many items to be addressed (reconciled) then it’s probably most wise to update. I probably was not as clear as I should have been in my first post. ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
Well, I would first like to say thanks for the very thoughtful and informative replies! I should have mentioned in my first post that I am not an overly "inner works of a computer" savvy person and even less so with the inner workings of software some of that was a bit over my head. When I first set up GC a few years ago I don't really recall any major issues when I imported my quicken file. I thought I downloaded what was the current version of GC and then imported my quicken file. If that were the case I think I would do that now and not bother with updating. I am gathering that was not likely the case. So, I don’t just import my one Quicken file but have to import multiple files or files individually? It was mentioned a couple of times that there would be a lot of updating taking place. Is that also the case if I just uninstall and start over? I assume not but gather going that route that the importing of my quicken file will be difficult and take a lng time. Am I reading that correctly? I should probably make sure it’s clear that all I would be importing is one quicken file. That file does have multiple accounts but really only one with much data and that is my main checkbook going back 20+ years. I really only use it as a ledger to track my main ck’ing account and balance it. My quicken file is one file. I don’t know how I would import it in increments like 3 months at a time. When I import is there an option to do that? Also it was mentioned that the version I have has a bunch of imports. In my thinking, it just has the one import but I am sure I am wrong on that. Why is my one file import "a bunch of imports?" I am not clear on “performing reconciliations.” After the import will I get a message or messages saying, “these transactions need some sort of attention?” I do vaguely remember some of that but it didn’t seem like a lot. I am running on Windows 10. If it’s a matter of just having to install the new version and import my quicken file and I can expect few issues I am inclined to go that way. If instead, importing my quicken file will require many items to be addressed (reconciled) then it’s probably most wise to update. I probably was not as clear as I should have been in my first post. -- Sent from: http://gnucash.1415818.n4.nabble.com/GnuCash-User-f1415819.html ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
Tfastle, I am currently at release 3.8, half way through the process of migrating from 2.6.xx to 4.4. I can tell you that the migration is very time consuming and it looks like it is going to be a challenge to take the step from 3.8 to 4.4 in a Linux OS. If you are contemplating running GnuCash in Windows, which you may be, since Quicken runs in Windows, skipping intermediate steps and starting with release 4.4 might be the best option. On Fri, Jan 8, 2021 at 10:53 AM Tfastle via gnucash-user < gnucash-user@gnucash.org> wrote: > A few years back I was going to switch from using Quicken to GnuCash. I > downloaded and spent a fair amount of time reading about GnuCash and > getting > my Quicken Account imported. For me, it was a bit of a learning curve and > a > lack of time thwarted my effort. I now hope to make the move for good. > > My plan is to initially run GnuCash on my old laptop which is where I have > the 2.6.14 version now and concurrently run Quicken on my new laptop > (basically entering all the same transactions) until I feel comfortable and > adept enough to abandon Quicken. I really only use Quicken as a glorified > register and tool to balance my main checking account but do have over 20 > years of those transactions with regard to it. The file I have in GnuCash > from my attempt a few years ago was imported from Quicken and represented > where that account was at that time. That GnuCash file is not of any value > or importance so abandoning it is an option and no problem at all. > > So my questions are: > > Should I "update" to the most current stable version of GnuCash or should I > just uninstall ver 2.6.14 and start over with the current stable version > and > then import my current Quicken file? I suspect this is the best route to go > but, if for some reason updating is better, how might I best go about that? > > I tried to figure this from reading various post online but it was pretty > confusing. It appeared that files save in older versions often don't run > in > newer versions so, to "update" (if it's even possible) I would need to go > through a series of updates to get current and still have my file read. > If > I end up just starting over then I don't really care about that from a > "getting to current" perspective but it does bring one question to mind. > Once using the current version of GC how to avoid the problem of updating > but not being able to read your file from the prior version? Is it just a > matter of updating in a timely manner as new stable versions become > available and then your prior version file will always be able to be read? > I have to assume this is the case but would like to know before I put the > effort in to making this switch. I intend to use it for a long time and > would hate to one day just be out of luck but (I can't imagine that would > ever be the case). > > Lastly, it looks like the most recent stable release is 4.4, is that what I > should start with (or end up with via upgrade(s) )? > > Sorry for how long this is or for being so ignorant on the subject. > > Thanks! > > > > > > > > -- > Sent from: http://gnucash.1415818.n4.nabble.com/GnuCash-User-f1415819.html > ___ > gnucash-user mailing list > gnucash-user@gnucash.org > To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user > If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see > https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. > - > Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. > You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All. > -- David Carlson ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
Welcome back! Let me start with the last point first: in my experience, Gnucash's developer team is deeply committed to compatibility, and works to ensure that upgrades preserve ALL previous data. Furthermore, the default data storage is XML, which is text that is human readable, and fully transparent to the end user (I'll add the caveat here that for efficiency's sake, the file is usually stored in a compressed format, which cannot be directly read by humans, but which can be expanded and then read). Under the circumstances, you can follow either path, but I'd probably choose to upgrade and update in place, depending on details. Arguing in favor of a fully new start in 4.4 is the simplicity of downloading that version and starting anew. Rather strongly against this, however, is the fact that you have already imported most of your history into the older version--a process that is usually somewhat painful. Under the alternative, you'd update the software, confirm your existing data, and then import new transactions from Quicken. This would allow you to build off the existing data set, perhaps quickly. If you follow the upgrade path, the recommended method is to: 1) Make a backup of your data file. 2) Upgrade to 2.16.21, open your file and perform a check & repair on the entire file. 3) Upgrade to 3.11, open your file and perform a check & repair on the entire file. 4) Upgrade to 4.4, open your file and perform a check & repair on the entire file. 5) Export new transactions from Quicken. 6) Import these transactions into Gnucash. 7) Perform any reconciliations in date order. 8) Relax, don't worry, have a home brew. (This last directive might not apply to the current set of activities) HTH, David T. Original Message From: Tfastle via gnucash-user Sent: Fri Jan 08 11:53:01 EST 2021 To: gnucash-user@gnucash.org Subject: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current A few years back I was going to switch from using Quicken to GnuCash. I downloaded and spent a fair amount of time reading about GnuCash and getting my Quicken Account imported. For me, it was a bit of a learning curve and a lack of time thwarted my effort. I now hope to make the move for good. My plan is to initially run GnuCash on my old laptop which is where I have the 2.6.14 version now and concurrently run Quicken on my new laptop (basically entering all the same transactions) until I feel comfortable and adept enough to abandon Quicken. I really only use Quicken as a glorified register and tool to balance my main checking account but do have over 20 years of those transactions with regard to it. The file I have in GnuCash from my attempt a few years ago was imported from Quicken and represented where that account was at that time. That GnuCash file is not of any value or importance so abandoning it is an option and no problem at all. So my questions are: Should I "update" to the most current stable version of GnuCash or should I just uninstall ver 2.6.14 and start over with the current stable version and then import my current Quicken file? I suspect this is the best route to go but, if for some reason updating is better, how might I best go about that? I tried to figure this from reading various post online but it was pretty confusing. It appeared that files save in older versions often don't run in newer versions so, to "update" (if it's even possible) I would need to go through a series of updates to get current and still have my file read. If I end up just starting over then I don't really care about that from a "getting to current" perspective but it does bring one question to mind. Once using the current version of GC how to avoid the problem of updating but not being able to read your file from the prior version? Is it just a matter of updating in a timely manner as new stable versions become available and then your prior version file will always be able to be read? I have to assume this is the case but would like to know before I put the effort in to making this switch. I intend to use it for a long time and would hate to one day just be out of luck but (I can't imagine that would ever be the case). Lastly, it looks like the most recent stable release is 4.4, is that what I should start with (or end up with via upgrade(s) )? Sorry for how long this is or for being so ignorant on the subject. Thanks! -- Sent from: http://gnucash.1415818.n4.nabble.com/GnuCash-User-f1415819.html ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
Re: [GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
> On Jan 8, 2021, at 8:53 AM, Tfastle via gnucash-user > wrote: > > A few years back I was going to switch from using Quicken to GnuCash. I > downloaded and spent a fair amount of time reading about GnuCash and getting > my Quicken Account imported. For me, it was a bit of a learning curve and a > lack of time thwarted my effort. I now hope to make the move for good. > > My plan is to initially run GnuCash on my old laptop which is where I have > the 2.6.14 version now and concurrently run Quicken on my new laptop > (basically entering all the same transactions) until I feel comfortable and > adept enough to abandon Quicken. I really only use Quicken as a glorified > register and tool to balance my main checking account but do have over 20 > years of those transactions with regard to it. The file I have in GnuCash > from my attempt a few years ago was imported from Quicken and represented > where that account was at that time. That GnuCash file is not of any value > or importance so abandoning it is an option and no problem at all. > > So my questions are: > > Should I "update" to the most current stable version of GnuCash or should I > just uninstall ver 2.6.14 and start over with the current stable version and > then import my current Quicken file? I suspect this is the best route to go > but, if for some reason updating is better, how might I best go about that? > > I tried to figure this from reading various post online but it was pretty > confusing. It appeared that files save in older versions often don't run in > newer versions so, to "update" (if it's even possible) I would need to go > through a series of updates to get current and still have my file read. If > I end up just starting over then I don't really care about that from a > "getting to current" perspective but it does bring one question to mind. > Once using the current version of GC how to avoid the problem of updating > but not being able to read your file from the prior version? Is it just a > matter of updating in a timely manner as new stable versions become > available and then your prior version file will always be able to be read? > I have to assume this is the case but would like to know before I put the > effort in to making this switch. I intend to use it for a long time and > would hate to one day just be out of luck but (I can't imagine that would > ever be the case). > > Lastly, it looks like the most recent stable release is 4.4, is that what I > should start with (or end up with via upgrade(s) )? > > Sorry for how long this is or for being so ignorant on the subject. The old GnuCash file still has a bunch of imports and starting with it will save you some time importing and perhaps training the import-matcher. Make a separate backup of it for an extra layer of safety. Since you didn't actually use GnuCash much it's probably safe to just install 4.4. The installer will take care of uninstalling your old 2.6.14. There's a bunch of upgrading that GnuCash will do on its first run and a bunch more on the first import, so be patient! If your existing file is large and your old laptop is slow or doesn't have a lot of memory it may take more than an hour--someone reported several hours for a very large file--to run all of the startup scrubs and then more hours to update the import maps, so plug in the laptop, turn off energy savers (it's OK to blank the screen but you don't want it to go to sleep), and plan to leave it running for a while. As you bring the GnuCash file up to date do small imports--a month or two worth of transactions--to begin. If most of the imported transactions are matched correctly then you can go to larger import batches, but if they're not then you'll want to do a half dozen or so small batches to train the matcher. Note that there's a recently added feature that allows you to select several transactions in the matcher window and assign all of them to the same transfer account; just right-click after selecting and pick Assign Account from the context menu (it's the only option). Remember to save frequently so that you can easily go back if something goes wrong. Regards, John Ralls ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
[GNC] Best way to upgrade from an old version (2.6.14) to current
A few years back I was going to switch from using Quicken to GnuCash. I downloaded and spent a fair amount of time reading about GnuCash and getting my Quicken Account imported. For me, it was a bit of a learning curve and a lack of time thwarted my effort. I now hope to make the move for good. My plan is to initially run GnuCash on my old laptop which is where I have the 2.6.14 version now and concurrently run Quicken on my new laptop (basically entering all the same transactions) until I feel comfortable and adept enough to abandon Quicken. I really only use Quicken as a glorified register and tool to balance my main checking account but do have over 20 years of those transactions with regard to it. The file I have in GnuCash from my attempt a few years ago was imported from Quicken and represented where that account was at that time. That GnuCash file is not of any value or importance so abandoning it is an option and no problem at all. So my questions are: Should I "update" to the most current stable version of GnuCash or should I just uninstall ver 2.6.14 and start over with the current stable version and then import my current Quicken file? I suspect this is the best route to go but, if for some reason updating is better, how might I best go about that? I tried to figure this from reading various post online but it was pretty confusing. It appeared that files save in older versions often don't run in newer versions so, to "update" (if it's even possible) I would need to go through a series of updates to get current and still have my file read. If I end up just starting over then I don't really care about that from a "getting to current" perspective but it does bring one question to mind. Once using the current version of GC how to avoid the problem of updating but not being able to read your file from the prior version? Is it just a matter of updating in a timely manner as new stable versions become available and then your prior version file will always be able to be read? I have to assume this is the case but would like to know before I put the effort in to making this switch. I intend to use it for a long time and would hate to one day just be out of luck but (I can't imagine that would ever be the case). Lastly, it looks like the most recent stable release is 4.4, is that what I should start with (or end up with via upgrade(s) )? Sorry for how long this is or for being so ignorant on the subject. Thanks! -- Sent from: http://gnucash.1415818.n4.nabble.com/GnuCash-User-f1415819.html ___ gnucash-user mailing list gnucash-user@gnucash.org To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information. - Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
