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    In the middle of updating Microsoft Money 2004 last night, my battery died on me. Today, recharged, I log in to complete what I was doing on Money and it won't accept my password! I know I'm entering the correct password - it's been the same for many years - and my last proper backup was months ago - so I'm at a loss. I've tried over and over, and I've tried reinstalling my software, none of which makes a difference.

    Can someone help please? I rely on Money to keep a track of my bills and spending, and will be at a total loss if I have to restore back to my last back up (I don't even know if that'll work, given its the same password)

    Help! please

    Saturday, September 3, 2011 12:15 AM

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    I am not sure what you mean by updating. If you mean you were entering data, then restore your latest backup. Check the date on the *.mbf file to make sure it is really recent.

    Close Money. Locate your latest *.mbf file with Windows . Right-click and choose Open. Rather than restoring over the saved filename, I suggest that your Browse to your Documents folder and choose a new name.

    You could alternatively try to do a File->RepairMoneyFile->StandardFileRepair level 2, but I think that you will probably be better off restoring that recent backup file.

    While you are at it, review your backup procedures. What if your hard drive had crashed?

     

    Saturday, September 3, 2011 6:51 AM
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    I was entering data when the battery failed.

    My latest back up was in June, and a lot has changed since then, it would take me a few days to get back to where I was, plus I have a lot of upcoming bills that have changed since June. I'm not worried about the data I was entering, but I need my last 3 months worth of data.

    I have also tried the repair file - it still says my password is incorrect. i have installed Money 2005 (being the latest UK version available) on one laptop and when that didn't work I tried the Money Plus Deluxe on another. Nothing is working.

    The password is correct - and when I enter an different password it comes up password incorrect right away, whereas when I enter the correct one, it tells me that the file is corrupted and to repair and when that starts it then says that the password is incorrect. I spent about 4 hours on it last night.

    I will be changing my back up procedures after this. In the meantime is there any thing I can do to at least extract my latest data.

    Thanks

    Saturday, September 3, 2011 9:19 AM
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    DominicP, I just checked and thats the version I downloaded.

    The version I had before was a disc that said Money 2004, that came as part of Works Suite.

    The tech at the PC store seems to think that once the file is corrupted it cannot be retrieved, but I've seen so many people have had the same problem from searching online, just none of the solutions I've found has helped me.

    I'm quite distraught over the loss of data, ironically I was going to do a backup after finishing what I was doing but didn't get the chance.

    Saturday, September 3, 2011 3:58 PM
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    Money has always created a backup when it successfully closed (unless you deliberately turn that function off).  Unfortunately IIRC Money 2005 only created one backup and copied over it for the next backup.  In any case I would search your computer for *.mbf files.  Perhaps you have a backup you do not know about.

    In any case, you should quickly rethingk your backup policy, not only for Money, but all your files (especially for critical applications).

    Saturday, September 3, 2011 6:35 PM
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    One thing to watch for is if you have a *.m13 or *.m14 file. That would be a copy of your 2004 or 2005 file as it existed before attempting to convert the file to a higher version. Uninstall Money Plus and install Money 2005 if your original file was a UK file.

    Also locate your *.mbf (Money Backup File) files. If your *.mny file could not  be repaired, then your most recent backup, or sometimes the second-newest backup, is the thing that saves you. File->Restore is the way to restore a backup if Money is open. Double-click the *.mbf file in Windows Explorer will start Money and start the restore. I suggest you not use the remembered filename, but instead Browse to your Documents folder, and choose a new name.

    When working, review your backup policies including keeping backups on other media, such as a flash drive.

    Saturday, September 3, 2011 6:37 PM
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    the same thing has happened to me last night except the error happened whilst opening my file in Money 2005.  The .mny version I have is corrupt I cannot open it (password incorrect) and I cannot repair it. My backup is a year old.  I am distraught!

    I have removed and reinstalled Money 2005 and applied Money 2005 QFE2 all to no avail.  Its now trying to update my file but telling me it cannot be opened.

    Friday, September 9, 2011 1:50 PM
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    the same thing has happened to me last night except the error happened whilst opening my file in Money 2005.  The .mny version I have is corrupt I cannot open it (password incorrect) and I cannot repair it. My backup is a year old.  I am distraught!

    I have removed and reinstalled Money 2005 and applied Money 2005 QFE2 all to no avail.  Its now trying to update my file but telling me it cannot be opened.

    Money 2005 UK - QFE2 (the fixed self-contained UK Money 2005 file) can be downloaded from the link at http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=26915

    That download already has the QFE2, so there is no separate operation required.

    I think you are saying that File->RepairMoneyFile->StandardFileRepair level 2 will not let you get a repaired version of your file. Your year-old backup is what is available. Backing up each time you exit was the default that you had turned off.

    I am confident that you are reviewing your backup policies. While doing that, remember that hard drives can fail. So you will want to have backups on other media too.

    I am sorry to not have a better solution for you.

    Friday, September 9, 2011 3:31 PM
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