very weird quirk noted, copying one computer to another

[Geert Janssens]

On Sunday 12 October 2014 17:10:20 Simon Bryant wrote:
> Okay, let's put this another way. After deleting ALL gnucash files
> that I could find from the receiving computer (using Finder, Max
> OSX), and the downloading a new gnucash app, when I open the new app
> it STILL shows a list of ostensibly-available old gnucash files I
> created files (none of which actually open, because they no longer
> exist. WTF, how can I abolish gnucash traces from my computer forever
> and completely?)
As others already reported, the list of file names in the File menu is 
just that. A list of file names for files you have recently used. It 
doesn't matter if they are still present on your computer or not. 
Exactly like Word for example would do.

As to the question how to get rid of these: John already answerred this 
briefly. We have a more elaborate FAQ entry for it:
http://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/FAQ#Q:_I_have_deleted_a_gnucash_file_from_my_computer._How_can_I_remove_that_file_from_the_File_menu.27s_short_list_.28MRU.29_as_well_.3F

> This all started because when I attempted to move a
> gnucash file from a different machine,it opened with incomplete
> account entires but a complete general ledger and I'm thinking hey,
> who's in control of this? I'm just a user, understand, not a
> developer, and trying to get an accounting not a programming job
> done. All your efforts to create a usable piece of software and
> inputs are much appreciated, no mistake, and what i've seen of
> gnucash i like except this… thanks again. i'm leaning towards
> finishing the fiscal year on gnucash and then jumping ship; this is
> scary. -si-
> 
I can imagine this looks scary, but please bear with us. I don't think 
there is anything particularly wrong with your system or your data. 
However none of us who made suggestions can actually see your screen, so 
it takes some time to figure out what exactly is going on.

> On 2014-10-12, at 4:20 PM, Simon Bryant <simonbry at telus.net> wrote:
> > Okay, after deleting ALL gnucash files from the receiving computer
> > (buy opening Finder, searching for all Gnucash files and deleting
> > all) I downloaded a brand-new today gnucash app from the web, app,
> > opened it and it immediately it shows (without ANY double-clicking
> > or path selection) my old gnucash file, full complete register
> > showing all transactions form January 1st but in the individual
> > account (e.g. "checking") just a couple of recent transactions.
> > WTF? -Simo
> > 
You never really confirmed this: can I assume you opened GnuCash, used 
File->Open to load the correct data file from your thumb drive ?

Then if I read your comment properly then:
1. if you look at the General Ledger - you see all your transactions as 
of January 1st.
That's a good indication that all your data is still there and we're 
only looking for a reason it's not displayed in the other registers.

2. if you however open a register for a "checking" account, you only see 
recent transactions.

To me that sounds as if you have somehow enabled a filter for the 
checking register. With the checking register open, can you select
View->Filter by...
and verify if there is either a date range selected or some items in the 
"Status" tab are unselected ?

Also do you see a limited set of transactions for all registers you open 
?

Geert