[GNC] Changing multiple transactions

[Stephen M. Butler]

I have not had to do this at a large enough level to warrant the below:

1.  Make a backup copy of your file (I presume you are using XML instead 
of a database back-end).
2.  Export all the transactions from the Imbalance Account (getting the 
other splits also).
3.  Delete the entire Imbalance Account and all associated transactions 
(why you needed to export the other splits).
4.  Pull the export from #2 into a spreadsheet or other editing tool and 
make the assignments.
5.  Import the multi-split edited file from #4 into GnC.
6.  Do reports and other sanity checks to ensure everything is right.

That's the safe and logical way.  The other way is not safe and could 
really mess things up so you still need a backup:
1.  Make that backup.
2.  Un-Compress the XML file so you can humanly read the contents.
3.  Figure out which fields you need to edit on which transactions (note 
-- I've not used an XML editor so don't know how easy this might be.  
I'd probably use vi or sed myself and groan inwardly.)
4.  Make those edits.
5  Do the reports and other sanity checks to ensure everything is right.
6.  Go back to the backup copy and try again since #5 wasn't right.  
Note:  Loop through these steps as many times as needed until #5 looks good.

--Steve

PS  If using a database back-end and you have experience as a database 
admin or programmer then use the database tools to effect the changes.  
Again, make that backup first and loop around as needed until GnC looks 
good.

PPS  Backups are mandatory.

On 1/31/21 11:35 AM, Jeff Rizzo wrote:
> Hi-
>
>
> I'm currently trying to get my financial house back in order after 
> some years, and have been pleasantly surprised with how much progress 
> GNUCash has made since last I tried to use it (8 or 9 years ago).  It 
> seems to fit my need almost perfectly at this point, with one gaping 
> hole - not being able to edit multiple transactions at the same time.  
> :-( (I have read the "Register Tip" that says "There is no direct way 
> to move a large number of transactions from one account to another in 
> GnuCash.")
>
>
> As I'm trying to deal with several years' (two, at this point) worth 
> of data, having to make three clicks to change each transaction is 
> really a drag - and it's quickly sapping my enthusiasm for this 
> project.  Is there some workaround that some clever soul out there is 
> using that would speed this up?  To clarify, I'm trying to move large 
> numbers of similar transactions from the "Imbalance" account to where 
> they actually belong, so I don't see how I could easily do this by 
> deleting an account.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> +j
>
>
>
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-- 
Stephen M Butler, PMP, PSM
Stephen.M.Butler51 at gmail.com
kg7je at arrl.net
253-350-0166
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