[GNC] Changing multiple transactions

[D]

I'd ask how many transactions you've got to edit-- because over the years, I've had many opportunities to bulk edit transactions (new ideas on account setups, realizations that what I'd been doing didn't meet my needs or goals, etc.). 

In every case, it's been quite easy to change even large numbers of transactions (like, hundreds) using the methods I've shared both on the wiki and on recent threads here (open Imbalance, copy the new destination account, paste in appropriate field. Rinse. Repeat). 

By the time you've worked out the kinds of procedures outlined here, you could have made the changes and moved on to other things. 

Just my 2ç.

David T.

On Jan 31, 2021, 15:30, at 15:30, David Carlson <david.carlson.417 at gmail.com> wrote:
>If those transactions appeared in the imbalance account because you
>imported them without correctly assigning them during the import
>process,
>just re-import them.  Note that if they were imported from OFX files
>the
>bad transactions would have to be deleted before they can be
>re-imported.
>
>On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 2:06 PM Stephen M. Butler <
>Stephen.M.Butler51 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> 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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>
>
>-- 
>David Carlson
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