[GNC] computer change and backup

[David Cousens]

The most likely problem is that the file location path remembered
byGnuCash might not work on the new machine. Either that and/or the
lock file which is in the same directory may not have been deleted when
you last closed GnuCash before copying. Start GnbuCash then use the
File->Open menu option to bring up the file dialoghue, navigate to
where your data file is, select it and it should open.  

If the  lock file was not deleted you will get a popup stating that the
file is locked. Select the "Open anyway" button and GnuCash should open
your file.



On Sat, 2025-09-06 at 10:20 -0700, ph hermes wrote:
> my macbook died. got a new one. used time machine to restore files.
> all looks good except gnucash wont open the file. says it’s in
> history but can’t open it. looks like it’s identifying the file via
> the dead laptop. 
> 
> the pop up message reads:
> 
> the file/URI/ph-2022/documents/03-money/gnucash/ph-gnu-
> 2025.gnucash.20250724103634.gnucash could not be found
> 
> the file is in the history list. do you want to remove it?
> 
> do i have to rename my new laptop/ users? yikes. 
> 
> all help appreciated. thanks. 
> 
>      - ph
> paula hendricks ~:~ San Francisco CA ~:~ 415.310.1168
> 
> > On Sep 6, 2025, at 9:59 AM, Jim DeLaHunt <list+gnucash at jdlh.com>
> > wrote:
> > 
> > Hello, propwins:
> > 
> > > On 2025-09-06 08:59, propwins at gmail.com wrote:
> > > I work on a win laptop and desktop. I would like to move my
> > > accounting info
> > > between the two. which file should i copy, where is it located
> > > ...
> > You are not the first to ask this question. The answer is in the
> > FAQ:
> > <
> > https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/FAQ#Q:_I_just_got_a_new_computer._What
> > _should_I_copy_over_from_my_old_one.3F>
> > 
> > Just to be clear: this is for moving your accounting info from one
> > computer, to another computer, and using it only on the other
> > computer going forward. If what you really want to do is to use the
> > accounting info on either computer interchangeably, then read the
> > <https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/FAQ#Multiple_Computers.2C_Users.2C_.
> > ..> section of the FAQ.
> > 
> > > …and should i expect any problems?
> > 
> > The cynic in me says that you should always expect problems. That
> > way, if none occur, you will be disappointed to be wrong, but
> > joyful to have no problems.
> > 
> > But my impression from my own moves of accounting info, and from
> > listening to the questions on this list, is that people move their
> > accounting info between computers all the time. If one follows the
> > instructions, and copies over all the parts of GnuCash data, then
> > it works just fine.
> > 
> > Best regards,
> >       —Jim DeLaHunt
> > 
> > 
> > _______________________________________________
> > gnucash-user mailing list
> > gnucash-user at gnucash.org
> > To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe:
> > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
> > -----
> > 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 at gnucash.org
> To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe:
> https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
> -----
> Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
> You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.