Discussion:
[GNC] How to save Gnucash and Lock file issues
Lorrie Laskey
2018-12-02 16:37:00 UTC
Permalink
Hi all,

This message is for two topics. If you respond, please either select one
topic or divide the message by topic to make it easier for me to follow the
messages.

#1 Saving
I don't understand how to save Gnucash or properly close it, it seems. I
have used Gnucash for years and used the "save" option.

In the past, I selected "save" but recently ran into "lock file" issue.
Next I tried "save as" but then a pop up window appeared asking me to save
it as an xml file. I did figure out that I needed to name the file and
Gnucash would add the .xml extension. Is this the correct method? What are
the different file types for? I really did read the documentation but the
save option explanations are too far above my head. Can someone explain
what the save options are at an intro level?

#2
Recent "lock file" issues forced me to troubleshoot and find other methods
to open and save. Note that I am the only person using Gnucash, on one
computer. So I don't understand how this file is being generated.


Thanks,
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Colin Law
2018-12-02 16:52:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi all,
This message is for two topics. If you respond, please either select one
topic or divide the message by topic to make it easier for me to follow the
messages.
#1 Saving
I don't understand how to save Gnucash or properly close it, it seems. I
have used Gnucash for years and used the "save" option.
In the past, I selected "save" but recently ran into "lock file" issue.
Save is the right way to do it. That will save back into whichever
file you have open. Just the same as MS Word or other applications.
If you use Save As then it will create a new file with the name you
give it (or overwrite any existing file with that name. When you next
open GC it will open *that* file not the original. If you want to
open a file other than the last one used then use File Open and browse
to it. While on this subject, I hope you are making a regular backup
of your accounts file in case of computer failure.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Next I tried "save as" but then a pop up window appeared asking me to save
it as an xml file.
For most users just using the default xml is the right way. Don't
worry about the other options. If you needed them you would know what
they mean.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
#2
Recent "lock file" issues forced me to troubleshoot and find other methods
to open and save. Note that I am the only person using Gnucash, on one
computer. So I don't understand how this file is being generated.
If you get the Lock file warning when you open GC that means that GC
probably did not close down properly the last time you used it.
Either GC or Windows crashed for example, or you did a forced
powerdown of the PC rather than a normal shutdown. It is only a
warning, you can just say Open Anyway, provided you have not already
got the file open in another GnuCash instance or on another computer.
If it happens regularly there is something wrong though.

Colin
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Lorrie Laskey
2018-12-02 17:10:52 UTC
Permalink
Hi,

So I need to use "save" instead of "save as"? My "save" option is grayed
out.

Thanks,
Post by Colin Law
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi all,
This message is for two topics. If you respond, please either select one
topic or divide the message by topic to make it easier for me to follow
the
Post by Lorrie Laskey
messages.
#1 Saving
I don't understand how to save Gnucash or properly close it, it seems. I
have used Gnucash for years and used the "save" option.
In the past, I selected "save" but recently ran into "lock file" issue.
Save is the right way to do it. That will save back into whichever
file you have open. Just the same as MS Word or other applications.
If you use Save As then it will create a new file with the name you
give it (or overwrite any existing file with that name. When you next
open GC it will open *that* file not the original. If you want to
open a file other than the last one used then use File Open and browse
to it. While on this subject, I hope you are making a regular backup
of your accounts file in case of computer failure.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Next I tried "save as" but then a pop up window appeared asking me to
save
Post by Lorrie Laskey
it as an xml file.
For most users just using the default xml is the right way. Don't
worry about the other options. If you needed them you would know what
they mean.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
#2
Recent "lock file" issues forced me to troubleshoot and find other
methods
Post by Lorrie Laskey
to open and save. Note that I am the only person using Gnucash, on one
computer. So I don't understand how this file is being generated.
If you get the Lock file warning when you open GC that means that GC
probably did not close down properly the last time you used it.
Either GC or Windows crashed for example, or you did a forced
powerdown of the PC rather than a normal shutdown. It is only a
warning, you can just say Open Anyway, provided you have not already
got the file open in another GnuCash instance or on another computer.
If it happens regularly there is something wrong though.
Colin
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Colin Law
2018-12-02 17:14:54 UTC
Permalink
Hi,
So I need to use "save" instead of "save as"? My "save" option is grayed out.
It will be greyed out until you change something. Once you change
something then it should be enabled. If not then that probably means
you did a Save As and selected sqlite as the file type. If that is
the case then do Save As, select XML, browse to the folder where you
want the file and click the OK, or Save button or whatever it is.
Then close and re-open gnucash, it should re-open the xml file (you
can see the file name in the top bar) and then the Save button should
be back to normal.

Colin
Thanks,
Post by Colin Law
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi all,
This message is for two topics. If you respond, please either select one
topic or divide the message by topic to make it easier for me to follow the
messages.
#1 Saving
I don't understand how to save Gnucash or properly close it, it seems. I
have used Gnucash for years and used the "save" option.
In the past, I selected "save" but recently ran into "lock file" issue.
Save is the right way to do it. That will save back into whichever
file you have open. Just the same as MS Word or other applications.
If you use Save As then it will create a new file with the name you
give it (or overwrite any existing file with that name. When you next
open GC it will open *that* file not the original. If you want to
open a file other than the last one used then use File Open and browse
to it. While on this subject, I hope you are making a regular backup
of your accounts file in case of computer failure.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Next I tried "save as" but then a pop up window appeared asking me to save
it as an xml file.
For most users just using the default xml is the right way. Don't
worry about the other options. If you needed them you would know what
they mean.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
#2
Recent "lock file" issues forced me to troubleshoot and find other methods
to open and save. Note that I am the only person using Gnucash, on one
computer. So I don't understand how this file is being generated.
If you get the Lock file warning when you open GC that means that GC
probably did not close down properly the last time you used it.
Either GC or Windows crashed for example, or you did a forced
powerdown of the PC rather than a normal shutdown. It is only a
warning, you can just say Open Anyway, provided you have not already
got the file open in another GnuCash instance or on another computer.
If it happens regularly there is something wrong though.
Colin
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Lorrie Laskey
2018-12-02 18:00:50 UTC
Permalink
Hi Colin,

The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved the file.

However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is using the name
that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but the log file
name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?


- finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
- finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503

Thanks,
Post by Colin Law
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi,
So I need to use "save" instead of "save as"? My "save" option is grayed
out.
It will be greyed out until you change something. Once you change
something then it should be enabled. If not then that probably means
you did a Save As and selected sqlite as the file type. If that is
the case then do Save As, select XML, browse to the folder where you
want the file and click the OK, or Save button or whatever it is.
Then close and re-open gnucash, it should re-open the xml file (you
can see the file name in the top bar) and then the Save button should
be back to normal.
Colin
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Thanks,
Post by Colin Law
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi all,
This message is for two topics. If you respond, please either select
one
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Colin Law
Post by Lorrie Laskey
topic or divide the message by topic to make it easier for me to
follow the
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Colin Law
Post by Lorrie Laskey
messages.
#1 Saving
I don't understand how to save Gnucash or properly close it, it
seems. I
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Colin Law
Post by Lorrie Laskey
have used Gnucash for years and used the "save" option.
In the past, I selected "save" but recently ran into "lock file"
issue.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Colin Law
Save is the right way to do it. That will save back into whichever
file you have open. Just the same as MS Word or other applications.
If you use Save As then it will create a new file with the name you
give it (or overwrite any existing file with that name. When you next
open GC it will open *that* file not the original. If you want to
open a file other than the last one used then use File Open and browse
to it. While on this subject, I hope you are making a regular backup
of your accounts file in case of computer failure.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Next I tried "save as" but then a pop up window appeared asking me to
save
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Colin Law
Post by Lorrie Laskey
it as an xml file.
For most users just using the default xml is the right way. Don't
worry about the other options. If you needed them you would know what
they mean.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
#2
Recent "lock file" issues forced me to troubleshoot and find other
methods
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Colin Law
Post by Lorrie Laskey
to open and save. Note that I am the only person using Gnucash, on one
computer. So I don't understand how this file is being generated.
If you get the Lock file warning when you open GC that means that GC
probably did not close down properly the last time you used it.
Either GC or Windows crashed for example, or you did a forced
powerdown of the PC rather than a normal shutdown. It is only a
warning, you can just say Open Anyway, provided you have not already
got the file open in another GnuCash instance or on another computer.
If it happens regularly there is something wrong though.
Colin
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Colin Law
2018-12-02 18:09:55 UTC
Permalink
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved the file.
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is using the name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but the log file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes the
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back to
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the same
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the file
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you want to
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it with
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.

Colin
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Lorrie Laskey
2018-12-02 18:14:46 UTC
Permalink
Hi Colin,

I understand. Since I don't really need to know the minute and seconds when
a file is saved at this time, I will leave the file name as it is.

My next topic, for another email, is how to set up a budget. I have tried
and watched videos and read documentation but never quite get it to work or
understand what it is doing.

Thanks for your help this morning.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved the file.
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is using the
name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but the log
file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
Post by Lorrie Laskey
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes the
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back to
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the same
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the file
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you want to
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it with
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.
Colin
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David Cousens
2018-12-03 02:32:35 UTC
Permalink
Lorrie,

At some point instead of opening the main file "finances.gnucash" it would appear you have opened a backup copy of the
file, which is why it has the form "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash".

Each time Gnucash is opened, it copies the file "<filename>.gnucash it" has just opened and renames it
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.gnucash" . It also creates a logfile "<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.log"
which records the changes to the file which occur during the current session.

When you exit or when you make changes or use the Save button in GnuCash any changes are saved to "<filename>.gnucash"
In your case <filename>="finances.gnucash.20181202" instead of "finances.gnucash".

You can restore this to the normal situation simply by renaming the file you are currently using as the main
file, "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash", as "finances.gnucash".

See https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v3/C/gnucash-guide/basics-backup1.html for a detailed explanation of this.

David Cousens
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
I understand. Since I don't really need to know the minute and seconds when
a file is saved at this time, I will leave the file name as it is.
My next topic, for another email, is how to set up a budget. I have tried
and watched videos and read documentation but never quite get it to work or
understand what it is doing.
Thanks for your help this morning.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved the file.
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is using the
name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but the log
file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
Post by Lorrie Laskey
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes the
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back to
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the same
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the file
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you want to
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it with
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.
Colin
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Lorrie Laskey
2018-12-04 02:15:35 UTC
Permalink
Hi David,

Here's what I did.

- I did a "save as" and renamed the file to "finances.gnucash" then
closed the file.
- Reopened Gnucash which opened the very same file.
- Made a change and saved it which created a log file.
- Closed the same file and repeated these steps.
- No backup file was created . Only the original "finances.gnucash" file
remained.

Is something wrong?
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
At some point instead of opening the main file "finances.gnucash" it would
appear you have opened a backup copy of the
file, which is why it has the form "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash".
Each time Gnucash is opened, it copies the file "<filename>.gnucash it"
has just opened and renames it
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.gnucash" . It also creates a logfile
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.log"
which records the changes to the file which occur during the current session.
When you exit or when you make changes or use the Save button in GnuCash
any changes are saved to "<filename>.gnucash"
In your case <filename>="finances.gnucash.20181202" instead of "finances.gnucash".
You can restore this to the normal situation simply by renaming the file
you are currently using as the main
file, "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash", as "finances.gnucash".
See https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v3/C/gnucash-guide/basics-backup1.html
for a detailed explanation of this.
David Cousens
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
I understand. Since I don't really need to know the minute and seconds
when
Post by Lorrie Laskey
a file is saved at this time, I will leave the file name as it is.
My next topic, for another email, is how to set up a budget. I have tried
and watched videos and read documentation but never quite get it to work
or
Post by Lorrie Laskey
understand what it is doing.
Thanks for your help this morning.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved the
file.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is using the
name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but the
log
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
Post by Lorrie Laskey
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes the
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back to
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the same
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the file
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you want to
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it with
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.
Colin
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https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see
https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
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David Carlson
2018-12-04 02:56:10 UTC
Permalink
Lorrie,

If, at some time in the past you modified that data file with that (short)
filename by going into Edit >Preferences > General and selecting 'Retain
log/backup files: Never, then no log or backup files will be generated.

You did not do that because you do see .log files being generated.
However, backup files are not made unless you have entered or changed a
transaction or information in the Accounts page, for example, and the
amount of time set in that preference section has passed. A quick way to
tell if GnuCash will create a backup is to notice if there is a asterisk
before the filename in the title bar. If so, the file is 'dirty' and needs
to be saved and possibly backed up. If you do File > Save before that
amount of time has passed, there will not be a backup with the the long
series of numbers in the filename. If you do File > Quit when there is an
asterisk in front of the file name, GnuCash will warn you that you have
unsaved data.

That is the long answer.

David C
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
Here's what I did.
- I did a "save as" and renamed the file to "finances.gnucash" then
closed the file.
- Reopened Gnucash which opened the very same file.
- Made a change and saved it which created a log file.
- Closed the same file and repeated these steps.
- No backup file was created . Only the original "finances.gnucash" file
remained.
Is something wrong?
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
At some point instead of opening the main file "finances.gnucash" it
would
Post by D via gnucash-user
appear you have opened a backup copy of the
file, which is why it has the form "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash".
Each time Gnucash is opened, it copies the file "<filename>.gnucash it"
has just opened and renames it
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.gnucash" . It also creates a
logfile
Post by D via gnucash-user
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.log"
which records the changes to the file which occur during the current session.
When you exit or when you make changes or use the Save button in GnuCash
any changes are saved to "<filename>.gnucash"
In your case <filename>="finances.gnucash.20181202" instead of "finances.gnucash".
You can restore this to the normal situation simply by renaming the file
you are currently using as the main
file, "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash", as "finances.gnucash".
See https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v3/C/gnucash-guide/basics-backup1.html
for a detailed explanation of this.
David Cousens
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
I understand. Since I don't really need to know the minute and seconds
when
Post by Lorrie Laskey
a file is saved at this time, I will leave the file name as it is.
My next topic, for another email, is how to set up a budget. I have
tried
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
and watched videos and read documentation but never quite get it to
work
Post by D via gnucash-user
or
Post by Lorrie Laskey
understand what it is doing.
Thanks for your help this morning.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved the
file.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is using
the
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but
the
Post by D via gnucash-user
log
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
Post by Lorrie Laskey
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes the
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back to
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the same
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the
file
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you want to
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it with
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.
Colin
_______________________________________________
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https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
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Post by Lorrie Laskey
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Lorrie Laskey
2018-12-04 03:33:55 UTC
Permalink
Hi David,

Here are my responses.

1. Retain log file set to 15 days.
2. No * before the filename in the title bar.

What is this "the amount of time set in that preference section has
passed." that you are referring to? I am not finding this in the
preferences section.



David C
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
Here's what I did.
- I did a "save as" and renamed the file to "finances.gnucash" then
closed the file.
- Reopened Gnucash which opened the very same file.
- Made a change and saved it which created a log file.
- Closed the same file and repeated these steps.
- No backup file was created . Only the original "finances.gnucash" file
remained.
Is something wrong?
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
At some point instead of opening the main file "finances.gnucash" it
would
Post by D via gnucash-user
appear you have opened a backup copy of the
file, which is why it has the form "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash".
Each time Gnucash is opened, it copies the file "<filename>.gnucash it"
has just opened and renames it
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.gnucash" . It also creates a
logfile
Post by D via gnucash-user
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.log"
which records the changes to the file which occur during the current session.
When you exit or when you make changes or use the Save button in GnuCash
any changes are saved to "<filename>.gnucash"
In your case <filename>="finances.gnucash.20181202" instead of "finances.gnucash".
You can restore this to the normal situation simply by renaming the file
you are currently using as the main
file, "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash", as "finances.gnucash".
See https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v3/C/gnucash-guide/basics-backup1.html
for a detailed explanation of this.
David Cousens
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
I understand. Since I don't really need to know the minute and seconds
when
Post by Lorrie Laskey
a file is saved at this time, I will leave the file name as it is.
My next topic, for another email, is how to set up a budget. I have
tried
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
and watched videos and read documentation but never quite get it to
work
Post by D via gnucash-user
or
Post by Lorrie Laskey
understand what it is doing.
Thanks for your help this morning.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved the
file.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is using
the
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but
the
Post by D via gnucash-user
log
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
Post by Lorrie Laskey
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes the
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back to
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the
same
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the
file
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you want
to
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it with
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.
Colin
_______________________________________________
gnucash-user mailing list
https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see
https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
-----
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If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see
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-----
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David Carlson
2018-12-04 04:18:57 UTC
Permalink
Lorrie,

I am away from my computer right now so I cannot confirm the exact wording,
but it s something like how often to make backups. I dont remember the
default. It may be only 5 minutes, I have it set to 30 minutes but I
religiously do manual saves before certain activities such as imports.

My tablet is messing with me, excuse the sloppy writing.

David C
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
Here are my responses.
1. Retain log file set to 15 days.
2. No * before the filename in the title bar.
What is this "the amount of time set in that preference section has
passed." that you are referring to? I am not finding this in the
preferences section.
David C
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
Here's what I did.
- I did a "save as" and renamed the file to "finances.gnucash" then
closed the file.
- Reopened Gnucash which opened the very same file.
- Made a change and saved it which created a log file.
- Closed the same file and repeated these steps.
- No backup file was created . Only the original "finances.gnucash" file
remained.
Is something wrong?
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
At some point instead of opening the main file "finances.gnucash" it
would
Post by D via gnucash-user
appear you have opened a backup copy of the
file, which is why it has the form "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash".
Each time Gnucash is opened, it copies the file "<filename>.gnucash it"
has just opened and renames it
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.gnucash" . It also creates a
logfile
Post by D via gnucash-user
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.log"
which records the changes to the file which occur during the current session.
When you exit or when you make changes or use the Save button in
GnuCash
Post by D via gnucash-user
any changes are saved to "<filename>.gnucash"
In your case <filename>="finances.gnucash.20181202" instead of "finances.gnucash".
You can restore this to the normal situation simply by renaming the
file
Post by D via gnucash-user
you are currently using as the main
file, "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash", as "finances.gnucash".
See
https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v3/C/gnucash-guide/basics-backup1.html
Post by D via gnucash-user
for a detailed explanation of this.
David Cousens
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
I understand. Since I don't really need to know the minute and
seconds
Post by D via gnucash-user
when
Post by Lorrie Laskey
a file is saved at this time, I will leave the file name as it is.
My next topic, for another email, is how to set up a budget. I have
tried
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
and watched videos and read documentation but never quite get it to
work
Post by D via gnucash-user
or
Post by Lorrie Laskey
understand what it is doing.
Thanks for your help this morning.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved
the
Post by D via gnucash-user
file.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is
using the
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but
the
Post by D via gnucash-user
log
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
Post by Lorrie Laskey
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes
the
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back to
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the
same
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the
file
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you want
to
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it with
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.
Colin
_______________________________________________
gnucash-user mailing list
https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see
https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
-----
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
https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see
https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information.
-----
Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
_______________________________________________
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gnucash-***@gnucash.org
To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe:
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If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information.
-----
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Lorrie Laskey
2018-12-04 04:46:15 UTC
Permalink
Hi David,

I think I found it. The autosave time interval is set to 5 mins.

I tested it. I made a change. Wait 5 mins and it mostly works. A log file
was created at 5 mins and the finance.gnucash file was updated at 5 mins.
However, the finance.gnucash file did not append the date,time,min and sec
to the file name. Does this mean that something is wrong?
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
I am away from my computer right now so I cannot confirm the exact
wording, but it s something like how often to make backups. I dont
remember the default. It may be only 5 minutes, I have it set to 30 minutes
but I religiously do manual saves before certain activities such as imports.
My tablet is messing with me, excuse the sloppy writing.
David C
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
Here are my responses.
1. Retain log file set to 15 days.
2. No * before the filename in the title bar.
What is this "the amount of time set in that preference section has
passed." that you are referring to? I am not finding this in the
preferences section.
David C
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
Here's what I did.
- I did a "save as" and renamed the file to "finances.gnucash" then
closed the file.
- Reopened Gnucash which opened the very same file.
- Made a change and saved it which created a log file.
- Closed the same file and repeated these steps.
- No backup file was created . Only the original "finances.gnucash" file
remained.
Is something wrong?
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
At some point instead of opening the main file "finances.gnucash" it
would
Post by D via gnucash-user
appear you have opened a backup copy of the
file, which is why it has the form
"finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash".
Post by D via gnucash-user
Each time Gnucash is opened, it copies the file "<filename>.gnucash
it"
Post by D via gnucash-user
has just opened and renames it
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.gnucash" . It also creates a
logfile
Post by D via gnucash-user
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.log"
which records the changes to the file which occur during the current session.
When you exit or when you make changes or use the Save button in
GnuCash
Post by D via gnucash-user
any changes are saved to "<filename>.gnucash"
In your case <filename>="finances.gnucash.20181202" instead of
"finances.gnucash".
You can restore this to the normal situation simply by renaming the
file
Post by D via gnucash-user
you are currently using as the main
file, "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash", as "finances.gnucash".
See
https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v3/C/gnucash-guide/basics-backup1.html
Post by D via gnucash-user
for a detailed explanation of this.
David Cousens
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
I understand. Since I don't really need to know the minute and
seconds
Post by D via gnucash-user
when
Post by Lorrie Laskey
a file is saved at this time, I will leave the file name as it is.
My next topic, for another email, is how to set up a budget. I have
tried
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
and watched videos and read documentation but never quite get it to
work
Post by D via gnucash-user
or
Post by Lorrie Laskey
understand what it is doing.
Thanks for your help this morning.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved
the
Post by D via gnucash-user
file.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is
using the
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save"
but the
Post by D via gnucash-user
log
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
Post by Lorrie Laskey
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes
the
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back
to
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the
same
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the
file
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you
want to
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it
with
Post by D via gnucash-user
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.
Colin
_______________________________________________
gnucash-user mailing list
https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see
https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
-----
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You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
_______________________________________________
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If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see
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-----
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David Cousens
2018-12-04 07:38:51 UTC
Permalink
Lorrie,The backup file with the datestamp should only be created when you first open the file in GnuCash. Gnucash opens
the file and then copies and renames it with the .<datetimestamp> attached e.g
finances.gnucash.<datetimestamp>.gnucash and then writes any changes to the file with the original filename e.g
finances.gnucash file
After that any saves/autosaves are also made to finances .gnucash.
As you perform actions in GnuCash, they are written to the log file, so the log file is a record of all actions in a
session.
If your mainfile becomes corrupted, there is a facility in GnuCash for opening the last successful backup file and
importing the logfiles created since it was written to restore your mainfile to the point just before failure. You may
have to edit the file and remove the last transaction if it happened to be the cause of the failure.
David Cousens
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
I think I found it. The autosave time interval is set to 5 mins.
I tested it. I made a change. Wait 5 mins and it mostly works. A log file was created at 5 mins and the
finance.gnucash file was updated at 5 mins. However, the finance.gnucash file did not append the date,time,min and sec
to the file name. Does this mean that something is wrong?
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
I am away from my computer right now so I cannot confirm the exact wording, but it s something like how often to
make backups. I dont remember the default. It may be only 5 minutes, I have it set to 30 minutes but I religiously
do manual saves before certain activities such as imports.
My tablet is messing with me, excuse the sloppy writing.
David C
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
Here are my responses.
Retain log file set to 15 days.No * before the filename in the title bar.What is this "the amount of time set in
that preference section has passed." that you are referring to? I am not finding this in the preferences section.
David C
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
Here's what I did.
- I did a "save as" and renamed the file to "finances.gnucash" then
closed the file.
- Reopened Gnucash which opened the very same file.
- Made a change and saved it which created a log file.
- Closed the same file and repeated these steps.
- No backup file was created . Only the original "finances.gnucash" file
remained.
Is something wrong?
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
At some point instead of opening the main file "finances.gnucash" it would
appear you have opened a backup copy of the
file, which is why it has the form "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash".
Each time Gnucash is opened, it copies the file "<filename>.gnucash it"
has just opened and renames it
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.gnucash" . It also creates a logfile
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.log"
which records the changes to the file which occur during the current
session.
When you exit or when you make changes or use the Save button in GnuCash
any changes are saved to "<filename>.gnucash"
In your case <filename>="finances.gnucash.20181202" instead of
"finances.gnucash".
You can restore this to the normal situation simply by renaming the file
you are currently using as the main
file, "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash", as "finances.gnucash".
See https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v3/C/gnucash-guide/basics-backup1.html
for a detailed explanation of this.
David Cousens
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
I understand. Since I don't really need to know the minute and seconds
when
Post by Lorrie Laskey
a file is saved at this time, I will leave the file name as it is.
My next topic, for another email, is how to set up a budget. I have tried
and watched videos and read documentation but never quite get it to work
or
Post by Lorrie Laskey
understand what it is doing.
Thanks for your help this morning.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved the
file.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is using the
name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but the
log
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
Post by Lorrie Laskey
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes the
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back to
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the same
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the file
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you want to
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it with
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.
Colin
_______________________________________________
gnucash-user mailing list
https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see
https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
-----
Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
_______________________________________________
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https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user
If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information.
-----
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You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
_______________________________________________
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gnucash-***@gnucash.org
To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe:
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If you are using Nabble or Gmane, please see https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/Mailing_Lists for more information.
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David Cousens
2018-12-04 07:22:02 UTC
Permalink
Lorrie,

The setting David Carlson is talking about is immediately under the Files heading on the General tab of the Preferences
dialog. You can optionally display an autosave confirmation before the autosave and set the autosave interval in the
box. I use 5 minutes. The autosave only occurs at this interval if you have made changes to the file. The third option
sets a timeout on the Save changes on closing. After that timeout period any changes are automatically saved.

The preference settings are discussed more fully in https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v3/C/gnucash-help/set-prefs.html

David Cousens
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
I am away from my computer right now so I cannot confirm the exact wording, but it s something like how often to make
backups. I dont remember the default. It may be only 5 minutes, I have it set to 30 minutes but I religiously do
manual saves before certain activities such as imports.
My tablet is messing with me, excuse the sloppy writing.
David C
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
Here are my responses.
Retain log file set to 15 days.
No * before the filename in the title bar.
What is this "the amount of time set in that preference section has passed." that you are referring to? I am not
finding this in the preferences section.
David C
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi David,
Here's what I did.
- I did a "save as" and renamed the file to "finances.gnucash" then
closed the file.
- Reopened Gnucash which opened the very same file.
- Made a change and saved it which created a log file.
- Closed the same file and repeated these steps.
- No backup file was created . Only the original "finances.gnucash" file
remained.
Is something wrong?
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
At some point instead of opening the main file "finances.gnucash" it would
appear you have opened a backup copy of the
file, which is why it has the form "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash".
Each time Gnucash is opened, it copies the file "<filename>.gnucash it"
has just opened and renames it
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.gnucash" . It also creates a logfile
"<filename>.gnucash.<date-time stamp>.log"
which records the changes to the file which occur during the current
session.
When you exit or when you make changes or use the Save button in GnuCash
any changes are saved to "<filename>.gnucash"
In your case <filename>="finances.gnucash.20181202" instead of
"finances.gnucash".
You can restore this to the normal situation simply by renaming the file
you are currently using as the main
file, "finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash", as "finances.gnucash".
See https://www.gnucash.org/docs/v3/C/gnucash-guide/basics-backup1.html
for a detailed explanation of this.
David Cousens
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
I understand. Since I don't really need to know the minute and seconds
when
Post by Lorrie Laskey
a file is saved at this time, I will leave the file name as it is.
My next topic, for another email, is how to set up a budget. I have tried
and watched videos and read documentation but never quite get it to work
or
Post by Lorrie Laskey
understand what it is doing.
Thanks for your help this morning.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved the
file.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is using the
name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but the
log
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
Post by Lorrie Laskey
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes the
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back to
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the same
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the file
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you want to
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it with
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.
Colin
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Post by Lorrie Laskey
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David Cousens
2018-12-04 03:13:38 UTC
Permalink
Lorrie,

That looks OK apart from not creating the backup file which should have been
created when you opened the file to to make the change , saved it and then
closed the file. (I noticed in an earlier post you mentioned adding an .xml
file extension. There is no need to do that as the .gnucash is the correct
extension.)

There should have been a file

finances.gnucash.<date-timestamp>.gnucash

with the same <date-timestamp> roughly as the log file. It may differ by a
few seconds.
<date-timestamp> has the format "YYYYMMDDHHMMSS".

In most cases the datestamp on the log file and the backup file only differ
by 1-2 s on my system with the backup file created first and then the log
file.

There is a preference in the Edit->Preferences General tab where you can set
the file retention period for the backups and log files. I usually leave it
at the default of 30 days as I have terrabytes of free space on my system
but it is generally a good idea to set this so you have a few backup and
logfiles on your system so you can recover maximum data if you ever have a
file corruption issue. This is only likely if GnuCash or the OS crashes
while writing to the file.

David Cousens



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Maf. King
2018-12-04 07:55:55 UTC
Permalink
Hi Lorrie,

Are you sure you are using an XML file for your GC data? IIRC, using the
SQLite format stops the creation of the timestamp backup files.

I'm not entirely sure how to check what format the file is in, but if you do a
file-> Save As and look at the options in that dialog box it *may* shed some
light. Cancel if you don't actually want to rename the file, of course.

0.02
Maf.
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
That looks OK apart from not creating the backup file which should have been
created when you opened the file to to make the change , saved it and then
closed the file. (I noticed in an earlier post you mentioned adding an .xml
file extension. There is no need to do that as the .gnucash is the correct
extension.)
There should have been a file
finances.gnucash.<date-timestamp>.gnucash
with the same <date-timestamp> roughly as the log file. It may differ by a
few seconds.
<date-timestamp> has the format "YYYYMMDDHHMMSS".
In most cases the datestamp on the log file and the backup file only differ
by 1-2 s on my system with the backup file created first and then the log
file.
There is a preference in the Edit->Preferences General tab where you can set
the file retention period for the backups and log files. I usually leave
it at the default of 30 days as I have terrabytes of free space on my
system but it is generally a good idea to set this so you have a few backup
and logfiles on your system so you can recover maximum data if you ever
have a file corruption issue. This is only likely if GnuCash or the OS
crashes while writing to the file.
David Cousens
-----
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Adrien Monteleone
2018-12-04 16:36:42 UTC
Permalink
If you try to open the file with a text editor (I used Atom, because TextEdit complained about something wrong with UTF-8 in the file) you will see this at the beginning:

SQLite format 3

If it is an sqlite format.

If it is the compressed XML, you’ll see gibberish/non-printable character.

If you uncompress the file, and try to read it with a text editor, you’ll of course see XML.

I’m not sure if there is any other way to tell. (short of using a hex editor, etc.)

Regards,
Adrien
Post by Maf. King
Hi Lorrie,
Are you sure you are using an XML file for your GC data? IIRC, using the
SQLite format stops the creation of the timestamp backup files.
I'm not entirely sure how to check what format the file is in, but if you do a
file-> Save As and look at the options in that dialog box it *may* shed some
light. Cancel if you don't actually want to rename the file, of course.
0.02
Maf.
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
That looks OK apart from not creating the backup file which should have been
created when you opened the file to to make the change , saved it and then
closed the file. (I noticed in an earlier post you mentioned adding an .xml
file extension. There is no need to do that as the .gnucash is the correct
extension.)
There should have been a file
finances.gnucash.<date-timestamp>.gnucash
with the same <date-timestamp> roughly as the log file. It may differ by a
few seconds.
<date-timestamp> has the format "YYYYMMDDHHMMSS".
In most cases the datestamp on the log file and the backup file only differ
by 1-2 s on my system with the backup file created first and then the log
file.
There is a preference in the Edit->Preferences General tab where you can set
the file retention period for the backups and log files. I usually leave
it at the default of 30 days as I have terrabytes of free space on my
system but it is generally a good idea to set this so you have a few backup
and logfiles on your system so you can recover maximum data if you ever
have a file corruption issue. This is only likely if GnuCash or the OS
crashes while writing to the file.
David Cousens
-----
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You can d
Colin Law
2018-12-04 17:38:41 UTC
Permalink
If it were an sqlite file then I don't think the Save button would
ever be enabled.

Colin
On Tue, 4 Dec 2018 at 16:39, Adrien Monteleone
Post by Adrien Monteleone
SQLite format 3
If it is an sqlite format.
If it is the compressed XML, you’ll see gibberish/non-printable character.
If you uncompress the file, and try to read it with a text editor, you’ll of course see XML.
I’m not sure if there is any other way to tell. (short of using a hex editor, etc.)
Regards,
Adrien
Post by Maf. King
Hi Lorrie,
Are you sure you are using an XML file for your GC data? IIRC, using the
SQLite format stops the creation of the timestamp backup files.
I'm not entirely sure how to check what format the file is in, but if you do a
file-> Save As and look at the options in that dialog box it *may* shed some
light. Cancel if you don't actually want to rename the file, of course.
0.02
Maf.
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
That looks OK apart from not creating the backup file which should have been
created when you opened the file to to make the change , saved it and then
closed the file. (I noticed in an earlier post you mentioned adding an .xml
file extension. There is no need to do that as the .gnucash is the correct
extension.)
There should have been a file
finances.gnucash.<date-timestamp>.gnucash
with the same <date-timestamp> roughly as the log file. It may differ by a
few seconds.
<date-timestamp> has the format "YYYYMMDDHHMMSS".
In most cases the datestamp on the log file and the backup file only differ
by 1-2 s on my system with the backup file created first and then the log
file.
There is a preference in the Edit->Preferences General tab where you can set
the file retention period for the backups and log files. I usually leave
it at the default of 30 days as I have terrabytes of free space on my
system but it is generally a good idea to set this so you have a few backup
and logfiles on your system so you can recover maximum data if you ever
have a file corruption issue. This is only likely if GnuCash or the OS
crashes while writing to the file.
David Cousens
-----
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--
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You can do thi
Adrien Monteleone
2018-12-04 17:42:08 UTC
Permalink
True. I forgot about that one. I use sqlite and indeed it is always inactive.

Regards,
Adrien
Post by Colin Law
If it were an sqlite file then I don't think the Save button would
ever be enabled.
Colin
On Tue, 4 Dec 2018 at 16:39, Adrien Monteleone
Post by Adrien Monteleone
SQLite format 3
If it is an sqlite format.
If it is the compressed XML, you’ll see gibberish/non-printable character.
If you uncompress the file, and try to read it with a text editor, you’ll of course see XML.
I’m not sure if there is any other way to tell. (short of using a hex editor, etc.)
Regards,
Adrien
Post by Maf. King
Hi Lorrie,
Are you sure you are using an XML file for your GC data? IIRC, using the
SQLite format stops the creation of the timestamp backup files.
I'm not entirely sure how to check what format the file is in, but if you do a
file-> Save As and look at the options in that dialog box it *may* shed some
light. Cancel if you don't actually want to rename the file, of course.
0.02
Maf.
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
That looks OK apart from not creating the backup file which should have been
created when you opened the file to to make the change , saved it and then
closed the file. (I noticed in an earlier post you mentioned adding an .xml
file extension. There is no need to do that as the .gnucash is the correct
extension.)
There should have been a file
finances.gnucash.<date-timestamp>.gnucash
with the same <date-timestamp> roughly as the log file. It may differ by a
few seconds.
<date-timestamp> has the format "YYYYMMDDHHMMSS".
In most cases the datestamp on the log file and the backup file only differ
by 1-2 s on my system with the backup file created first and then the log
file.
There is a preference in the Edit->Preferences General tab where you can set
the file retention period for the backups and log files. I usually leave
it at the default of 30 days as I have terrabytes of free space on my
system but it is generally a good idea to set this so you have a few backup
and logfiles on your system so you can recover maximum data if you ever
have a file corruption issue. This is only likely if GnuCash or the OS
crashes while writing to the file.
David Cousens
-----
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David Carlson
2018-12-04 18:05:53 UTC
Permalink
Another quirk to watch out for is whether Explorer was refreshed after the
last file was created.

David C

On Tue, Dec 4, 2018 at 11:44 AM Adrien Monteleone <
Post by Adrien Monteleone
True. I forgot about that one. I use sqlite and indeed it is always inactive.
Regards,
Adrien
Post by Colin Law
If it were an sqlite file then I don't think the Save button would
ever be enabled.
Colin
On Tue, 4 Dec 2018 at 16:39, Adrien Monteleone
Post by Adrien Monteleone
If you try to open the file with a text editor (I used Atom, because
TextEdit complained about something wrong with UTF-8 in the file) you will
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
SQLite format 3
If it is an sqlite format.
If it is the compressed XML, you’ll see gibberish/non-printable
character.
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
If you uncompress the file, and try to read it with a text editor,
you’ll of course see XML.
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
I’m not sure if there is any other way to tell. (short of using a hex
editor, etc.)
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Regards,
Adrien
Post by Maf. King
Hi Lorrie,
Are you sure you are using an XML file for your GC data? IIRC, using
the
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
SQLite format stops the creation of the timestamp backup files.
I'm not entirely sure how to check what format the file is in, but if
you do a
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
file-> Save As and look at the options in that dialog box it *may*
shed some
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
light. Cancel if you don't actually want to rename the file, of
course.
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
0.02
Maf.
Post by D via gnucash-user
Lorrie,
That looks OK apart from not creating the backup file which should
have been
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
created when you opened the file to to make the change , saved it and
then
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
closed the file. (I noticed in an earlier post you mentioned adding
an .xml
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
file extension. There is no need to do that as the .gnucash is the
correct
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
extension.)
There should have been a file
finances.gnucash.<date-timestamp>.gnucash
with the same <date-timestamp> roughly as the log file. It may differ
by a
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
few seconds.
<date-timestamp> has the format "YYYYMMDDHHMMSS".
In most cases the datestamp on the log file and the backup file only
differ
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
by 1-2 s on my system with the backup file created first and then the
log
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
file.
There is a preference in the Edit->Preferences General tab where you
can set
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
the file retention period for the backups and log files. I usually
leave
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
it at the default of 30 days as I have terrabytes of free space on my
system but it is generally a good idea to set this so you have a few
backup
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
and logfiles on your system so you can recover maximum data if you
ever
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
have a file corruption issue. This is only likely if GnuCash or the OS
crashes while writing to the file.
David Cousens
-----
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--
http://gnucash.1415818.n4.nabble.com/GnuCash-User-f1415819.html
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
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Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
Post by D via gnucash-user
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PGP Key fingerprint = 8D68 A91F 733B 2C1F 43B7 2B7C E591 E8E1 0DE7
C542
Post by Colin Law
Post by Adrien Monteleone
Post by Maf. King
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Post by Adrien Monteleone
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Philip Burg
2018-12-03 01:47:28 UTC
Permalink
#2
If you are using Windows 10 the latest update improved Windows Defender.
Look at your messages (bottom right corner of screen and check to see if defender has blocked it, if so click on the message and it will take you to the defender window where you can enter gnucash. exe as a trusted app, but you must do it by starting at C: and work your way through to gnucash.exe and click on open and gnucash.exe will be added to trusted apps. Hope this helps it worked for me.
Regards
Philip Burg
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D via gnucash-user
2018-12-03 01:56:49 UTC
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Lorrie,

You also should take a look at https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/FAQ#Q:_Why_is_my_file_name_getting_longer_and_longer.3F

David

On December 2, 2018, at 11:47 PM, Lorrie Laskey <***@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Colin,

I understand. Since I don't really need to know the minute and seconds when
a file is saved at this time, I will leave the file name as it is.

My next topic, for another email, is how to set up a budget. I have tried
and watched videos and read documentation but never quite get it to work or
understand what it is doing.

Thanks for your help this morning.
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Post by Lorrie Laskey
Hi Colin,
The "save" option did get focus once I made a change and saved the file.
However, the file name doesn't look right. See below. It is using the
name that I created when I used "save as" though I used "save" but the log
file name looks right. What is happening? Is this a problem?
Post by Lorrie Laskey
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash
finances.gnucash.20181202.gnucash.20181202095503
If you used Save As to save to that file, then that file becomes the
current file in use so when you later use Save it will save back to
that file again (and that is the file that will be re-opened
automatically when you open Gnucash). Again this is exactly the same
as will happen with MS Word for example. Save As means "save the file
with this new name and then keep using the new name". If you want to
give it a different name then use Save As just once to save it with
the name you want and thereafter Save will save back to that file.
Colin
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