tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:/discussions/syncspace-app-support/9155-trying-to-sync-existing-moneydance-files-via-dropbox-to-new-windows-computerInfinite Kind: Discussion 2021-01-27T11:43:35Ztag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-25T19:08:34Z2020-12-25T19:08:34ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>It’s not hard...<br>
1/ set up Dropbox on both computers. Make sure this is working.<br>
2/ in Main computer. Moneydance / file / syncing. Select Dropbox folders and choose a passphrase.<br>
3/ wait..... for a few minutes<br>
4/ on second computer check you can see the data appearing in Dropbox. Look in Dropbox fir a hidden folder called .Moneydancesync<br>
5/ on second computer. Moneydance. File / NEW / select open synced data. Choose dropbox folders.... it should show you the dataset. Of if on welcome screen again choose new and open synced dataset.</p>
<p>(Just a fellow user)</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-25T19:30:50Z2020-12-25T19:30:51ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Stuart,<br>
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.</p>
<p>It is hard because my old Windows computer crashed. On the new Windows computer I see a request for a passphrase but I don’t know what the passphrase for the data is. Furthermore, I have no way of finding it. So as of now I can access the data on my iPad and nowhere else. But it is somewhere in Dropbox.</p>
<p>This is not good a good situation. Moneydance’s security is poorly thought out because they do not have a way of dealing with this.</p>
<p>If I could export / backup my data files and reimport that would be great. But I can’t see any way to do that on my iPad.</p>
<p>So I may have return to Quicken because I know where my data file is and how to access it and forget Moneydance because of their very strange way of siloing data. Unless someone knows a way around this problem. I don’t.</p>
<p>Richard</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-25T19:32:23Z2020-12-25T19:32:23ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Stuart,<br>
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.</p>
<p>It is hard because my old Windows computer crashed. On the new computer I<br>
see a request for a passphrase but I don’t know what the passphrase for the<br>
data is. Furthermore, I have no way of finding it. So as of now I can<br>
access the data on my iPad and nowhere else. But it is somewhere in<br>
Dropbox.</p>
<p>This is not good a good situation. Moneydance’s security is poorly thought<br>
out because they do not have a way of dealing with this.</p>
<p>If I could export / backup my data files and reimport that would be great.<br>
But I can’t see any way to do that on my iPad.</p>
<p>So I am thinking I may return to Quicken and forget Moneydance because of<br>
their very strange way of siloing data. Unless someone knows a way around<br>
this problem. I don’t.</p>
<p>Richard</p></div>Richard Frischtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-25T20:17:00Z2020-12-25T20:17:00ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>OK... In this situation the sync passphrase is only visible back on the original computer dataset... Did you ever sync it to a second computer? I Thought for a moment that the sync passphrase might be visible on the iOS app, but I cannot see it there (pity)....(unless you hack the iPhone's data).... Your computer dataset was encrypted with a default key (unless you changed it), and the sync encyrption was yet another key that you specified. This is (only) saved/stored back on the original computer (it would be crazy to store it in dropbox). If you you really cannot remember it then you need to get the dataset from your old computer? Is this possible? You need the .moneydance folder OR a *.moneydancearchive file.... - From any old .moneydancearchive file it's possible to retrieve the sync key....(as long as you used the default encryption / or you can remember the encryption key)???</p>
<p>(again, not from support, just a fellow user)</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-25T20:34:34Z2020-12-25T20:34:34ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>If I recall correctly the syncing password is only ever visible on the computer that was use to set up the syncing, not really surprising as that is the only machine that is capable of changing anything.</p>
<p>As has been said all syncing data is encrypted using the password you select thus this password is need to e able to use the data on dropbox.</p>
<p>On the original machine the local data may or may not have a user set password set, that is your choice.</p>
<p>There are no back doors into Moneydance encrypted data, to do so would default the purpose of encryption.</p></div>dwgtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-25T20:35:28Z2020-12-25T20:35:31ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Stuart,<br>
Again, I thank you for your time and suggestions.</p>
<p>FWIW, I’ve been. playing with computers since 1972, so, I am used to frustration. I don’t think the old machine’s operating system drive is usable. The old computer’s data drive is fine. So I plan to mount the data drive in the new machine and see what’s what, following your suggestion.</p>
<p>On top of dealing with replacing a computer due to a systems hardware crash, reinstalling Windows and all it’s updates, applications and all their updates, etc. This problem with Moneydance is more than a bit frustrating for me.</p>
<p>Fortunately, I have Quicken 2016 that I can reinstall and use its data file, which I was running in parallel with Moneydance on the old machine. I’ve only been using Moneydance for a few months. If I can’t access all my Moneydance data on the new machine, I’ll just chalk up my $50 payment for the program to one more time I’ve wasted money on software or hardware. It certainly isn’t’ the first time I’ve had that experience and probably not the last.</p>
<p>It’s too bad I am having this experience. I liked Moneydance, recommended it to several friends. I won’t be recommending it anymore given the fragility of its data synchronization model.</p>
<p>Ho, ho, ho <br>
Richard</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-25T21:04:01Z2020-12-25T21:04:01ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>There is a way to get the sync key from the iPhone.... I've just done it... But on a Mac... In the morning I can look for Windows instructions if you like?</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-25T21:05:17Z2020-12-25T21:05:17ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>If you can get the old drive mounted, then you will be all sorted.....</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-25T21:17:23Z2020-12-25T21:17:23ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>if you can tell me how to get the sync key from my iPad I would be very grateful. Thank you.</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-25T22:37:42Z2020-12-25T22:37:42ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>The rough steps are:<br>
- connect iPad to computer via usb - run iTunes - find the iPad/iPhone icon - find the option to perform a backup - select local backup and turn off encrypted backup - do the backup</p>
<p>Locate the backup folder<br>
- search this folder and subfolders for files containing the text: tik_dropbox_md<br>
- open file with text editor - sync pass phrase is at the end of the file after where it says ‘last_account_used2V’</p>
<p>How to backup phone (use windows bit and don’t select encryption):<br>
<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph3ecf67d29/ios">https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph3ecf67d29/ios</a></p>
<p>How to find the backup:<br>
<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204215">https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204215</a></p>
<p>You will have to open the folder in explorer and then search for files containing the text.</p>
<p>Instructions for Mac are similar, but in command terminal you can use grep to file the file quickly.</p>
<p>As I say, I’ll try to be more precise in the morning.</p>
<p>If you can get your old disk up that will still be a good option.</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-26T12:12:22Z2020-12-26T12:12:24ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Stuart,<br>
This morning I tried to follow your instructions on both my temporary Windows computer and on the new MacBook Air (M1) I got my wife for Christmas. No go.</p>
<p>Windows iTunes backups don’t give the user a choice of whether to encrypt or not. It looks to me like all the backup files are encrypted. Anyway, searching in Explorer and using the utility Everything resulted in nothing found.</p>
<p>On the MacBook Air, I used Finder (the new way to backup and restore on Big Sur) to backup and then search for the string you suggested, “tik_dropbox_md”. The search returned nothing.</p>
<p>I truly appreciate your attempts at fixing my problem. I think we’ve both devoted enough time and effort in trying to solve this issue. I can either restart my Moneydance data as of the new year or just abandon it. I think the latter choice is more likely. I don’t like the developers’ database structure and their misplaced (IMO) attempt at security. Security should reside with the data and not the application.</p>
<p>Hope you have a Happy New Year. And once again, thank you for trying so very hard to fix my issue.</p>
<p>Richard</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-26T13:21:40Z2020-12-30T12:00:46ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Don't give up.... I've been writing instructions..... It's not hard, but you have to follow some steps... You can't use the standard finder/explorer search functions, they won't work... (crazy isn't it). here goes:</p>
<p>NOTE: DO NOT EDIT THE FILE I MENTION BELOW. ALWAYS QUIT WITHOUT SAVING. IF YOU COPY THE FILE TO YOUR DESKTOP, MAKE SURE YOU COPY (and not move)... Normally you hold down the CTRL, or OPTION/ALT key whilst dragging so the icon changes to a plus and copy...........</p>
<h2><a name="mac-easiest-option-if-possible-" class="anchor" href="#mac-easiest-option-if-possible-"></a>Mac (easiest option if possible)</h2>
<p>Using Finder (or iTunes if not Big Sur), connect iPhone,<br>
(Help here: <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph3ecf67d29/ios">https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph3ecf67d29/ios</a>) - Backups - Select Backup all the data to this Mac - UNTICK encrypt local backup - BACKUP NOW.</p>
<p>Now locate your backup finder:<br>
(Help here: <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204215">https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204215</a></p>
<ul>
<li>Open Finder. Menu GO</li>
<li>Go To Folder</li>
<li>Copy and paste this:</li>
</ul>
<p>~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ Press Return.</p>
<p>You will see a list of backups. (e.g. 00008030-000E31343A02802E)<br>
Right click this folder<br>
Select new terminal at folder. Then terminal will open at this folder.</p>
<p>Copy / paste this command below and press enter...</p>
<p>grep -rl tik_dropbox_md *</p>
<p>..wait….</p>
<p>It will find something like this:<br>
c8/c8c8dcebf5eab9bb14012e7df9ff46aa1d333a7c<br>
This is the file you need, stay in Terminal</p>
<p>plutil -p c8/c8c8dcebf5eab9bb14012e7df9ff46aa1d333a7c<br>
(and you will see the information on the screen next to "tik_dropbox_md_sync_key" =></p>
<p>or do this:<br>
open -a TextEdit c8/c8c8dcebf5eab9bb14012e7df9ff46aa1d333a7c</p>
<p>And you will see text and gibberish..... but also your key… Your key should be visible….. See example. My was after the text 'last_account_used2V'</p>
<p>(of course, now you know the file, you can find it, copy it to desktop, open with other text viewers....)</p>
<p>WINDOWS<br>
——— Download and install iTunes, plug in iPhone. Select the iPhone icon and you should see options come help<br>
(Help here: <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph3ecf67d29/ios">https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph3ecf67d29/ios</a>)</p>
<p>Perform a local backup, DESELECT Encrypt local backup. Select Backup NOW<br>
…wait….. When finished, locate your backup - help here:<br>
<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204215">https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204215</a></p>
<p>In the taskbar search box, type command (no enter) and when there is a popup select run as administrator<br>
type<br>
cd %userprofile% (Or a different folder if in a different place)<br>
cd apple<br>
cd mobilesync<br>
cd backup<br>
dir<br>
Your backups will be listed. If only one, skip this next step, else find the latest…. Select/copy the name<br>
cd</p>
<p>So you will not be at something like…..:<br>
C:\Users\IEUser\Apple\MobileSync\Backup\00008030-000E31343A02802E><br>
or<br>
C:\Users\IEUser\Apple\MobileSync\Backup> (if only one backup)</p>
<p>Now type this and enter:</p>
<p>findstr /S /I /M /C:"tik_dropbox_md" <em>.</em><br>
…. wait ….</p>
<p>It will show you something like this..:</p>
<p>00008030-000E31343A02802E\c8\c8c8dcebf5eab9bb14012e7df9ff46aa1d333a7c</p>
<p>Backup name: 00008030-000E31343A02802E<br>
SubDir: c8<br>
Actual file name you want: c8c8dcebf5eab9bb14012e7df9ff46aa1d333a7c</p>
<p>Now copy/paste the whole string (one line) and type this (past your whole name) and enter</p>
<p>start notepad 00008030-000E31343A02802E\c8\c8c8dcebf5eab9bb14012e7df9ff46aa1d333a7c</p>
<p>Notepad is rubbish, so use the cursor and move right along the lines until you see your key…..<br>
———</p>
<p>On both the above options, you can find and copy the file to your desktop. Rename the desktop copy to 'key.plist' for ease of use after you have it.</p>
<p>Once you have the file..:<br>
On windows you can download and use this tool:<br>
<a href="https://www.imactools.com/iphonebackupviewer/download/win">https://www.imactools.com/iphonebackupviewer/download/win</a><br>
Run the program, select the 3 line menu button top right, Tools, Property List View, then open the key.plist file you saved to your desktop..</p>
<p>On Mac, in terminal<br>
cd /Users//Desktop<br>
type and enter<br>
plutil -convert xml1 key.plist<br>
Now you will have a text readable version of the file you can open in a text editor..</p>
<p>Let me know how you get on, may be useful to others....</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-26T13:27:33Z2020-12-26T13:27:34ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Okay Stuart...</p>
<p>Once more into the fray!</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-26T13:47:17Z2020-12-26T13:47:18ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Stuart,<br>
You are the man!</p>
<p>Followed your instructions on the MacBook Air and found the password/passphrase.</p>
<p>Went to the temporary Windows computer, opened Moneydance, authorized Dropbox connection, put in password and “Performing initial sync. This may take a while...” dialog opened.</p>
<p>So it looks like you solved my issue. I wish there was some way I could repay your effort and diligence. Thank you, thank you, thank you!</p>
<p>Happy New Year,<br>
Richard</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502020-12-26T13:55:46Z2020-12-26T13:55:46ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>😃 🍹 🎉 Glad I could help.... My reward was learning something new.....<br>
(I hope someone writes this up as a KB article)....</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T11:55:52Z2021-01-02T11:55:52ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Hi Richard, FYI - I have now built a function in to my Toolbox extension to look for sync encryption keys. Would you be willing to try it for me?</p>
<p>You need to download and install into Moneydance this extension…<br>
<a href="https://infinitekind.com/app/md/extensions/toolbox.mxt">https://infinitekind.com/app/md/extensions/toolbox.mxt</a></p>
<p>(then menu>extensions>manage extensions>install from file).</p>
<p>Then menu/extensions/Toolbox (ignore the two *.dylib messages, just click bin/ignore)</p>
<p>Once it runs, there is a button called: Find Sync Passwords in iOS backups.<br>
- It will pop up some instructions.. - assuming you’re on a Mac, you will have to change a Mac setting first…</p>
<p>I’m asking you to see if it works as I want to use this to help others…?</p>
<p>Let me know?</p>
<p>Regards, Stuart B</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T12:03:22Z2021-01-02T12:03:23ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Tried it on my new Windows desktop. It doesn't seem to work there.</p>
<p>Going to try it on an old MacBook Air and let you know. it will be a few minutes as I have to install Moneydance on the MBA and then install the extension. It may take a while for MD to sync to my files too.</p>
<p>Be back to you as soon as I know.</p>
<p>Richard</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T12:24:24Z2021-01-02T12:24:24ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>(If I remember, you couldn't do the backup unencrypted on the Windows machine...? That would be why) Thx</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T13:33:05Z2021-01-02T13:33:07ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>"If I remember, you couldn't do the backup unencrypted on the Windows machine...? That would be why"</p>
<p>You may be correct but... I had never backed up the iPad Pro to the new Windows desktop, so... I'm doing that now. Let you know what I find out.</p>
<p>Also, the old MBA is till performing the initial sync.</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T13:52:35Z2021-01-02T13:52:38ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Tried MD on Windows after iPad backup. Same result as before, clicking the Toolbox button does nothing I can see.</p>
<p>Still waiting on MBA. It could be a while, maybe a couple of hours or more.</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T14:20:49Z2021-01-02T14:20:49ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Ah, what version of MD are you on....? You need to be on 2021 at least build 2012 - ideally the latest. 3032..? If you're not on 2021, then stop, it won't work... Let me know? Sorry!!</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T14:40:37Z2021-01-02T14:40:37ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Out now. Check when back</p></div>Richard Frischtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T16:03:22Z2021-01-02T16:03:23ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>The latest version on the MD website is Moneydance 2021 (2006)<br>
My Windows version is Moneydance 2021 (2006)<br>
My MBA Mac version must be the same as I just downloaded today. I can't check it now as it is "syncing" or so I believe but there is yet to be any progress on the progress bar.</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T16:10:17Z2021-01-02T16:10:17ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Hi, (3032) is available from here: <a href="https://infinitekind.com/preview">https://infinitekind.com/preview</a><br>
(it's a bug fixed version of (2006).</p>
<p>If you don't use online banking connections to Moneydance, then as you are already on 2021.2006, I would update to 3032 on both / all computers. (there are some issues with online banking connections, so don't upgrade if you're happy as is for now)...</p>
<p>Toolbox will then run. You will know when it runs as you will get a nice pop up screen...</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T16:16:24Z2021-01-04T10:51:34ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Downloaded on Windows and updated to Moneydance 2021.1 (3033)<br>
Your extension worked. Lots of information. Screenshot attached</p>
<p>What else do you want me to do.</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T16:17:58Z2021-01-02T16:18:00ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>it worked on Windows. Screenshot attached.<br>
Need anything else?</p></div>Richardtag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T16:21:52Z2021-01-02T20:32:25ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Thanks. Did you click the button...? On your picture, 3rd row, last button, called Find Sync Password? (obviously don't send the password)... Perhaps you could email me at:<br>
...</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)tag:infinitekind.tenderapp.com,2009-01-14:Comment/489306502021-01-02T20:31:55Z2021-01-02T20:31:55ZTrying to sync existing Moneydance files via Dropbox to new Windows computer<div><p>Richard has confirmed that Toolbox can recover the sync encryption keys from iOS on both Windows and Mac. Thanks Richard!</p></div>Stuart Beesley (Mr Toolbox)