Syncing between two computers - TWO dropbox accounts
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Ok, finally setting up syncing. The instructions look good, but seem to assume that the two computers access the same dropbox account.
My wife has her dropbox account, I have my own.
We do have a shared folder. (so 1password, for example works)
Any caveats on setting up MD sync before I just jump in? Will it handle syncing given two dropbox accounts? I don't see anything about pushing the sync changes to a shared folder (or any folder) in the knowledgebase instructions.
Without this info, my inclination would be to just set up syncing on my first computer - hope that everything goes into a folder (like Moneydance Sync) vs individual files, and then I could change the privacy on that folder to be shared, and boom, I'd think I would be done, but- again, nothing in the knowledgebase article indicates such.
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1
dwg
on 20 Mar, 2020 04:40 AM
I'm a fellow user.
Yes the instructions assume you are using the same Dropbox account.
I have had some discussions with a user that wanted to use two dropbox accounts a "his" and a "hers" and it did work.
The first system is setup as per the normal instructions.
https://infinitekind.tenderapp.com/kb/syncing-and-sharing-data/syncing-with-mobile-app
You then have to share that specific dropbox folder with the other user, you can find some instructions in:
https://infinitekind.tenderapp.com/kb/archive-mobile/archive-how-to-sync-one-data-file-with-multiple-ios-devices-using-different-dropbox-accounts
Now for the second machine. This is where I am not sure what does work and what doesn't.
I suspect that Dropbox Connection will not work. I have no real evidence for this but I feel there may be some access issues.
Dropbox Folder I'm just not sure about. I've received mixed messages about this method under these circumstances.
Shared Folder. This still assumes you are using the Dropbox client like you do with the Dropbox Folder, but you are manually navigating to the folder. I'm pretty sure this does work.
So I think you are in for a bit of trial and error, unless someone can fill in the blanks.
2
dtd
on 20 Mar, 2020 04:50 AM
From your IOS article:
Note that these instructions will only work if the other users do not have their own desktop version of Moneydance set up to sync. This will only work for iOS users with different Dropbox accounts who do not otherwise sync their iOS device with Moneydance.
Hmmm - well that's odd. Why would it NOT work with another desktop? Seems like once you share the folder, it's "as if" they are the same dropbox account, given the sharing.
As you say - it doesn't seem sussed out.
I would hope and think that "Dropbox Folder" should work once the folders are shared, as they act as if they belong to the account.
At least that's the direction I plan to pursue tomorrow.
3
dwg
on 20 Mar, 2020 05:22 AM
When the old article was written desktop to desktop syncing did not exist, to share data the Moneydance Data set was copied to the Dropbox folder, so the environment was quite different, do not copy a MD 2019 data set to dropbox and use it from there.
The user told me he could only get mobile syncing to work by using the primary Dropbox account on all mobile devices with MD2019.
Dropbox Folder and Shared Folder are the same thing really. You can think of Dropbox folder as being a shortcut that points at the default location of the Dropbox folder if it exists, hence is saves the manually navigation. It is of course possible that the folder was shared at the wrong level by the primary user or attached to the wrong place in the secondary users folder tree and that prevented the "Dropbox Folder" method locating the correct folder as it was not where it was expected to be, hence why Dropbox folder may not work yet Shared Folder would. Dropbox Folder also does not work if you set up the Dropbox application to use anything except the default location and thus you have to use Shared Folder under these circumstances as well.
4
dtd
on 20 Mar, 2020 06:01 AM
Thanks Great info.
Will keep all that in mind, and take notes as I successfully implement this tomorrow. ;)
Maybe I can add to the knowledgebase. Hope so.
This will be computer to computer - mobile syncing will come later.
5
dwg
on 20 Mar, 2020 06:44 AM
Taking notes and adding to the knowledge is always welcome.
6
derekkent23
on 20 Mar, 2020 01:05 PM
I am not support staff, just a user.
Hi dantdavis
As I had some time on my hands, I set up a separate free Dropbox account on a second computer to see if Moneydance syncing will work between two computers with separate Dropbox accounts.
Set up Dropbox Folder syncing as follows
1. Select your primary computer and set up syncing FILE (MONEYDANCE on Mac) – SYNCING enter passphrase and select Dropbox Folder – OK.
2. On your primary computer use File Explorer to navigate to the “.moneydancesync” folder in Dropbox Folder.
3. Right click on this folder and select SHARE to the right of the Dropbox symbol.
4. In the window that opens send an email to the person with whom you wish to share.
5. The recipient of the emails should click on the Dropbox icon to open its window not on the “Go to Folder” in the email. You should see a note to the effort that “.moneydancesync” is waiting to be shared. Click “Add to Dropbox”.
6. On the secondary computer wait until the “.moneydancesync” folder appears and the Dropbox icon registers it is up to date.
7. On the secondary computer start syncing, FILE – NEW – OPEN SYNCED FILE – DROPBOX FOLDER – NEXT and highlight the Data Set to be synced – NEXT.
8. Enter your password (passphrase) - FINISH.
9. Data set should now sync.
It’s that simple.
Hope that helps.
7
dtd
on 20 Mar, 2020 11:57 PM
Thanks - I assumed it would be simple, but thought I'd ask. What you describe is how I planned to try it out.
So, the next question is once I get past computers to mobile devices, will the "two dropbox accounts" continue to work properly. I assume yes, and that I can even hook up my wife's mobile devices to her dropbox, and my devices to my dropbox.
8
dwg
on 21 Mar, 2020 12:42 AM
Derek filled in one of the holes in my notes, you just found the other :)
I was working with a user a couple of years ago on the solution and from that work wrote the bulk of my notes, there were a couple of gaps. Partly because it was not absolutely clear if some things worked or not and partly because not everything was tried.
The sharing of the data between the two Dropbox accounts will not be a problem, that was shown to continue working with a mobile device involved. Syncing a mobile phone to the primary users Dropbox account is also not a problem. It was demonstrated that that worked. Where he did have a problem was using a mobile phone with the secondary Dropbox account. That he did not get working, but that was not fully investigated as far as I know.
This did seem to be at odds with the old article that was used as the basis of the setup that was being implemented, hence I made a note of what was known to work and a question mark on using the secondary Dropbox account for mobile syncing.
Trying the overall solution with the Dropbox Connection method is something that I do not think has ever been tried, so that is an unknown if anyone is thinking of that.
9
dtd
on 21 Mar, 2020 04:38 AM
Ok, starting the process. Did Derek step 1. Did not see .moneydance in dropbox. After setting up file/syncing - it did list the directory correctly.
Hidden? Have to close moneydance?
I'll figure it out, but reporting back for the what might be a "how to do it" document.
10
dtd
on 21 Mar, 2020 04:44 AM
Ok, don't have the energy to pursue further right now, but...
2. On your primary computer use File Explorer to navigate to the “.moneydancesync” folder in Dropbox Folder.
Nope - the .moneydancesync folder isn't there or at least not visible. I did step 1 completely, and the folder structure is displayed within MD in the file/sync window.
This of course has nothing to do with "two dropbox accounts" - this is just setting up syncing, and not going well at the moment.
11
dtd
on 21 Mar, 2020 04:50 AM
This is somewhat head scratching, as this should be the easiest part. I added a transaction if that might trigger something - but nothing happens here. Nothing in the dropbox folder.
12
dwg
on 21 Mar, 2020 04:59 AM
If you are using a Mac I believe any files that have names starting with a period are hidden files.
Now the process to view hidden files on a Mac I have no idea.
13
dtd
on 21 Mar, 2020 05:07 AM
You just beat me to it. Used CMD-SHIFT-. to reveal hidden files - it's there.
Now to try to share it. Moving on...
3. Right click on this folder and select SHARE to the right of the Dropbox symbol.
Not a regular share - a share via the Dropbox symbol, as stated.
14
dtd
on 21 Mar, 2020 05:44 AM
Ok, seems to work.
However, the initial "open this window" preference appears to be global, not local.
For ME, I want this initial window to open, allowing me to select among many options.
For Jan, I want the "last file opened" to open, so she doesn't have to deal with it.
I changed her "open this window/open last file opened" to last file opened. I now see it does the same for me - i.e. global, not local. This should be changed.
15
dwg
on 21 Mar, 2020 06:23 AM
I do not see how this is possible.
When you set it to open last file a parameter current_accountbook with the data set as a value is saved to you preferences file and as far as I am aware no preferences are replicated.
16
dtd
on 21 Mar, 2020 06:41 AM
All I can do is report reality.
1) My computer - opens up, asks for password, opens current file.
2) Jan's computer - opens current file (does not ask for password)
3) My computer - opens up, asks for password, opens current file
4) My computer - Cancel out - go to the "open whatever" screen. Change default to "open this window"
5) My computer - verify the open whatever screen appears. It does.
6) Jan's computer - opens up last file opened (tried it twice)
7) MY computer - opens up the "open whatever" window.
You appear to be correct and I retract my statement.
17
derekkent23
on 21 Mar, 2020 11:10 AM
I am not support staff, just a user.
Hi dantdavis
I tied to add info on how to unhide “.moneydancesync” but as a non-Mac user I can’t test. Can you take a look? Also see info on syncing mobile devices.
Moneydance syncing between two computers with separate Dropbox accounts.
Set up Dropbox Folder syncing as follows:
1. Select your primary computer and set up syncing FILE (MONEYDANCE on Mac) – SYNCING enter passphrase and select Dropbox Folder – OK.
2. On your primary computer use File Explorer to navigate to the “.moneydancesync” folder in Dropbox Folder. Note on Mac “.moneydancesync” may be hidden, try in your Finder window, typing CMD-Shift-G and then pasting ~/Dropbox/.moneydancesync/ into the box to unhide.
3. Right click on this folder and select SHARE to the right of the Dropbox symbol.
4. In the window that opens send an email to the person with whom you wish to share.
5. The recipient of the emails should click on the Dropbox icon to open its window not
on the “Go to Folder” button in the email. You should see in the Dropbox icon window a note to the effort that “.moneydancesync” is waiting to be shared. Click “Add to Dropbox”.
6. On the secondary computer wait until the “.moneydancesync” folder appears (on Mac you may need to unhide“.moneydancesync”) and the Dropbox icon registers it is up to date.
7. On the secondary computer start syncing, FILE ( MONEYDANCE on Mac) – NEW – OPEN SYNCED FILE – DROPBOX FOLDER – NEXT and highlight the Data Set to be synced – NEXT.
8. Enter your password (passphrase) - FINISH.
9. Data set should now sync.
Mobile Device, syncing to Moneydance.
1. Install moneydance on your Mobile Device, if already installed uninstall and reinstall.
2. Open Moneydance on your Mobile Device.
3. Click “Link Dropbox Account” button.
4. You need to sign into the primary or secondary users Dropbox Account. Normally the primary user Dropbox Account, but both will work.
5. On the screen “Moneydance would like access to the files and folders in your Dropbox” click ALLOW.
6. Select the data set you want to sync too.
7. Enter your sync password (passphrase) and click Begin Syncing.
It’s that simple.
Hope that helps.
18
derekkent23
on 21 Mar, 2020 11:21 AM
I am not support staff, just a user.
Hi dantdavis
just to add my phone is Android so some of the screens/wording on a iPhone may be different.
19
dtd
on 22 Mar, 2020 04:19 AM
Seems like everything is working - how can you get the mobile app to show anything other than the first bank account (without adding a new transaction)?
Looking over some knowledgebase entries - I do not get an "Accounts" screen - my app immediately goes to the first bank account detail screen - and I see no way to "pop up a level" other than to enter a new transaction.
20
derekkent23
on 22 Mar, 2020 09:50 AM
I am not support staff, just a user.
Hi dantdavis
Strange, I don’t have a iPhone, so can only comment on what I see on my Android phone.
The first screen of the mobile app should display all Bank, Credit Cards, etc type accounts, but not investment accounts. See screen shot of my Android Phone. Click on an Account to go to its transaction screen. Only accounts that have not been set to Inactive on your computer under side bar highlighted account. ACCOUNTS – EDIT ACCOUNTS will be displayed. The layout of an iPhone screen is probably different but I would assume the principle is the same. On an Android phone to go back\up a level you click the Android back key itself (highlighted in yellow in screen shot), not a Moneydance app key.
Perhaps close the mobile app, power off your phone and see what happens after that.
Hope this helps
21
dtd
on 22 Mar, 2020 11:03 PM
Played with this more today. The problem is my Ipad Pro, I had not installed it on my iphone.
Installed on my iphone today - everything looks fine. Works exactly as I expected, and mirrors your post pictures.
My ipad? I powered off, powered on, uninstalled, reinstalled - connected to same dropbox folder as my iphone.
I get ONE account the first one. "Cash-Dan". Unlike the iphone, where I can click Cash-Dan and move to the same screen as the ipad, there is NO <-Accounts on the top left to return to the Accounts screen you picture.
I guess it's as if this is the only account the ipad recognizes, though I'm just conjecturing.
Of course, this means I can use moneydance on the iphone, but the ipad is a total no go.
Any thoughts?
Support Staff 22
Maddy
on 22 Mar, 2020 11:32 PM
Can you try rotating the iPad to landscape? This should allow you to see a list of your accounts and balances on the left of the screen.
This is different to the view on an iOS mobile device, and has has caused confusion for quite a few customers. We may be able to implement a change that makes it clear landscape is required for a full view of the iPad app.
--
Maddy, Infinite Kind Support
23
dtd
on 23 Mar, 2020 03:15 AM
Maddy - yep that's the problem. Landscape vs. Portrait.
A change indicating landscape is required on the ipad would be very helpful.
Implementing an <-Accounts bit (as on the iphone) in Portrait mode would also alleviate many problems.
24
derekkent23
on 23 Mar, 2020 08:34 AM
I am not support staff, just a user.
Hi dantdavis
Sound like all your issues are now solved, great.
I wouldn’t have got the one about Landscape vs. Portrait as I don’t have a pad.
Have Fun
Support Staff 25
Maddy
on 23 Mar, 2020 09:32 PM
I'm very pleased to hear that it worked.
There's an existing ticket in our ticketing system with your suggestion, so I've attached it to this discussion and the developers will be looking into it.
I'll close this discussion for now, but do not hesitate to contact us again, if you need further assistance.
--
Maddy, Infinite Kind Support
Maddy closed this discussion on 23 Mar, 2020 09:32 PM.