Saturday, September 30, 2006

Microsoft Money 2007 UK

Bob Peel and myself (Glyn Simpson), in our MVP capacity, went to see the United Kingdom Product Manager for Money on 29th September 2006.

We were just catching up with a few things, as we tend to approximately once a year. However, this time, the question of Money 2007 in the UK was raised.

The result was that there won't be one.

It does raise questions on the future - no Money 2006, no Money 2007 - does this mean no more Money?? Well, that is a question that can't be answered unfortunately. I'd like to see one, but I have no power to influence it.

Some of the Money community in the UK have been quite vocal about this version. At least it will put some minds at rest, until we have the debate next year!!

59 comments:

Anonymous said...

Since it looks like there is not going to be a release of Money 2007 UK before the general release of Vista, is there likely to be a fix released so that Money 2005 will work properly when importing OFX files - currently it does not work when installed on Vista.

Anonymous said...

Hi

Yes, there is likely to be a fix, although I don't know when it will occur. I think they are targetting the general release of Vista, but as that is very close now, I am not sure whether it will be achieved.

Microsoft Money support are well aware of the issue, as Money 2005 is still a supported product and a number of people have contacted them.

I would say that Money 2006 doesn't seem to have the problem, but that's not available anywhere but the US, Canada and Japan, so is not a solution to UK users.

As for the form of the fix - I don't know whether it'll be a Vista update, a Money update or something that needs to be downloaded from the Microsoft downloads site.

I'll try and post something when I have the details, and if it requires some manual work, try to post something on the main FAQ site, as well as here.

Regards

Glyn

Anonymous said...

I'm looking at a product to manage my personal finance. I'm UK-based and need to manage bank accounts, pension accounts as well as investments and would like to have stock monitoring built-in too.
should I purchase Money2005 and pray that MS is going to do a Money2007 version?
My desktop is running Vista.

(it would seem like a good idea given that Intuit has now stopped selling their products)

Thank you,

Anonymous said...

I'm looking at a product to manage my personal finance. I'm UK-based and need to manage bank accounts, pension accounts as well as investments and would like to have stock monitoring built-in too.
should I purchase Money2005 and pray that MS is going to do a Money2007 version?
My desktop is running Vista.

(it would seem like a good idea given that Intuit has now stopped selling their products)

Thank you,

Anonymous said...

Hi Anthony

not sure how good your praying is, but I would put a large sum of money down on there not being a Money 2007 UK product.

The earlier comment about OFX downloads in 2005 is still valid, but Money 2005 is still being sold and other aspects appear to work under Vista.

One thing about pension funds is that the prices for most funds are not on the feed (FAQ Article 95), so there wouldn't be any price downloads, but that does not preclude you from having them in a file.

The other caveat is that according to the EULA, quotes stop working on 1 September 2007. However, I am not entirely sure what will really happen then, partly because when they set that policy, the decision not to release a Money 2006 or Money 2007 in the UK wouldn't have been made. That is an unknown, and one I am interested in seeing how it pans out.

Therefore I can't say one way or another whether getting Money 2005 UK is a wise move at the moment.

For what it's worth, I use Money 2006 US for my file, even though I am UK based. Conversion from the UK version to the US version is not straightforward though, and it's not something I can wish on anyone - you really have to be dedicated.

Glyn

Anonymous said...

I'm a bit late on this conversation, but...
Have been using Quicken and been very pleased with UK version, except they stopped supporting it a year or so ago. Just got Vista and this is causing some more problems, so am thinking about going over to MS Money but obviously need UK version. What is the mosdt recent UK version, and what doesn't work in Vista (and please spell out as I haven't a clue what OFX means!!!)

Anonymous said...

Hi

the most recent version of Money for UK users is Money 2005 (available on Amazon and other sellers).

Microsoft have not produced a new localised one for the UK since this version, although have done so for Canada (latest is 2006) and the US and Japan (2007).

As far as I know, everything now works with Vista due to the release of the recent compatibility update.

Unfortunately there is no longer a trial version available, which means it is difficult to decide on whether it's going to be suitable before purchase. You may need to look around to see if you can find the trial 2005 UK version, but I'm not sure where it will be available (possibly the "wayback machine" archive might have it, although I don't know).

OFX is a standard used to download transactions from online banking sites.

Unknown said...

I've used Money for years and periodically upgraded (I use the 2004 version). I've been trying to use Budgets (for the first time..) and encountered a bug with recurring bills - a Kb fix Q318841) doesn't work and the problem effectively renders budgetting feature useless.

Anonymous said...

That budget bug is a right pain. The only fix I know is that mentioned in 318841, excepting a QIF export/import which isn't really a good solution due to the time it takes.

Topspin said...

I currently use Quicken but have downloaded the 90 day free trial Money 2007 and imported the Quicken data. This seems to work surprisingly well.Is the trial the US version? When I eventually pay for it will it be the same and can I continue to use my existing files? My last question is will this version have support when I eventually move to Vista?

Topspin in the UK

Anonymous said...

Hi

the trial will be the US version (or the Japanese, but I assume you would have mentioned that ;-)).

It is possible to use that in the UK, although you might not be able to link to the Nationwide BS if that's important for you.

One thing you may run into is obtaining the retail software. Amazon UK don't sell the US version (as far as I see), and Amazon US won't ship it out of the US.

When obtaining the retail version, the software is exactly the same, jsut without the time restriction.

As for Vista, Money 2007 works on it (although Money came out before Vista) with a patch which will download automatically.

Glyn

Anonymous said...

I've got MOney 2005 UK working on Vista. Thought I'd have a look at Money for Pocket PC (I've got an hp iPaq rx 1950 running Windows Mobile 5, and this is synced through Windows Mobile Device Center to Vista). I've downloaded software and installed it on the iPaq but can't see how to sync MPPC with Money on my PC - the instructions seem to apply to ActiveSync rather than WMDC. Any clues anyone??

Anonymous said...

Hi

Money for the pocket pc is not supported on Windows Mobile 5 devices - see http://money.mvps.org/faq/articles/219.aspx

Glyn

Anonymous said...

Would help to put in the correct URL :-)

http://money.mvps.org/faq/article/219.aspx

Anonymous said...

From reading this it seems that 2007 can be used in the UK as long as you can get it. The Microsoft site seems to allow a download through Digital River for $49.99 for the Deluxe version. At the current exchange rate that seems like a good deal but I wanted to be sure that I won't have any trouble working with it here. What are the localisation tasks that are normally done? Does it mean I won't be able to connect to any financial institutions (you specifically mention Nationwide)?
You comment would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Andrew.

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrew

yes, you can use a US version in the UK - I use the 2006 version for one of my files without issue. However, some of the stuff is a little irrelevant (e.g. the tax stuff).

I also download OFX from a couple of UK financial institutions (NatWest for example) which imports correctly. So, if you have an institution which supports this, then it should work. Note also that the US versions have a couple of years timeout on downloads (2 or 3, can't remember offhand).

Nationwide is the only FI which supports 2 way OFX (a bit more info can be found here, and that won;t work - the mechanisms of data exchange include information about the client, and a US client will send US header information which will be rejected.

The digital river download solution is something I know of, but haven't used. Does it support downloading of the software outside of the US? If so, then it seems like a good solution.

Of course, if you've not tried it, then try the trial.

US versions won't support the upgrade of a UK file, but obviously can be used on a new file.

Hope this helps

Glyn

Anonymous said...

Ah, that final sentence was the clincher! I want to upgrade my current file so if that won't work there's no point. I'll just carry on using my cersion 14 (Money 2004?)
Thanks for your response.
Andrew.

Anonymous said...

Have had to wipe my hard drive clean and reinstall Vista. Have reinstalled MS Money 2005 UK edition, and the data files I was using before. However now I can't get into the mny file. Money tells me that it is converting the mny file to the current version (I thought it was the current version!), and when it tries to do that Money then tells me that it cannot locate the file or cannot open it (the latter I assume). I have the March version of the compatibility update installed (which is different from the one I had on before). Any ideas what I can do to get back into the file?

Anonymous said...

Hi MJegner

Should be a relatively straightforward solution here: take a look at http://money.mvps.org/faq/article/42.aspx - you'll need to start Money with another file (a new file) first, then let Money update. Finally open your existing one.

Anonymous said...

Hi MJegner

Should be a relatively straightforward solution here: take a look at http://money.mvps.org/faq/article/42.aspx - you'll need to start Money with another file (a new file) first, then let Money update. Finally open your existing one.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Glyn - that worked. Major panic over - and managed to prevent an account going overdrawn in the process!!

Anonymous said...

Hi

Is there any more news on a new release of Money in the UK?
I have just upgraded to Vista and Money 2002 just about works, but not across multiple user accounts.
Seeing what is availale in the USA is a tad frustrating. to say the least.

Cheers
Ian

Glyn said...

Hi Ian

no there's not. We already know there won't be a 2007 release for the UK (the last UK one is 2005). However there isn't even any information on a 2008 release anywhere yet - I'm tracking information as I find it on the website at FAQ Article 405, but there's sadly little to report there either.

AJ said...

I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere, but I installed Vista on Saturday (what a great day I had, not). Anyway, I put on Money 2005 and knew about the file issue so just wanted to get the upgrade installed. Money complained that I needed to be an Administrator to do that. I am! I spotted the "Run As Administrator" option in the context menu and tried that. The Money splash screen appeared and then it just died.
I finally solved this by turning off the User Access Controls mechanism and running Money.
I haven't turned it back on yet but will once I've finished installing all my other software (other Vista compatible software, e.g. Adobe Reader, also wouldn't install with it turned on!)
Thanks,
Andrew.

Glyn said...

Hi Andrew

I'm not sure whether you need to go as far as turning UAC off, but no harm I suppose as long as you know what you're doing.

I put an article on the MS Money FAQ site a while back on this one, although the 'just dying' is not something I've seen either.

Anonymous said...

What financial software can be used in the UK that is similar to that of Money 2007?

I have been searching for ages, and just cant find anything. I want to find software that can plug into the financial instituations here in the UK

Anonymous said...

I believe I had Micrsoft Money 2005 UK version when I was in the UK, however I am currently in another country and without access to this anymore. Therefore, I dowloaded the tial version of 2007 Money, but it would not open my files, stating that this version was not compatible.

Since reading blogs it seems that Microsoft Money 2005 UK will expire after September 2007 - with regards to the ability to download files from financial institutions - and also that Money 2006 and 2007 are not available for the UK markets.

So, how do I:

a) Get to open my current files and import them into a version/software that I can read and continue with - so that I don't lose what I have already backed up

b) What is the most appropriate software for me to use, since Money 2007 seems set-up for U.S. market. (Downloading direct from fiancial instituions, is one of the main functions that is important for my use).

Thanks for your help.

Glyn said...

With regards 2007 software that operates in the UK, the two big players (Microsoft and Intuit) have no offering. However, some of the smaller players may have something.

I've got a page on this page on Amazon which lists the offerings that they know about in the financial software arena. I've personally used none.

With regards plugging into banks, then the majority of the UK ones which offer anything will typically offer QIF or OFX downloads. The latter is (IMHO) much better, so if any software supports that, then you should be able to download

Glyn said...

On the expiry front, I wrote this article on Money 2005 just last week. In my opinion, the software will continue to work after September for the foreseeable future - and certainly until Microsoft actually announce something.

With regards the 2006 and 2007 US versions of Money, I've stated it before that I use 2006 US here in the UK - I download OFX from NatWest and a couple of other places, QIF from Amex. I don't use Nationwide which would probably have issues with synchronisation. So, 2006 and 2007 are possible to use in the UK, but you need to get used to Americanisation on it and certain features are not relevant.

On an earlier comment on this article, I mentioned that it is not possible to (directly) convert from UK to US (or vice versa). The fifth most popular article on my FAQ site - How to export/import accounts (using QIF) is the way to do it, but it's a right pain to go that route.

I did this myself and posted an article on it back in February.

Specifically with your questions, you are kind of stuck without any form of the UK version (even a trial), as the only way you'll be able to export the 2005 data is by opening up the file, in, yes... 2005 UK :-( It if is is in any way possible to get hold of the UK version where you are, at least you'll be able to access the data. The UK version is still being sold.

You don't mention which country you're in, but if you're not in a location where Money is sold, you'll be hard pressed to even get a version of Money - some retailers such as Amazon.com don't even ship software out of the US.

Which comes onto other software... again it depends on where you are, if the US then try here, but I doubt that many of these items will actually convert a Money file directly.

I know even less on other countries - but to re-iterate, if you've not got access to 2005 UK (even a trial) then it's really going to be difficult

Kind regards

Glyn

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the comments glyn. I'm based in New Zealand at the moment, so it doesn't look good for me does it? I'll try and source a UK 2005 Money, which at least would get me over one hurdle.

Anonymous said...

Looks like the expiration date for online services for Money 2005 (uk version) has been extended:

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/homepc/money/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=002 now states "2 - Internet-based services available for two (2) years after activation of Microsoft Money or 31 December 2009"

This used to state September 2007. Looks like it should be ok for the forseable future.

Glyn said...

Thanks - I saw that this morning too. The document referenced though still says 2007. However, given that that page must have been conciously updated, it sounds good :-)

Anonymous said...

i am trying to open a backup file for money 2005. the back up file is from a previous computer which ran on XP the computer i am running it on is running Vista. i am opening money and going to file - Restore backup, i am then following instructions as stated on screen. once i get to name restored file i leave the prefilled file name in place and press restore to which i receive the message "the file name is invalid please use a valid file name".

i am also unable to upgrade the standard version that i have on cd, as it keeps telling me i need to be the administrator, which i am please help...... many thanks

Glyn said...

Hi Anonymous

this sounds like the version of 2005 on Vista doesn't have the patch which would let you open the file

See if the 'run as administrator' option (FAQ Article 463) helps in this instance.

By the way, you can just copy over and open the .MNY file - you don't have to use the backup

Mel said...

Hi
I've been working with Money 2000 for a long time (didn't upgrade because it worked ok and suited my needs). Now I'm using it on a new computer with Vista on it and when I update share prices it seems to pick up wrong amounts (decimal point in wrong place) and says my investments are now worth £8m! (wish they were). So I've been thinking of getting a new Money. Which one works best on Vista and will I be able to just import my Money 2000 data?? I will need a UK version. Hope you can help?
Mel

Mel said...

Not sure if my other comment went in?
Just want to know which UK MS Money (or other program) is best to use with Vista and best for upgrading from my MS Money 2000 (and importing my existing data from MS Money 2000.
Thanks
Mel

Glyn said...

Hi Mel

you should be able to continue to use Money 2000. However, you might need to add a patch to it for the 100x share price issue.

Take a look at the downloads page on my website. There is a fix for Money 2000 there.

If you're happy with Money 2000, I would recommend staying where you are.

Anonymous said...

Hi

I've got a copy of MS Money 2007 and installed it on a Vista PC.

The problem is linking an account, all the lists are for US banks, is it possible to link this to Lloyds TSB for example?

Cheers

Glyn said...

Hi

kind of, but not in the way you think.

2007 is a US product, so the only list of banks you'll ever see isn't going to include Lloyds.

However, you can still use Lloyds TSB in 2007 if it provides QIF or OFX downloads (OFX preferred).

This makes it a one-way bank (FAQ Article 235), where you would have to initiate the download at the Lloyds end.

A quick check on this MSN Money page seems to indicate that you can at least get QIF. However, it hasn't been updated in a few years - probably because Money UK hasn't.

Anonymous said...

Recently, whenever I go on the Investment portfolio page of MS Money 2000, I getan error message and windows Vista shuts the whole program down - has anyone else had this problem and how can it be resolved?

Glyn said...

See if FAQ Article 21 helps.

tricia said...

Just to say thanks this has been the most helpful site visited

Dan said...

Was a UK version of Money 2005 Deluxe / Financial Suite ever released? I'd like to have something that can keep track of invoices and expenses and file a tax return. The standard version of Money 2005 doesn't seem able to do this.

Glyn Simpson said...

Hi Daniel

there as a 2005 Financial Suite - it was basically the same as 2005 standard, but with TaxSaver thrown in. This product was withdrawn the following year, as the tax software was no longer relevant.

For invoicing, the last version produced was the 2002 Business edition, which is obviously well out of date now.

You may be able to export from 2005 as .TXF files, but whether there is any UK software to import this information, I don't know.

Anonymous said...

Hi

Great blog by the way,

I need the latest UK version of M money that works with Lloyds TSB. What version do i need?
Also I am in Thailand, is it possible to purchase a digital download for the software anywhere?

Kind regards,

Chris

Glyn Simpson said...

HI Chris

Lloyds TSB provides QIF download only, as far as I am aware, which means just about any (recent-ish) version of Money could be used - it wouldn't have to be just the UK.

The reason I mention this is that the only versions available through digital download are US versions (see this article on my other website). Money 2005 UK isn't available this way.

If you've already got a version of UK Money, this is an awkward step forward as UK->US doesn't go that well without some major effort.

The alternative would be to find somewhere that would ship the physical media to Thailand (eBay etc).

If you want to go the US way, then you can download the trial and try it out first - especially the Lloyds TSB import, just to check.

Kind regards

Glyn

Philip Argy said...

Has anyone beeen able to get Microsoft Money 2005 sounds to work under Vista?

Glyn said...

See if this article helps. Not sure whether it has been tried in Vista, but worth a go.

You may need to install it with admin rights though (right click, run as administrator, maybe).

Anonymous said...

I am using MS Money ver 2005I have recently reinstalled it and am now getting a message at startup that there is an up date but it does not say how to download it. I run Vista and have had no other problems with this programme. But wish that they would realise that here in the UK we by these programmes as well and would appreciate some help and support and a 2008 edition.

Glyn Simpson said...

Hi - see if this article helps you out - it's a common issue with Vista due to the changes in its security model.

Anonymous said...

Thanks that fix worked ok. Now when I contacted the help people why couldn`t they tell me this?

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I have just bought a copy of Microsoft Money small business 2005, can i use this with the UK banks to download automatically. If not, how do i enter my transactions. Great blog by the way.

Glyn Simpson said...

The only UK bank which allows 'automatic' download is Nationwide. All of the others will require you to go to the Bank's website and choose their download option (choose OFX if presented to you).

As you mention 2005 Small Business, I assume you have the US version - so even the Nationwide may not work (but the manual download will).

You'll need to enter transactions by hand if you can't download them.

Anonymous said...

Hi Glyn,

I have read the whole of this thread. Thanks for a great resource.
I am switching over from XP to Vista. I have installed Money 2004 on the Vista PC - along with the msmoney backup (with all my data). However, when I try to log on to Money it tells me my password is incorrect. Yet it works fine with my password on my current (XP) PC.
Do you know how I can resolve this? I am very confused.
Or is there a better way to transfer the data across?
Many thanks,
Suzanne

Glyn Simpson said...

Hi Suzanne

sorry for the delay in response

The best way to transfer the data is to copy the .MNY file over to the new machine into the Documents folder somewhere (don't put it anywhere near the "Program Files" folder) and then double click it to run it.

It is also worth checking it is definitely Money 2004 and not 2005 (if the latter, open a new file to download and install the update first).

Try creating a new file anyway- check that the program is working. Try also running it the first time with elevated permissions (right click on the icon on the start menu and select 'run as administrator').

Of course, if you're using Windows Live ID (Passport), then unless you've got a Nationwide account, remove it and use a standard password. If you're not UK based, then this doesn't apply although if you're not, then you're probably hitting some program timeout.

It is worth a look at this article, which has nothing to do with your problem, but the solution may work..

Glyn

Anonymous said...

Mikey....using quicken 2004 on pld xp laptop , just got top of the range laptop with .....yes ... vista... quicken doen't work as I have read about ... should I download quicken 8 from the internet.. will a us version work on my computer in the uk.. or should I get microsoft money and start again or quickbooks.....help ... now operating two laptops one just for accounts....

Glyn Simpson said...

A US version might work, but whether it Quicken US can read Quicken UK files, I have no idea.

Microsoft Money is able to convert Quicken files - again, if it's a UK file and a US version of Money, then i'm not sure - never tried that scenario (you could use a trial version of Money and see).

Unknown said...

Help! I have changed PC's and cannot find my Money 2004 CD anywhere to re-install. Does anyone know where I can get a copy?

Many thanks

Mark

Glyn said...

eBay or another online auction site, or possibly Amazon may be the best bet to help. But it will undoubtedly cost you a little, as it's now quite hard to find.