MS Money on Vista

You would not think that the migration of data from one operating system to another would be difficult, but often it is a major headache, especially when the new system is very different from the old (which Vista is, in theory).

The new machine, running Vista, does allow an install of Money 2005 and allows Money to run, but will not open the .mny files from the old machine.  This suggests that there is some basic difference in file format between XP and Vista.  Often the solution in this type of scenario is to export the data from the old system into some simpler, intermediary format to bridge the gap between systems.  Then, one imports the intermediary data into the new system and allow it to build its new Money, in its own complex file format.

Money allows for import/export through the QIF file format.   Microsoft have this article on how to import and export stuff here:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/178830

This scenario does illustrate an important point, which is now highly relevant: if buying a new computer, you cannot assume that all of you existing software applications will work with Vista.   Some applications will, some won't.  One must now plan when purchasing new equipment, more than we needed to before.  Caveat emptor!