Reckon Accounts Personal Plus - Discontinued?
I have noticed that there was no update for Reckon Accounts Personal Plus 2022 in 2023 or so far in 2024 (17/01/2023).
I know that Reckon seem to do very little in the way of improvement or development for this software as it seems to no longer be a focus for their business going forward for two main reasons.
- It is a consumer (NOT business oriented) focused product.
- It is a desktop application while most of their other products are online / hosted offerings.
This product really has never had any peer to compare it too as it was always just so much better and uniquely superior.
Sadly, most of the development to achieve this superiority, I suspect, was undertaken by Intuit in the US before it was purchased by Reckon Australia.
Since this purchase, the software has change very little and now looks rather dated.
Despite it's lack of recent innovation and it's dated appearance it is still a very useful product that offers a unique set of features and functionality.
I am concerned that it appears this product is about to be discontinued and removed from the Reckon product lineup altogether.
If this is the case, what will Reckon offer it's consumer based customers as a replacement?
Is Reckon planning to exit the 'consumer product' space entirely?
I am hoping that someone from Reckon can shed some light on the future of this old, but very useful product I have been using for about 20 years.
Please Reckon, if you do plan on casting your consumer based customers adrift, at least give us some time to make alternative software arrangements.
Comments
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I couldn't agree more - please reckon, provide a software update so that when we log on we can go straight to the program and not to a dialog box requiring us to either purchase the software or to cotact Support.
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Hi Ross,
I found this information in Whirlpool very useful!
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/974pjl40
I have been using Quicken Deluxe 2013 for a couple of weeks now and found it better in many ways than my current Reckon version!
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Thanks for the info. I had a look at the comments and agree entirely with the sentiments expressed. Unfortunately, I have to stay with my Australian version as apart from looking after my day-to-day affairs, I use it extensively for monitoring investments and share price updates.
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I use Reckon for Australian investments as well so it is not an option for me.
In this thread Gerry Winters comments that they are building Reckon One to do what our Personal Plus does now but it wont happen for a while: https://community.reckon.com/discussion/8034889/can-reckon-personal-plus-be-upgraded
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Hi Steve,
Thanks for your comments.
Yes, I too used to use Reckon Personal Plus to record and track my share portfolio.
Since using the FREE version of Quicken Deluxe 2013 for a few weeks I have found the following differences:
- Quicken Deluxe 2013 is completely FREE, doesn't require any registration, installation keys and can be installed on as many devices as you like!
- It also imported my Reckon files superbly and is laid out exactly the same way as it was in the Reckon version.
- I can still track my share portfolio, I just need to update the daily prices manually, which only takes a few minutes.
- Recording a franked dividend requires 3 separate transactions in Quicken compared to one in Reckon. This is not at all difficult after you have done the first one!
- Quicken Deluxe 2013 has more features than the older Reckon version including the ability to increase the font size, which I have found very useful.
- It also opens and works faster than the older version of Reckon.
- After applying the tweaks in the Whirlpool post (listed above) Quicken Deluxe 2013 works incredibly well and I would never go back to the outdated Reckon version!
As far as waiting for Reckon to cobble something together for the consumer market, well this is how I see the situation. Reckon has done ZERO development in the consumer space since it bought the Quicken products back in 2012 (12 years ago)!
I think the reason for this is that the Australian consumer market is so small that it just thought it was not economically viable to spend the cash.
Despite what Gerry says I think we can be almost certain that there will NEVER be a Reckon product that looks anything like a new version of the current Reckon Personal Plus. Sure, Reckon One is fine for businesses who can afford to pay $500 per year for it.
The only problem is that Reckon One is for businesses that need to record invoices, purchase orders, GST, generate BAS reports etc. Which is really nothing like what you and I as consumers want or need.
I have noticed that Reckon have recently discounted this platform to increase the subscriber base for Reckon One, while you can hardly find any reference at all to anything vaguely resembling a consumer based product on their website.
Reckon just don't do personal, consumer based accounting products (desktop or cloud) anymore, and I don't believe they ever will again!
I hope for your sake I am wrong. Good luck with your accounting and your investment portfolio too!
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Thank you for your very detailed reply Adrian. I think you have convinced me to give the Quicken version a try although I am concerned about this not being a long term solution over years. I do think you are correct about Reckon and personal accounting products which is ashame.
I was using Quicken long before Reckon bought it for Australian users and it is a bit sad that there is no alternative product out there that does anything simliar.
Cheers
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Hi Steve,
I agree that it is a shame that we have been somewhat 'left in the lurch' by circumstances beyond our control.
Yes, Quicken Deluxe 2013 is probably not the most ideal solution moving forward, but given the choices that we have been offered by Reckon Australia it actually looks fairly attractive, at least for the medium term.
The safest way to try out the Quicken version is to copy your current data folder, usually located on the C:\ drive in the Documents folder and curiously labelled 'Quicken'.
Once you have a copy (in case things go pear shaped) you can then use the copy to test the Quicken 2013.
Remember, you can't have Reckon PP and Quicken installed on the same machine, so if you have another PC or laptop laying around, maybe install it on that first.
Then all you have to do is tell your new Quicken Deluxe 2013 where the copied data file is and it will 'up-convert it' in a couple of minutes and you will be set to go!
Also, apply the tweaks mentioned in the Whirlpool post to get rid of the 'Please Register' reminder and tweak the Tax info if you would like to.
I'm sure anyone who tries this version won't be disappointed with the result!
Who knows, one day Quicken Deluxe 2018 may become a free deprecated version and we can upgrade to that?
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Thank you. I will try that. Thanks for the tip about doing it on a different machine. I don't want to delete my Reckon installation at this stage.
How about a 2024 version of Quicken Deluxe?!
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Hi Steve, No, you can't use a 2024 version of Quicken unless you want to purchase a subscription and they seem to be specifically for the US and Canada.
Quicken Deluxe 2013 is the only fully free to download and use version (also unsupported).
The beauty of it is that it seems to be a later version compared with the Reckon PP we are currently using.
It would seem that Reckon PP 2022 is built on a version of Quicken from around 2011.
Another option for your trial installation is to install it on a Virtual Machine (VM), if you are familiar with how these work. For instance Windows 11 Pro supports VMs via its Hyper-V software, but Windows 11 Home does not support VMs or Hyper-V.
Another option for VM installation is Oracle Virtual Box, which is free and can run on W11 Home last time I checked:)
Simpler still is using an old laptop as Quicken will install onto almost any old Windows based machine and you won't need that annoying installation key!
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I use Reckon Personal Plus 2015 and prior to this used Quickbooks, then Quicken 2010/11 for a number of years. I have found personal plus 2015 to be excellent and it does all required to manage personal finances and a SMSF investment portfolio.
When first went looking for an all in one solution many years ago, Quicken 2010 was by far the best and the only one at the time that 'did it all' and did well in accordance with standard accounting practices. Even handling franking credits etc.
I would suggest the issue Reckon Aus has is with its US parent, like the majority of US software companies, they only want cloud based subscription software because subscriptions mean committent lock in and reluctance to change, therefore creating a steadily increasing revenue year on year. Whereas selling individual 'box' based software licences via retail outlets does not generate a consistent revenue flow or regular upgrades as the majority of individual users (the likes of us) will sit on what works well for years. In this case Quicken and Reckon.
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Hey Horace, thanks for your comments. I totally agree that Quicken products are probably still the best available for a home accounting solution!
Just a few of my own observations to add:
- Reckon Australia does not have a US parent company. It is an all Australian company.
- Reckon purchased the licence to use Quicken based software around 2012 from the US company Intuit.
- Quicken was sold by Intuit in to H.I.G. Capital in 2016 and it was then on-sold to Aquiline Capital Partners in 2021.
- It appears that the version of Quicken that Reckon purchased in 2012 for 'Personal Plus' was a 2008 version which has largely remained unchanged until now (the last Reckon version being 2022).
- You are correct that there will be no more new boxed (non-subscription) versions of this software from Reckon or Quicken either.
- You can convert all of your current Reckon PP data to Quicken Deluxe 2013 and use it for free, but it is unsupported. This process is fairly simple and I have found that it works extremely well.
- Quicken 2013 can convert the Reckon data perfectly because the Reckon data is really just Quicken 2008 data with a Reckon name plate stuck on the front!
I hope you try out the Quicken 2013 option. Just remember to back-up your original data files just in case you have a problem.
If you have any trouble or questions, try asking in the related Whirlpool forum:
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I am finding it very disconcerting reading these posts.
As a 25-year Quicken/Reckon user I have considerable history built up in the system, and I rely on that history often! Quicken 2013 does not look like it would meet my needs as I have a reasonably large number of shares feeding my retirement income, and manual tracking is simply not an option.
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I am finding it very disconcerting reading these posts.
As a 25-year Quicken/Reckon user I have considerable history built up in the system, and I rely on that history often! Quicken 2013 does not look like it would meet my needs as I have a reasonably large number of shares feeding my retirement income, and manual tracking is simply not an option.
Hey Richard, I can understand your anxiety, most of us 'long-time' users feel the same way.
After my realisation that my Reckon PP 2022 was really just a 2008 version of Quicken, that hadn't fundamentally changed for 14 years I felt like I was being duped!
Yes, you do get share price updates for your $205 a year subscription, but the rest of it is a really old software package that NEVER changes!
Personally, I just set up a watchlist in https://www.marketindex.com.au/
The watchlist is FREE and tracks all of my stocks with a lot more detail than the Reckon PP feed supplies!
- Share price
- Announcements
- Trade volume and turnover
- Broker consensus
- Events / Dividend dates
I just input the share prices from my watchlist into Quicken Deluxe 2013 (weekly).
Any income event, purchase or sale of shares still need to be manually recorded, just as I did with Reckon PP.
My migration to Quicken Deluxe 2013 from Reckon PP 2022 has been relatively easy and the best decision I have made in years!
If you have an old laptop or other PC laying around, why not try it out? I won't cost you anything. You just have to copy your existing data file onto a USB stick to transfer it onto the other machine. Try using both Reckon and Quicken for a week or so and see what the result is?
If you are like me, you may be very pleasantly surprised!
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Thanks Kangajoe, great advice.
The great thing about Quicken/Reckon is that it keeps all the financials in the one place. Frustrating that it hasn't been updated, with exception of tax tables, etc, but it remains very functional so in my view any updates would only be tinkering around the edges.
I checked out the Marketindex site and it looks good - the $30 add free option looks very reasonable, with downloadable CSV files which could be useful.
I also have a free phone app MY STOCKS PORTFOLIO which allows me to track on the go
All the best
Richard
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I find it very troublesome whenever Microsoft sends its monthly update for their operating system (Windows 11); my Reckon Accounts Home & Business 2022 copy becomes increasingly unstable. My copy frequently hangs, requiring me to reboot and start again. Why has Reckon been doing this to its loyal customers for many years? Are they looking for us to create a class action or something similar to protect our livelihoods? We are asking for some help and direction here.
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I find it very troublesome whenever Microsoft sends its monthly update for their operating system (Windows 11); my Reckon Accounts Home & Business 2022 copy becomes increasingly unstable.
Hey Edward, Your 2022 copy of Reckon desktop software is probably a 2008 version of Quicken so it was actually designed to run on MS Windows XP not Windows 11.
Reckon desktop software 'under-the-bonnet' seems to have changed very little since they bought licence from Intuit (Quicken) in 2012.
Fortunately, it does still run on the latest version of Windows without too much drama providing your overall system is healthy.
The problems you are describing are NOT because of the Reckon software. You have problems elsewhere that are impacting the Reckon software.
My best advice would be to...
- Undertake a CLEAN installation of Windows 11 by doing the following
- Back-up all of your data to an external storage device (especially your Reckon data files)
- Export all of the bookmarks in your favourite internet browser to a .html file
- Ensure your email system is NOT using POP3 protocol. If it is, upgrade to IMAP or MS exchange. This will ensure that your email is stored in the cloud and not just locally as with POP3.
- If you want to keep a POP3 system, then back-up to a .PST file
- Ensure you have all of the installation keys and codes for any software you have installed
- Download the latest Windows 11 ISO file and make a bootable installation USB using the Rufus v4.3 utility
- Restart your PC and boot from the USB stick (press F12 to show boot options when starting)
Once you have completed a clean install of Windows 11, then re-install of your software including the Reckon package.
If you haven't completed the above procedure for some time (every year is a good idea), you will be be amazed at how your computer is now like a new machine, without any buggy problems!
Happy computing:)
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First of all, Kangajoe, I have my own IT company and your suggestion, to say the least, is over the top. There is no need to go through the process you suggested as it, in my opinion, will not solve my conundrum.
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First of all, Kangajoe, I have my own IT company and your suggestion, to say the least, is over the top. There is no need to go through the process you suggested as it, in my opinion, will not solve my conundrum.
Hey Edward, Wow, sorry, I didn't realise I was conversing with an IT genius with his own IT company!
I'll be sure NOT to send any 'actual solutions' your way again:)
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I contacted them a few months back, asking where the file was for the 2023 update. They told me that since there were no improvements, there was no update. It seems that this probably explains why nothing has improved.
How slack and pathetic is that.
Now I have lost all my shares history, that should go back 15 years on some shares... It only goes back to 9th Feb 2024. Just NOT good enough.
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I received the Annual licence renewal reminder email a few days ago asking for another $205. The email includes the sentence "By renewing, you will also be entitled to all Reckon updates and upgrades to your software as soon as they are available at no extra cost", which I think is very disingenuous.
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Now I have lost all my shares history, that should go back 15 years on some shares... It only goes back to 9th Feb 2024. Just NOT good enough.
Hey Suzanne, You shouldn't have lost your share history if your original data file is still intact.
Reckon don't seem to be taking this product into its future, which leaves a lot of us somewhat stranded.
There are other alternatives that work quite well, they just won't include a subscription with Reckon.
You can easily convert your data file to work in Quicken Deluxe 2013.
This Whirlpool thread explains just how to do that:
Alternatively, you can install the latest Quicken Canadian version. There is a Facebook group who discuss the ways to get this to work in Australia.
I haven't tried it myself, and it is another yearly subscription set-up.
What I have found is that Quicken Deluxe 2013 is a very serviceable alternative to Reckon PP, and I will NEVER purchase or subscribe to another Reckon Australia product or service.
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I had a call with Gerry on Saturday. He said my data is saved to the correct spot. He has no real idea why I have lost my shares. Every couple of months I go through and delete old backups, so I only go back to January, and they had lost the share prices too.
Just seems a real shame that reckon have failed to support a wonderful product.
Does anyone use anything else besides Quicken 2013, seems weird to install a software that is nearly 10 years old?
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Does anyone use anything else besides Quicken 2013, seems weird to install a software that is nearly 10 years old?
Hey Suzanne, Since using Quicken Deluxe 2013 I have found that Reckon Personal Plus 2022 is actually based upon Quicken 2008.
During the data file conversion process Quicken 2013 creates an archive folder named Quicken 08. This suggests that it recognises my Reckon PP data as a 2008 version.
When I started using the 2013 version I found that it was in fact more advanced than my 2022 Reckon.
In short, Reckon have been charging us for software that they haven't updated since 2008! So yes, Quicken 2013 is 10 or 11 years old, but what you are using now is 16 years old.
Another option you can try is MoneyDance but I found that trying to get many years of Quicken data into it was a bit hit and miss. Nevertheless, a very good program!
Good Luck with whatever you choose to do:)
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When I opened my personal plus file there was no sign of the current transactions since 15 June 2022. Has anyone had a similar problem?
John C
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When I opened my personal plus file there was no sign of the current transactions since 15 June 2022. Has anyone had a similar problem?
Hey John,
Sounds like your data file may be corrupted. You can try a couple of things.
- Restore your latest back-up file to see if the data there is more up to date. It is good idea to make a back-up at least once a week to avoid problems such as yours when the main data file goes on the fritz!
- Try a data file rebuild using the inbuilt utility. You can see how here:
Hopefully, these suggestions fix your problem!
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Hi @Kangajoe and @Johncathcart
Those rebuild instructions are for a different Reckon product which is the "Business range".
The Reckon Accounts Personal / Home & Business products are in the "Personal range".For the personal range there is a 'validate / super validate' option.
If you open a data file that has 'missing transactions' it is more likely that a different similarly named copy of the file has been opened.
Use the Windows search function to locate all files that have a ".QDF" file extension.
Take note of their names and locations as well as file sizes.
The largest file would likely contain more recent data.
Regards,
Reckon Data Recovery Team
How to ask good questions on the Reckon Community
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What we really need is software to crack the QDF files and put into a format that can be exported to the different alternative packages that are out there. Currently even QIF export seems to be disabled in PP 2022.
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Kim, I have just downloaded to excel, every transaction.
I did also call them and was told it wasn't being discontinued.
As it does what I want I hope they keep it going.
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The latest edition of the Reckon Personal Range software has been released and is now available. I'd recommend checking out the information in the announcement here - 📢 Important info & Frequently Asked Questions - Personal Plus and Home & Business
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone! 🎅🎆
I'm on leave from 23 December and back on deck again January 6th.
If you're working through the holiday period, we've got support available and you'll find our holiday hoursHERE.
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Hi all
What I'm seeing a lot, having read many posts across the Community Forum in recent weeks, is a general theme coming through, that reminds me of a well known proverb. That being, "A little knowledge is dangerous". And, I have been guilty of succumbing to this situation myself. I hope I've now learned that it pays to do as much research as I can to avoid jumping to wrong conclusions, that its best to identify the best sources of good, reliable information and exercise more patience and respect at times!
Thanks @Rav ! It's a great job you're doing in, sometimes, difficult and frustrating circumstances!
Cheers to all Community members!👍
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The latest edition of RPP is out now!
Guess what, it is basically the same as it has been for the last 16 years, unchanged!
Luckily, there are still a few faithful followers that are prepared to keep buying this old junk when you can get a better version elsewhere for FREE!
That is fortunate for Reckon I suppose.
Enjoy your 2008 version of Quicken dressed up as something new :)
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Can you please list the things in the 2013 version that are better than V31 or 2022, except that it is free?
Does 2013 version do online updates of ASX shares?
Do you expect any support from Reckon in relation to 2013?
Can you name any other software at around $200 - $250/year in Australia that outperforms RPP v31 and in what aspects?
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Hi John,
I get the feeling that you are a 'rusted-on' supporter of Reckon Personal Plus, so I am not sure why you are asking?
Anyhow, here goes!
Firstly, you can see from Reckon's own recent FAQ's that they won't be changing / upgrading the current software, just as they haven't changed it much since around 2008.
The minor add-ins like updates of ASX shares into your RPP portfolio I always found pretty useless as it was always delayed data (from the day before). Some other add-ins, also of little use, have been removed altogether like the inbuilt browser, Tax Planner, Reckon Rental, HUBB Investor.
The advantages of using Quicken Deluxe 2013?:
- Yes, it is free.
- No, there is no support for it, but then again Reckon support is not great either.
- You can install it on as many PC's as you like and if you link your data folder to your MS OneDrive you can see exactly the same data from any one of those PCs. You can't do that with the Reckon version!
- When you install it you won't get pestered to activate it or threatened that you will lose operability if you don't pay your subscription fee.
- You can enable LARGE FONTS from the view menu, very handy!
- You can enable pop-up registers, allowing you to have many open at the same time.
- The QD2013 interface has more features for customising.
- The underlying code for it is newer than the Reckon version and this makes it faster and more stable (less crashes, hanging and general glitches).
- The interface although slightly more customisable, is familiar and easy to use.
- The features that don't work like downloads from bank accounts, and share prices, I always found didn't work particularly well in the Reckon product, therefore I don't miss them at all.
- You can tweak the tax line items to the Australian, if you find you need those tags
As far as getting share data, a more informative and up-to-date set of ASX share data, delivered daily, can be found FREE at marketindex.com.au. There you can set up a free account which includes a watchlist, stock alerts, and you can access LIVE price data too.
The initial setting up of QD2013 does take a little more effort, but after quite a few months of use, I have found it to be a very capable alternative to the Reckon product, and I would never go back to a subscription.
I hope this answers your questions.
Ultimately, if you are happy paying for Reckon Personal Plus 2024 and it does everything you want it to do then that is fine by me!
Reckon is a small Australian company and I can see why they don't see a future for desktop accounting software, as does the rest of the software industry. That is why it is just not viable for them to commit resources to further development.
Happy accounting John! Best wishes for the festive season 🎄 😊
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Hi @Kangajoe
Yes, I guess you could say I'm a 'rusted on' user. I'm a 73 year old retiree now, and have used Quicken/Reckon for the last 29 years! But, let me tell you, I was as pissed off as you seem to be with Reckon when I started having problems a few months ago. To the point where I actually downloaded and started using the 2013 version, thinking I'm not going back to paying for this software anymore!
Now, this is where we get to the subjective analysis situation by users who have experienced both versions - ie. 2013 vs RPP2022 and v31.
For me, over the last 3 months of assessing the situation against my personal needs, including all the points you have raised above, as well, I am quite happy to pay $205/year for what I am getting.
2013 is no more than a convenient backup option to me, if I ever decide I need it, going forward.
Happy accounting to you, too, Kanga (if I can call you that). I've seen this as a constructive and informative conversation over the journey and I wish you an enjoyable festive season also!
Cheers and best wishes
JC 😀🚴♀️🌲
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Thank you @Kangajoe and @John_8305976 for your contributions to this discussion.
A great example of community.
Regards,
Reckon Data Recovery Team
How to ask good questions on the Reckon Community
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Like John above, I have used Reckon for many years. However, unlike @John_8305976 I am not prepared to pay for a subscription licence, from which no added value will be gained.
From the discussions above and others across this forum, I assume that the conversion from RPP20?? to QD2013 would be the one and same for RPP2015 R1 ?
I downloaded QD2013 and the associated instructions earlier this year when an issue to manually select the 'clr' status of a line item appeared, so i had it on hand in case RPP2015 'turned turtle'.
Luckily this issue self corrected some weeks later following a windows update and RPP2025 continues to operate fine. However, I will keep the QD2013.exe download and install info possibly swap over at the end of this financial year, as I would certainly benefit from the ability to change the text size.
While the online services licence for my RPP2015 expired some years ago, the software is still valid until 1/01/2030, then has an option to start over with a new key. Who knows if this will or will not execute in 2030. See below.
Six years is a long time in world of tech so who knows what we will be using to manage our finances in 2030 and beyond ?? Could possibly still be QD2013…….
Thank you for your input and guidance into the RPP20YY vs QD2013 conundrum and sharing your insights into the pros and cons of the other softwares out there, it has been very helpful and most appreciated,
Cheers, Horace56
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Great to have your input, @Horace56
👍🚴🏻♀️🚴🏻♀️
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Hi Kangajoe
I was thinking about downloading the old version, but I need the stock updates daily.
What annoys me is when I originally purchased the software, I actually owned the software and didn't need reckon to do anything. Though it seems we had to pay an annual subscription since 2001
But as time passed they removed access to the original version and sent out new CD's/DVD's yearly, until the download system started.
Anyway happy that it works. I have just formatted my laptop, twice, so its like new again.
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Great result, @SUZANNE_10215707 👌
1
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