If, after carefully following the Microsoft Money step-by-step instructions, you are unable to create a report file which Graphic Accounts will import qithout complaining, take a look at the examples below, which highlight the key elements looked for by Graphic Accounts.

Using a simple text editor, such as Notepad (always supplied with Windows), you can check the report file you created at Step 1, to see where it differs from the format expected by Graphic Accounts. This may give you a clue as to which Microsoft Money setting to change when you next create the report.

Example of Microsoft Money report output

Graphic Accounts looks for the following key elements in the Microsoft Money report body:

1. The start of the expense category section is indicated by the words "Expense Categories", on a line by itself.
2. The start of a category containing subcategories is indicated by a category name on a line by itself (i.e. no amount follows the name).
3. The end of a category which contains subcategories is indicated by the word 'Total' followed by the name of the parent category.
4. All amounts (figures) are separated from the associated category name by a single tab
5. The end of the expenses category section is indicated by the words 'Total Expense Categories'.