Google Drive Conflicted Copies

How to choose the correct Cashbook data file and safely set aside the other copy

How it Happens

Using Cashbook on one computer while Google Drive backs up the folder containing it is normally fine.  However, we do not recommend using Google Drive to share a working Cashbook data file between computers.  Changes are not necessarily synchronised immediately and can sometimes take an hour or longer to reach another computer.  For this reason, we recommend using Dropbox, which generally synchronises files much faster.

If two people change the same Cashbook data file before Google Drive has finished synchronising it, Google Drive keeps the original file and creates a second file called a "conflicted copy".  This can also happen when Cashbook is left open on another computer.

The conflicted copy normally has "[Conflict]" added to its file name.

An original Cashbook data file and a Google Drive conflicted copy
The original Cashbook file and a conflicted copy created by Google Drive.

How to Recover from a Conflicted Copy

First, close Cashbook Complete on every computer that uses the shared data file.  Then follow these steps:

  1. Make a backup copy of both the original file and the conflicted copy before changing or removing either one.
  2. Open the original file and the conflicted copy in Cashbook, one at a time.
  3. Compare the transactions and reports to determine which file contains the most recent correct data.
  4. Choose the file that you want to continue using.
  5. If the original file is correct, move the conflicted copy into a separate folder called "Conflicted Copies".
  6. If the conflicted copy is correct, move the original file into the "Conflicted Copies" folder and rename the conflicted copy to the original file name.
  7. Re-enter any transactions that are missing from the file you chose.
  8. Wait until Google Drive has finished synchronising before opening Cashbook on another computer.

Avoiding Further Conflicted Copies

  • Only one person should have a shared Cashbook data file open at a time.
  • Always close Cashbook when you have finished using it.  If you are using a laptop, leave the laptop running and connected to the internet long enough for synchronisation to finish.
  • Before opening Cashbook on another computer, wait a little while for Google Drive to finish synchronising.
  • Keep each computer connected to the internet long enough for Google Drive to upload and download all changes.

Please note that we cannot provide technical support for Google Drive-related issues.  If you are unsure which file is correct, ask a computer technician to help before deleting or renaming anything.