Using PocketSense, I have some tips for making changes to FI credentials or computer
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Cal Learner
Aug 16, 2024, 11:42:57 AM8/16/24
to Microsoft Money
In using PocketSense, I have some tips for making changes.
1. Make sure you have copies of these 3 files for backup and to use when moving your installation to a new folder.
When copying info from an older installation, install the new version onto the new folder. Then copy these 3 files from the old working PocketSense folder into the new folder:
sites.dat #site descriptors, normally not sensitive
ofx_config.cfg #has your account info and passwords
connect.key #has cookie-like info so that the OFX server will recognize your computer.
The new installation could be on a different computer or a different folder on the same computer.
2. For your financial institution accounts, consider having a strong username-- one that could not be guessed to exist. This has a couple advantages. If you get the password wrong more than N (I think N is 3 for Fidelity), your account will be locked. If you get the username wrong, no lockout-- presuming that your username is not in use by somebody else. I recently decided to change my Fidelity credentials. I changed to a different username. I initially forgot to update the credentials in PocketSense. This only caused a failure to access the data, rather than risking lockout.
3. I do not encrypt my ofx_config.cfg file, even though PocketSense offers that feature. That means that that file is very sensitive, having my login credentials. I do keep the files inaccessible to others. If I did not do that, then I would encrypt. Same with the Money file.... I don't encrypt (password protect) mine either.
But the way I do it allows me to make changes to ofx_config.cfg with a plain text editor, such as Notepad++, which I use, or Notepad etc. Do not use a word processor. Always keep a copy before making changes, in case you want to undo something. I change all occurrence of old_username with new_username. Same with password.
1. Make sure you have copies of these 3 files for backup and to use when moving your installation to a new folder.
When copying info from an older installation, install the new version onto the new folder. Then copy these 3 files from the old working PocketSense folder into the new folder:
sites.dat #site descriptors, normally not sensitive
ofx_config.cfg #has your account info and passwords
connect.key #has cookie-like info so that the OFX server will recognize your computer.
The new installation could be on a different computer or a different folder on the same computer.
2. For your financial institution accounts, consider having a strong username-- one that could not be guessed to exist. This has a couple advantages. If you get the password wrong more than N (I think N is 3 for Fidelity), your account will be locked. If you get the username wrong, no lockout-- presuming that your username is not in use by somebody else. I recently decided to change my Fidelity credentials. I changed to a different username. I initially forgot to update the credentials in PocketSense. This only caused a failure to access the data, rather than risking lockout.
3. I do not encrypt my ofx_config.cfg file, even though PocketSense offers that feature. That means that that file is very sensitive, having my login credentials. I do keep the files inaccessible to others. If I did not do that, then I would encrypt. Same with the Money file.... I don't encrypt (password protect) mine either.
But the way I do it allows me to make changes to ofx_config.cfg with a plain text editor, such as Notepad++, which I use, or Notepad etc. Do not use a word processor. Always keep a copy before making changes, in case you want to undo something. I change all occurrence of old_username with new_username. Same with password.
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