Install Microsoft Money

Before You Install Money

You must be logged into Windows 2000, XP or Vista as an administrator to be able to install Microsoft Money.

If you want to leave an older version of Microsoft Money on your computer, Microsoft Money will ask if it should be removed. You need to answer 'No' to keep both versions. Read Running Two Versions of Microsoft Money on One Computer for more details. If you do not want the older version on your computer, let the Microsoft Money installation remove the older version.

Begin Installing Microsoft Money

1. If you purchased a Microsoft Money program CD, place it in your CD drive. The CD should begin the installation on its own. If it does not:
   • Click Start on the Microsoft Windows taskbar, and then click Run.
   • In the Open box, type D:\setup (where D is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).
   • Click OK.

2. If you downloaded Microsoft Money, locate the set up file in the folder you specified the download to save to (or on your desktop if you directed the download there). Double click on the installation file.

3. If you downloaded the trial version of Microsoft Money, locate the file webinst.exe on your desktop or in the folder you specified when you downloaded. Double click on webinst.exe.

You will see Microsoft Money extracting files to start the setup. Microsoft Money lets you know that if you need to reinstall or repair Money in the future, you will need to double click on the install file again, or run the program CD again. Click on OK.

Welcome to Money setup screen: this screen reveals the Microsoft licensing agreement. This agreement covers using Microsoft Money legally, and not altering it or sharing it with others who have not paid for it. It is best to read through the agreement, then click on 'I Accept' to accept the terms.

The next screen says, 'Initialize', then 'Installing'. When you see 'Money is ready to go!' click on Finish and the installation is complete.

Start Microsoft Money for the First Time

To start Microsoft Money, double click on the program icon it has installed to your desktop. If you do not see a desktop icon click on Start, All Programs, Microsoft Money.

If you installed the trial version, you will see a reminder of how many days are remaining in the trial. Click on 'Remind me later' to clear this screen.

You now have two options: convert and use an existing Money data file, or create a new file and enter your account data from scratch. If you do not have an existing file you want Microsoft Money to convert and use, please see Creating a New File in Microsoft Money.

Convert an Existing Data File

If you have been using and earlier version of Microsoft Money, back up your data file to removable media such as a CD or USB drive. If you have multiple Microsoft Money data files, be sure to back them all up.

If Microsoft Money finds a copy of a data file from Quicken or an earlier version of Money, it will convert your data file to the Microsoft Money format that works with the version you have installed. Microsoft Money saves a backup of the original file in case you wish to revert back to the old version of the software but it is best to have done your own back up first as mentioned above.

If you have more than one data file, Microsoft Money offers to convert only the last file used in the older version. Money will offer to convert other data files created in an earlier version when you try to open them.

Passport or Windows Live ID

Microsoft Money requires you to use or set up a Passport or Windows Live ID account. If you have just one version of Microsoft Money installed, and you had a Passport or Windows Live ID account associated with a converted account, use it to sign in to your Money file for the first time. If you do not have either of these accounts, Microsoft Money will walk you through creating one the first time you use it, then Money will start.

If you have two versions of Microsoft Money installed, you will need two Passport or Windows Live ID accounts. It is best to keep your old Passport or Live ID account with the older version of the software and create a new account for the new version.

Passport or Windows Live ID is required to use Microsoft Money's online features, but there is an option to work offline that can be selected by clicking on the box next to it. You still need to sign in with a Passport/Windows Live ID account if you work offline, but you will not get online updates during this session.