Where has all my data gone??

jameseis

I downloaded version 12.15 of Express Invoice Lite after moving to a ‘new’ (refurbished) iMac, with OS Ventura, and finding my old version of Express Invoice no longer worked and had to be updated.
I then found ALL MY OLD DATA HAS DISAPPEARED!! All my old invoices, all my client data, everything! Many years of important data - GONE!
WHERE IS IT??
The helpline is only available to paying customers, so I’m basically screwed, unless somebody can help on here.

borate

AI, which is not guaranteed 100% accurate, offers these suggestions...

"Here’s what likely happened and what you can do:

Data Location and Backup
- Express Invoice data is typically stored in application-specific folders on your Mac. When you install a new version or move to a new computer, the software may not automatically detect or import old data unless you explicitly restore from a backup or move the data files manually.
If you did not manually back up your data or export your files before upgrading/uninstalling, your old data may still be on your previous Mac or in a backup location, but not on the new installation by default.
Why Data Disappears
- Upgrading macOS or moving to a new machine can cause compatibility issues, especially if your old version of Express Invoice was not updated for the new OS. Some users have reported that after upgrading macOS (like to Catalina), their Express Invoice data files were visible but could not be opened or imported into the new version.
If you did not restore from a backup or copy your data files to the new machine, the new installation will start with a blank database. This is a common issue when moving software between computers or after major OS upgrades.
How to Recover Your Data
- Check your old Mac or any backup drives: Look for a folder named “Express Invoice” or similar, or files with a .dat extension (common for Express Invoice data files).
Restore from a backup: If you previously used Express Invoice’s backup feature (to a network folder, external drive, or cloud), you can restore your data from that backup. Go to the “Restore Data” option in Express Invoice and select your backup file.
Manual file transfer: If you find the old data files, copy them to the appropriate folder on your new iMac. The exact location varies by version, but it’s typically in your user’s Documents folder or inside the Express Invoice application folder.
If you cannot find your data: Unfortunately, if no backup exists and the files are not on your old machine or backup drives, recovery may not be possible.
Support and Additional Help
- Contact NCH Support: If you need further assistance, NCH offers technical support for Express Invoice. They can guide you through recovery or troubleshooting steps.
Community Forums: The NCH forums have discussions about moving data and troubleshooting similar issues.

Summary:
Your old Express Invoice data is not automatically transferred to a new installation or computer. You must restore from a backup or manually move your data files. Check your old machine and any backups for .dat files or Express Invoice folders. If you have a backup, use the “Restore Data” feature in Express Invoice to recover your information".

If you did not create a backup and cannot locate your old data files, the data may be unrecoverable. Always back up your business data before upgrading software or changing computers.