Moving MTDify to a New Computer
(Starter & Local Edition — Windows Only)
Moving MTDify is simple because all your bookkeeping data is stored locally in one file.
This guide explains the safest way to transfer everything without losing data.
Install MTDify on the New Computer
Download the latest ZIP from your MTDify.uk account (each purchase includes up to five downloads).
Extract it into any folder on your Windows device, such as:
Documents/MTDify
or
C:/MTDifyLocal
Do not run the EXE yet.
Running the app creates a brand-new empty database, so keeping it closed avoids confusion.
Copy Your Database From the Old Computer
On your old computer, open your existing MTDify folder.
Copy the file:
db.sqlite3
This file contains everything:
-
income
-
expenses
-
categories
-
suppliers
-
recurring entries (Local Edition)
-
dashboard totals
-
your user account
Transfer it to your new computer using a method you trust:
-
USB stick
-
encrypted cloud storage
-
external drive
-
secure file transfer
Add Your Database to the New Installation
Open the MTDify folder on your new computer.
If you have not yet run the EXE, there may be no db.sqlite3 file, which is perfect — simply paste your old one into the folder.
If you accidentally ran the EXE already, then:
-
Close the application
-
Delete the newly-created db.sqlite3
-
Paste your old db.sqlite3 into the folder
This prevents overwriting and ensures the correct data loads.
Open MTDify
Double-click:
MTDifyStarter.exe (Starter Edition)
or
MTDifyLocal.exe (Local Edition)
Your full data will appear exactly as before.
Optional: Clean Up the Old Computer
Once you have confirmed that:
-
your income, expenses, and categories appear
-
your dashboard totals are correct
-
your receipts load (Local Edition)
-
your user account login works
…you may delete MTDify from the old computer.
Other Database Documentation