ABP frequently asked questions
Q. Can I run abp from the d: drive?
A. Yes. Move the contents of directory c:\system\apps\abp\ to d:\system\apps\abp\ EXCEPT for the file abp.ini, which must always stay in c:\systems\apps\abp\.
Q. Can I hold my abp data files on the d: drive?
A. Yes, but not recommended since it slows down the speed and a low battery could cause loss of data.
Q. Some of the text gets truncated on the screen - how can I view the full text?
A. Either zoom out, or use CTRL+Q to set an option where tapping part of an entry displays the full text.
Q. What's the easiest way to reconcile my bank account?
A. There are several methods. Some people prefer to use the keyboard to highlight an entry and then press R to reconcile it. Others prefer to reconcile using the pen - update the user preference to change pen action from edit to reconcile. Others prefer to use the Find option to show unreconciled entries - then tapping with a pen makes them reconcile and disappear from the screen.
Q. How do the standing orders work?
A. This is covered in detail in the Help file
Q. How can I maximise the display area on the screen?
A. Tapping the footers makes them go away and gives more screen space.
Q. How can I best use abp with the pen?
A. Try the following: tapping/dragging scrollbars (obviously), tapping the footers (makes them disappear), tapping the balance at the top of the screen (changes between opening balance and today's balance), tapping the account description at top left of screen (changes the account), tapping to the right of the transaction display (to enter a new transaction), tapping a description/category/reference if preference is set (displays full text), tapping elsewhere on an entry (either reconciles or edits)
Q. My balances seem to be wrong - what should I do?
A. This is extremely unlikely. Just to be sure everything is OK, you can recalculate all balances using SHIFT+CTRL+M
Q. ABP is opening a bad data file and stops with an error message.
A. Either navigate to c:\abp using the System screen then select another data file or delete the file c:\system\apps\abp\abp.ini. In the latter case, you will be asked for a new filename - complete the dialogs then try opening another file using CTRL+O.
Q. How do I get rid of old entries?
A. Use the Split Files option to archive all entries before a specified date. It's your choice whether you keep the old data file (personally I like to do so).
Q. Can I change the date on a displayed entry without editing it?
A. Yes, highlight the entry and press either "m" or "." keys.
Q. I have run out of disk space when Importing or Merging - what should I do?
A. Importing large QIF files and merging large abp data files both use a lot of temporary storage on your c:\ drive. Try closing all open applications and deleting any unwanted files, then returning to abp.
Q. Why is abp freeware?
A. When I had a Series 3a, I used Psion Money and loved the program. In my view, it was the "Killer App" for the 3a. On upgrading to the Series 5, I looked around for an equivalent package and started using S5Bank by Al Richey. However, I quickly became frustrated with S5Bank's slow speed and decided to write my own banking program. So I wrote abp for myself, and not to make money from the program.
Q. Why have you made so many updates?
A. I've had great feedback from abp users. Most of the functionality has been added based on requests from current users. As I make improvements to abp in the version I use myself, I try to make them available via my website as soon as they are fully tested. Some abp users like to keep up with all the changes. Others are satisfied just upgrading to the major version releases.