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Unlock the app

After you have created a data file, Big Picture Money asks for your passphrase when you open the app (or after you lock it).

Prerequisites​

Steps​

  1. Launch Big Picture Money (or click Lock while the app is open).
  2. On the Unlock screen, confirm the data file shown — that is the database you are about to unlock. You can choose a different file from the recent data files dropdown (up to the last 10 files you opened), or use Open existing… / Create new… below.
  3. Enter that file's passphrase.
  4. Click Unlock.

Recent data files​

  1. On the Unlock screen, open the recent data files dropdown.
  2. Select one of the last files you unlocked (most recent first, up to 10).
  3. The Unlock screen updates to that file name.
  4. Enter its passphrase and click Unlock.

If a recent file was moved or deleted, Big Picture Money shows a clear message and removes that path from the recent list so you can choose another.

Open a different data file​

If the wrong file is selected and it is not in the recent list:

  1. On the Unlock screen, click Open existing… (below Unlock).
  2. Pick another Big Picture Money .db file on disk.
  3. The Unlock screen updates to show the new file name.
  4. Enter that file's passphrase and click Unlock.

If you pick a file that is not a Big Picture Money data file (for example a merchants database or another unrelated .db file), an error explains that the file cannot be used. Choose a different file — the Unlock screen remains available.

Create a new data file​

  1. On the Unlock screen, click Create new….
  2. Enter a database name, a passphrase of at least 12 characters, and confirm the passphrase.
  3. Click Create.
  4. Big Picture Money creates the file in the same folder as your current data file, unlocks it, and continues into the main app (you may be asked to activate a license for the new file).

Validation messages — for example if the passphrase is too short or the confirmation does not match — appear in the Create new data file dialog.

You can also open or create files later from Settings → General → Data file. See Find your data file.

Wrong passphrase​

  1. Enter an incorrect passphrase.
  2. Click Unlock.
  3. An error message appears: Incorrect passphrase. Try again.
  4. Enter the correct passphrase and click Unlock again.

Expected result​

  • Before you unlock: only the Unlock screen is shown — no title bar search, navigation, or account data
  • The Unlock screen shows the name of the data file you are unlocking
  • A recent data files dropdown lists up to the last 10 opened files (most recent first)
  • Selecting a recent file updates the displayed data file name before you unlock
  • If a recent file is missing, a clear message appears and that entry is removed from the dropdown
  • Open existing… and Create new… appear as secondary text links under Unlock (not primary buttons)
  • Open existing… lets you pick a different data file without leaving the unlock screen; the displayed name updates after you choose
  • Choosing a non–Big Picture Money database shows an error and leaves you on Unlock to pick again
  • Create new… opens a dialog; on success you arrive in the main app with the new file unlocked (license prompt may follow)
  • Correct passphrase: the main app shell opens; if this file still needs a license, the license prompt appears before finance navigation is available
  • If the data file is licensed and has no accounts yet, Home shows Getting started (see First steps on Home)
  • Wrong passphrase: an error message is shown and you remain on the Unlock screen
  • Your database is not corrupted by a wrong passphrase attempt