MYOB offline being phased out

Hi Liz, kindly come around to my place and do it for me 

🤣

Hi yvonne6​ 

If you need more than one version of offline MYOB, then this old post from Gavin12345 shows how to turn off auto updates for PC versions - just substitute the version shown with with the current version you are on. Once you have created a Desktop shortcut for the offline files, you can still use the current Desktop shortcut to access and upgrade any online files:

Unfortunately MYOB are not going to change their policy just because users want them to. Now just as there are ways to stop Windows 10 automatic updates, there are also ways to stop MYOB automatic updates, or at least work around them.

I keep using AR2020.1 even though MYOB has updated itself to AR2021.4

Take a look where MYOB installs itself - in a folder called AccountRight in a path like this:

C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local\Programs\MYOB\AccountRight

Inside that folder is another folder called app-2021.300.244119 or similar - this contains the files that run MYOB - AR2021.3. 

Copy this folder app-2021.300.244119 and paste under C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local\Programs\MYOB\ and rename it to AccountRight 2021.3

Delete your desktop shortcut and create a new shortcut to HuxleyApplication.exe inside the new folder.

From this point your shortcut will run AR2021.3 even though MYOB Updates to AR2021.4 or .5 etc

When you are ready to upgrade, repeat the above and create a folder for AccountRight 2021.4 etc and change the shortcut to the next version.

If you only need one offline version, then Random_nuggets' suggestion as follows will work:

A simpler, more surgical method is as follows:

1. a) Open the folder in which MYOB is installed. Typically this will be in:

C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local\Programs\MYOB\AccountRight

1. b) Inside that folder you will find a program file named Update.exe. Simply rename this program file to, say, "Update-disabled.exe". Voila! No more updates!. When AccountRight is next started, it will fail to find its auto-update program, and then carry on running the software as is.

I have successfully tested this approach since the AR 2026.3 release (PC edition).

Cheers

Liz

So does this mean that I can still use my accountright desktop file after 17 June?  I was advised by someone at myob that I could not?

I don't care about security enhancements etc I just want to use my clients desktop files and not go online.

Is there something I need to do to keep using it?

And why would myob make all these changes just before the end of the financial year - surely this could have happened after June 30.

Mike_MYOB​ Not sure the second option you mention is REALLY an option since MYOB states that even this option will be phased out! So, what do we do then????

I purchased a perpetual license of AR which means I am meant to be able to own & use it for as long as I want. How the hell can MYOB turn around & tell us they will stop us from using our legally bought software from working on our computers? 

I hope the manufacturer of the car you legally bought doesn't show up one day & tell you that you now have to pay a monthly 'hire' fee to use it & if you don't, they will immobilize the engine so you can't use it!!

Like Cappuccino​ & swervyn​  have said, not all small businesses need all the bells & whistles, we just need to create some invoices & submit our BAS. I don't want my software loaded in the cloud or on your servers.

I don't need continuous updates, I just need to be able to use the product I bought & own.

Hi swervyn​ 

I may have some information that will assist you if you would like to contact me at mailto:[email protected]

Cheers

Liz

Thanks Mike for pointing out another option that I did not ask for, nor require. I purchased the software and use it offline. It doesn't need to be phased out, I do not want updates, I do not want bug fixes, I do not want to use it online. I want to continue to use the product that I paid for in the exact way that I purchased it for. I do not want to or should I need to pay a yearly fee for a "subscription", for something I have never needed one for previously.

Hi swervyn​ that excerpt says that there are 'three' options available to you.
But you have only pasted one of those options into your post here.

You do have the second option:

• Move to Server Edition – This retains offline access and interaction with your file for now.
  Please note: AccountRight Server Edition is not a long-term solution. At some point, this software will be phased out, and the file will need to be moved online. After 17 June 2026, Server Edition will not receive any future feature or security enhancements and will only receive the bug fixes.

I purchased my program as a stand alone, offline accounting program. After being forced to upgrade from a previous version, as MYOB in their wisdom ensured that it was no longer compatible with Windows 10. Now running 2020.3.1

I have been using MYOB since the introduction of GST 26 years ago.

I am a sole trader, no employees, no payroll. 

I use it to enter purchases, reconcile accounts and send invoices

I have never used it online

Here is the blurb from MYOB telling me how wonderful it will all be. NONE of this applies to me!

"I upgraded from V19/Classic to the latest offline version, what does this change mean for me? 

We have three options available for you to consider: 

• Move your file online. Take advantage of online capabilities that MYOB AccountRight has to offer. These include:
  • Automatic cloud backups protecting your data without manual effort
  • Live bank feeds that are more up to date
  • Multi-user access — multiple people can work in your file at the same time
  • Faster access to the latest software updates as soon as they are released
  • Improved performance and upcoming AI-powered features"

I neither want, nor need online services, nor do I want to be forced to pay for a subscription for something I do not want. Is this even legal? "Forced subscription" for features not required 

Hi Cappuccino​ 

I have an announcement posted here that I updated yesterday with some FAQs which you will find helpful.

To answer your immediate concern about 7 year access for audits, you can still view an offline backup by downloading a previous version of AccountRight from our downloads page.

If you have any further questions, Please can you ask under my linked post above so that we can have everything in one place which will help the community find the answers they need.

Regards, Mike