When setting up the first reconciliation you have to include the opening balance from the bank statement. This will create a discrepancy that you then have to reduce to zero. To do this you add the prior outstanding cheques and deposits. When the reconciliations are completed over the next couple of periods the prior outstanding items can be checked off as they appear on the bank statements.

Thanks you, Alwyn.  Much appreciated.

Hi Mario Laraia if this suggested answer helped, please mark it as verified  (by clicking the "…."next to Reply, on the response) for the benefit of others in this forum . Thank you!

Hi Erzsi_I.  When I do, the only option that comes up is "Report as abusive."  ???