Two Desktops

Andy_G

I have installed Windows version on my desktop and my wife's desktop. We will be working on the same file(not at the same time). So, when I finish my file and quit and she turns on her PC, will she be able to work on the same file that I just finished? If not, is there a way around it? Thanks

Greg_the_Geek

The only way is when exiting Quicken from your desktop, you backup to a cloud drive (DropBox, OneDrive, Google Drive, etc...) and then your wife restores the backup file to her desktop. When she's finished, she creates a backup to the cloud drive.

Greg_the_Geek

You can use OneDrive for backing up but don't open your Quicken data file from an OneDrive folder.

Ray Cosner

I've been using OneDrive for 4-5 years for my active Quicken file, accessing it at various times with three different computers (my desktop, wife's desktop, my tablet).  I am using the default settings for OneDrive, working on the copy of the QDF file in the OneDrive folder on my computer.  Never a problem with that.  Both the working data and the backups are on OneDrive, synced to each computer that I've tied to my OneDrive account.

Don't use the "files on demand" option for OneDrive with the Quicken QDF file.  That option will cause you to work directly on the cloud copy of the file, which will respond slowly to each action and will put you at high risk of data corruption.  By default, you will not be using this option.  You must specifically select it - but don't do it!

Open your OneDrive folder with File Manager, you will see a column called "Status".  If there is a green circle with check mark on the line for your Quicken data file (QDF file) then you will be working with a local copy, which is what you want.  If there is a cloud icon, then you will work with the cloud file ("files on demand") and you will be sorry.

KnnNike

Or you could just take your chances with the cloud. Despite all the cautionary tales on here, I've not yet heard a completely convincing argument for why/how your Quicken file gets corrupted in the cloud, assuming you are 100% sure that all changes to the file are synced before re-opening it.

I have been using Quicken since 2014, the entire time with my Quicken file stored on OneDrive. I access it daily, about 2/3 of the time from one laptop and 1/3 of the time from another laptop. Yeah, there's been the occasional wonky transaction entry, but no more so than any of those experienced by others on here. A simple cut and paste of the transaction into the register fixes things 99% of the time.

I think the other methods on here for transferring the file are great, if you're that fastidious and devoted to the routine. I am not. For me, the so-called "risk of corruption" for keeping my Quicken file in the cloud is greatly outweighed by the benefits of not having to constantly remember to transfer it back and forth.

oldngrmpy1

Last year I tried using a USB drive to move Quicken files back and forth between my laptop and my desktop and that was when my hell started. Corruption was rampant It took me a year to get things settled down and working fairly well again.  Then I upgraded to subscription and I am seeing problems with it. I don't know if they are subscription related or old problems just exacerbated by the subscription. I will never do anything more than use my desktop as my primary Quicken PC, and I only move/open files  one direction from my desktop to laptop, but NEVER the other way. It most certainly gave me a headache of the 3rd degree. Trust me, it was a MESS!  Recently I called support (which I don't do, as I can work through problems pretty well myself) Talked to Ignacio for 2 hours, then was disconnected and never received a call-back. What a waste of time. That is the 2nd thing I will never do again either....call support! Having lots of Payee problems and just living with it!

Greg_the_Geek

I wouldn't hold my breath. Quicken for Windows would have to be totally rewritten.

Greg_the_Geek

The only way is when exiting Quicken from your desktop, you backup to a cloud drive (DropBox, OneDrive, Google Drive, etc...) and then your wife restores the backup file to her desktop. When she's finished, she creates a backup to the cloud drive.

NotACPA

OR, you could use a USB drive to move the file.

NOTE, in Greg's message that you need to Backup and Restore to move the file. Do NOT attempt to use the file while it's in the cloud.  Doing so frequently results in irretrievable data corruption.

Andy_G

Thanks to all. I have account with one drive. I assume that will work as well. A few more questions to come while I am getting started. We are using for rental house we have

Greg_the_Geek

You can use OneDrive for backing up but don't open your Quicken data file from an OneDrive folder.

MarcR

If both desktops are on the same network and you have and use an external hard drive for your PC backup(s) (file history, system image, etc..,for example), create a folder for your Quicken backup.  I use this method and back up every time I use the file on the primary desktop. When we use Quicken on any other PC on the network, we always access the latest backup to continue, then back it up again to external hard drive.  I do use OneDrive as well, but only for weekly or monthly back ups.

Ray Cosner

I've been using OneDrive for 4-5 years for my active Quicken file, accessing it at various times with three different computers (my desktop, wife's desktop, my tablet).  I am using the default settings for OneDrive, working on the copy of the QDF file in the OneDrive folder on my computer.  Never a problem with that.  Both the working data and the backups are on OneDrive, synced to each computer that I've tied to my OneDrive account.

Don't use the "files on demand" option for OneDrive with the Quicken QDF file.  That option will cause you to work directly on the cloud copy of the file, which will respond slowly to each action and will put you at high risk of data corruption.  By default, you will not be using this option.  You must specifically select it - but don't do it!

Open your OneDrive folder with File Manager, you will see a column called "Status".  If there is a green circle with check mark on the line for your Quicken data file (QDF file) then you will be working with a local copy, which is what you want.  If there is a cloud icon, then you will work with the cloud file ("files on demand") and you will be sorry.

KnnNike

Or you could just take your chances with the cloud. Despite all the cautionary tales on here, I've not yet heard a completely convincing argument for why/how your Quicken file gets corrupted in the cloud, assuming you are 100% sure that all changes to the file are synced before re-opening it.

I have been using Quicken since 2014, the entire time with my Quicken file stored on OneDrive. I access it daily, about 2/3 of the time from one laptop and 1/3 of the time from another laptop. Yeah, there's been the occasional wonky transaction entry, but no more so than any of those experienced by others on here. A simple cut and paste of the transaction into the register fixes things 99% of the time.

I think the other methods on here for transferring the file are great, if you're that fastidious and devoted to the routine. I am not. For me, the so-called "risk of corruption" for keeping my Quicken file in the cloud is greatly outweighed by the benefits of not having to constantly remember to transfer it back and forth.

KnnNike

NotACPA said:

OR, you could use a USB drive to move the file.

NOTE, in Greg's message that you need to Backup and Restore to move the file. Do NOT attempt to use the file while it's in the cloud.  Doing so frequently results in irretrievable data corruption.

How does this corruption happen (I'm honestly asking)? When you say "in the cloud" do you mean not to use the file when changes are being written to the cloud-based version? If not, how could simply moving a file from cloud to desktop and vice versa cause corruption?

Greg_the_Geek

When you're running Quicken, the data file is open for read/write. If a read or write transaction does not complete correctly on a cloud/network drive and Quicken doesn't catch it, corruption can occur and you may not realize for days/weeks/months/years. Anyone that uses their Quicken data file from a cloud/network drive is playing with fire and just haven't gotten burned yet or have gotten burned and don't know it. Quicken was written to access data from a local hard drive.

https://www.quicken.com/support/can-i-share-my-quicken-file-between-multiple-computers-using-dropbox

oldngrmpy1

Last year I tried using a USB drive to move Quicken files back and forth between my laptop and my desktop and that was when my hell started. Corruption was rampant It took me a year to get things settled down and working fairly well again.  Then I upgraded to subscription and I am seeing problems with it. I don't know if they are subscription related or old problems just exacerbated by the subscription. I will never do anything more than use my desktop as my primary Quicken PC, and I only move/open files  one direction from my desktop to laptop, but NEVER the other way. It most certainly gave me a headache of the 3rd degree. Trust me, it was a MESS!  Recently I called support (which I don't do, as I can work through problems pretty well myself) Talked to Ignacio for 2 hours, then was disconnected and never received a call-back. What a waste of time. That is the 2nd thing I will never do again either....call support! Having lots of Payee problems and just living with it!

Andy_G

I am just getting started. I am only working with my primary desktop for now.Hipefully, by the time my wife is ready to work on her desktop, Quicken may solve this issue.

Greg_the_Geek

I wouldn't hold my breath. Quicken for Windows would have to be totally rewritten.