How do i properly backup quicken files prior to reformatting my computer?

garyshelly

to resolve a problem with my camera, i need to reinstall my computer. the tech working on this with me said that the quicken files will not be retreivable (even if backed up the normal way) unless they are backed up in a special way. how do i do that?

Sherlock

If the tech is reformatting the disk, you should save the data files and data file backups you want to preserve to another device (for example, a USB drive) you will be able to access later.  

If the Windows OS is being reinstalled, you will also need to reinstall Quicken: https://www.quicken.com/support/how-do-i-download-quicken-quickencom-after-i-buy-it

Rocket J Squirrel

garyshelly said:

i need to reinstall my computer. the tech working on this with me said that the quicken files will not be retreivable (even if backed up the normal way) unless they are backed up in a special way. 

Perhaps this technician knows just enough about Quicken to be dangerous.

Quicken’s automatic backups go to a BACKUP subfolder of the Quicken data folder, which typically resides on your C: drive. Maybe that’s what the tech meant by “normal.”  Those backups will indeed be lost to a reformat unless copied elsewhere.

thecreator

Hi @garyshelly ,

See this procedure: https://community.quicken.com/discussion/7844658/installing-reinstalling-windows-quicken-subscription-editions

You can back up your Quicken Data Files, by doing a Manual Backup and placing the Manual Backup on an external Device, like a Mapped Hard Drive, USB Thumb drive, My Book external Hard Drive, Drop box or One Drive.

Sherlock

If the tech is reformatting the disk, you should save the data files and data file backups you want to preserve to another device (for example, a USB drive) you will be able to access later.  

If the Windows OS is being reinstalled, you will also need to reinstall Quicken: https://www.quicken.com/support/how-do-i-download-quicken-quickencom-after-i-buy-it

garyshelly

Do I need to back the quicken files up in any special way?

garyshelly

Disregard my follow up question. You already answered it. Thank you Sherlock!

Have a great weekend!

Rocket J Squirrel

garyshelly said:

i need to reinstall my computer. the tech working on this with me said that the quicken files will not be retreivable (even if backed up the normal way) unless they are backed up in a special way. 

Perhaps this technician knows just enough about Quicken to be dangerous.

Quicken’s automatic backups go to a BACKUP subfolder of the Quicken data folder, which typically resides on your C: drive. Maybe that’s what the tech meant by “normal.”  Those backups will indeed be lost to a reformat unless copied elsewhere.

thecreator

Hi @garyshelly ,

See this procedure: https://community.quicken.com/discussion/7844658/installing-reinstalling-windows-quicken-subscription-editions

You can back up your Quicken Data Files, by doing a Manual Backup and placing the Manual Backup on an external Device, like a Mapped Hard Drive, USB Thumb drive, My Book external Hard Drive, Drop box or One Drive.

garyshelly

Thank you @thecreator ! I already backup to a separate drive. As long as those backed up files will be retrievable by quicken after it is reinstalled I should be good.