I have Quicken Essentials for Mac 2010. Just upgraded to Catalina OS. Can't access data. Help!

MarilynRedig

Need to know which version(s) of Quicken work on Catalina OS, and can access my Quicken Essentials data.

smayer97

The current version of Quicken works with Catalina. Of course, be aware that it is now a subscription based product. You just missed a 40% sale from Quicken so shop around to see if there are better prices from third parties, such as, Amazon, Best Buy, etc.

The alternative (albeit a little technical) would be to install a VM (virtual machine; one is free (VirtualBox), others are not), to re-install Mac OS 10.11 or earlier, which would allow you continue using QEM.

If you buy a subscription membership, note that if you buy the Starter version, your data will become read-only if your membership expires. So I would recommend buying at least the Deluxe version, which allows you to continue using Quicken and entering data manually even after it expires.

Also note that when a subscription version expires, Quicken decided that it will permanently take over about 25% of your screen for ads and reminders to renew. If you disagree with this business decision, you can add your VOTE to Quicken should eliminate the LARGE Ad space when a subscription expires.

First, click on the underlined link above to go there, then click the little grey triangle under the VOTE count at the top of page 1 in the blue banner, so your vote will count for THIS feature and increase its visibility to the developers by seeking to have the features you need or desire end up in the latest version (it may take a moment for your vote to register).

Your VOTES matter!

smayer97

Yes, QM2017 is a very viable and compatible option. And it avoids the screen hijacking issue.

jacobs

Yes, Quicken 2017 will run on Catalina. It’s no longer sold, of course, so you’d be buying it secondhand. And it will cease being supported in two months, but since you’ve been using discontinued software for years, that may not matter to you. A lot of bug fixes and enhancements have been made over the past 2+ years, especially in the area of reports, but you might find Quicken 2017 is good enough for your needs.

smayer97

The current version of Quicken works with Catalina. Of course, be aware that it is now a subscription based product. You just missed a 40% sale from Quicken so shop around to see if there are better prices from third parties, such as, Amazon, Best Buy, etc.

The alternative (albeit a little technical) would be to install a VM (virtual machine; one is free (VirtualBox), others are not), to re-install Mac OS 10.11 or earlier, which would allow you continue using QEM.

If you buy a subscription membership, note that if you buy the Starter version, your data will become read-only if your membership expires. So I would recommend buying at least the Deluxe version, which allows you to continue using Quicken and entering data manually even after it expires.

Also note that when a subscription version expires, Quicken decided that it will permanently take over about 25% of your screen for ads and reminders to renew. If you disagree with this business decision, you can add your VOTE to Quicken should eliminate the LARGE Ad space when a subscription expires.

First, click on the underlined link above to go there, then click the little grey triangle under the VOTE count at the top of page 1 in the blue banner, so your vote will count for THIS feature and increase its visibility to the developers by seeking to have the features you need or desire end up in the latest version (it may take a moment for your vote to register).

Your VOTES matter!

jacobs

You will need to replace your Quicken Essentials with Quicken Mac, which will import and update your data to the current file format. You'll find the user interface familiar, but it's advanced a fair amount over the past 8 years or so.

Quicken is now sold on a subscription basis. That means you pay annually (or every two years if you find a two year subscription) to continue using Quicken. If you let your subscription lapse, you can continue using Quicken manually* -- no downloads, just manual entry of accounts -- but Quicken chews up the right quarter of the screen with an obnoxious reminder to re-subscribe. (*Quicken Deluxe or Premier; do not get Quicken Starter Edition, or you will not be able to enter anything if you subscription lapses.)

I'd suggest looking online for the best current price for a Quicken Deluxe subscription. Prices vary frequently; Amazon is often the lowest, and Quicken.com depends on what offer it might give you. (Amazon is currently showing a $39.99 offer for a 14-month subscription; that's about as low as it ever goes.)

MarilynRedig

Thanks to both Jacobs and smayer97 for your prompt replies!
I also read online that Quicken for Mac 2017 (non-subscription version, should work with Catalina. Do you consider this a viable option? Up to this point I haven’t done any online activity with Quicken (transaction downloads or bill pay). Not sure I will do that in near future.

smayer97

Yes, QM2017 is a very viable and compatible option. And it avoids the screen hijacking issue.

jacobs

Yes, Quicken 2017 will run on Catalina. It’s no longer sold, of course, so you’d be buying it secondhand. And it will cease being supported in two months, but since you’ve been using discontinued software for years, that may not matter to you. A lot of bug fixes and enhancements have been made over the past 2+ years, especially in the area of reports, but you might find Quicken 2017 is good enough for your needs.