After upgrading to 2020, I can't open existing data files

20bobandro

Hi, I am new here. I have briefly checked for this problem here but did not see it. Forgive me for not checking further, but I have been trying to get this to work for an hour and I'm panicking. I was able to open my data file once after the upgrade, but now I get a dialog that says I need to convert my Quicken file. It also says that I have to download and install Quicken 2004, then open it in 2004, then reinstall Quicken 2019 and open it in in Quicken 2019 (The latest version I have on disc is 2018). I've already tried restarting, uninstalling/reinstalling Quicken 2020, did the same for Quicken 2018. I have also installed the QW27.1.25.21MPatch. All to no avail. HELP!!!

Ps56k2

Usually when you see that dialog about .... Q2004 - it means that your Quicken QDF data file is probably trashed and Quicken can't open it and use it.

Hopefully you have a Backup - or the Upgrade might have created a backup in your /Backup/ folder that can be used for a ..... File --> Restore

Greg_the_Geek

What is the path to the folder that contains your Quicken data file? Do you have Controlled Folder Access enabled in Windows Defender? Are you using OneDrive, Dropbox or Google Backup?

20bobandro

Thanks for your replies.
I have tried existing backup files...same thing happens.
I wonder if it's corrupting the files as I try to open them (bad!).
The Quicken data file is on my secondary internal drive (D:) in a subfolder.
I do not have Windows defender (using Avast)..not using OneDrive, Dropbox or Google backup. Everything is resident on my PC.
I hope the message to do the upgrade wasn't a scam/hack...it all looked legitimate (but then they do these days).
I can get Quicken to run if I start a new file, but not with any of my existing.
If I get Quicken to run with a newly created file and then try to open the existing files, the same thing happens. Also Restore does not work.

Greg_the_Geek

What version of Quicken were you using before upgrading?

20bobandro

2018...from disc.
This is bad because I have 18 years of data in my files. (No problems with them before the attempted upgrade). It's starting to look like I'll have to start a whole new file and enter my latest balances from statements...If I want to continue using Quicken.

20bobandro

With the upgrade, I also ordered it on disc, so I may want to uninstall/reinstall Quicken from the disc when I get it.

20bobandro

A little while ago i tried it on another PC and the same thing happens.
So I know it's not my PC.

Greg_the_Geek

Quicken 2018 is the same as Quicken Subscription (current version). Quicken Subscription (with a valid subscription) should always upgrade itself to the latest version. Where did you here about your "upgrade"? Have you checked your "D:\" drive for errors?

20bobandro

The upgrade came up when I went to run Quicken yesterday. I didn't question it because of that...it's not as though I clicked on an e-mail link or something.
I am currently running a full virus scan.
However, since it happens on the other PC (even though I copied the files from the 'affected' PC), I'm assuming it's not a drive problem.

20bobandro

I tried reinstalling 2018 from the disc. As soon as it runs, it seems to update itself and the same problem happens. If I unplug the network cable and try to install and run 2018, it won't run and tells me I need a network connection to run it.

Greg_the_Geek

You need to disable your network connection(s). What version is the upgrade version?

Quicken --> Help --> About Quicken

20bobandro

Re-trying to post this comment.....
Version R25.21...Build 27.1.25.21
I am _able_ to run Quicken with the network connection disabled and with the newly created QDF. Then I click on File > Open Quicken File...When I select an previous file I get the same error message...must install quicken 2004, then quicken 2019...is there a way to post a screen capture?

Greg_the_Geek

Go to http://www.quicknperlwiz.com/quickenpatches.html and download/install the Quicken Subscription Release 25.18 Mondo patch.

You don't have enough points yet to post a screenshot.

20bobandro

I did that yesterday (if we are talking about the same patch) QW27.1.25.21MPatch.EXE but I can do it again. I will await your response before doing it again.

Greg_the_Geek

No, the R25.18 Mondo patch from http://www.quicknperlwiz.com/quickenpatches.html.

20bobandro

Installed this patch...same problem.
QW27.1.25.18MPatch.EXE

Greg_the_Geek

Have you tried any earlier backups?

20bobandro

Yes, it's the same for them.

Greg_the_Geek

What's the earliest backup you have? I would still check your "D:\" drive for errors. It seems strange that all your Quicken data files are suddenly corrupt.

20bobandro

I tried restoring from from my external USB backup drive...same problem. But just in case that's 'compromised' too, I'm copying the files from a USB flash drive to a CD and will try the files from there...I know they are not corrupted.
I have multiple backups.

20bobandro

Ok, I was able to open the latest backup from last Friday without error.
Question: Does it matter if the files: <file_name>_SyncLog.dat and <file_name>OFXLOG.DAT are present in the same folder as the QDF file I'm trying to open?

20bobandro

Nevermind...those files are present.

20bobandro

Well, I'm in the process of entering transactions since last Friday so I think I'll be ok. So not panicking anymore...I'll save that for this crazy virus thing going on.
It would be nice to know what happened, but we may never know.

20bobandro

Thank you very much Greg and ps56k for your assistance!

20bobandro

Greg, you were right about errors on the "D" drive.
It was all my fault.
After upgrading Quicken, I did a backup of my entire Data folder...Docs, sheets, Quicken, etc...9GB worth. During the backup I realized I had selected the wrong destination. I then tried several times to abort the backup, not realizing that I was corrupting files at the same time. That's why Quicken worked ok the first time but then yesterday evening it didn't. It was really quite stupid of me and I am very embarrassed. I didn't realize until today when I tried to access spreadsheets and other files that most of them were corrupted. I can however, pat myself on the back for keeping multiple backups and I was able to restore all corrupted files and all is well now. Thanks again for your help.

20bobandro

Hmmm, the post replace the drive letter with an emoticon.

Ps56k2

20bobandro said:

Hmmm, the post replace the drive letter with an emoticon.

fixed it - you must have typed D with a ":" which is an emoji...