Why did Quicken jump from a current saved file to an older saved backup?

imagineamiracle

Could it be because I did not renew my prescription?

Sherlock

imagineamiracle said:

I am working with 6/19/17 & 4/13/20 yes of course separately. I am trying but unable to find a current backup copy of quicken. I need help finding a hidden copy of a backup copy of quicken you know my data files. I already know where the back up .QDF files but I am looking for my QDF hidden file for June 2020.

I suggest you allow Quicken to locate the files: select File > Find Quicken Files...

UserDavidC

I'm going to make the assumption that you meant 'subscription' not 'prescription' in your post.

As far as I know, any change in subscription type or duration will have NO effect on what file is opened.

imagineamiracle

Yes subscription. Well prior to April 13, 2020, my backup files worked fine and now I am working on a 6/19/2017 and a 4/13/2020 file. Huge accounting problem. I did change the order of an account not sure what triggered this drama. I know hard to believe Quicken ransomed my file.

NotACPA

@imagineamiracle

Please do HELP, About Quicken and tell us which Q product and what BUILD of that product you're running.

Also, l don't understand your "now I am working on a 6/19/2017 and a 4/13/2020 file" comment as you can only have 1 Q data file open at a time and must close it to open another. What are you trying to do and what EXACT issue(s) are you having?

imagineamiracle

I am working with 6/19/17 & 4/13/20 yes of course separately. I am trying but unable to find a current backup copy of quicken. I need help finding a hidden copy of a backup copy of quicken you know my data files. I already know where the back up .QDF files but I am looking for my QDF hidden file for June 2020.

Sherlock

imagineamiracle said:

I am working with 6/19/17 & 4/13/20 yes of course separately. I am trying but unable to find a current backup copy of quicken. I need help finding a hidden copy of a backup copy of quicken you know my data files. I already know where the back up .QDF files but I am looking for my QDF hidden file for June 2020.

I suggest you allow Quicken to locate the files: select File > Find Quicken Files...

volvogirl

The backup files should end in .qdf-Backup.  Did you search your whole computer?  Are you on Windows 10?  Check the One Drive.  Do you use anything like Drop Box?  Check the Recycle Bin especially if you upgraded to Windows 10.

imagineamiracle

I feel like I did search the whole computer but of course I'm not really sure. I did not upgrade to Windows 10 I already had it. No one drive or Dropbox.

imagineamiracle

I may have overwritten the file : ( I did all your suggestions but still no current file. Thanks all.

UKR

Have you looked in the Recycle Bin?

Otherwise ... The horse has left the barn and it's too late to close the barn door now.

To prevent future mishaps, I recommend

How to properly set up Quicken Backup
How to make Quicken create a backup for you automatically every time you close Quicken
What Quicken backups are available where?

For the sake of this discussion it is assumed that your Quicken data file is located in the Default (and recommended) place: C:\Users\username\Documents\Quicken

Review the backup settings available in Quicken (under Edit / Preferences / Backup).

In there you will find two types of backup: Automatic and Manual Backup.

Automatic Backup should be enabled and always goes to a \Backup folder that's part of the folder which contains your current Quicken data file, e.g. \Documents\Quicken\Backup. Set it to create a backup after running Quicken [1] times and to keep [9] (or more, your choice) backup copies.
The file name for Automatic Backup files contains a date and time stamp as part of the file name, e.g. QDATA-2020-03-22.PM03.45.QDF-backup

To create a Manual Backup copy of your Quicken data file on an external device (USB-hard drive or USB memory stick recommended), put a checkmark at "Manual Backup Reminder" to enable the function and set "Remind me after running Quicken [xx] times" to [1].

Click OK to save the changes.

From now on, when you close Quicken using the red X button, you will get a popup window.

When you get this window for the first time, on some versions click the radio button for "Backup on my computer".
Change the Backup File name's drive letter and path to point to your external device so that it looks something like this: E:\Quicken Backup\QDATA-2019-04-01.QDF-backup
or use the Change button and work your way through the dialog.

Do not change the filename portion! Just overtype the drive letter and choose a backup folder name. If the folder does not exist, it will be created.

Also choose the option to "Add date to backup file name".

Every day when you run Backup or close Quicken, an additional backup file is created. Without the Add Date option you only have 1 backup copy which is overwritten every day ... and that may prove bad in a problem recovery situation.

Allow this backup to run to save the changes made on the screen.

Of course, once in a while you will have to go in and delete some of the oldest backup files, at your discretion, to avoid filling up your USB device.

One can never have enough backups of a Quicken data file. BTDTGTS!

imagineamiracle

Thanks