Once a data file shows up with errors, no matter where it resided, network or internal hard drive, the file is broken. Reinstalling the software will not magically repair a broken file.
wdonbrown said: memorized payee list empty - again! ...
The Sync process may be the culprit here. So, after restoring a good backup copy do NOT run One Step Update or Sync!
Are you Syncing to Mobile/Web? AND do you use the Mobile app on your smartphone or the Quicken on the Web feature?
If you answer "no" to both, turn Sync off completely. You don't need it. The Sync process should only be used in conjunction with the Quicken app for Smartphones or the Quicken on the Web browser app. It cannot be used as a replacement for backing up and restoring your Quicken data file.
If yes, try to Reset Sync so that the current cloud sync file is replaced with a fresh complete copy Do note that a full Sync process may take many minutes to complete.
Log out of your mobile app, then do this on your desktop / laptop:
How to reset Sync to Cloud
How to turn off Sync to Cloud for the current data file
I would recommend running the Validate & Repair tool on the data file from the File menu > File Operations > Validate & Repair option.
In the Validate File window that opens, click the top box to "validate file" and then click OK.
When the validation completes, a data log will open in Notepad, please let us know if any errors or issues are found/repaired, and when ready close and re-open Quicken.
Please let us know what you find!
-Quicken Tyka