import my categories

tricrogers7

I'm a novice user and had to create a new data file with the help of quicken support. Now I want to import my old categories, memos, etc but can't find the qif files I believe I need to import...where are they?

Chris_QPW

File -> File Export -> QIF File...
Select Category list for the export.

tricrogers7

thanks, but I can't find my QIF file, where is it?

Chris_QPW

When you export a QIF file the default place it will be stored is where your Quicken data file (.QDF) file is stored.  Normally in Documents\Quicken.  With the same name as your Quicken data file, but with a .QIF file type.  But you can set it save anywhere you like by changing the first text box/browsing to a different location.


Note since the data file you are importing into will have a different name and it will default to the name of the data file you will need to browse to find it.

tricrogers7

ops, sorry for my last comment, i'm also new to using discussion boards so didn't see your full answer

tricrogers7

having said that I've done a full search on entire PC and can't find any files with the QIF extension, hm?

Chris_QPW

Try exporting it again looking at the path and file name in the text box.  That should be exactly were it is.

volvogirl

You realize you have to open your old data file and to do the export to the qif file,  right?  

tricrogers7

so maybe i'm not asking the question correctly...I was having problems downloading transactions after several issues had occurred. Tech support had me create a new file which meant I had to start all over adding my various accounts. The download process did work correctly with the new file and new accounts but I lost all my personalized categories etc that I use to have. So I want to try to import those categories, memos. I try following your instructions. When I click on import the QIF file that appears in the text box is the QIF file for the new file which of course doesn't have my old personalized categories. I hope that helps explain my problem better...I just don't want to have to create and recategorize all my transactions

tricrogers7

thanks volvogirl and chris, but i think you're both speaking in terms that are too advanced for me...I'll call tech support again and see if they can walk me through it

Chris_QPW

Just in case, there are some instructions on getting into the other data file and doing the export and then going back to your new data file where you can do the import.  You have two data files and you're working only in the new data file.

Has Volvogirl said you need to open the old data file through the export of the qif there and then switch back to your new file and do the import.

If you select the file menu at the bottom you should see your old file name click on it to open it.

From there you can do that export of the qif file with just the categories you might also want to export your memorized payees.

Then go back to the file menu and select your new data file from the bottom of the list.

Once you're in the new day to file follow the instructions above to do the qif import.

tricrogers7

Thanks Chris, your detailed instructions were very help and it worked!

Chris_QPW

tricrogers7 said:

Thanks Chris, your detailed instructions were very help and it worked!

Great I'm glad you got it to work.