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Cannot restore Quicken backup. Backup file not recognized as current version.

cary.hogan

I'm trying to restore a Quicken backup file (*.QDF-backup) from a backup I created 2 days ago on 06/12/2021. After I select the file and choose the destination for the restore I get the following error dialog:

--------
Convert your Quicken file

You are currently using Quicken 2019
Your data file was last used with Quicken unknown
--------

It then gives the steps to download an old Quicken 2004 file and reinstalling Quicken 2019.

Currently using Quicken subscription on Windows 10 updated to version: R33.25, build: 27.1.33.24.

So, something's wrong. Quite wrong. Either Quicken isn't backing up my working file properly or the restore function is bugged.

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Accepted answers

UKR

Yes, something's wrong. Your backup file is damaged beyond repair. A critical header record is unreadable.
Why do you need to restore your Quicken data file, in the first place?
What happened?

If you still need to restore your Quicken data file use a Manual or Automatic Backup taken prior to the problem first occurring, if necessary going back to older backups until you find a file that does not exhibit these symptoms.
https://www.quicken.com/support/how-backup-or-restore-your-quicken-data

All comments

UKR

Yes, something's wrong. Your backup file is damaged beyond repair. A critical header record is unreadable.
Why do you need to restore your Quicken data file, in the first place?
What happened?

cary.hogan

The reason I want to restore my data file is to investigate another issue I'm having in Quicken.

After I completed a one-step update of my accounts I noticed about 3 months of the Downloaded Payee/Downloaded Memo fields in my registers were blank. The data in those fields get populated after a transaction is accepted into the register. I wanted to see when the data went missing.

I'm going to check earlier backup and see if those restore properly... after I finish downloading and reinstalling the current version of Quicken.

cary.hogan

I reinstalled Quicken and validated my Quicken file. The results were terrifying... everything was replaced with "N/A" and there were no transactions in my registers. Validate report returned multiple data block damaged. I restored an automatic backup from the 11th with the overwrite option and it seemed to get my data file back to where it was before all this happened. It's all good now. Thanks for your assistance as I think it was all a damaged backup file.

jdev1268

> @UKR said:
> Yes, something's wrong. Your backup file is damaged beyond repair. A critical header record is unreadable.
> Why do you need to restore your Quicken data file, in the first place?
> What happened?
> If you still need to restore your Quicken
> data file use a Manual or Automatic Backup taken prior to the problem first
> occurring, if necessary going back to older backups until you find a file that
> does not exhibit these symptoms.
>
> https://www.quicken.com/support/how-backup-or-restore-your-quicken-data
>
>

Today I attempted a restore backup and it did not work. It looped to restore backup and said file A: not found. I coppied windows\Quicken Folder from One desktop PC to another and when run quicken I cannot enter any Transactions why?

UKR

jdev1268 said:

Today I attempted a restore backup and it did not work. It looped to restore backup and said file A: not found. I coppied windows\Quicken Folder from One desktop PC to another and when run quicken I cannot enter any Transactions why?

I can only guess, but ...

depending in how you executed the restore process, you did not point to a Quicken backup folder but the A: - floppy drive. Backup and Restore instructions are here: https://www.quicken.com/support/how-backup-or-restore-your-quicken-data
Just like with any other Windows application, you need to install Quicken on a different computer, using the original CD or the downloaded installation file. Copying the Windows Program Files folder does not work.

How Do I Move Quicken Data Files Between Computers?

https://www.quicken.com/support/how-do-i-move-my-quicken-data-file-one-computer-another

and follow the instructions under the heading "To move your data file to another computer"
The recommended (and default) place for Quicken data files is in
C:\Users\_your_username_\Documents\Quicken.

How to download and install a supported version of Quicken (again) after you bought it

If you don't have an installation CD or you didn't save a copy of the downloaded installation file on your hard drive (in Windows typically in a "Downloads" folder) or, even better, on some external storage media (USB stick or external hard drive) or a cloud backup service, please follow these instructions:
https://www.quicken.com/support/how-do-i-download-quicken-quickencom-after-i-buy-it

Note: Quicken Canada users need to logon to https://www.quicken.com/canada/my-account instead of the US site, then follow the rest of the instructions

If that doesn't resolve the issue, please contact Quicken Support at
https://www.quicken.com/support#contact-support