On "Quicken Backup" file size chgs depending on checkbox "Add date..to file name" being chkd or not

Question

When doing Backup and checking checkbox (to add date), I notice the QDF backup file is much smaller (198MB vs. 324MB).  When I immediately run another Backup and do not check the box, the size of the file (with no other changes) is 324MB.  Any ideas?  I want to make sure I am not missing something important IF I check the box to add date to file name.  Thanks

Sherlock · Answer

First a suggestion: do not save the manual backups to the same folder used for automatic backups.  Quicken attempts to maintain the files in the automatic backup folder.

I suspect your Quicken file may contain some temporary files being stripped from the archive by the manual backup.  I suggest restoring a manual backup to confirm there is no data loss.

pspenland · Answer

thank you for your answer re: automatic backups in quicken.  i was unaware of this.  so, looping around to my original question, i think i now have an answer.  it is now clear that the larger backups (in my case, 324MB, are automatic backups; and, the smaller backups, are manually run by me).

also, i see that under "Leave a Comment" i now see the icon in the ribbon allowing me to include screen shots.

thank you all for your help!

Quicken - File - 20210902 - note 324.9MB - This is .QDF file (not backup file).PNG

Quicken - Backup File - 20210902 - note red box 324.9MB; note green box for checked box 199.3MB; note last entry for no checkmark 199.3MB.PNG

Quicken - Auto Backup Settings - 20210903.PNG

Sherlock · Answer

The "PM08.06." stand for 8:06 pm and is part of the automatic backup naming algorithm.  In other words, the automatic backup was saved when you closed the Quicken file on August 27, 2021 at 8:06 pm.