Can't backup file to USB stick - keeps coming back - "file not backed up"

Big Canuck

Try to backup 2nd copy besides usual backup copy to my usb drive mem stick and wont go

NotACPA

Could the USD drive be full ... and not able to hold the additional data?

Quicken Paloma

Hello @Big Canuck, 

Thank you for reaching out to the Quicken Community. We apologize you are having this issue. To better assist you more information is needed. For instance, what error message/code are you receiving specifically? Also, where is your current main/active file located (local hard drive, external hard drive, cloud-based storage)? 

If you are unsure you may check this by selecting File >Show this file on my computer. 

Please elaborate further. Thank you!

-Quicken Paloma

Big Canuck

It is a blue box with a question mark and says backup not successful I’ve used quicken for over 20 yrs and never had this issue

UKR

If it isn't a problem with writing to the destination drive or folder, "File not backed up" usually indicates a problem with the active data file.

Please perform both a Validate and Supervalidate action on your active data file, even if you have done some of them before:

Advanced Data File Troubleshooting to Correct Problems With Quicken for Windows

As far as creating backups is concerned, Quicken can already create two backups for you. See below. You can direct either the Automatic or the Manual Backup file to a folder which is processed by MS OneDrive, Dropbox or any other Backup program, to create additional offsite backup copies.

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 by default 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 to prove it!

NotACPA

Could the USD drive be full ... and not able to hold the additional data?

Big Canuck

Just had to validate file, then saved 3 copies and worked fine. Went to log and it said “category missing” back in 1999, perhaps saving a file of this size can truncate the data. If it works don’t play with it just use it.

Quicken Jared

Big Canuck said:

Just had to validate file, then saved 3 copies and worked fine. Went to log and it said “category missing” back in 1999, perhaps saving a file of this size can truncate the data. If it works don’t play with it just use it.

Hello @Big Canuck, 

I am so happy to hear that you were able to find a resolution. Thank you for taking the time to check back in with us and update as, as well as provide your specific steps to solving the problem.

Feel free to reach out to the Quicken Community with any additional questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you,

Quicken Jared 

Big Canuck

It seems once you get through 1 hurdle you get another to tackle. When I backed up my file I got asked the question to sync to the cloud, I should have said no but just clicked yes to get through . Now I’m stuck again as it says I need to service one of my bank accounts -update, I can’t because it’s been dormant for 10 yrs, I’m afraid if I delete it , some accounts will call for it debit/credit [Removed-Disruptive] What to do. JGM