Quicken FAQ: How do I move my Quicken files between computers?

TTSguy

I found this in FAQ section dated 2014. Is this still the correct way to move files between computers?

Chris_QPW

I think this is the official article on it:
https://www.quicken.com/support/how-do-i-move-my-quicken-data-file-one-computer-another

I notice in this list if I try to open it I get a service not found error:
https://www.quicken.com/support/how-do-i-move-my-quicken-data-file-one-computer-another
The URL with the error:
https://getsatisfaction.com/quickencommunity/topics/quicken-faq-how-do-i-move-my-quicken-files-between-computers

Back to the main article.  Back when the Quicken "data file" was actually multiple data files then I think the best way to move it would be backup and restore (just to make sure you got all the pieces even though you could copy all the parts and be fine).

These days it is much better to just copy the QDF file.

You got to love the fact that they have a procedure for "once" and then warn you that if have to do this a lot you should instead just copy the QDF.

The reason of course is because their Restore has "side effects".
Every time you do a restore it creates a new Quicken Cloud dataset, and doesn't delete the old one.
And there is a limited amount of datasets.

So, in my opinion Restore is now worse than useless.

I don't use Quicken's backup and restore at all.  I always just use copies of my data file.

Sherlock

The FAQ appears to have been updated in March 2021.

In my opinion, it's simpler to transfer the Quicken file to a folder on the internal drive on the other machine.

Chris_QPW

I think this is the official article on it:
https://www.quicken.com/support/how-do-i-move-my-quicken-data-file-one-computer-another

I notice in this list if I try to open it I get a service not found error:
https://www.quicken.com/support/how-do-i-move-my-quicken-data-file-one-computer-another
The URL with the error:
https://getsatisfaction.com/quickencommunity/topics/quicken-faq-how-do-i-move-my-quicken-files-between-computers

Back to the main article.  Back when the Quicken "data file" was actually multiple data files then I think the best way to move it would be backup and restore (just to make sure you got all the pieces even though you could copy all the parts and be fine).

These days it is much better to just copy the QDF file.

You got to love the fact that they have a procedure for "once" and then warn you that if have to do this a lot you should instead just copy the QDF.

The reason of course is because their Restore has "side effects".
Every time you do a restore it creates a new Quicken Cloud dataset, and doesn't delete the old one.
And there is a limited amount of datasets.

So, in my opinion Restore is now worse than useless.

I don't use Quicken's backup and restore at all.  I always just use copies of my data file.