Quicken Data File Password change?

TTSguy

If you change your Quicken Data File Password, does that include an update of your old files too or will you need to keep a running list of your old passwords and annotate when they were changed? An introspective opinion on this would be appreciated!

Boatnmaniac

The data file PW is saved in the data file, not in the program.  So if you change the data file PW in your current primary file it will only be for that one file.

It would certainly be an option to keep a running list of old PWs for the other older files.  Another option would be to open the old files and update them with the new PW, as well.  Then no running list will be needed.

splasher

You have learned a good reason to not use the Quicken file password, it really isn't much of a password since Quicken can remove it. 

Keep your Quicken data in an encrypted file vault to keep it safe from prying eyes.  Many of the anti-virus programs have an encrypted data vault feature and there are third party programs that do it also.

Boatnmaniac

Encrypted vaults are a great privacy tool but IMO there is still value in using PW protection for Quicken data files.  While it is true that Quicken can remove the file PW the vast majority of people, especially non-Quicken users, do not know that and won't take the time to find out how to do that.  I prefer to use both methods because no one single system is foolproof.

Boatnmaniac

The data file PW is saved in the data file, not in the program.  So if you change the data file PW in your current primary file it will only be for that one file.

It would certainly be an option to keep a running list of old PWs for the other older files.  Another option would be to open the old files and update them with the new PW, as well.  Then no running list will be needed.

Rocket J Squirrel

Each data file password is specific to that data file.

splasher

You have learned a good reason to not use the Quicken file password, it really isn't much of a password since Quicken can remove it. 

Keep your Quicken data in an encrypted file vault to keep it safe from prying eyes.  Many of the anti-virus programs have an encrypted data vault feature and there are third party programs that do it also.

Boatnmaniac

Encrypted vaults are a great privacy tool but IMO there is still value in using PW protection for Quicken data files.  While it is true that Quicken can remove the file PW the vast majority of people, especially non-Quicken users, do not know that and won't take the time to find out how to do that.  I prefer to use both methods because no one single system is foolproof.