Backup Error Message

jeffbeck

I keep getting a message reading: can not open the data file because it is in use by another program such as a cloud storage backup. Please close that application or turn off cloud storage sync and try again. I have turned of the sync but still getting the message. any help would be appreciated.

NotACPA

Dropbox is the reason you're getting those messages.  Whenever you take a backup, Q closes the data file to force all write operations to conclusion and then re-opens it for the actual backup.

Dropbox is grabbing the file for that instant that it's closed and so Q can't get it.

Move your Q data file to C:\Users\-- Your User name --\Documents\Quicken and only backup to Dropbox.

BTW, storing your data file on any online service is dangerous as the first time your connection hiccups while you're doing a save to Q, your data file will probably become irretrievable toast.

Sherlock

jeffbeck said:

The q data file that is currently loading is on Dropbox. I have been saving backups to both dropbox and a local data drive. I get the message whenever I try to back up the data file. I typically use the control b command but tried to use the ribbon as well.

I suggest you access the Quicken file in a folder on an internal drive and not allow other programs to access the Quicken file at the same time (for example, Dropbox).

NotACPA

Where is your Q data file located? And what are you doing when you get this message?

jeffbeck

The q data file that is currently loading is on Dropbox. I have been saving backups to both dropbox and a local data drive. I get the message whenever I try to back up the data file. I typically use the control b command but tried to use the ribbon as well.

NotACPA

Dropbox is the reason you're getting those messages.  Whenever you take a backup, Q closes the data file to force all write operations to conclusion and then re-opens it for the actual backup.

Dropbox is grabbing the file for that instant that it's closed and so Q can't get it.

Move your Q data file to C:\Users\-- Your User name --\Documents\Quicken and only backup to Dropbox.

BTW, storing your data file on any online service is dangerous as the first time your connection hiccups while you're doing a save to Q, your data file will probably become irretrievable toast.

jeffbeck

I was using the dropbox for quite some time as a way to keep a way to pick up where I left off on one machine and pick it back up on another. This only started happening in the last couple of weeks. I guess the best way going forward is to back up locally and copy it to dropbox.

Thanks,

NotACPA

When I was traveling all the time on business,  the last thing that I'd do before leaving was to backup Q to a USB drive and then Restore to the machine at the work location ... reversing the procedure when I headed home.

Worked well, and guaranteed that I had a Q backup with me almost all the time.

Sherlock

jeffbeck said:

The q data file that is currently loading is on Dropbox. I have been saving backups to both dropbox and a local data drive. I get the message whenever I try to back up the data file. I typically use the control b command but tried to use the ribbon as well.

I suggest you access the Quicken file in a folder on an internal drive and not allow other programs to access the Quicken file at the same time (for example, Dropbox).