because my subscription expired, I opted to reinstall the version with the patch

MichaelRedding

I am unable to use Quicken even though the notices said I could continue to use Quicken by reinstalling and using the last patch before my expiration. I have used the process but cannot access my Quicken file, I am only asked to buy a new subscription. Did I do something wrong? I have 20 years of history I do not want to lose. Help!

Chris_QPW

Is this the procedure you followed:
Reinstalling and patching your Quicken Subscription version after your membership has expired | Quicken

When did your subscription expire?

MichaelRedding

Yes. I followed as explained - my subscription expired July 2021.

Chris_QPW

OK, here is what I suggest.

Uninstall the current version you have.
If you have the install for Quicken Subscription that was downloaded before your subscription expired, install it with your network connection disabled.

If you don't have the install for a version before your subscription expired you can get this version off of my website which is believe is that earliest possible.  And install it with your network connection disabled.
The reason for doing this is because the patch installer is really setup to patch early versions to newer version, not the the other way around even though if the two versions aren't too far apart it is usually possible to patch "down".  Quicken's website is based on the belief that you can always reverse patch, but this is in fact not true.  Installing with your network connection disable prevents it from downloading the latest version.
https://www.quicknperlwiz.com/install-for-quicken-2018---subscription.html

After you have the older version installed close the installer and install the patch from the Quicken web page that is before your subscription lapsed.

Then hopefully when you run Quicken it will allow you to log in and use your old version/expired license.

If this doesn't work, please report back and what exactly you see that is stopping you.
Note that you might have to log into your Quicken Id multiple times during this process.