Complete loss of Category List and categories assigned to transactions

Warren S

Is anyone experiencing a complete loss of Category List and categories assigned to transactions?

Quicken Jared

Warren S said:

Is anyone experiencing a complete loss of Category List and categories assigned to transactions?

Hello @Warren S,  

I am sorry about this issue with missing categories. Thank you for inquiring about this here on the Quicken Community. 


First, when did this issue begin? Also, is the Category Column enabled in your Register?

Save a backup by navigating to File > Copy or Backup File... in the upper menu at the top of the screen, then follow the instructions below:

1. • Navigate to File
2. • Select Validate and Repair File...
3. • Select Validate File
4. • Click OK
5. • Close the Data Log
6. • Close Quicken (leave it closed for at least 5 secs)
7. • Reopen Quicken and see if the issue persists. 

If you are still noticing difficulties after you have attempted those recommendations, you may try the following: 

1. • Navigate to File
2. • Hold CTRL + Shift and click Validate and Repair File...
3. • Select Super Validate File
4. • Click OK
5. • Close the Data Log
6. • Close Quicken (leave it closed for at least 5 secs)
7. • Reopen Quicken and see if the issue persists.

I hope to hear about your results, if you have the chance to check back in with us. 

Thank you,

Quicken Jared 

Warren S

The issue begin yesterday and yes, Category Column is enabled in my register

I saved a Backup copy before exiting yesterday.

I ran the File Validation and still do not see Categories for my transactions.

I followed the instructions to Run Super Validate the File but that option did not appear. It is again running the File Validation.

Warren S

I was able to Run Super Validate option, then close the data log and Quicken.

Restarted Quicken and still not seeing Categories.

Quicken Jared

Warren S said:

I was able to Run Super Validate option, then close the data log and Quicken.

Restarted Quicken and still not seeing Categories.

Hello @Warren S,  

I am sorry to hear about these issues continuing after validating and supervalidating the data file. Thank you for getting back to us about how the situation is developing. 

First, where is your current active data file located? You can check this anytime by navigating to File > Show this file on my computer... in the upper menu at the top of the screen. Make sure that the data file is located on your computer, and not on an external hard drive or cloud-based storage service, as these locations can cause erratic behavior and even data damage.

One other option left to us is to try copying your data file. Please note that doing so will disconnect all online services in the copied data file, and that it will be necessary to reactivate all online account connections, online Bill Manager services, and all online notifications in the new copy of the data file. Also, a new data set will be created in the new data file, should you intend to use that as your primary data file, going forward. 

With that in mind, if you wish to continue, save a backup then follow these steps, in order:

1. Navigate to File
2. Select Copy or Backup File...
3. Select Create a copy or template
4. Click Next 
5. Select a file location on your computer
6. Click Save Copy
7. Select New Copy
8. Click OK

I look forward to hearing about how this works for you. 

Thank you,

Quicken Jared 

Warren S

Regrettably, nothing worked except restoring my 9/30 backup and then re-inputting all missing transactions from that date forward and then performing reconciliations of each account. What a pain! Keeping my fingers crossed that this doesn't happen again.