Failed to create dump file (error 183)

Yankee7

I update my Quicken files once per week. Last week all was fine including backing up my files. Today, I keep getting "Failed to create dump file: (error 183) after entering new transactions from my checkbook and then trying to access "Bills and Income". The program then wants to shut down. I have restored the most recent backup file but it does not fix the issue. I have confirmed that my Quicken version is up-to-date. Have been a long time Quicken user and this is frustrating.

Quicken Kristina

Hello @Yankee7,

Thank you for reaching out to the Community and telling us about this issue.  I'm sorry to hear you're running into this problem. A dump file error is a Windows error. Has your operating system recently updated? Are any programs other than Quicken having trouble? Have you restarted your computer since this issue started?

Thank you.

RalphC

You say you "….restored the most recent backup file….", but are you sure that file is not corrupt? Reboot your computer, then keep going back through your backup files until you find one that works.

Yankee7

RalphC...restoring the file from 2 weeks ago initially seems to fix the problem. I just need to reenter the last 2 weeks of check register activity and see what happens. Right now, I can access "Bills and Income" whereas before it would "crash". Thank you for taking the time to respond! [Edited - Readability]

Yankee7

Quicken Christina...no problems with other software that has shown up. I am trying a 2 week old backup and keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for responding!

Yankee7

RalphC…restoring the backup from TWO weeks ago worked! What should have been an easy…and obvious…thing to try…required a correct suggestion from you. Thank you!

RalphC

First rule of computing…backup. Second rule of computing…backup. Third rule of computing…backup.

UKR

@Yankee7 ,
if you haven't done so already, you may want to google "Failed to create dump file: (error 183)" and read some of the solutions posted there. Generally, there appear to be some Windows system errors that need to be reviewed and fixed.

As far as having backups of you Quicken data file available, please review this:

I recommend you review your backup settings in Quicken to ensure that you create a backup every single time you close Quicken. That minimizes the number of lost changes since the last backup, should you have to restore your data file again.

How to properly set up Quicken Backup
How to make Quicken create a backup for you automatically every time you close Quicken
What Quicken backups are available where?

For the sake of this discussion it is assumed that your Quicken data file is located in the Default (and recommended) place: C:\Users\username\Documents\Quicken
For this discussion it is also assumed that your Quicken data file is named, for example, QDATA.QDF

Review the backup settings available in Quicken (under Edit / Preferences / Backup).
In there you will find two types of backup: Automatic and Manual Backup.
Automatic Backup should be enabled and by default goes to a \Backup folder that's part of the folder which contains your current Quicken data file, e.g. \Documents\Quicken\Backup. Set it to create a backup after running Quicken [1] times and to keep [9] (or more, your choice) backup copies.
The file name for Automatic Backup files contains a date and time stamp as part of the file name, e.g. QDATA-2020-03-22.PM03.45.QDF-backup
To create a Manual Backup copy of your Quicken data file on an external device (USB-hard drive or USB memory stick recommended), put a checkmark at "Manual Backup Reminder" to enable the function and set "Remind me after running Quicken [xx] times" to [1].
Click OK to save the changes.
From now on, when you close Quicken using the red X button, you will get a popup window.
When you get this window for the first time, on some versions click the radio button for "Backup on my computer".
Change the Backup File name's drive letter and path to point to your external device so that it looks something like this: E:\Quicken Backup\QDATA-2020-04-01.QDF-backup
or use the Change button and work your way through the dialog.
Do not change the filename portion! Just overtype the drive letter and choose a backup folder name. If the folder does not exist, it will be created.
Also choose the option to "Add date to backup file name".
Every day when you run Backup or close Quicken, an additional backup file is created. Without the Add Date option you only have 1 backup copy which is overwritten every day ... and that may prove bad in a problem recovery situation.
Allow this backup to run to save the changes made on the screen.
Of course, once in a while you will have to go in and delete some of the oldest backup files, at your discretion, to avoid filling up your USB device.
One can never have enough backups of a Quicken data file. BTDTGTS to prove it!

Yankee7

I appreciate your comments and advice, UKR. Right now all is working well. Thanks for taking the time to respond!