Can’t open Quicken data files - get “Welcome” screen (edit)

Bob B.

I had to remove Quicken from my PC and reinstall it. I saved some data files I'd been using from the original Quicken version since I thought I could them after reinstalling. When I try to open these data files in the reinstalled version, it kicks me out and takes me to the Quicken sign in page. When I sign in with my Quicken ID and password, it doesn't open the existing data file but takes me to the "Welcome to Quicken" screen and asks me if I want to "Add Account". (See attached image). In other words, start from square one. I know other users reinstall the program and don't have problems, not sure why I can't open an existing data file.

Greg_the_Geek

What version of Quicken. What is the path to the Quicken data file?

Boatnmaniac

download existing data file into reinstalling Quicken

Did you really mean "download"? Or did you mean "open"? Your data file(s) should be saved on your hard drive (saving them anywhere else can be risky if you don't follow some rather strict protocols) and if they are then it is just a matter of locating them and opening them. But if they are not on your hard drive, where are they located?

The following should work if the data file is located on the hard drive:

Have you tried clicking on Add Account and then close the Add Account popup? That should then allow you to click on File > Open Quicken File. That should allow you the opportunity to maneuver to the location on your hard drive where the file(s) are saved and then you should be able to select the one you want to open.

Another way to do it would be to go to where the data file is located on your hard drive. Double click on the file and if prompted select Quicken to open it.

If you do not know where your data file(s) are saved on your hard drive: File > Find Quicken Files. This tool will locate all of the QDF and QDF-backup files on your hard drive.

(FYI: I edited the picture you posted above to hide your Quicken ID.)

Bob B.

First off, I meant download. Yes the original files are saved on my hard drive. So I tried the two options you suggested and got the same results. In both cases when I clicked to open them, I was sent to the "Sign in" screen and was left with the same "Welcome " screen which means you have to start from square one. I've been trying to download data files so I tried a backup file. Got the same results. It seems like the reinstalled version is not recognizing my saved files. Is that a possibility?

Greg_the_Geek

Again, what version of Quicken. What is the path to the Quicken data file?

Ps56k2

 I've been trying to download data files 
what data files exactly - from where ?

I had to remove Quicken from my PC and reinstall it.
what version - and how are you reinstalling…. from CD, from a saved EXE, from the Quicken Support website ?

Bob B.

Sorry I didn't get back sooner. I've been in an area with no cell service.

I need to correct myself on my answer to you. I've been trying to "open" existing files, not download these files.

Answers to above questions:

1. The Data files I've tried have an extension of "Quicken QDF data file". I've also tried files with the extension of "Quicken QDF backup data file". 2. The files are from the BACKUP folder within Quicken on my hard drive. I've also tried the same Quicken BACKUP folder on OneDrive cloud storage. 3. The Quicken version I now have is 27.1.52.20 with a file size of 398 MB. It was downloaded from the Quicken Support website. 4. The file I removed was downloaded in November of 2017 from the Quicken Support website. I don't have the version number for the removed app. Both apps are Quicken Premier.

Ps56k2

so … what happens when you try to open these QDF files ?

Bob B.

What happens is what I've previously explained. The app tries to open them for a split second then closes and I get the Login in screen. I log in and there's no information that's contained in the file. Nothing at all.

Boatnmaniac

I am assuming you have a current paid subscription for the Quicken installation file you downloaded from Quicken.com. Am I correct?

Bob B.

Yes, I have a current paid subscription. It's good thru November of this year. I've been using Quicken for a long, long time. This issue just came out of the blue. To my knowledge or from what I remember I did nothing nor change anything that I know of. I just tried to open up the app on my PC as I normally do and got a message saying, "quicken online service not available wait 10 minutes". Things went downhill from there. I ended up getting the error "Forbidden 403". Couldn't even access the Quicken website. Finally got into the site via a back door, uninstalled the version of Quicken I'd been using since 2017, installed the new version 2 days ago. Then tried to open an existed file and that's where I'm currently sitting.

Ps56k2

try starting Quicken without it opening any QDF data file - and then see if you can create a File —> New to test ..

Hold the control key when you click the Quicken icon & continue holding it until Quicken starts. You then have the File and Help menu options.

UKR

If you are getting "Oops, something went wrong" or "Check Internet Connection" …

1. To make sure that Quicken is allowed to update and save its configuration files please check if Windows Defender Controlled Folder Access feature Ransomware protection is enabled.
   If it is, configure it to add Quicken as an "allowed app" without turning off Ransomware protection. Perform the last step in
   https://community.quicken.com/discussion/7857675/faq-windows-defender-controlled-folder-access
2. Have you recently enabled a VPN?
   If so, this might be the problem. Try turning the VPN off, reboot with VPN disabled and see if that helps.
3. Is there a corporate or otherwise external firewall getting in the way? Contact the IT people maintaining the firewall and ask for permission.
4. Does your Antivirus software allow Quicken to connect to the Internet?
   Quicken needs to be able to establish outbound Internet connections for the program to work.
   For example, in McAfee Firewall, one user states "By editing the Quicken Firewall entry Selecting Incoming and Outgoing, and changing it from "Default" to "Open to all devices" it now works without having to turn off the entire firewall!"
   See Check your firewall settings and ensure the following three entries are present:
   
   
   If necessary, contact the Antivirus / Firewall vendor's Support Center for assistance.
5. In Windows 11 or older Windows systems go to Windows Control Panel and select Internet Options (or in Internet Explorer, click on Tools / Internet options.)
   Click the Advanced tab.
   Scroll down the list to "Use TLS 1.x" and click to put checkmarks on all available choices even though some of them are no longer supported "Use TLS 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 (if available)"
   Turn off "Use SSL 3.0"
   Click Apply. Reboot.
6. If all else fails: Try rebooting your network router. When done reboot your PC
7. Please let us know which of the above solved your problem.