How do I convert the .QDF file to work on an earlier version of Quicken?

JB00

I bought a new computer pre-loaded with win11 because of the win11 upgrade requirements. My existing computer couldn't be upgraded to win11. So I installed the Quicken Deluxe 2017 from my original CD on the new computer and get the "You must create a new Quicken ID……". I don't use the internet features on my Quicken 2017 that I have used for probably 5 years or more. I don't pay any subscription and don't want to start now. I started with Quicken 2000 25 years ago. So Instead of going forward I think I need to go back to an earlier version, I tried 2013 but it wouldn't open the .QDF file and I couldn't see an option to convert the file. Is there a way to make the file useable by an earlier version?

Boatnmaniac

Unfortunately, there is no way to convert your QWin 2017 QDF file into a QWin 2013 file. The best you can try doing is to export your data from your QWin 2017 QDF file in QIF format and then import that QIF into QWin 2013 but it will require a lot of work fixing categories.

But perhaps the biggest issue with this process is that you can't install and use QWin 2017 in your new computer. (You might want to read through this thread to know why that is: Quicken 2017 on my new computer.)

A couple of options you might want to consider:

IF YOU REALLY WANT TO USE QWIN DELUXE 2013:

• Buy a subscription from Quicken.com for Quicken Classic Deluxe. You can often get a discounted price since you would be a new subscriber.
• You subscription program will be able to read your QWin 2017 data file.
• Then you can export your data in QIF format files.
• Then uninstall the subscription program, install the QWin 2013 Deluxe program and import the QIF files.
• You can get a complete, no questions asked, refund on the subscription cost if you cancel the subscription within 30 days of the purchase.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER KEEPING THE QUICKEN CLASSIC DELUXE SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAM INSTEAD OF USING QWIN 2013:

• Search the Internet for the best Subscription pricing. Quicken.com will sometimes have the best but there are other times where you can get better pricing from a retailer like NewEgg.com, OfficeDepot.com, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, Staples, etc. Since you would be a new subscriber you can take advantage of new subscriber discounts which can often be 35%-45% off.
• After a year your subscription will expire and you will be prompted to decide whether or not to renew the subscription for another year.
• If you choose not to renew your subscription you will still be able to use the program on a manual basis (no online services) for as long as your system supports it.
• The drawback to this is that there will be a couple of subscription renewal reminder banners that will be present when you have Quicken open, taking up about 20% of your Quicken view. The only way to remove those banners is to resubscribe. Some people really dislike those banners but others don't seem to mind them too much.

You can read more about your options at Re: Quicken 2016, considering subscription version, but not sure which version [Edited]. This thread also has a picture in it of what the subscription renewal banners look like and how much of the screen they will consume.

I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any questions.

Boatnmaniac

Unfortunately, there is no way to convert your QWin 2017 QDF file into a QWin 2013 file. The best you can try doing is to export your data from your QWin 2017 QDF file in QIF format and then import that QIF into QWin 2013 but it will require a lot of work fixing categories.

But perhaps the biggest issue with this process is that you can't install and use QWin 2017 in your new computer. (You might want to read through this thread to know why that is: Quicken 2017 on my new computer.)

A couple of options you might want to consider:

IF YOU REALLY WANT TO USE QWIN DELUXE 2013:

• Buy a subscription from Quicken.com for Quicken Classic Deluxe. You can often get a discounted price since you would be a new subscriber.
• You subscription program will be able to read your QWin 2017 data file.
• Then you can export your data in QIF format files.
• Then uninstall the subscription program, install the QWin 2013 Deluxe program and import the QIF files.
• You can get a complete, no questions asked, refund on the subscription cost if you cancel the subscription within 30 days of the purchase.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER KEEPING THE QUICKEN CLASSIC DELUXE SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAM INSTEAD OF USING QWIN 2013:

• Search the Internet for the best Subscription pricing. Quicken.com will sometimes have the best but there are other times where you can get better pricing from a retailer like NewEgg.com, OfficeDepot.com, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, Staples, etc. Since you would be a new subscriber you can take advantage of new subscriber discounts which can often be 35%-45% off.
• After a year your subscription will expire and you will be prompted to decide whether or not to renew the subscription for another year.
• If you choose not to renew your subscription you will still be able to use the program on a manual basis (no online services) for as long as your system supports it.
• The drawback to this is that there will be a couple of subscription renewal reminder banners that will be present when you have Quicken open, taking up about 20% of your Quicken view. The only way to remove those banners is to resubscribe. Some people really dislike those banners but others don't seem to mind them too much.

You can read more about your options at Re: Quicken 2016, considering subscription version, but not sure which version [Edited]. This thread also has a picture in it of what the subscription renewal banners look like and how much of the screen they will consume.

I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any questions.

JB00

Thank ya'll very much for taking the time to educate me on my option(s). Guess I'll go the subscription route. I'll just run out the EOL on the win10 and see what happens then. we might be to win12 or 13 by then…..who knows…..Thanks again!

Boatnmaniac

You are welcome.