1 quicken file - 2 computers/multiple computers (Q Mac)

jlabenberg

I have a home computer where my quicken file resides. I also have a MacBook Air for traveling and want to be able to access same file to update on the go.I've read that this is not recommended and while trying to do it I receive messages about another version of the file on another computer. I thought the quicken file was stored in a cloud based situation and not a local hard drive. Would the new online backup feature that also costs more fix this situation?

volvogirl

Sorry you have to copy the data file back and forth between computers. What kind of computer is your home computer? Windows or Mac? If it is Windows you will need to covert your file to Mac. Yes your data file is stored on your local hard drive.

Jon

You could use the online backups to help move the data file back & forth between computers - each time you need to move the file to the other computer you could restore from the most recent backup.

RickO

Assuming you are using Quicken Classic for Mac, then your file is stored on your local hard drive and it is STRONGLY recommended not to move the file to a folder that is synced to any cloud storage such as Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive or iCloud Drive. When people do so, they often eventually end up with a corrupted data file that can not be opened.

You can, however, point the automatic backups location to a folder that is synced to a cloud storage location. The backup files can safely be kept in the cloud. You do not need to subscribe to the paid online backup feature. You can simply set the automatic backup location to a folder on your computer that is synced to the cloud, such as a Dropbox or OneDrive folder. See image below.

You would set up the auto backup on both the home and laptop computers to the same cloud folder. Then when you want to work in Quicken, you restore from the latest backup in the cloud folder. (You really only need to do this when changing machines.) You do need to remember to do the restore when changing machines so you don't inadvertently work in an older version of the file.

You may also want to set a password for the file so that it's encrypted and therefore not storing the unencrypted file in the open in the cloud.