Unexpected files on desktop

Question

After reinstalling Quicken Classic Deluxe, when I open the APP on my desktop, it takes a while (20 sec) to open, and creates a “Backup” folder and 2 “Qdata1” icons (on my Desktop): QDATA1_2024-12-09OFXLOG.DAT  and QDATA1_2024-12-09_SyncLog.dat .

I save (backup) my Quicken files to a Quicken/backup directory on an external “E” Drive.

The “E” drive should be the default for all my quicken backup files, NOT my Desktop.

How can I stop these unexpected files from appearing on my desktop? What needs t/b changed?

volvogirl · Answer

Yes your actual current Quicken data file should normally be on your C: drive in your Documents in a Quicken subfolder not on your Desktop.  You can put a shortcut to it on your Desktop.  Quicken creates the Backup folder in the same place (folder) that the actual data file is stored.

Chris_QPW · Answer

The reason those files are on your Desktop is because your Quicken data file is on the Desktop.  Those files are Quicken log files (which really shouldn't be stored in the same folder as the data file, but we as users can't change where the programmers stored them).

The "solution" to this is to store your data file in some place where you don't have to look at those files.  Personally, I store mine in C:\Quicken.  You can use Windows File Explorer to move your data file to another folder.  Once there you can double click on it to open it in Quicken and Quicken will remember the new location.  You can either move the log files or delete them off of your Desktop (Quicken will recreate them if you delete them).

Boatnmaniac · Answer

You can edit your preferences to select your default folder for backup files.  Go to Edit > Preferences > Backup > click on Change:

Did this resolve the backup location issue for you?

But I am wondering why the folders show up on your desktop.  When Quicken sets up files folder it creates will include the default sub-folders for Backups, Logs and some other sub-folders.  I don't think I've heard of these folders being saved to the desktop, before.  Where is your Quicken files folder (not the program folder) saved?