How do I get Quicken on my MAC to open the most recent Window back up file?

colnana08

Moving my data from an HP to a Mac Book Air. The latest back up file didn't transfer over automatically so I did it manually. I can't get Quicken on the Mac to let me use that file; I can see it but it won't let me select it. Thanks…..

Quicken Jasmine

Hello @colnana08,

Thank you for reaching out. To better understand the issue, could you clarify a few details about the backup file and how you’re trying to open it on your Mac? When you manually transferred the file, did you move a Quicken Windows backup file (.QDF or .QDF-Backup), or did you first convert it to a format compatible with Quicken for Mac? Quicken for Mac cannot open Windows-format files directly, so you may need to go through the conversion process.

Additionally, when you try to select the file in Quicken for Mac, do you receive an error message, or is the file simply grayed out and unclickable? If there’s an error, what does it say? Also, where is the backup file currently saved—did you place it in the Quicken folder on your Mac, or is it stored on an external drive or cloud service? Sometimes, file permissions or location settings can prevent Quicken from recognizing or opening the file.

Lastly, are you running the latest version of Quicken for Mac, and have you tried using the File → Import option instead of opening the file directly?

Let us know more details so we can guide you through the best solution.

colnana08

I am running the latest Quicken for Mac; used the import and it let me do it. Thank you! The categories did not come over with the transactions. Is that because it's different in Mac? I'm definitely not a tech person…..

Quicken Jasmine

Hello @colnana08,

I’m glad to hear that you were able to import your file! Regarding the missing categories, this is likely due to differences between Quicken for Windows and Quicken for Mac. While most transaction data transfers over, some elements—such as custom categories—may not migrate perfectly. Below are a few things to check:

1. Check Your Category List
   • Go to Window > Categories to see if your categories transferred over. If they exist but aren't assigned to transactions, they may need to be manually reassigned.
2. Review Transactions in the Register
   • Open your account register and check if transactions are categorized under different or default categories. The migration process may have altered some category assignments.

Let me know!

jacobs

@colnana08 I don't know if you're just missing some categories, or it you're saying no cateogries came over and all your transactions are uncategorized? If you're just missing some custom-make categories from Quicken Windows, you might want to try this…

• In Quicken Mac, create a new, blank file.
• Create a few of your custom categories (in Window > Categories)
• Import your Quicken Windows backup file into this blank file, and see if the categories you created are reflected properly in transactions which used them.

If this trial works correctly, then you can go back, create a new blank Quicken Mac file, create all (or as many as you can identify) of your custom Quicken Windows categories, and then import the Windows backup file one more time. Hopefully, this would get you a pretty intact migrated data file. (You could then delete the test file and the original file you imported, and move forward with this new one.)

colnana08

Thank both of you….off for a short weekend trip but will get back at it Monday and let you know!!!

Quicken Jasmine

https://community.quicken.com/discussion/comment/20479897#Comment_20479897

Great, hope you had fun! We look forward to hearing from you!

colnana08

Where is the Windows key on my Mac (To see categories and whether or not they came over)

jacobs

I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “ Windows key.“ One of the application menus is “Window“, and when you pull down that menu, there are options for categories, tag, securities, and payees. Is that what you are looking for?

colnana08

Yes. I don't see that on my Mac

jacobs

@colnana08 Look again at the Mac menu bar at the top of your screen, with the Apple logo in the upper left. With Quicken running in the foreground, the menu bar shows Quicken, File, Edit, View, Transactions, Accounts, Reports, Budgets, Pill Pay, Window and Help. Pull down the Window menu to see Payees, Categories, Securities, etc.

Jon

@colnana08 In Quicken Windows you can customize the toolbar and add a Category List button to it; Quicken Mac doesn't allow for that so you have to use the menu per @jacobs post.

jacobs

And if the Categories window is something you need often, there's a keyboard shortcut for it: Command-Shift-C.

colnana08

Thanks! I found the categories…they had imported mine so I just took out the ones I don’t need! I greatly appreciate your help!!!