Received message - "Unable to create the destination data file."

Jerry Pederson

Every time I run a backup, it ends with a dialog box that says, "Unable to create the destination data file," followed by "File NOT backed up."

Backup worked fine yesterday, no problem.

Is anyone having this same problem?

NotACPA

MIGHT the destination drive not have enough space for the backup? WHAT is the destination drive (what type of device)?

Jerry Pederson

The destination drive has more than enough space. I just noticed that the file is being backed up, but I am getting these messages. It is Annoying. They were not there yesterday. Makes me wonder what's going to happen next.

Screenshot 2025-03-12 084525.png

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Jerry Pederson

The Destination drive is an external drive (disc)

UKR

Assuming that it really isn't an actual problem with the destination device being offline or otherwise broken, it can also be caused by an issue with the current data file itself. Something may have damaged the current data file which is causing the file backup process to fail, albeit with a misleading error message.

If you haven't done so already, please do the following actions:

1. Even if you are on the latest software level already, download and install the latest Manual Patch file from https://www.quicken.com/support/update-and-patch-20182019-release-quicken-windows-subscription-product to ensure your Quicken software is up to date and correctly installed.
2. Reboot Windows.
3. Start Quicken. Do not run One Step Update.
4. Run BOTH Validate and Supervalidate to attempt to repair your Quicken data file.
5. If nothing helps, try to restore your Quicken data file from an Automatic or Manual backup taken just prior to the problems first occurring. https://www.quicken.com/support/how-backup-or-restore-your-quicken-data

Validate and Supervalidate instructions
Validate: 
• Click File
• Select Validate and Repair File...
• Select Validate File
• If the data file contains investment accounts also select "Rebuild investing lots".
• If you suspect that a damaged Quotes Price History causes your problems, also select "Correct investing price history" functions "Delete" or "Repair and Rebuild".
• Click OK
• Review the Data Log. Anything interesting in there, worthwhile posting here?
• Close Quicken, leave it closed for about 30 secs
• Reopen Quicken and see if the issue persists.

Super Validate:
• Click File
• Press and hold both CTRL and Shift keys while you click Validate and Repair File...
• Select Supervalidate File
• Click OK
• Review the Data Log. Anything interesting in there, worthwhile posting here?
• Close Quicken, leave it closed for about 30 secs
• Reopen Quicken and see if the issue persists.