An unexpected error occurred while decrypting the file

paladin52

I can't open my Quicken file. I get this popup message after I enter my password which says "An unexpected error occurred while decrypting the file."

I have another Quicken file that does not use a password and I can open that one ok.

Mac OS 15.4.1

Quicken Anja

Hello @paladin,

We appreciate you bringing this issue to our attention!

To better assist you, could you please provide the following details?

• Where is your Quicken data file stored? Is it on your local hard drive or a cloud-based/external drive (e.g.: iCloud, DropBox, USB, etc.)?
• Have you attempted any troubleshooting steps so far? If so, what were they?
• Have you tried restoring a previous backup of the same file?
• When did this issue first start occurring?
• Were there any significant changes to your system or software before the issue began (updates, new installations, etc.)?

Your answers will help us diagnose the issue more effectively.

Looking forward to your response!

paladin52

My Quicken data is stored on my computer, a Mac.

I haven't tried any troubleshooting steps other than open another file that has no password.

I tried restoring a previous backup and I got the same error message. This was a backup from 2 days before.

The problem first started occurring between morning of 4/16 and early afternoon of 4/16.

I did update Mac OS Sequoia from 15.4.0 to 15.4.1 but I don't remember if that was before or after I began having this problem.

The other unusual thing that was happening was that I had to reauthorize Merrill Edge every time I downloaded data. This went on for 3 days before this occurred.

Quicken Jasmine

Hello @paladin52,

Thanks for the added details — and sorry you’re running into this frustrating issue.

Since you're receiving the "An unexpected error occurred while decrypting the file" message, the most likely cause is file corruption, especially if it began after a system update. You've already tried restoring a recent backup (great first step), but since that one returned the same error, I recommend trying an earlier backup version — ideally from before 4/16 — as that may still be intact.

Here’s a support article that walks through the restore steps in case you need a refresher:
How to back up or restore your Quicken data (Mac)

Let us know if an older backup works for you!

paladin52

Ok, I was able to restore from an older backup from 2 days prior. Before I 'Reset Quicken Cloud' to use this version, should I take any other precautions?

Quicken Anja

https://community.quicken.com/discussion/comment/20487219#Comment_20487219

@paladin52 That’s great to hear you were able to restore from an earlier backup!

Before resetting the Quicken Cloud, the only precaution I’d recommend is saving an additional backup of the restored file—just as an extra layer of protection. That way, if anything unexpected happens during the reset, you’ll have a clean version to fall back on.

That said, the original backup you used to restore should also work, if needed. This is just a simple way to give yourself a little extra peace of mind.

Hope this helps!

paladin52

Got it. Thanks SO much for your help, it's much appreciated!!

Quicken Anja

You're welcome!